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Tuesday 3 June 2025
Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: California-Based Supplier Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Alejandro Gallegos, also known as “Alex,” “Rooster,” “G” and “Primo,” 42, of Hacienda Heights, California, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Gallegos admitted to a major supplier role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about February 2021 to in or about March 2023, Gallegos conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine within the Southern District of West Virginia.
On March 18, 2023, Gallegos directed co-defendant Ildiberto Gonzalez Jr. to deliver approximately 196 pounds of methamphetamine and four kilograms of cocaine from California to Bluefield, West Virginia, in his 2009 Freightliner semi-truck with attached trailer. Gallegos arranged the shipment in exchange for approximately $400,000 with another co-conspirator in West Virginia. Gallegos had Gonzalez and the West Virginia co-conspirator meet in a particular parking lot in Bluefield on March 22, 2023. There, Gonzalez provided the controlled substances to the other individual in exchange for a box that Gonzalez believed contained the cash.
Gonzalez Jr., 31, of San Bernadino, California, was sentenced on July 22, 2024, to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine.
Gallegos and Gonzalez are among 31 individuals convicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.
Gallegos was found by the Court to be responsible for approximately 740 pounds of methamphetamine through his role in the drug trafficking organization.
“No defendant sentenced in the Southern District of West Virginia has been responsible for the amount of methamphetamine attributable to this defendant. There is no comparison,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “While thousands of miles away from our communities, he directed methamphetamine from Mexico to West Virginia for the sake of profits, knowing that his actions would add to the devastation of the drug abuse crisis in the Southern District of West Virginia.”
Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-32.
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Ohio Man Loses Nearly Half a Million Dollars in Cryptocurrency Investment ScamRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio (USAO) has filed a civil complaint in forfeiture against 679,981.22 Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency suspected of being fraudulently obtained as part of an investment scam. USDT are digital tokens that are circulated through the internet and tied to, or “tethered,” to a fiat currency such as the U.S. dollar. The USDT amount in the complaint is valued at $679,981.22, at a 1:1 ratio to the dollar.
According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, a woman using the name “Kristina Tian” contacted a victim located in Solon, Ohio, through the LinkedIn online professional networking platform. The two began messaging and became friendly with one another. Tian then suggested to move their conversation to the WhatsApp messaging platform where they continued to communicate. She then steered the conversation toward her successes in cryptocurrency to gain the victim’s interest. Prior to being contacted by Tian, the victim already had a cryptocurrency account through the Kraken exchange. While corresponding with Tian, he sent her screenshots of his investment holdings to prove that he had a significant amount of funds to invest. In total, he transferred approximately $500,000 of his money to his Kraken account. Tian then instructed him to transfer his Kraken cryptocurrency to an investment platform that the victim did not know was fraudulent. Following his initial investment, the victim requested that a portion of the first deposit be returned. Once that transaction was successful, he felt comfortable to proceed with investing more money. However, around this time, the FBI intervened. FBI agents informed the Solon man that they were investigating investment fraud schemes, and they believed he was a victim. After learning about the scam, the victim confronted Tian through WhatsApp. She responded with a series of mocking messages such as, “I feel for you. But thank you for you giving me half of your savings,” and “Lol, I enjoyed it and thank you for the money so I can find more. Glad to use your life savings.”
Investigators also identified a second victim of the underlying cryptocurrency fraud scam. The female victim was a resident of Arizona who met a man on a dating app, “Coffee Meets Bagel.” After some time spent messaging through the app and building trust, the man suggested that she invest in cryptocurrencies. The victim made an initial purchase of cryptocurrency through Crypto.com and then transferred the full amount to the fraudulent investment platform that the man recommended. Later, the victim was unable to retrieve her funds. The Arizona woman lost $63,000 to the investment fraud scheme. This included $15,000 that she cashed out from her 401(k) retirement account, and another $48,000 from a home equity loan that her daughter took out and had given to her to invest.
Because many virtual currencies record their transactions on publicly accessible digital ledgers known as a blockchain, investigators were able to conduct analysis for signs of fraudulent activity. They ultimately traced a portion of the funds stolen from the two victims to two cryptocurrency addresses on the Tron blockchain. Further investigation revealed that the stolen currency had been converted to the USDT virtual currency.
By the complaint in forfeiture filed on June 2, 2025, the United States seeks to forfeit the entire 679,981.22 in USDT cryptocurrency. In the complaint, the United States alleges that the funds contained in the two cryptocurrency addresses in excess of the victims’ traceable losses also are proceeds of fraud and, accordingly, are subject to forfeiture. Additionally, the complaint alleges that such other funds were involved in money laundering violations.
The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. The United States must prove the claims by a preponderance of evidence.
If successful in this forfeiture action, the United States would seek to return the stolen funds to the victims.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James L. Morford for the Northern District of Ohio.
The case is part of the FBI’s initiative against cryptocurrency fraud scams perpetrated on victims throughout the United States, including the Northern District of Ohio.
To report fraudulent conduct involving older adults, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov to submit a report.
complaint_in_forfeiture_6-2-25_0.pdfOhio Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Steven Scott Gordon, 53, of Curtice, Ohio has been charged by a superseding indictment with production of child pornography announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph. H Thompson.
According to court documents, the defendant posed online as a 20-year-old woman to publish online erotica about the sexual abuse of children. The defendant, using his alias, encouraged and directed a Minnesota man to create images and videos of sexual abuse of a child in Minnesota.
According to court documents, Steven Scott Gordon’s electronic devices were obtained from the FBI in Ohio. Investigators found Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on the defendant’s computer, including CSAM that was produced by the Minnesota man who transmitted them to Gordon.
“Child sexual predators are among the dangerous of criminal defendants,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Anyone who victimizes and sexually abuses Minnesota children should be prepared to serve decades in federal prison.”
