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30 July 2025
Two New York Men Sentenced in Multi-State Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A New York man is the second individual to be sentenced to federal prison for his role in a multi-state bank fraud conspiracy that victimized at least 28 people and 20 businesses, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
JJaymark Larios, 23, of Bronx, NY, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 24 months of incarceration to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $93,200. Larios pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025, to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Another member of the conspiracy, Paul Keenan, 54, of Bronx, NY, was sentenced on June 23, 2025, to a term of incarceration of 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025, to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Court documents reflect that members of the conspiracy traveled to multiple states in 2023 and early 2024 to recruit and organize individuals and obtain their photographs and personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and banking information. Additionally, conspirators obtained business names and banking information of nearly two dozen business entities. The information collected was used to create fraudulent IDs and checks.
According to information presented to the court, members of the conspiracy traveled with their recruits to banks in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, and elsewhere to cash fraudulent checks created by members of the conspiracy. At least 28 individuals and 20 businesses were victimized
Through the scheme, conspirators attempted to defraud banks of a total of approximately $143,000, successfully defrauding 22 banks of a total of approximately $93,200.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine Lowell.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the Portsmouth Police Department.
Titusville Resident Indicted on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Titusville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The four-count Indictment named David Garrett Struchen, 20, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in and around June and July of 2024, Struchen induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a depiction of such conduct. Struchen also possessed these depictions and distributed them to the minor victim.
The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Titusville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three-Time Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Cory Todd Cox, 38, of Noblesville, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on November 28, 2023, Cox sent and received multiple images of child sexual abuse material via text message. The images contained graphic depictions of prepubescent minors.
On December 6, 2023, Noblesville Police Officers executed search warrants for Cox’s residence. During the search, officers recovered three cellular devices he used to transmit, view, and store child sexual abuse material. Cox further admitted he possessed a Dropbox account, which is a cloud-based storage website, that contained approximately 5 videos and 31 images of child sexual abuse material.
At the time of this arrest, Cox was on probation for a 2017 offense and was a registered sex offender. He had been previously convicted of multiple sexual abuse crimes, including sexual misconduct with a minor in 2007, sexual battery in 2008, and child solicitation in 2017, in which he was caught soliciting sex from a thirteen-year-old via Facebook Messenger.
“Despite his history as a dangerous contact sex offender, the defendant chose to reoffend. His actions ensure that images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children will circulate in perpetuity, which unequivocally contributes to the trauma experienced by the abused children depicted in his collection,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “He has no place in civilized society and will spend the next 15 years in federal prison where he belongs, thanks to the important work of the U.S. Secret Service and Noblesville Police Department.”“The U.S. Secret Service is dedicated to protecting children from sexual predators and will vigorously pursue repeat offenders. This defendant’s lengthy criminal history and propensity to reoffend is beyond disturbing,” said Special Agent in Charge Ike Barnes, of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office. “I commend the work of the Noblesville Police Department, our partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana for bringing this man to justice.”
The U.S. Secret Service and Noblesville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Haney and MaryAnn T. Mindrum, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood.
Tangipahoa Parish Man Guilty of Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL PENN (“PENN”), age 24, a resident of Tangipahoa Parish, pleaded guilty on July 24, 2025, to three counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1); 841(b)(1)(A); and 841(b)(1)(B), before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.
As to Count One, PENN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release. As to Counts Two and Three, PENN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
According to court records, on February 2, April 4, and April 18, 2024, PENN distributed large quantities of fentanyl pills, with net weights of 259.86 grams, 516.2 grams and 541.2 grams, respectively, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.
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St. Louis Postal Worker Admits Stealing Checks from Mail, Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former U.S. Postal Service mail handler on Wednesday admitted committing pandemic fraud and stealing checks from hundreds of pieces of mail.
Anthony Virdure II, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft and one count of wire fraud.
On Dec. 1, 2023, U.S. Postal Inspectors were called to the Hazelwood Police Department to examine 30 stolen checks that were found in a rental vehicle when it was returned. The postal inspectors determined that the checks had been routed through the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center at 1720 Market Street in St. Louis, where Virdure worked as a mail handler. He had access to all first-class mail routed through the center. Virdure’s fingerprints were found on one check that he’d removed from a letter that he’d stolen.
On Jan. 3, 2024, the Frontenac Police Department contacted postal inspectors about checks that had been left behind when a tenant vacated an apartment in St. Louis. All the checks had been routed through the Processing and Distribution Center where Virdure worked, and his fingerprints were found on one of the checks.
On April 30, 2024, law enforcement agents conducted a court-approved search of an apartment and found 298 more stolen checks, many with Virdure’s fingerprints.
The total value of the checks stolen by the defendant was $68,486.
In addition to the theft of the checks, Virdure admitted fraudulently applying for and receiving a $20,832 Pandemic Protection Program (PPP) loan in 2021 for a tobacco store called Virdure Dynamics. Virdure admitted falsely claiming that he was the sole proprietor of the store, which he falsely claimed had a gross income of $100,000.
Virdure is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30. The wire fraud charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The mail theft charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and the same fine. He will also be required to repay the money.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Frontenac Police Department and the Hazelwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
St. Johns County Man Indicted for $2 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Eric James Stone (42, St. Augustine) with 10 counts of fraud (wire and mail) and 5 counts of money laundering. If convicted, each fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and each money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Stone was fired from Fidelity Investments in June 2021 due to allegations that Stone had solicited and obtained loans from his clients. After Stone was terminated, he began to solicit money from his former clients by way of personal loans. Stone promised to repay the loans but never did. After one victim provided loan proceeds to Stone, she was advised that there was an investigation into the funds and Stone had incurred costs and fees that also needed to be paid before Stone could repay her. Stone created fake email accounts, sent fake text messages, and pretended to hire attorneys to further defraud the victim. In total, the victim paid Stone more than $2 million that he used to fund gambling activities, personal travel, and satisfy personal debts.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Corrections. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.
If you believe that you may have been victimized by Eric Stone, please contact the FBI-Jacksonville Office at 904-248-7000 or visit https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
IndictmentSouth Bend Man Sentenced to 6 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Dillan Hafer, 26 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Scott J. Frankel after pleading guilty to theft from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Hafer was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.According to documents in the case, Hafer walked into the Four Winds Casino in South Bend and stole six bottles of alcohol from an unattended bar at the event center in the casino, which is owned and operated by the Pokagon Band. Pokagon Band tribal police successfully identified Hafer after reviewing casino security camera footage that captured the crime. Hafer has a significant criminal history, including convictions for drug possession, auto theft, and robbery.
“We in the Northern District of Indiana value our federal partnership with the Pokagon Band,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “Today’s sentence illustrates our office’s commitment to aggressively prosecuting crime committed on Pokagon trust land.”
“The Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department is grateful for the strong collaborative relationship with our federal and local law enforcement partners. Safeguarding Pokagon Band Tribal lands and holding individuals accountable for crimes committed on them remains a top priority of the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department,” said Pokagon Band Tribal Police Chief Douglas Callahan.
This case was investigated by the Pokagon Tribal Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, the St. Joseph County Airport Authority Police Department, the University of Notre Dame Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jordan Bowers, 20 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession of a machinegun, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Bowers was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.According to documents in the case, on January 23, 2024, Bowers possessed a firearm equipped with a machinegun-conversion device, commonly known as a “Glock switch,” which is capable of firing multiple bullets instantaneously. Bowers used the Glock with the attached Glock switch in an exchange of fire with another individual driving a car.
“Jordan Bowers illegally possessed and used a Glock switch,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “This District is committed to seizing these devices and prosecuting those who illegally possess them. I commend the law enforcement team that brought this case.”