“Every child deserves a safe and innocent childhood,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Gordon’s heinous actions shattered that innocence and caused unimaginable harm. Protecting children and holding vile predators accountable is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. Anyone who exploits a child should expect to face the unflinching efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners."
Gordon was arraigned in U.S. District Court on May 21, 2025, before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz, and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI in partnership with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Rosemount Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ohio Based Nonprofit and Affiliated Nursing Homes Agree to Pay $3.61M to Resolve False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
American Health Foundation (AHF), its affiliate AHF Management Corporation, and three affiliated nursing homes — Cheltenham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Cheltenham), The Sanctuary at Wilmington Place (Wilmington Place), and Samaritan Care Center and Villa (Samaritan) — have agreed to pay $3.61 million to resolve claims related to billing Medicare and Medicaid for grossly substandard skilled nursing services between 2016 and 2018. AHF is a nonprofit corporation that is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, and owns and controls nursing homes in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Cheltenham is a 255-bed nursing home located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Wilmington Place is a 63-bed nursing home located in Dayton, Ohio; and Samaritan is a 56-bed nursing home located in Medina, Ohio.
“Nursing homes are expected to provide their residents, which include some of our most vulnerable citizens, with quality care and to treat them with dignity and respect,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brenna Jenny of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “The Department will not tolerate nursing homes — or their owners or managing entities — abdicating these responsibilities and seeking taxpayer funds to which they are not entitled.”
The United States’ complaint, filed in June 2022, alleged that the aforementioned three AHF nursing homes provided grossly substandard services that failed to meet required standards of care in various ways. For example, the United States alleged that each facility failed to follow appropriate infection control protocols and had problems maintaining adequate staffing levels. The United States also alleged that Cheltenham housed its residents in a dirty, pest-infested building; gave its residents unnecessary medications, including antibiotic, antipsychotic, antianxiety, and hypnotic drugs; deprived its residents of their dignity by subjecting them to verbal abuse, leaving them without meaningful activities or stimulation, and failing to safeguard their possessions, including money, clothing, and other personal items; and failed to provide needed psychiatric care. The United States similarly alleged that Wilmington Place had repeated failures relating to resident mediations, including the provision of unnecessary drugs, and persistently failed to create and maintain crucial resident care plans and assessments. Finally, the United States alleged that Samaritan had repeated failures related to resident care plans and assessments, and housed residents in a building and on grounds that often were not safe and sanitary.
Contemporaneously with the settlement announced today, the AHF entities agreed to enter into a chain-wide, quality of care Corporate Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, which will remain in effect for five years and address quality of care and resident safety within the AHF entities’ skilled nursing facilities.
The case is captioned United States v. American Health Foundation Inc.; AHF Management Corporation; AHF Montgomery Inc. doing business as Cheltenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; and AHF Ohio Inc. doing business as The Sanctuary at Wilmington Place and doing business as Samaritan Care Center and Villa, Case No. 2:22-cv-02344 (E.D. Pa.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of an effort by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General. This matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Ben Young and Susan Lynch.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Nine Defendants Charged with Federal Immigration CrimesRead the Press Release
Nine Defendants Charged with Federal Immigration Crimes
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in Birmingham has charged nine individuals with immigration crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona.
The following defendants were indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported:
- Jesus Malaquias Manuel-Marcos, 44, a citizen of Guatemala;
- Sergio Rogelio Sandoval-Luna, 26, a citizen of Mexico;
- Jose Medrano Aguilar-Rodriguez, 42, a citizen of Mexico;
- Jose Alberto Sanchez-Pineda, 35, a citizen of Mexico;
- Sergio Dominguez-Bautista, 42, a citizen of Mexico;
- Husaid Cruz-Santos, 28, a citizen of Mexico;
- Berenice Margarita Reyes-Rodriguez, 44, a citizen of Mexico; and
- Pedro Paz-Diaz, 36, a citizen of Guatemala
Elvin Geovanny Lopez-Diaz, 19, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm.
These cases are 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). Operation Take Back America partners Homeland Security Investigations – Atlanta and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division investigated these cases.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican National Sentenced to 13 Months in Federal Prison Following Eighth Illegal Reentry and Seventh DeportationRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Manuel Vasquez-Mongia (a/k/a Manuel Vasquez-Mungia), 32, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 13 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2015, Vasquez-Mongia was found to be illegally in the United States on seven separate occasions. Each time, he was ordered removed to Mexico by an immigration judge and prohibited from entering the United States for a period of five to twenty years.
On October 15, 2015, after illegally reentering the United States a seventh time, Vasquez-Mongia was found guilty of Transportation of Illegal Aliens and sentenced to six months in federal prison. Following release, he was again deported to Mexico and prohibited from entering the United States at any time.
Nearly a decade later, on September 11, 2024, Vasquez-Mongia was located and arrested in Indianapolis after entering the country illegally for the eighth time. This is his fifth federal conviction for immigration offenses.
“Vasquez-Mongia has repeatedly shown blatant disregard for the law,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Despite multiple deportations and warnings not to return, he reentered almost immediately—even bringing others with him. He clearly thought he could evade justice, but today’s sentence proves otherwise. We will continue working with ICE and our partners to locate and remove individuals who illegally enter our country.”
Immigration Customs and Enforcement and U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Wood prosecuted this case.
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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)
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Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler, U.S. District Judge, has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation. The sentencing took place on June 2, 2025.
Anselmo Flores-Nava, 35, was sentenced to time served, which was approximately four months.
Flores-Nava is a non-citizen of the United States and a Mexican national. Flores-Nava was deported from the United States to Mexico in 2016. Flores-Nava was found back in the United States in January of 2025. Reentering the United States after deportation is a federal felony crime.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Flores-Nava was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service as he awaits removal action.
Mexican National Charged with Unlawful EntryRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Juan De Dios Tena-Granados, 39, of Mexico, has been charged by criminal complaint with entering the United States at a place or time other than as designated by immigration authorities.