This case was investigated by the Office Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Smith County man sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for child exploitation violationsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Enrique Adrian Gomez, 29, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 30, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Gomez met two minor victims online in September 2021 and continued communicating with them through November 2021. Both minors were less than 13 years old at the time. Gomez communicated with the victims through text messaging and social media applications. During these real-time online conversations, the victims were persuaded to engage in prohibited sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.
“The ease with which Gomez was able to communicate with the minor victims here is a reminder of the constant threat that social media applications can pose to children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Under the guise of online friendship, Gomez persuaded these children to engage in adult acts that no child should be doing, let alone be doing online. Our office is committed to stopping criminals like Gomez in their tracks, but the most important tool to stop online predators is an active and engaged parent. Nothing protects children better than a parent who sets and enforces limits on a child’s online activities and actively monitors their social media presence.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations and the Ilion, New York Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells.
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Seekonk Postmaster Who Stole Thousands of Dollars in Government Money Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Postmaster for the Seekonk Post Office pleaded guilty today to stealing over $19,000 through no-fee money orders.
Bethany LeBlanc, 48, of Seekonk, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Oct. 29, 2025. LeBlanc was arrested and charged in May 2025.
LeBlanc served as the Postmaster of the Seekonk Post Office from November 2023 to about February 2025. Prior to holding this position, she worked for the United States Postal Service in a variety of roles including carrier, window clerk and customer service manager.
As Postmaster of the Seekonk Post Office, LeBlanc had the authority to issue and approve “no fee” money orders. Money orders are generated by the USPS and serve as a safe alternative to sending cash or a check through the mail. “No fee” money orders are issued solely for the purpose of paying USPS-related expenses and, thus, no fee is charged.
LeBlanc generated a total of 25 no fee money orders to herself, totaling approximately $19,917. To avoid detection, LeBlanc presented false invoices for USPS expenses to clerks at the Seekonk Post Office, who would then issue LeBlanc the money orders. For two money orders, she entered “Fire Dept. Box” in the memo section to give the appearance that these money orders were used to pay for Post Office related expenses. For many money orders, LeBlanc entered the names of her relatives and associates to make it appear as if the funds were coming from sources other than the USPS. LeBlanc used the stolen proceeds for personal expenses, including thousands of dollars spent at casinos.
The charge of theft of government money provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Unlawful Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Abdul Porter, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg to 48 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon.
The defendant was charged by indictment with that offense in June 2024 and pleaded guilty in April of this year.
As detailed in court filings, on May 2, 2023, at approximately 9:12 p.m., uniformed officers with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) were on routine patrol in the 39th District, traveling eastbound on the 1900 block of West Cambria Street. A black Hyundai Sonata traveling westbound passed the officers, who observed and then ran a database search for the car’s South Carolina license plate. The Hyundai, which was occupied by two men, came up as having been stolen in a carjacking in Philadelphia just days prior, on April 28, 2023.
The PPD officers made a U-turn and drove in the same direction as the Hyundai. As they did so, the Hyundai pulled over and parked on the north side of Cambria Street. Approaching in their patrol vehicle, the officers observed the individual in the driver’s seat, later identified as the defendant, exit the stolen vehicle and cross Cambria Street. Soon thereafter, Porter started running and was quickly apprehended.
One of the police officers then went back to the Hyundai and saw a black gun in plain view on the floor in front of the driver’s seat. A subsequent DNA analysis of the firearm by the PPD lab found evidence of Porter’s DNA on the weapon, a Ruger 9mm semiautomatic pistol.
Porter had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and was not permitted to possess a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Zaleski.
Peñasco Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder in 2022 Fatal StabbingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Peñasco man has pleaded guilty to second degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of another man.
According to court records, on December 25, 2022, Byron Sanchez, 48, an enrolled member of the Picuris Pueblo, was involved in an altercation with John Doe at his residence in Peñasco, New Mexico, within the exterior boundaries of the Picuris Pueblo. During the altercation, which occurred while both individuals were under the influence of alcohol, Sanchez stabbed John Doe, killing him. Law enforcement officials discovered John Doe’s body at the residence on January 11, 2023.
Sanchez pleaded guilty to second degree murder. At sentencing, Sanchez faces any term of years up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Sanchez will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.
View the Plea Agreement (Sanchez)_0.pdfOyster Bay Resident Pleads Guilty to $30 Million Investment Fraud Scheme and Selling Foreign Nationals Access to Prominent U.S. PoliticiansRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Sherry Xue Li pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC’s) administration of campaign finance laws. Li orchestrated a nearly decade-long scheme to defraud investors in a fictitious development project out of more than $30 million. As part of the scheme, Li and her co-defendant Lianbo Wang falsely promised those investors that their investments would guarantee them lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Li and Wang also sold foreign investors access to U.S. politicians at fundraisers by collecting foreign-sourced funds from them and unlawfully contributing those funds to U.S. political campaigns and committees. When sentenced, Li faces up to 20 years in prison. As part of her plea agreement, Li agreed to forfeit $31.5 million, as well as property at three locations. In 2024, Wang pleaded guilty to engaging in unlawful monetary transactions and conspiracy to defraud the United States, and was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York); and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York) announced the guilty plea.
“Li defrauded more than 150 victims in the United States and abroad through years of lies and deception and sought to profit by selling access to the democratic process,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “In doing so, she attempted to corrupt a fundamental institution in this country—fair and transparent elections free from unlawful foreign influence. Our Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting predatory fraudsters who steal victims’ hard-earned money.”
“Sherry Li admitted to her role in a long running fraud, profiting off of the exploitation of our nation's political and immigration system,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Li's corrupt scheme may have led to initial profits but ultimately will result in the loss of her freedom. The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable any malicious actor attempting to manipulate the electoral or immigration process of the United States for personal gain.”
“Sherry Li’s guilty plea today demonstrates HSI New York’s commitment to dismantling transnational schemes that try to exploit our immigration and financial laws. Irrespective of the deceitful, and oftentimes creative methodologies that fraudsters pose to unwitting victims, we will ensure they do not take advantage of our laws that are made to protect individuals and entities from swindlers,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel.
“Li’s victims thought that they were investing in the American dream, but instead were left in a nightmare of fraud and deceit,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis. “While she pocketed the money and traveled on lavish vacations, not one EB-5 or stock investor received what they were promised in return for their backing. Now, with today’s plea, she will finally move forward in facing the consequences of her selfish acts,” said Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York.”
The Scheme to Defraud Investors
Li and Wang defrauded investors in a fictitious development project in Sullivan County, New York called the Thompson Education Center (TEC) (the TEC Project) out of more than $30 million. Many of the victims were foreign nationals located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who were persuaded to invest in the project by the defendants’ false assurances that their $500,000 investments would guarantee them lawful permanent residence in the United States through the EB-5 investment visa program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The defendants falsely represented the progress they were making on the project and its support from government officials. The defendants distributed promotional materials that contained photographs of Li with prominent U.S. politicians to falsely convey government support for the project.
Li and Wang siphoned off the money they fraudulently obtained from investors by transferring the funds through bank accounts held in the names of various companies that Li had created. Once the funds were in those accounts, Li and Wang used the funds to pay for personal expenses including clothing, jewelry, housing, vacation travel, upscale dining, and political contributions to prominent politicians. The portion of the invested capital Li and Wang actually spent on the TEC Project was used merely to create and perpetuate the fiction that the TEC Project was a viable development project that was actually under construction. For example, Li and Wang hired contractors, engineers, and other professionals to create architectural drawings and plans and perform minor work on or around the development site, which Li and Wang showed to potential investors to mislead them into believing the TEC Project had a realistic probability of completion and of delivering the returns on investment that the co-conspirators promised their investors.
Ultimately, more than 150 investors invested at least $31.5 million in the TEC Project, including approximately $16.5 million from EB-5 investors who were promised green cards in return for their investments, and approximately $15 million from stock investors who were promised that an initial public offering (IPO) would take place. No EB-5 investor in the TEC Project ever received a temporary or permanent green card and the TEC Project did not have an IPO or list on any stock exchange.