On May 27, 2025, Tena-Granados appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, pleaded guilty, and received a time-served sentence. According to court documents, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Tena-Granados after he was observed walking southbound in an area of Highgate, Vermont, that is frequently traveled by persons attempting to enter the United States illegally from Canada. During a post-arrest interview, Tena-Granados admitted to entering the country illegally.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Tena-Granados is represented by William A. Vasiliou II , Esq.
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).
Meth and Marijuana User Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
An unlawful user of methamphetamine and marijuana who possessed a sawed-off shotgun that he fired was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.
Tyler Dunlap, age 33, from Bennett, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 3, 2025 guilty plea to one count of being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Dunlap admitted that on October 30, 2023, he was involved in a verbal dispute with another person. That person left the home but saw Dunlap with a shotgun and called law enforcement. Deputies and officers arrived at the residence. As they approached the house going down a long lane, a deputy heard Dunlap fire the shotgun out the back of the house. Dunlap did not know that law enforcement officers were on the scene at the time he discharged the gun. After an officer contacted him, Dunlap left the house unarmed. Officers found the shotgun, a used shell, and drug paraphernalia in the house. Later tests revealed that Dunlap had methamphetamine and marijuana in his system at the time.
Dunlap was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Dunlap was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Dunlap is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office and the Tipton Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-85.
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Managers of El Dorado Hills Company SweepsCoach Plead Guilty to Operating an Illegal Gambling BusinessRead the Press Release
James Mecham, 57, of Orem, Utah; Kurt Stocks, 49, of El Dorado Hills; and Heidi Edwards, 58, of El Dorado Hills; pleaded guilty today to operating an illegal gambling business, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, Mecham, Stocks, and Edwards managed a series of businesses, collectively known as SweepsCoach, that engaged in and facilitated illegal gambling at locations throughout the United States, including in California and Arizona. SweepsCoach was based in El Dorado Hills.
Mecham, Stocks, and Edwards marketed the SweepsCoach gaming operation and entered into agreements with internet cafés for access to the SweepsCoach portal throughout the Eastern District of California and Arizona. The defendants helped the cafés set up gaming terminals in California and Arizona and provided technical service. Players used credits to play slot machine-style games on a video screen and could potentially win additional credits, which could be exchanged for money at the internet café. Internet gambling of this form is illegal under California and Arizona laws.
SweepsCoach clients would directly deposit the cash owed from the illegal gaming into bank accounts controlled by the defendants. Undercover law enforcement operations at several internet cafés in California and Arizona confirmed the use and conduct of SweepsCoach games.
Between Jan. 1, 2012, and Nov. 7, 2017, approximately $14 million in gaming proceeds was deposited into accounts controlled by Mecham, Stocks, and Edwards. The gross gaming receipts from California and Arizona totaled approximately $11 million.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control, and the California Franchise Tax Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko Coppola is prosecuting the case.
Mecham, Stocks, and Edwards are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Oct. 21, 2025. Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Man Admits Shooting at Undercover St. Louis Police OfficerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man on Tuesday admitted shooting at an undercover St. Louis Police officer who was investigating drug sales.
Anthony Stallworth, 25, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count each of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Stallworth admitted selling 28 capsules containing fentanyl to an undercover officer on Oct. 10, 2019. Five days later, the officer contacted Stallworth to buy more fentanyl. Stallworth met with the officer, then had that officer follow him in his Mercedes SUV. At one point when the officer was stopped at a stop sign, Stallworth suddenly stopped, stuck a gun out of his window and fired two shots in the direction of the officer’s vehicle before speeding away.
Later, in the summer of 2023, officers spotted Stallworth engaging in drug transactions in the 4700 block of Wilcox Avenue in St. Louis. Officers conducted a court-approved search of an apartment there and found Stallworth along with 450 grams of meth, 86 grams of fentanyl, a 10mm pistol and drug paraphernalia.
Stallworth is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9. Due to mandatory minimum sentences, he will face at least 15 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case.
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.
Lowndes County Men Sentenced in OCDETF Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Two Lowndes County men were sentenced yesterday for drug trafficking in Northern Mississippi.
According to court documents, Charles Stephen Farrar, Jr., of Columbus, Mississippi, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to trafficking methamphetamine. Farrar was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson on Monday to over 11 years in prison for the charge. He was further sentenced to four years supervised release following his release from prison.
William Lyon, of Columbus, Mississippi, also pled guilty in the drug trafficking scheme. Lyons was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson on Monday to five years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine. He was further sentenced to four years supervised release following his release from prison.
“The sentences imposed by Judge Davidson should provide notice to drug dealers that there are consequences to selfishly peddling poison within their communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We are proud of the partnership with DEA, ATF, and our invaluable state and local allies at the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Lowndes County SO that has allowed us to remove illegal narcotics, and those who sell them, from our midst.”
“Methamphetamine tears lives apart. This sentencing, a result of dedicated work by our special agents and law enforcement partners, ensures these traffickers are held accountable for the damage they inflicted on Mississippi,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw.
“This sentencing is the result of outstanding work and coordination by our local, state and federal partners,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “I commend the efforts of all the agencies involved for their dedication to ensuring justice is served and for their continued commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
“The ATF is working closely with local and state police agencies to combat the scourge of deadly illegal drugs in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed yesterday sends a message that we will continue to focus efforts on repeat offenders so we can remove more violent criminals from our streets and keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
This investigation and resulting case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is also a 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.
Leader of Lane County Drug Trafficking Cell Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Distribute the Largest Seizure of Methamphetamine in Oregon State HistoryRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— The leader of a Lane County, Oregon, drug trafficking cell was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing 384 pounds of methamphetamine, the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in Oregon State history and valued at over a million dollars.