Selling Access to U.S. Politicians
In furtherance of their scheme, Li and Wang also acted as “straw donors” for foreign nationals to unlawfully contribute to campaigns supporting U.S. politicians and political committees. Li and Wang promised foreign nationals access to U.S. political events and politicians in exchange for a fee. Li and Wang used the money they received from foreign nationals to fund political contributions, and falsely identified themselves and other U.S. citizens as the contributors of the funds, in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and FEC regulations. In some cases, Li and Wang used TEC investors’ investment funds to make the political contributions which they used to gain access to the political events, where Li and Wang took photographs with elected officials. Li and Wang would then use the photographs as a marketing tool in soliciting investments from foreign nationals in the TEC Project.
For example, as alleged in the complaint, Li and Wang charged 12 foreign nationals $93,000 per person for admission to a June 28, 2017 fundraising event (the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser) with the then-President of the United States. Li and Wang used the funds that they collected from the foreign nationals to unlawfully make $600,000 in political contributions in their own names—$270,500 from Li and $329,500 from Wang—to the joint fundraising committee hosting the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser. At the time they made these contributions, they were the largest contributors to the joint fundraising committee, which was unaware of the charged schemes. Li, Wang, and their foreign national guests attended the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser and took photographs with the then-President of the United States. Li and Wang later used a photograph of Li and the President taken at the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser to solicit investments in the TEC Project.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime and Public Integrity Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Meredith A. Arfa are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Magdalena St. Surin and Rebecca Roth. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendant:
SHERRY XUE LI
Age: 53
Oyster Bay, New YorkThe Defendant Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
LIANBO WANG
Age: 48
Oyster Bay, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-484 (GRB)
Newport Man Indicted on Enticement, Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Newport man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly enticing a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity on two separate occasions, for allegedly receiving child sexual abuse material, and separately for possessing it, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The indictment charges Kyle Patrick Tomey with coercion and enticement of a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charging documents reflect that Tormey allegedly repeatedly communicated with a minor female on various social media platforms, enticing the young girl to meet with him to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Court documents show that, during court-authorized searches, law enforcement allegedly discovered multiple images of the minor victim in various stages of undress stored in a social media account belonging to Tormey; numerous communications with the girl that led up to the alleged sexual encounter; and multiple images of other minors that constituted child sexual abuse material.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by the FBI and West Warwick Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Sara M. Bloom thanks the Newport Police for their assistance during the investigation and arrest of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
To report suspected online child sexual exploitation and/or abuse, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline® at https://report.cybertip.org/
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Newark Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Julianne E. Murray, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Joshua Lewis, 37, of Newark, Delaware, was sentenced last week to 84 months in prison for robbing two Delaware banks and possessing ammunition as a person with previous felony convictions. The Honorable Gregory B. Williams of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware pronounced the sentence.
According to court documents, Mr. Lewis robbed banks in Wilmington and Dover in February 2023, stealing over $6,000 between the two incidents. When law enforcement officers later approached him at his home, Mr. Lewis attempted to flee but was apprehended. In the car Mr. Lewis was driving, officers found a loaded, unserialized privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” and additional rounds of 9mm ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Murray stated, “Mr. Lewis’s brazen robberies instilled fear in his victims and served only to undermine the security of our financial system. His possession of ammunition within an untraceable gun—despite multiple prior felony convictions—only added to the danger he posed to society. This sentence reinforces the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting the public and keeping guns out of the hands of people who fail to follow the law.”
“Considering this offender’s felony criminal history, he should have never been in the position to start robbing banks. But that is a discussion for another day.” said Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson. “Bottom line - this is another example of great collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement partners working together to stop dangerous people from posing a threat to innocent people. Rock solid investigative work that is buoyed by Federal prosecution almost always leads to the best long-term results for public safety. Hats off to everyone involved in the case.”
“The Delaware State Police is grateful for the strong partnership with the Dover Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing this case to a successful conclusion,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “Violence in our communities is unacceptable. This sentencing sends a clear message that law enforcement agencies will stand united in support of victims and will ensure that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and arrest individuals who compromise public safety and victimize Delawareans.”
“Multiple bank employees, who were simply doing their jobs, must now deal with the pain and trauma inflicted on them by Joshua Lewis. He threatened violence without regard for who he hurt and how,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “May this sentence be a reminder that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do all we can to protect the safety and security of our communities while holding violent offenders accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit, Dover Police Department, and the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan C. Williamson and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli H. Klein prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-13-GBW.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Carjacking and Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on July 22, 2025, XAVIER JOHNSON (JOHNSON), age 24, pled guilty to Counts One and Three of an indictment charging him with carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2119(2) and felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). As to Count One, JOHNSON faces up to 25 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. As to Count Three, JOHNSON faces up to ten years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. JOHNSON’s sentencing is set for October 14, 2025.
On January 20, 2020, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded to a residence in the 1400 block of Laharpe Street in New Orleans regarding an armed robbery and shooting. Officers found the victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the leg. The victim advised he was exiting his vehicle when two unknown black males approached him, with dark clothing covering their faces. Both perpetrators were armed with guns and ordered the victim and his girlfriend out of the vehicle. The victim heard a gunshot, pulled his own weapon, and shot at the perpetrators. The perpetrator on the driver’s side, later identified as JOHNSON, then shot the victim. Both perpetrators fled on foot. Officers located the victim’s firearm in the residence. Officers also located a weapon on the sidewalk next to the victim’s car. The victim told officers he believed he shot the perpetrator on the driver’s side.
While on-scene, NOPD officers learned that an individual, JOHNSON, had arrived at University Medical Center to seek treatment for gunshot wounds. JOHNSON was in surgery when officers arrived, but they seized his property. Officers also conducted a gunshot residue test on JOHNSON, which returned a presumptive positive result. Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers developed JOHNSON as a suspect. NOPD arrested JOHNSON and he was subsequently transported from the hospital to the Orleans Justice Complex.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Navy Petty Officer sentenced to six years in prison for receiving child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class in Norfolk was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, on Nov. 13, 2024, the Norfolk Police Department (NPD) received a complaint that Robert Henry, 43, possessed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his personal laptop. The witness lawfully provided NPD with Henry’s laptop and two hard drives. Henry’s devices, including his cellphone, contained 176 CSAM videos and 119 CSAM images depicting at least 27 minor victims.
Henry searched online for groups on messaging apps, using keyword searches of “Teens and Schoolgirls” and “Teen XXX Groups.” Henry used the messaging apps to request CSAM and to find additional groups that shared CSAM. At one point, Henry deleted one of the messaging apps because “There are people looking for predators.”
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Emily Schmid, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-22.
Navajo Tribal Members Sentenced to over 25 Years in Prison for Murder of Transgender VictimRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Isiah Adam Smith, 25, of Leupp, Arizona, was sentenced on July 28, by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 324 months in prison after pleading guilty to Second Degree Murder. Smith’s co-defendant, Trevor Joe Begay, 24, of Tuba City, Arizona, pleaded guilty to the same crime and was sentenced on September 23, 2024, by Judge Liburdi to 365 months in prison.
On or about June 11, 2021, Smith and Begay murdered the victim because of her gender identity. Smith and Begay had previously communicated with the victim online, where she disclosed to them that she was transgender. Smith and Begay decided to “teach the victim a lesson.” They arranged to meet the victim in the middle of the night, and when the victim got into their vehicle, they took her cell phone so that she could not call for help. Smith and Begay then drove the victim into the desert and beat her to death.
Smith and Begay attempted to cover up their crimes by burning their bloody clothes and the victim’s cell phone. The victim’s body was found the morning after her death by a hiker. Smith and Begay murdered the victim on the Navajo Nation, where they are both enrolled tribal members.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Phoenix and Flagstaff Indian Country squads and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-8104-PCT-MTL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-127_Smith, et al.# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Faces Federal Charges for Trafficking Large Quantities of Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin for trafficking more than 43 pounds of illicit drugs in Oregon.
According to court documents, on July 27, 2025, as part of a drug trafficking and fatal fentanyl overdose investigation, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a federal search warrant on Garcia’s residence in Salem. Investigators located and seized approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter, and cash.
Garcia made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
This case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, and WIN. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
Mexican National Sentenced for Re-Entry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that LUIS A. GAMA (“GAMA”), age 38, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on July 23, 2025, for re-entry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, GAMA, a Mexican national, was found in Tangipahoa Parish on or around April 10, 2025. GAMA had previously been deported to Mexico on September 10, 2019.
At the sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, sentenced GAMA to twelve months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
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Mexican Man Sentenced for Falsely Claiming U.S. Citizenship in Passport ApplicationRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - German Madrigal, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison following his conviction at trial for falsely claiming that he was a U.S. citizen in an application for a U.S. passport.
“Because Madrigal lied about his foreign citizenship and used a fake birth certificate to try to obtain a U.S. passport, his next trip will be to a federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Madrigal’s sentence sends a message to those who would use fraudulent identity documents to conceal their nationality: you will be caught, prosecuted, and punished.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to investigating and pursuing anyone who applies for or obtains a United States passport using false documents,” said Acting Director of Diplomatic Security Service Domestic Operations Gregory Batman. “The U.S. passport is the most coveted travel document in the world. There are foreign nationals who attempt to fraudulently acquire U.S. passports to carry out criminal activities, including terrorism, inside our borders. These crimes threaten the national security of the United States.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 1976, Madrigal was born in Jalisco, Mexico. The following year, Madrigal and his parents crossed into the United States illegally. In the 1990s, Madrigal and his family relocated to Hall County, Georgia, where Madrigal was later arrested for statutory rape and multiple drug trafficking offenses. At the time of those arrests, Madrigal reported Jalisco, Mexico as his place of birth.
On December 9, 2021, Madrigal fraudulently applied for a U.S. passport at a Gainesville, Georgia post office, posing as a U.S. citizen by presenting a Georgia driver’s license and a fraudulently obtained California birth record. Madrigal’s parents obtained the fake birth record to hide Madrigal’s lack of American citizenship, and Madrigal had used the same document in 2010 to evade deportation proceedings.
On April 29, 2025, following a two-day jury trial, Madrigal was convicted of passport fraud.
On July 29, 2025, United States District Judge Steve C. Jones sentenced German Madrigal, 49, of Jalisco, Mexico, to 18 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian Pearce prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Meth Trafficker Sentenced to Nearly 22 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – Deann Tackman, 55, of Boise, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.
According to court records, Tackman was the Idaho arm of a multi-state and multi-national drug trafficking organization. Tackman supplied the Idaho Treasure Valley area with large quantities of methamphetamine over a five-month period prior to her arrest. The investigation, which involved several law enforcement agencies and spanned multiple federal districts, revealed that Tackman distributed over 60 pounds of methamphetamine in the Treasure Valley area a few weeks before her arrest. During the execution of a search warrant at Tackman’s residence, law enforcement located over 36 individually wrapped packages, each containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine, in the gas tank of a vehicle that had just been delivered to her residence.
“Ms. Tackman’s drug trafficking organization flooded our state with immense quantities of dangerous methamphetamine” said Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott. “Fortunately for Idahoans, six law enforcement agencies worked together to dismantle the organization and stop the flow of methamphetamine. This appropriately severe sentence sends the message to drug traffickers that they are not welcome in Idaho.”
“Ms. Tackman preyed on Treasure Valley residents by poisoning our community with large quantities of methamphetamine, leaving a trail of misery in her wake,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “I am proud that DEA and our partners were able to hold her to account for her crime with this lengthy sentence that she richly deserves.”
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Tackman to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, and the Oregon High Desert Drug Task Force, which led to the charges and arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.
The DEA Task Force and High Desert Drug Task Force are multi-jurisdictional narcotics task forces that identify, disrupt, and dismantle local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. They are supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Marietta Man Convicted of $9.6 Million PPP Loan Fraud and $3.4 Million Tax Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Following a weeklong trial, Carl Delano Torjagbo, a/k/a Karl Lucius Delano, was convicted by a federal jury of bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering after obtaining a fraudulent $9.6 million Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan and filing fraudulent tax returns that generated a $3.4 million IRS refund.
“This defendant’s massive PPP fraud abused a valuable program intended to assist struggling Americans during a global pandemic. The defendant then compounded his harm by claiming a fraudulent $3.4 million tax refund,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Torjagbo’s conviction signals my office’s relentless pursuit and prosecution of those engaged in fraud, waste, and abuse at the expense of honest taxpayers.”
“Legitimate PPP loans saved small businesses across our country,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “Torjagbo chose greed over compassion. He will now be held accountable for his actions.”
“Torjagbo defrauded a federal loan program of which its intended use was to assist businesses in covering rent, utility payments, and other job saving needs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Taxpayers’ money that should have gone to these businesses instead went to Torjagbo, who then used it to fund his lavish lifestyle. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, along with our federal and state law enforcement partners, will continue identifying, investigating, and bringing to prosecution individuals and companies who took advantage of a program Americans desperately needed during a period of economic hardship.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively pursues those who abuse the tax administration process for unlawful purposes,” said TIGTA Special Agent-in-Charge Joel Weaver. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure individuals engaged in such criminal activity are held accountable to the American people."According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and information presented at trial: On February 13, 2021, Torjagbo submitted two individual tax returns to the IRS. Each tax return was submitted using a different social security number and associated date of birth. The tax returns falsely alleged that Torjagbo had millions of dollars in losses that offset earnings from his purported African gold mine business, Kremkov Industries. The false representations resulted in a U.S. Treasury check being issued to Torjagbo in the amount of $3,366,240.76.
Just days later, on February 16, 2021, Torjagbo signed a PPP loan application requesting a $9,554,425 PPP loan for Kremkov Industries. He falsely certified that Kremkov Industries was in operation on February 15, 2020, which was required for a company to be eligible for a PPP loan; that he had 493 employees whose principal places of residence were in the United States; and that the company had an average monthly payroll of nearly $4 million. Torjagbo also falsely certified that all loan proceeds would be used only for business-related purposes and submitted fraudulent documents to the bank, including false tax returns and fake payroll reports that listed nearly a dozen celebrities and fictional characters as purported employees of Kremkov Industries.
On March 29, 2021, Torjagbo received approximately $9.6 million in PPP loan proceeds. Instead of using it for purposes consistent with the PPP, he commingled the funds with the fraudulently obtained $3.4 million tax refund and paid personal debts and expenses, including the following:
- $1,677,861.01 for his personal residence;
- $332,999.80 for a 2014 Lamborghini Aventador;
- $120,799.79 for a 2022 BMW M850xi;
- $90,520 for a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar;
- $51,000 for the downpayment on a 72-foot yacht;
- over $1,000,000 for real estate, trucks, and trailers to start a new business; and
- more than $15,000 for plastic surgery.
On July 25, 2025, a jury convicted Torjagbo, 49, of Marietta, Georgia, of bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. He faces a maximum of 170 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Michael L. Brown.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General provided considerable assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Connors and Nicholas L. Evert are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Assault of a Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
Benjamin Gregory Shirley Assaulted Postal Employee Attempting to Obtain Fentanyl
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Benjamin Gregory Shirley, age 41, of East Lansing, Michigan, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for assaulting a postal employee.