Martin Manzo Negrete, 51, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Lane County, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in October 2020, law enforcement began investigating the Manzo-Mares cell for its role in trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine from California to Oregon for distribution and sale in and around Lane County. The drug trafficking organization transported methamphetamine from Southern California to Oregon where it was stored, divided, and distributed into the community.
Investigators learned that Manzo Negrete, who has a long history of drug trafficking and previously served 14 years in federal prison, sold several pounds of methamphetamine to street-level dealers on a weekly basis. Manzo Negrete was identified as the cell’s leader, and was responsible for coordinating the receipt, storage, and distribution of methamphetamine in and around Lane County.
On September 13, 2021, Manzo Negrete and five associates were charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
On September 15, 2021, as part of a coordinated law enforcement operation, law enforcement executed federal search warrants at multiple locations in Lane County, including a storage unit containing 384 pounds of methamphetamine. In addition to methamphetamine, law enforcement seized 14 firearms—some of which were stolen—and more than $76,000 in cash. Manzo Negrete and four associates were arrested, and the fifth associate was arrested later.
On March 4, 2025, Manzo Negrete pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In addition to Manzo Negrete, all five co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Springfield Police Department, the Eugene Police Department, and the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement (LINE) Team. It was prosecuted by Nicholas D. Meyers and William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Leader of Drug Organization That Trafficked Narcotics Shaped Like Candy Sentenced to Nearly Two Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced on May 30, 2025 in federal court in Boston for leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts. In November 2023, millions of doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder with street value estimated to be over $7 million, were seized from a stash location and clandestine laboratory used by organization.
Emilo Garcia, a/k/a “Six,” 27, of Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 18 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2025, Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Garcia was charged in November 2023 along with co-conspirators Sebastien Bejin and Deiby Felix. The defendants were later indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023.
In July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem led investigators to a DTO led by Garcia, Felix and Bejin. On Nov. 1, 2023, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn that were identified as locations frequented by Garcia and Bejin. The searches resulted in what is believed to be, one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy. Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized. During the course of the investigation over 75 kilograms (198 pounds) of fentanyl and methamphetamine was seized, along with multiple additional kilograms of cocaine and dozens of kilograms of cutting agents, including xylazine, that is used to adulterate controlled substances.
In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.
A search of Felix’s residence resulted in the seizure of more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl and a firearm. A subsequent search of the residence also revealed a clandestine drug laboratory that had been built into a small room in the basement. Multiple industrial pill presses, mixing equipment and other manufacturing paraphernalia and equipment were also recovered.
In May 2025, Bejin was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Felix pleaded guilty in February 2025 and is awaiting sentencing.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Lynn, Lynnfield and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Johnstown Man Sentenced for Role in Series of International Fraud ScamsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to a total of 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to commit money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on John M. Trabert, 55.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around January 2020 through March 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Trabert conspired with others to commit money laundering by acting as a “money mule”—a person who, at someone else’s direction, receives and moves money obtained from victims of fraud—in a variety of romance, real estate, and gold scams. The scheme consisted of a co-conspirator outside of the United States directing victims, who believed they were investing in real estate, gold, or financial support for a fictional love interest, to send funds to one of Trabert’s bank accounts. At the direction of and in concert with his co-conspirator, Trabert then conducted financial transactions using proceeds of the fraud scams, with Trabert retaining a portion of each transaction as personal profit. Trabert laundered more than $700,000 from victims through his role in the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Trabert.
Jacksonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Credit Scheme and COVID Relief Fraud Involving the Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Carnisha Maurica Rogers (30, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of false representation of a Social Security number (SSN) involving a line of credit scheme, and one count of wire fraud involving COVID relief fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Rogers faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count involving wire fraud, up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the false representation of an SSN count, and payment of restitution to the victims she defrauded and to the United States government. Rogers has also agreed to forfeit $20,832, which is traceable to proceeds of the wire fraud offense involving COVID relief fraud. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Rogers and her co-conspirators fraudulently obtained the SSNs of others. From November 2017 through September 2019, Rogers and others recruited individuals to obtain lines of credit at various businesses using the SSNs. After fraudulently obtaining the lines of credit, they obtained jewelry and other merchandise. Rogers and her co-conspirators resold some of the merchandise and lines of credit on social media platforms.
In May 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Rogers operated her own business. Throughout the loan application Rogers made multiple false statements regarding her purported gross income and expenses associated with operating her business. In support of her PPP loan application, she submitted a false IRS Form 1040 - Profit or Loss from Business. It contained false statements about operating expenses, gross income, and wage expenditures for her purported business. In truth, Rogers’ business did not exist. In reliance on the false statements in her loan application, her application was approved, and she received a PPP loan totaling $20,832.
After receiving the PPP loan proceeds in her bank account, Rogers began making withdrawals and spending the funds on personal expenses. In October 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan forgiveness application to the SBA that included multiple false representations. In the application, she falsely claimed that she spent more than $18,000 on payroll costs and that the PPP loan proceeds were only used for eligible purposes. In reliance on her false statements, the SBA forgave the entire loan, plus accrued interest.
In March 2025, U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger sentenced a related defendant, Crystal Denean Harvell (37, Jacksonville), to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving the line of credit scheme and wire fraud involving COVID Relief Fraud through the PPP. The court also ordered Harvell to pay $131,782.63 in restitution to the victims she defrauded and to the United States government.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
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, 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 www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by contacting the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced for Possession and Transfer of A Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Shane Allen Gibson (45, Jacksonville) to two years and six months in federal prison for possession of a destructive device and transfer of a destructive device to a convicted felon. Gibson pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2023, Gibson possessed and transferred an improvised explosive bomb, a destructive device under federal law, to an individual who he knew to be a convicted felon. The destructive device was one of three homemade explosive devices given by Gibson to the convicted felon. Laboratory testing revealed that the device contained explosive powder and numerous screws and fasteners within an arial shell and pyrotechnic fuse. An examiner from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded that igniting the fuse would, after a short delay, cause blast, thermal, and fragmentation effects capable of causing damage, injury, and death to persons nearby.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry.
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.
Iowa Man Sentenced to Prison for Threatening Gila River DetectiveRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Malachi Reed, 21, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced on June 2, 2025, by United States District Judge Sharad H. Desai to 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On March 12, 2025, Reed pleaded guilty to Use of Interstate Commerce to Transmit a Threat.
On August 6, 2024, a juvenile was reported missing from the Gila River Indian Community. Through cooperation from the Gila River Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Des Moines Police Department, and the FBI, investigators learned that the juvenile had flown to Des Moines, Iowa, to meet Reed at the airport. A detective for the Gila River Police Department contacted Reed to ensure the juvenile’s safe return. Instead of assisting law enforcement, Reed threatened to kill the detective, his family, and other investigators involved in the case. Notwithstanding these threats, investigators continued their investigation and found the juvenile with Reed on August 16, 2024.
The FBI and the Gila River Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raynette M. Logan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-1408-PHX-SHD
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-088_Reed# # #
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.Illinois Woman Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison and Ordered to Repay $352,300 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Valencia Franklin, age 52, of Lynwood, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to wire fraud, a federal felony offense, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Franklin was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay $352,300 in restitution to the victim of the offense.
According to documents in the case, in 2021, Company A, a not for profit organization located in Merrillville, Indiana, administered and distributed federal Emergency Rental Assistance funds to local residents adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Franklin worked for Company A and defrauded the company by preparing fraudulent applications for Emergency Rental Assistance which falsely claimed her family members were landlords for certain properties, when in reality they had no connection to these properties. As a result of her false representations, Franklin caused hundred of thousands of dollars in fraudulent payments to be issued to herself and others.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Niles, Illinois, man convicted of three counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion and one count of Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on May 30, 2025.
Daniel J. Kubica, a/k/a “Danny Haddreck,” 41, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $400 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
A federal grand jury indicted Kubica for the charges in March 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 28, 2025.
Starting no later than April 2021, Kubica created, organized, and maintained an illegal sex trafficking operation using multiple women in and around Rapid City. Kubica recruited women to engage in sex acts for money, which he then used to fuel his own fentanyl addiction. Kubica used multiple means of coercion and force to traffic the women. He committed acts of physical and sexual assaults and threatened to further assault the women if they tried to get out of the trafficking ring. Kubica supplied money, drugs, and alcohol to one victim to keep her engaged in trafficking even when he knew she was addicted to those substances. He also strangled and threatened to kill a victim and her 14-year-old sister and sexually assaulted another woman to get her to continue working for him. Between January 2022 and October 2023, Kubica used the currency exchange platform CashApp to conduct financial transactions related to his illegal sex trafficking operation. He would receive payments via CashApp from either the men who purchased sex with the sex trafficking victims, or from the victims themselves after they had engaged in sexual activity with the men.
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. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Box Elder Police Department, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Kubica was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Illegal immigrant gets 12 years in prison for his part in India-based fraud targeting elderly victims across the MidwestRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An illegal immigrant from India got 12 years in prison for his role in an imposter scam that defrauded elderly victims in three states out of more than $400,000.
In February, a federal jury convicted Nirav B. Patel, 44, an Indian citizen, of one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of illegal entry into the U.S. by an alien.
“This illegal alien admitted that he came to Illinois because the state would give him a driver’s license, and then he used that license to steal from the elderly all across the Midwest,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We will continue to do all we can to remove this criminal element from our country.”
In an imposter scam, fraudsters pose as government officials to manipulate and exploit elderly victims for money. This scheme targeted elderly victims with text messages and emails purportedly warning that their Amazon accounts had been compromised. When the victims followed up on the messages, they were redirected to scammers posing as federal agents who convinced the victims that they were victims of identity theft who needed to withdraw their life savings to be held in phony U.S. Treasury or FTC trust accounts for safekeeping.
In reality, the money was stolen and ultimately transferred to accounts controlled by the scammers in India. The fraudsters kept the victims on the hook by calling them constantly, sometimes for up to 12 hours a day. The scammers also threatened victims with criminal liability if they told their friends or family what was going on.
Patel traveled to the elderly victims’ residences to pick up cash and assets to support the crime. Trial testimony established that, in one instance, Patel picked up $177,000 in gold bars from an elderly resident at her assisted living facility, even though she was pushing a walker and on oxygen.
In addition to the fraud charges, Patel was convicted for entering the U.S. illegally. Evidence showed that Patel snuck into the U.S. near Vancouver before connecting with the fraudsters in Georgia. Patel’s fraud operation was based in the Chicago, where he could get an Illinois driver’s license despite being in the U.S. unlawfully. From there, he drove hundreds of miles through Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana to take money and gold from elderly victims on behalf of the fraud scheme.
In imposing the 12-year sentence, the Court rejected Patel’s claim that he had no idea what was going on, noting the scammers entrusted Patel with hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time. These scams need people on the ground in the U.S. in order to be successful, the court continued, and those willing to help them steal from elderly victims should receive stiff sentences to deter others from doing the same thing in the future.
“This case highlights the serious public safety risks posed by individuals who enter the United States illegally and exploit our systems to target some of the most vulnerable among us,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI remains committed to identifying and dismantling transnational criminal schemes, especially carried out by perpetrators who flout our immigration laws to defraud and target elderly Americans. HSI will continue working with our partners to ensure that those who abuse our country’s generosity are held accountable.”