According to court records, Shirley arranged for fentanyl to be shipped from Tennessee to East Lansing in a U.S. Mail parcel to a P.O. Box that he recently opened. When it arrived at the Post Office in East Lansing, Michigan, Shirley attempted to obtain the parcel, but the parcel was mistakenly addressed to a P.O. Box different than the one Shirley opened. When the United States Postal Service clerk told Shirley she could not give him the parcel, he became agitated and eventually climbed over the counter and attempted to wrestle the parcel from the clerk’s hands. After the altercation, inspectors executed a warrant to search the parcel and found a quantity of fentanyl concealed inside a teddy bear.
“My office stands ready to investigate and prosecute those who assault federal workers; no one should be subject to attack simply for doing their job,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Further, my office is dedicated to combatting fentanyl trafficking, particularly through the U.S. Mail. Postal workers should be able to come to work and do their jobs without the fear of violence or drugs.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to protecting our postal employees and ensuring the safety of every Post Office across the country” said Sean F. McStravick, Acting Inspector in Charge, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division. “This individual, who has a lengthy criminal history, brazenly jumped the counter of a Post Office to retrieve a package later found to contain fentanyl, a reckless act that put postal employees and the public at serious risk. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those actions. We will continue to hold offenders accountable and remain focused on our mission to safeguard the mail and the employees who serve the American public every day.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vito S. Solitro prosecuted the case.
Man Charged with Arson of U.S. Post Office in San JoseRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Richard Tillman with the federal crime of malicious destruction by fire of a U.S. post office in San Jose. Tillman made his initial appearance in federal district court in San Jose today.
According to the criminal complaint, in the early hours of July 20, 2025, Tillman, 44, set fire to the Almaden Valley United States Post Office located on Crown Boulevard in San Jose. Tillman allegedly purchased “instalogs” and lighter fluid and drove to the U.S. post office. The complaint describes that Tillman then placed the instalogs throughout his vehicle, poured lighter fluid over the instalogs, backed his vehicle into the lobby of the U.S. post office, exited the vehicle, and lit the vehicle on fire with a match.
Tillman then allegedly began spray painting the words “Viva La Me” on the outside of the building after starting the fire, but did not finish the graffiti because the heat from the fire was too intense.
The Almaden Valley United States Post Office was partially destroyed by the fire, as depicted below:
The San Jose Fire Department and the San Jose Police Department responded to the fire. Tillman allegedly told law enforcement officers that he set the fire to make a statement to the U.S. government and that he livestreamed the event on YouTube using his phone.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Tillman is currently in federal custody. He is next scheduled to appear in district court on Aug. 6, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins.
A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000 for the charge of malicious destruction of government property by fire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(1). Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the USPIS, ATF, FBI, and the San Jose Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
Tillman Complaint
Lawton Man to Serve 30 Years in Federal Prison for Aiding and Abetting in the Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – CHRISTOPHER KYLE BUXTON, 35, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting in the production of child pornography and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, between August 2023 and April 30, 2024, Buxton induced others to produce child pornography and possessed child pornography. Public record further reflects that Buxton possessed a large collection of child pornography, distributed child pornography, and caused others to sexually exploit children for his own gratification.
“Securing justice for vulnerable child victims, and holding child predators accountable, remains an unwavering priority for my office and the Justice Department,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This 30-year sentence sends a clear and uncompromising message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full force of the law. I commend the relentless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors who stand firm in protecting our children from the threat posed by this defendant.”
“A sentence of this magnitude reflects the severity of the crimes committed,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “I commend the efforts of agents and prosecutors in holding this dangerous predator accountable. He will now spend decades behind bars where he can no longer target children in our communities.”
On December 26, 2024, Buxton was charged by Superseding Information with aiding and abetting in the production of child pornography and possessing child pornography. On January 7, 2025, Buxton pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information and admitted to these offenses.
At the sentencing hearing on July 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Buxton to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, and ordered Buxton to pay $41,500 in restitution. In sentencing Buxton, Judge Dishman stated that Buxton’s conduct was egregious and reprehensible and indicated that the depravity of his conduct was difficult to comprehend. Judge Dishman further noted that Buxton’s sentence must serve a strong retributive purpose.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Laplace Man Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ERNEST X. TAYLOR, JR. (“TAYLOR”), age 40, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged on July 30, 2025 in a superseding bill of information with Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2).
According to court documents, between 2019 and 2022, TAYLOR applied for over $400,000 in loans from credit unions and falsely claimed that the funds would be utilized to purchase vehicles. TAYLOR fraudulently applied for loans under other people’s names and did not disclose to the credit unions that the loan proceeds would go to TAYLOR. In furtherance of his scheme, TAYLOR presented materially false documentation to the credit unions, including fraudulent vehicle titles and falsified pay stubs. After receiving the loan proceeds, TAYLOR defaulted on the loans.
If convicted, TAYLOR faces up to thirty years imprisonment, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the superseding bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit are handling the prosecution.
Keizer Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Oregon and MontanaRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Keizer, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking more than 17 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Oregon and Washington.
Caden Jay Christman, 29, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers in Powell County, Montana, conducted a traffic stop and arrested Christman and his co-conspirator. Officers searched the vehicle, which had multiple hidden compartments, and seized nine pounds of methamphetamine, over 5,000 fentanyl pills, approximately $17,000 in cash, and two loaded firearms.
On February 22 and 26, 2024, investigators executed search warrants on Christman’s residence and seized 15,000 fentanyl pills, four pounds of fentanyl powder, two pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, $21,600 in cash, and twelve firearms.
On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Christman with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On February 4, 2025, Christman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gresham Police Department. It was prosecuted by Nicole M. Hermann, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
Justice Department Releases Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful DiscriminationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice released Guidance to ensure that recipients of federal funding do not engage in unlawful discrimination. In particular, it clarifies that federal antidiscrimination laws apply to programs or initiatives that involve discriminatory practices, including those labeled as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) programs. Entities that receive federal funds, like all other entities subject to federal antidiscrimination laws, must ensure that their programs and activities comply with federal law and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics—no matter the program’s labels, objectives, or intentions.
“This Department of Justice will not stand by while recipients of federal funds engage in illegal discrimination,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This guidance will ensure we are serving the American people and not ideological agendas.”
“The federal government must ensure that taxpayer money is used lawfully and for the public good,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The very foundation of our anti-discrimination laws rests on the principle that every American deserves equal opportunity, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics.”
This new Guidance emphasizes the significant legal risks of initiatives that involve discrimination based on protected characteristics and offers non-binding best practices to help entities that receive federal funds avoid the risk of violations and the revocation of federal grant funding.
Read the Guidance HERE.
Jacksonville Convicted Child Sex Offender Indicted for Using the Internet to Access Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Matthew Eric Baumgardner (49, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by indictment for using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials. If convicted, Baumgardner faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. He was arrested on July 28, 2025, and has been ordered detained pending trial.
Baumgardner is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in 2017 of possessing photographs depicting the sexual performance by a child, traveling to meet a minor for unlawful activity, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to More than 19 Years in Prison for Role in Trafficking More than 100 Pounds of Cocaine from Texas to OhioRead the Press Release
AKRON, Ohio – A criminal illegal alien from Mexico who supplied Cleveland-area drug traffickers with more than 100 pounds of cocaine has been sentenced to prison.
Dionicio Galindo-Salinas, age 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 235 months (more than 19 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after pleading guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Judge Adams imposed the sentence July 28, 2025.
According to court records, Galindo-Salinas is a Mexican national who had previously been removed from the United States. Another co-conspirator Earl King, age 45, of Cleveland, regularly traveled more than 1,600 miles to the US-Mexico border to purchase bulk quantities of cocaine from Galindo-Salinas. After purchasing the cocaine, King would ship it to the Cleveland area through a UPS-Staples store in Brownsville, Texas. Investigators discovered records indicating that King had been making these longs treks from Cleveland to Brownsville since approximately 2020, and that King had purchased at least 47 kilograms (more than 100 pounds) of cocaine from Galindo-Salinas during the conspiracy. According to testimony from the lead federal investigator, the estimated street value of 47 kilograms of cocaine in the Cleveland area would have been more than $2 million during the timeframe of the conspiracy.