The Federal Trade Commission reported in March 2025 that imposter scams are now the most common type of consumer fraud against Americans. If you or a loved one has been a victim of this kind of fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline by dialing 1-833-372-8311.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Merrill Wisconsin Police Department, the Lincoln County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, and the Franklin Indiana Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter T. Reed and Steve Weinhoeft prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien sentenced for stealing U.S. citizen’s identityRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 42-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been sentenced for fraudulently using a passport and identification belonging to a U.S. citizen, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Carlos Bedolla Sanchez pleaded guilty March 18.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Sanchez to serve 16 months for fraudulently using a passport and 24 months for using the identification of a U.S. citizen. The sentences will run consecutively. At the hearing, the court heard additional information that Sanchez was previously convicted for two felony drug charges under the U.S. citizen’s identity and received 12 months for violating his term of supervised release to be served concurrently. Not a U.S. citizen, Sanchez is expected to face removal proceedings following his 40-month-term of imprisonment.
In imposing the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of the offense and that his previous penalties did not do enough good or make him repentant.
On May 19, 2022, Sanchez attempted to renew a passport he received in 2009 using the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico. As part of the scheme, he submitted passport applications using the victim’s name, Social Security number, date of birth and birthplace, and falsely certified that he was a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.
The investigation revealed Sanchez began using the victim’s identity in approximately March 2009 to obtain state driver’s licenses and other U.S. identification, including a passport.
He later admitted to making a false statement in the application and use of passport and aggravated identity theft.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.
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 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Illegal alien sent to federal prison for trafficking over $1 million in cocaineRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 41-year-old Mexican national illegally in the United States has been ordered to prison for possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.
Rolando Banda-Lucero pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Banda-Lucero to serve 37 months in federal prison.
At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence Banda-Lucero did not have status to be in the country and got involved in narcotics trafficking for money. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane noted the straightforward facts of the case and Banda-Lucero’s clear role as a courier. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
On Oct. 25, 2023, Banda-Lucero was to deliver narcotics in Pharr. Authorities conducted surveillance within a shopping center and observed a white work van pull into a parking spot.
Banda-Lucero exited the passenger side of the van and provided a duffel bag over to who he thought was the purchaser. The bag contained 20 bundles which had an approximate weight of 22.5 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine.
The drugs had an estimated street value of $1.2 million.
Banda-Lucero will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Houston doctor pays six figures to settle False Claims Act liability involving neurostimulator devicesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 68-year-old Houston man has agreed to pay $390,082 to resolve allegations he submitted false claims to Medicare for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Dr. Benjamin Tiongson is a pain management doctor who practices in Houston, Sugar Land and Katy. Pain Reduction Center P.A. is an entity Tiongson used to conduct his medical practice.
From Dec. 7, 2021, to Dec. 14, 2022, Tiongson billed Medicare for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. These are invasive procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. As a result, Medicare pays thousands of dollars per procedure.
However, neither Tiongson nor his staff performed these surgical procedures, according to the allegations.
Instead, patients allegedly received devices used for electro-acupuncture, which only involved inserting monofilament wire a few millimeters into patients’ ears and taping the neurostimulator behind the ear with an adhesive. All device placements took place in Tiongson’s clinic, not a hospital or surgical center, and no incision was made on a patient, according to the allegations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura E. Collins handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Hawaii Man Sentenced to 41 Years in Federal Prison for Traveling to Oregon to Sexually Abuse Two ChildrenRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Captain Cook, Hawaii man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually abusing two Oregon children and sharing videos of the abuse online.
Benjamin Victor Houghton, 29, was sentenced to 495 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. The sum of restitution he must pay to the victims will be determined at a later date.
“Preying on children is unforgivable. Today’s lengthy sentence illustrates the heinous nature of Houghton’s conduct and sends a strong message to child predators that they will be held accountable,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the Eugene and Medford Branches of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the FBI and HSI for working with us to bring this defendant to justice.”
“Investigations into the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material remains a very high priority for the FBI,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Houghton's sentence for these heinous crimes will keep him from perpetrating more harm to children in our communities. We remain committed to pursuing these criminals, no matter where they may be.”
“This 41-year sentence underscores our untiring commitment in protecting children and ensuring justice for victims of these horrific crimes,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “This outcome was made possible through the dedicated efforts of our agents and close collaboration with our federal partners. Together, we will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who exploit and harm the most vulnerable among us.”
According to court documents, in late 2022, FBI agents received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a video depicting child sexual abuse. While the FBI worked to identify the children and abuser, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent discovered another video which showed an adult male, later identified as Houghton, sexually abusing one of the children. Investigators learned Houghton recorded the video in August 2021, when Houghton first traveled to Oregon to sexually abuse the children, and shared the video online in December 2021.
During the investigation, agents learned that Houghton conducted weekly piano lessons with the children virtually from his residence in Hawaii. On several occasions, Houghton used the virtual piano lessons to persuade the children to perform sexual acts, which he recorded. Additionally, between 2021 and 2022, Houghton traveled from Hawaii to Oregon twice to sexually abuse the children and record the abuse.
On February 24, 2023, FBI agents arrested Houghton and executed a search warrant on his residence. Investigators seized Houghton’s electronic devices and located approximately 1,285 images and 135 videos of child sexual abuse material, including a video recorded in November 2022, which showed Houghton sexually abusing one of the children.
On March 7, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene, Oregon, returned a five-count indictment charging Houghton with using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and aggravated sexual abuse.
Houghton pleaded guilty today to one-count of using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and one-count of aggravated sexual abuse.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Honolulu Field Offices and HSI. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, in coordination with the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Guatemalan Man with Four OUI Offenses Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for unlawful reentry.
Edilzar Morales-Barillas, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 29 months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In January 2025, Morales-Barillas pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry. Morales-Barillas was charged on July 31, 2024.
Morales-Barillas is a citizen of Guatemala who was deported from the United States on May 14, 2021. Sometime after his May 2021 removal, Morales-Barillas unlawfully reentered the United States. Immigration authorities became aware of Morales-Barillas’ unlawful presence in the United States on May 27, 2023, following his arrest for a fourth offense of operating under the influence of alcohol.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Gary Man Sentenced to 68 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Antawan Smith, 35 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Smith was sentenced to 68 months in prison followed by 12 months of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on February 26, 2024, law enforcement responded to a complaint of an armed man near a house. Upon their arrival, officers encountered Smith and recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine from him. He attempted to flee but was apprehended. Smith’s criminal history revealed that he has 5 prior felony convictions, and as such, is prohibited from possessing the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
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.
Fort Worth Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A 36-year-old Fort Worth man who produced child pornography was sentenced on May 30, 2025, to 50 years in federal prison, announced Nancy Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Jamie Hackney pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with the production and transportation of child pornography in February 2025. He was sentenced on Friday to 600 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Reed O’Connor.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children issued a Cybertip to the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) regarding images that were uploaded to Hackney’s Google account. Through their investigation, FWPD uncovered forensic evidence of Hackney using a minor to create and subsequently transport child pornography.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allyson Monte.
Former Police Officers Plead Guilty to Federal Charges in Connection with Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Two Prince George’s County men have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with an auto-insurance fraud scheme. Michael Anthony Owen, Jr., 36, of Accokeek, Maryland pled guilty to falsification of records, and Jaron Earl Taylor, 31, of Ft. Washington, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty pleas with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to the guilty pleas, between August 2018 and February 2020, Owen and Taylor, who were PGPD and Anne Arundel County Policy Department officers, respectively, at the time, conspired with fellow police officers to engage in mail and wire fraud. Owen and Taylor, along with officers Candace Tyler, Conrad D’Haiti, and Davion Percy, and others, devised a scheme for insurance companies to pay out the remaining financing costs of unwanted vehicles.
Members of the conspiracy reported fictitious losses to insurers to obtain money or avoid paying off vehicles that were now worth less than the amount owed on them. The co-conspirators used their statuses as police officers to assist each other’s claims by writing false police reports. Then co-conspirators submitted fictitious police reports to insurers to validate the claim. The false police reports were intended to impede, obstruct, or influence subsequent investigations of the false insurance claims.
In August 2018, Owen and Taylor staged the theft of Taylor’s Chevrolet Tahoe. After Taylor filed a fraudulent police report, Owen and Taylor stripped the vehicle and drove it deep into the woods of a Maryland State Highway property near Largo, Maryland. Taylor then made a false claim to the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) for the loss, for which USAA paid out a total of $38,670.
Then in January 2020, Owen assisted D’Haiti in avoiding payment on the loan balance of a Jaguar XKR. In cooperation with D’Haiti and Percy, Owen devised a scheme to fake the vehicle’s theft. On January 4, D’Haiti parked his Jaguar behind Marlow Heights Shopping Center where Percy worked as police chief.
D’Haiti then paid Percy $350 to arrange for another co-conspirator to tow the vehicle and extensively vandalize it for the purpose of creating a total insurance loss. Tyler subsequently filed the fictitious police report which D’Haiti used to substantiate his claim against Liberty Mutual Insurance. In February 2020, Liberty Mutual paid the Jaguar’s lienholder, Navy Federal Credit Union, $17,585, on the false claim.
Additionally, in January 2020, Owen and Taylor assisted with disposing of an Infiniti sedan to help a co-conspirator avoid making further payments on the vehicle while on extended overseas duty. The co-conspirator gave Taylor $1,000 via CashApp to stage the theft. Taylor then forwarded the money to Owen who filed a false police report with PGPD, stating the vehicle was stolen.
In reality, Owen, Taylor, and others moved the car to the top floor of a Camp Springs, Maryland apartment-complex parking garage. The co-conspirators attempted to conceal the car’s identity by removing the vehicle’s license plates and replacing them with different ones registered to another vehicle. Then the owner and co-conspirator filed a claim with GEICO that was eventually denied on grounds of fraud.
Owen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Taylor faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison if the court fully accepts the plea deal. Both sentencings are scheduled for Tuesday, September 23. Taylor’s sentencing is at 10:30 a.m., and Owen’s sentencing is at 2:30 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Baldwin and LaShanta Harris who are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Former Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Tom Girardi Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Prison for Swindling Tens of Millions of Dollars from Injured ClientsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Disbarred plaintiffs’ personal injury attorney Thomas Vincent Girardi was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison for leading a years-long scheme in which he embezzled tens of millions of dollars of settlement money that belonged to his clients, some of whom awaited payment for treatment of severe physical injuries.
Girardi, 86, formerly of Pasadena and who now resides in Seal Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton also ordered Girardi to pay a $35,000 fine and $2,310,247 in restitution. Judge Staton ordered Girardi to surrender to federal authorities no later than July 17.
Girardi was found guilty by a jury in August 2024 of four counts of wire fraud.
“This self-proclaimed ‘champion of justice’ was nothing more than a thief and a liar who conned his vulnerable clients out of the millions of dollars,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “My office will vigorously prosecute corrupt lawyers and those who assist them in criminal activities.”
“This sentencing brings a level of recompense for countless victims of Mr. Girardi’s long-running scheme to enrich himself on the backs of clients who trusted him in some of their worst days,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “Mr. Girardi thought he could outsmart his victims and investigators, but this sentencing demonstrates criminals cannot evade the unrivaled acumen of IRS-CI special agents in following the money, as well as the effectiveness of our partnerships with fellow law enforcement organizations like the FBI.”
“Mr. Girardi, once a self-proclaimed ‘legal legend’ who purported to fight corporate greed, will now find himself on the opposite end of justice as he serves out his lengthy prison sentence,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “Years of hard work went into this case by agents and prosecutors motivated to pursue justice for the victims who were betrayed by Girardi after putting their trust in his corrupt law firm in their time of need and while enduring personal hardship.”