“Anyone who thinks they can use Northern Ohio as a marketplace to peddle illegal drugs on behalf of transnational criminal organizations will face consequences,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We are fully committed to protecting the public by aggressively enforcing federal laws to keep our communities safe.”
“ICE HSI will continue to investigate, disrupt and dismantle cross border drug trafficking organizations that seek to poison our communities,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “I’m proud of the agents, prosecutors and law enforcement partners who relentlessly pursued justice in this case in order to safeguard the communities where they live and work.”
Galindo-Salinas is the fourth defendant to be convicted and sentenced in the investigation. Earl King was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Co-conspirator Curtis Anderson, who was involved in obtaining the cocaine and reselling it in the Cleveland area, was previously sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted by a jury at trial. A third co-conspirator, Donnell Gochett, age 42, of Cleveland, who provided King with addresses in Cleveland where the cocaine parcels could be shipped, was previously sentenced to 100 months (over eight years) in prison after pleading guilty.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the DEA Cleveland Field Office and the Cleveland Division of Police.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Lewis and Yasmine Makridis for the Northern District of Ohio.
Illegal Alien Indicted for Two Death Penalty Eligible Offenses after Attempted CarjackingRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – This afternoon, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a five-count indictment against Julio Cesar Aguirre, 42, of Mexico, for Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death, Use or Carrying of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence Causing Death, Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien, Reentry of a Removed Alien, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The first two counts carry a maximum penalty of life in prison or death.
According to court filings, Aguirre shot and killed a male driver with a 9mm caliber handgun, while attempting to carjack the victim’s Toyota Tundra on the morning of June 30, in Tucson, Arizona.
Shortly after the attempted carjacking, Tucson Police Department (TPD) officers found Aguirre hiding in a nearby shed. Aguirre, a Mexican citizen, who was previously removed from the United States in 2013, was living in the country illegally at the time of the shooting. When he was arrested, TPD officers discovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm caliber pistol within Aguirre’s reach. As a convicted felon and as an illegal alien, Aguirre was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
“The focus in this case should be on the senseless loss of the victim and the pain that loss creates for his family and friends. Our criminal laws exist to protect our community, and the United States has an obligation to enforce those laws,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The alleged series of crimes in the indictment, starting with illegal immigration, escalating to prohibited possession of a firearm, and culminating in the death of an innocent individual, is why the United States Attorney’s Office takes this matter so seriously.”
“This indictment represents a meaningful step toward accountability and justice for the victim, their loved ones, and all those affected by the tragic events in early July,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. “The allegations in this case involve a senseless act of violence that claimed an innocent life and deeply impacted our community. Carjacking resulting in death is a serious federal offense. The FBI, in partnership with the Tucson Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remains dedicated to pursuing justice and ensuring public safety.”
A conviction for Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm or Felon in Possession of a Firearm each carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison. A conviction for Illegal Reentry carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
The federal prosecution of this case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
TPD and the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-3393-TUC-RM-MAA
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-128_Aguirre Indictment# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, DARWIN XAVIER GONZALEZ-MUNOZ (“GONZALEZ-MUNOZ”), age 30, was sentenced on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk, after previously pleading guilty to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
GONZALEZ-MUNOZ was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment to be served consecutively.
According to court records, GONZALEZ-MUNOZ re-entered the United States after being previously deported on or about June 24, 2024.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praisedthe work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Enforcement Removal Operations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.
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Honduran National Sentenced for Re-Entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that CARLOS MASARIEGO ROSALES (“ROSALES”), age 48, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on July 22, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, ROSALES, a Honduran national, was found in Jefferson Parish on or around March 30, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on November 20, 2006.
ROSALES was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to time served and one year of supervised release, as well as payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Hays man sentenced to 4 years in prison on gun chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Hays man who possessed illegal firearms was sentenced today to 48 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Wylon Alfred Plainfeather, 54, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of possession of an unregistered silencer.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on December 27, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a Billings residence to search for a probationer. The probationer was not present, but officers searched the house and found three firearms in the basement.
As law enforcement was preparing to leave the residence following the search, Plainfeather pulled into the driveway. He admitted owning all three guns and acknowledged one was a sawed-off shotgun and another, a .22 caliber rifle, had a tube on it. Plainfeather said he fired the gun with the tube and claimed it was not very effective at making it quieter. He said he got all the firearms from the reservation and that he traded for them. Law enforcement officers confirmed the firearms were in operable condition but not registered to Plainfeather (or anyone else) in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Montana Probation and Parole.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Harrison County Doctor Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Harrison County doctor, Michael Gainey, 70, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove to 80 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to seven counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.
According to his plea agreement, Gainey practiced as a family medicine specialist in Harrison County. In that role, Gainey treated and prescribed controlled substances to a number of patients with whom he maintained personal relationships. Gainey knew that the prescriptions he issued to these patients were outside the scope of legitimate medical practice, in part because of the ongoing relationships he maintained with these patients and because Gainey relaxed applicable prescribing standards for these patients. Gainey issued unlawful controlled substance prescriptions for hydrocodone, oxycodone, gabapentin, and other controlled substances to at least seven patients with whom he had ongoing relationships; his misconduct began as early as 2015 and continued through the fall of 2023.
Under federal law, Gainey must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
“While the nature of the opioid epidemic in Kentucky has changed, bad prescriptions for these highly addictive drugs continue to be contributing factor,” said Acting United States Attorney Paul McCaffrey. “Solving this crisis requires a zero-tolerance policy for physicians like Dr. Gainey who intentionally abuse their prescribing authority.”
“The vast majority of doctors take their oath to first do no harm very seriously, but every now and then we arrest one that is just a drug dealer in a white lab coat, like Dr. Gainey,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “Dr. Gainey chose to put his own needs above those of his patients and now he will have to answer for his misdeeds.”
Acting U.S. Attorney McCaffrey, DEA Special Agent in Charge Scott, and Director Mark Burden, Bluegrass Narcotics Taskforce, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Bluegrass Narcotics Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Boone is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Gulfport Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Possession of Videos and Images of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Gulfport, Mississippi man was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in prison, followed by twenty-five years of supervised release, for possessing images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
In 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in Gulfport learned that Nicholas Snyder, a now 29-year-old male, was in possession of images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In May 2020, HSI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, seized the defendant’s cellphone.
A forensic examiner with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, conducted a forensic extraction on those devices. The evidence showed Snyder possessed multiple images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including children under the age of five years old.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Eric P. DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Smith and Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Guatemalan National Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that RUBEN URIZAR-BETETA, age 49, a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty and was sentenced on July 15, 2025, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court records, RUBEN URIZAR-BETETA illegally re-entered the United States sometime prior to March 23, 2025, after having been previously removed on or about September 30, 2014.
RUBEN URIZAR-BETETA was sentenced to 30 months unsupervised probation and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Gregg County man sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Longview man who sold fake prescription drugs has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kym Andrew Wallace, also known as Trigga, 28, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 30, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Wallace admitted to selling what were supposed to be prescription pills, which a 17-year-old juvenile consumed them and died from a fentanyl overdose on May 29, 2024. Following the overdose of the juvenile victim, investigators analyzed pills purchased from Wallace and determined they contained fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid commonly used as an analgesic or anesthetic that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The pills purchased from Wallace were round and light blue, bearing the markings “M” and “30,” which are the same manufacturer’s markings for 30 milligram tablets of generic oxycodone.
“Thirty years in a federal prison cannot compare to the lifetime sentence of grief that the victim’s family faces as the result of Wallace’s actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Wallace deserves every day of this 360-month sentence. Our office, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively work to protect our communities from drug traffickers like Wallace.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; and Longview Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Grayson County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Sherman man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Ryan Deshaun Edd, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on July 30, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in November 2022, law enforcement received information that Edd was trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine in the Grayson County area. On November 16, 2022, Edd’s vehicle was stopped for traffic violations on U.S. Highway 75 in Sherman. Zacheriah Alexander, of Denison, was driving the vehicle and Edd was a backseat passenger. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement officers located a large plastic bag containing 1.22 kilograms of methamphetamine and a loaded revolver. Further investigation revealed that Alexander had been working with Edd to sell methamphetamine for approximately six months before being arrested. Alexander was previously sentenced by Judge Mazzant to 135 months in federal prison for his role in the offense. Edd will begin serving his federal prison sentence after he completes a 45-year state sentence for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon committed in Sherman in January of 2023.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sherman Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Grand jury indicts Buffalo man on multiple drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jaime Smith, 37, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between January 2022, and May 2024, Smith conspired with others to possess and sell methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 5 Years Probation Including 2 Years Home Confinement for Money Laundering During Internet ScamsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that EMMANUEL UGBAJA (“UGBAJA”), age 56, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to 5 years probation with two years of home confinement, after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
Court records show that in 2018, two persons were victimized by two separate internet scams – one victim from Kansas sent money to an unknown co-conspirator posing as a love interest in a “romance scam,” and the other victim from California sent money to a person posing as an attorney in an “inheritance scam.” At the direction of the co-conspirators, the victims were told to send the funds to a bank account controlled by UGBAJA. UGBAJA retained a portion of the funds for himself and then sent the victims’ funds, in the total amount of $60,000, to a local maritime broker as part of a down payment for the unrelated purchase of a vessel.
In addition to probation and home confinement, UGBAJA was ordered to pay restitution of over $97,000 to the two fraud victims and over $135,000 to the Small Business Administration for uncharged CARES Act COVID-19 funding fraud, in addition to a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes often based overseas that target U.S. citizens. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/.
The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Galveston man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking drugs through the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Galveston man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Alan Anthony Gomez, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 30, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in November 2022, Gomez was the passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Liberty County. There was an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and the driver and passenger gave conflicting stories of where they had been. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, air fresheners, and bundles containing nine kilograms of powder cocaine. Gomez told law enforcement the bundles were cocaine and not fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
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Four Members and Associates of Paterson Based Gang Known as “4K” Indicted for Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering for their Role in a ShootingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Four members of the Paterson based neighborhood street gang known as “4K” were indicted for their roles in a shooting, Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
The Superseding Indictment charges Jatrail Avent, a/k/a “Curry” (“Avent”); Shequan Roberts, a/k/a “Shingy” (“Roberts”); Jahmir Moody, a/k/a “Jahdi” (“Moody”); and Wizair Johnson, a/k/a “Wababy” (“Johnson”), all of Paterson with one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The Superseding Indictment also incorporates individual firearms charges, which were previously charged in the Indictment.
These charges are the result of a long-running investigation coordinated between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, among other law enforcement agencies.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Avent, Roberts, Moody, and Johnson are all members and associates of the neighborhood based street gang known as “4K,” which operates in the area of Rosa Parks Boulevard near Lyon Street, Keen Street, and Mercer Streets in Paterson, New Jersey (the “4K Enterprise”). These members and associates of the 4K Enterprise have engaged in numerous criminal acts in furtherance of their gang, including shootings, robberies, homicides, and drug trafficking. Members and associates of the 4K Enterprise have engaged in acts of violence against members of rival gangs.
On or about November 6, 2022, Avent, Roberts, Moody, and Johnson opened fire on members of a rival gang, called the 230 Boyz, who were inside a van, as part of a dispute between 4K and the 230 Boyz.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the violent crime in aid of racketeering charge, and a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison on the firearm offense, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Both offenses carry a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Habba credited law enforcement members with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; the New Jersey State Police, Gangs and Organized Crime North Unit, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas Adamo; the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer In Charge Patrick Murray, with the investigation leading to yesterday’s charges.
This case is part of the Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Paterson. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Paterson Department of Public Safety, the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Bergen County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, and N.J. Department of Corrections.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman and Dan Rosenblum of the U.S Attorney’s Office Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel:
Jatrail Avent – Michael T Simon
Shequan Roberts - Richard J. Verde
Jahmir Moody - Ernesto Cerimele
Wizair Johnson - Mary Toscano
avent.indictment.pdfFort Thompson Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Shulte, has sentenced a man from Fort Thompson, South Dakota, who had been convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on July 29, 2025.
Stuart Dion, age 41, was sentenced to time served through August 4, 2025, equal to 11.5 months in custody, followed by five years of supervise release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Dion was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on July 14, 2025.
Dion is required to register as a sex offender under federal law due to a prior federal conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Dion has been convicted of Failure to Register in the past. Following his release from prison on the most recent conviction, Dion registered an address in Ft. Thompson, SD, on the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation in March 2024. On April 11, 2024, Dion moved from his registered address and knowingly failed to update his registration with authorities as required by law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Former and Present Owners of Standish Surveying Company Plead Guilty in Scheme to Defraud the United States Department of Transportation, Corporation to Enter Compliance Agreement and Pay $1.1 million in Connection with the SchemeRead the Press Release
BAY CITY – Anthony Thelen, current co-owner and executive of Surveying Solutions Inc. (SSI), a surveying firm based in Standish, Michigan, and Adam Ball, a former owner and executive of SSI, have pleaded guilty today to defrauding the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. United States Attorney Gorgon also announced that SSI has agreed to enter a non-prosecution agreement with the United States, enabling the corporation to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for enhanced internal controls, corporate reporting requirements, and a criminal monetary penalty.
Gorgon is joined in this announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan Division, and Anthony Licari, Special Agent in Charge United States Department of Transportation – Midwestern Region.
Adam Ball, 48, of Saginaw, Michigan and Anthony Thelen, 47, of Pewamo, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. On July 28, 2025, their co-defendants Jeffrey Bartlett, Brian Bartlett, and Andrew Semenchuk pleaded guilty. According to facts made public at the plea hearings, from approximately February 2011 through July 2019, Adam Ball and Anthony Thelen, along with their co-defendants, owned and operated SSI, a surveying company that was directly or indirectly awarded millions of dollars in highway construction contracts by MDOT. Those contracts were funded almost entirely by federal funds through USDOT. In the course of seeking and participating in MDOT contracts and reimbursement for work performed on those contracts, Ball, Thelen, and their co-defendants engaged in fraudulent overbilling resulting in MDOT making millions of dollars of overpayments to SSI, a large portion of which Ball, Thelen and their co-defendants distributed among themselves. The fraudulent overbilling included reporting false and non-existent employee and information technology costs, reporting improper and inflated equipment and real property lease costs, and concealing the true ownership of and control over the SSI entities to justify the overbillings.
Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement SSI has entered with the United States Attorney’s Office, SSI has agreed to, among other things, enter into an enhanced compliance program, to report to the government regarding remediation and implementation of their enhanced compliance program, and to pay $1.1 million in a monetary penalty. If SSI satisfies the terms of the agreement, the company will not be charged criminally.
The United States Attorney’s Office reached this agreement with SSI based on numerous factors, among those the fact that SSI cooperated with federal agencies investigating the case and that SSI has implemented extensive remedial measures, including reorganizing under new management, and establishing a compliance program to detect and prevent similar fraud in the future.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karen L. Reyolds, T. Patrick Martin, William Vailliencourt, and K. Craig Welkener.
npa_ssi_-_executed_7-30-2025.pdfFormer NBA Star, Suspected Israeli Crime Figure Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging High-Stakes Illegal Poker Games at Encino MansionRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and five other defendants – including a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group – were arrested today on a federal indictment alleging they operated an illegal gambling business in which high-stakes poker games were played at an Encino mansion Arenas owned.
Arenas, 43, a.k.a. “Agent Zero,” of Woodland Hills, is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators.
He is scheduled to make his initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Also charged in the indictment and arrested today in connection with the illegal gambling business charges are:
- Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a.k.a. “Giora,” of Woodland Hills; a suspected organized crime figure from Israel;
- Evgenni Tourevski, 48, a.k.a. “Eugene,” of Tarzana;
- Allan Austria, 52, a.k.a. “Elica,” of West Hills;
- Yarin Cohen, 27, a.k.a. “YC,” of Tarzana; and
- Ievgen Krachun, 43, of Tarzana.
Each of these defendants is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business. Their initial appearances and arraignments are scheduled for this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
According to the indictment returned on July 15 and unsealed today, from September 2021 to July 2022, Gershman, Arenas, and the other defendants operated an illegal gambling business. Arenas rented out an Encino mansion he owned for the purpose of hosting high-stakes illegal poker games. At Arenas’ direction, Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, staged the mansion to host the games, found co-conspirators to host the games, and collected rent from the co-conspirators on Arenas’ behalf.
Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen managed illegal “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games, among other illegal games, at the Encino mansion, collected a “rake” – a fee the house charged from each pot either as a percentage or a fixed amount per hand – and invited players to compete.
Gershman hired young women who, in exchange for tips, served drinks, provided massages, and offered companionship to the poker players. The women were charged a “tax” – a percentage of their earnings from working the games. Chefs, valets, and armed security guards also were hired to staff these illegal poker games.
Krachun worked as a “chip runner,” in which he tracked players’ wins and losses, distribute poker chips to players, and pay employees.
Gershman, an Israeli citizen, also is charged along with Valentina Cojocari, 35, of Woodland Hills, with three additional counts – conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document. In early 2022, Gershman conspired with Cojocari to enter into a sham marriage for the purposes of obtaining permanent legal status in the United States and lied to immigration authorities to procure legal status for Gershman, who provided financial support to Cojocari in exchange for her participation in the sham marriage.
Both Gershman and Cojocari submitted false information on their U.S. immigration forms, including Gershman’s answers of “no” as to whether he had ever been detained by any law enforcement official and as to whether he intended to engage in illegal gambling or any other form of commercialized vice.
Cojocari also was arrested today and is scheduled to make her initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.
Homeland Security Investigations’ Northridge Office, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Samuel J. Diaz of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan J. Waters of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the asset forfeiture-related portion of this case.
Former Manager Charged with Embezzling $500,000 from Gainesville Trucking CompanyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. – A former operations manager at Tribe Transportation, Dustin Jarrard, was arraigned on federal charges after he allegedly embezzled more than half a million dollars from the company.
“Jarrard allegedly stole more than $500,000 that was intended to help truckers on the road,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We will hold accountable those who abuse their positions of trust and embezzle funds for their personal use.”
“This case is a clear example of financial fraud fueled by greed,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Jarrard allegedly manipulated internal processes to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars. The FBI is committed to uncovering and stopping this kind of corporate theft.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: From May 2018 through May 2024, Dustin Jarrard served as an operations manager for Tribe Transportation, a large trucking business located in Gainesville, Georgia. As an operations manager, Jarrard had the authority to request expense reimbursements on truck drivers’ behalf. To submit a request, Jarrard would send the company’s accounting department the driver’s name, the reason for the expense, and the amount of the reimbursement.
Over the course of more than three years, Jarrard sent fraudulent reimbursement requests to Tribe Transportation. In certain cases, Jarrard requested reimbursement for drivers who were not actually employed by the company, which resulted in payments Jarrard personally redeemed for his own use. In other cases, Jarrard enlisted Tribe Transportation drivers in his scheme and falsely submitted payment requests for expenses never incurred and layover bonuses that were not earned. After receiving funds that were not owed to them, the drivers transferred some of the money to Jarrard for his personal use.
Dustin Jarrard, 38, of Gainesville, Ga., was arraigned yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Anna W. Howard after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 22, 2025 for wire fraud.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Keen is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Floridians sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas for conspiring to defraud military retail exchanges across the nationRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – Two Floridians have been sentenced to federal prison in a fraud scheme targeting military retail exchanges, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Gilda Rosenberg, 60, of Golden Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on July 30, 2025. Judge Mazzant also ordered Rosenberg to pay restitution of over $1.6 million.
Amit Biegun, 46, of Aventura, Florida, was also sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by Judge Mazzant on June 24, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Rosenberg was the president and owner of Gilly USA, Inc., GBR Enterprises, Inc., and Gilly Vending, Inc., and Biegun was the chief financial officer of Gilly Vending.
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is a government entity under the Department of Defense (DoD), responsible for operating stores located on U.S. Army bases, known as Post Exchanges (PX), and U.S. Air Force bases, known as Base Exchanges (BX). These stores provide retail services to military service members, veterans, and their families. AAFES is self-funded, operating mostly through the revenue of its sales of goods and services. AAFES stores and locations typically host a variety of vendors, also called concessionaires.
Beginning in 2016, AAFES awarded Gilly Vending over 20 contracts to provide vending services, snack contracts, beverage contracts, and micro-markets at military installations in California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas. Depending on the size and location, these individual contracts generated anywhere from $24,000 to $1 million annually. As part of the contracts, Gilly Vending paid commissions to AAFES based on those sales. Rosenberg and Biegun conspired to defraud AAFES by significantly underreporting sales figures resulting in a loss of commissions fees to AAFES.
“The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is an integral part of the Department of Defense, providing vital services to our military service members, veterans, and their families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “By stealing from AAFES, the defendants have stolen from the United States taxpayer and those who served their country with honor and distinction. This sentence sends a strong message that this kind of fraud and abuse will not be tolerated.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our law enforcement partners will methodically investigate allegations of fraud and corruption that impact the DoD and America’s warfighters,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, DCIS Southwest Field Office. “Today’s outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of the DoD contracting process and holding accountable those who illegally enrich themselves at the taxpayer’s expense.”
“Today’s sentencing should serve as a stark reminder that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in their pursuit of those who choose to defraud the government,” said Special Agent in Charge John McCabe of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Mid-Central Field Office. “Army CID remains committed to protecting the resources that support our service members and their families.”
“The Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) is undeterred from hunting down fraud impacting the goods and services supporting our military community worldwide” said Special Agent in Charge Nicholas J. Groesbeck, OSI Procurement Fraud Detachment 3, San Antonio, TX. “We appreciate the efforts of our joint partners who ensure those violating the law are held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Defense (DoD); Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS); the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID); the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI); and Army Air Force Exchange Services – Office of General Counsel. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Five Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty to Smuggling Contraband into the D.C. JailRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Darius Robertson, 31, of Washington, D.C., Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C. have all pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to provide a knife, cell phones, and fentanyl and other controlled substances to inmates in the D.C. jail as they awaited trial for murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. The pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley pleaded guilty in District Court. They were previously indicted on November 14, 2024 for providing or possessing contraband in a prison, as well as conspiring to do so. The sixth co-conspirator, Rashaad Roper, 45, of Gaithersburg, MD is set to go to trial.
As part of the plea, Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley admitted to their role in the conspiracy which included Holland and Brown admitting to packaging contraband, such as a knife, cell phones, and controlled substances to include fentanyl, into Tupperware containers which would then be brought to the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. Robertson, Vines, and/or Freshley, who were inmates inside the housing unit, admitted to receiving the contraband from Officer Roper or another corrections officer after they were smuggled into the jail.
Sentencings are scheduled for August 13, 2025 (Vines), September 5, 2025 (Holland), September 16, 2025 (Robertson), September 25, 2025 (Freshley), and October 21, 2025 (Brown). Each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in a prison. Judge Timothy J. Kelly will determine the appropriate sentence at each of the respective sentencings.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis and Chief Investigator Kevin L. Hammond of the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.