A once-powerful figure in California’s legal community, Girardi ran the now-defunct downtown Los Angeles law firm Girardi Keese. For years, Girardi misappropriated and embezzled millions of dollars from client trust accounts at his law firm. The scheme involved defendant Girardi stealing millions of dollars in client settlement funds and failing to pay Girardi Keese clients – some of whom had suffered serious injuries in accidents – the money they were owed.
In carrying out his criminal conduct, from October 2010 to late 2020, Girardi operated Girardi Keese like a Ponzi-scheme by providing a litany of lies for failure to pay clients and directing law firm employees, including co-defendant and former Girardi Keese CFO Christopher Kazuo Kamon, to make incremental payments of newly obtained settlement funds to previously defrauded clients or using the new funds to pay other unrelated expenditures.
Girardi sent lulling communications to the defrauded clients that, among other things, falsely denied that the settlement proceeds had been paid and falsely claimed that Girardi Keese could not pay the settlement proceeds to clients until certain purported requirements had been met. These bogus requirements included addressing supposed tax obligations, settling bankruptcy claims, obtaining supposedly necessary authorizations from judges, and satisfying other debts.
Girardi also diverted tens of millions of dollars from his law firm’s operating account to pay illegitimate expenses, including more than $25 million to pay the expenses of EJ Global, a company formed by his wife related to her entertainment career, as well as spent millions of dollars of Girardi Keese funds on private jet travel, jewelry, luxury cars, and exclusive golf and social clubs.
At the end of 2020, as Girardi and his law firm faced mounting legal problems related to his years-long theft of client funds, Girardi Keese was forced into involuntary bankruptcy. The State Bar of California disbarred Girardi in July 2022.
Relatedly, co-defendant Kamon, 51, formerly of Encino and Palos Verdes and who was residing in The Bahamas at the time of his November 2022 arrest on a federal criminal complaint, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to two counts of wire fraud. Kamon, the long-time head of the accounting department at Girardi Keese, aided and abetted Girardi’s fraud scheme and embezzled millions of dollars from Girardi Keese itself for his own benefit.
On April 11, Kamon was sentenced to 121 months in custody and ordered to pay $8,903,324 in restitution. Kamon has been in federal custody since November 2022.
Kamon has agreed to plead guilty to federal fraud charges in Chicago where he is charged along with former Girardi Keese lawyer David R. Lira, Girardi’s son-in-law. Trial in that case is scheduled to start on July 14. Girardi was dismissed from the Chicago case because of his conviction and sentencing in this case.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated this matter. The Office of the United States Trustee provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Scott Paetty of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Former New Jersey Resident Sentenced to 72 Months for $4.7 Million ‘Up Front’ Fee SchemeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Florida man who previously resided in New Jersey was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment for defrauding approximately 33 victims out of more than $4.7 million through an “upfront-fee” scheme that spanned nearly a decade, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
John Sabo, 71, formerly of Spring Lake, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From in or around November 2014 through at least in or around August 2023, Sabo fraudulently induced his multiple victims to collectively pay millions of dollars in “up-front” or advance fees to his company, Bankers Capital LLC, in exchange for the promise to provide various forms of collateral and/or secure millions of dollars in financing for each of the victims’ business projects. However, neither Sabo nor Bankers Capital possessed or had access to the financing and collateral that Sabo promised.
Instead of using the victims’ money as promised, Sabo diverted millions of dollars out of Bankers Capital, primarily for personal expenses, which included payments to Sabo’s creditors, and to pay back other victims of the scheme. Even after he was charged by complaint in November 2022 with engaging in the wire fraud scheme, Sabo continued to provide false assurances to victims that they would receive the promised collateral or financing. In total, Sabo’s scheme resulted in $4,788,325 in losses to victims.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp ordered Sabo to pay forfeiture and restitution to the victims of his scheme, each in the total amount of $4,788,325, and sentenced Sabo to 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kozar and Carolyn Silane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Michael Robertson, Esq.
sabo.information.pdfFormer Executive at Masonry Contractor Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for Conspiring to Bribe Amtrak Employee in Exchange for over $50 Million in Extra Work on 30th Street Station ProjectRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Donald Seefeldt, 65, of Wilmette, Illinois, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Wendy Beetlestone to 57 months' imprisonment, one year of probation, 59 hours of community service, and a $50,000 fine for conspiracy to commit federal program bribery.
Seefeldt was charged by information with that offense in November 2024 and pleaded guilty in February.
As presented in the information, on or about December 10, 2015, a masonry restoration contractor (the “Contractor”) was awarded a $58,473,000 contract by Amtrak to be the main contractor on a façade repair and restoration project at Amtrak’s 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
Federal funding supplied approximately 90 percent of the money Amtrak used to pay the Contractor for the repair and restoration of the 30th Street Station façade.
Defendant Seefeldt was the Senior Executive Vice President of the Contractor with responsibility to provide executive oversight of the Contractor’s performance on the 30th Street Station façade project.
Lee Maniatis and Khaled Dallo, both charged elsewhere, were Vice Presidents of the Contractor, with responsibility to supervise the Contractor’s performance on the 30th Street Station façade project. Mark Snedden, also charged elsewhere, was the sole owner and president of the Contractor.
Amtrak Employee #1 was employed by Amtrak as the Project Manager on the repair and restoration project. In that capacity, Amtrak Employee #1 was responsible for communicating with the Contractor about the work being done on 30th Street Station. Amtrak Employee #1 was also responsible for reviewing the invoices, change orders, and requests for payment that the Contractor submitted to Amtrak. Amtrak Employee #1 had the power to approve or reject these invoices, change orders, and requests for payment. Although Amtrak Employee #1 did not have the singular authority to approve Amtrak payments to the Contractor, his approval was a critical step in that process.
The contract between Amtrak and the Contractor prohibited the defendant and other Contractor officials from “offer[ing] to any Amtrak employee, agent, or representative any cash, gift, entertainment, commission, or kickback for the purpose of securing favorable treatment with regard to award or performance of any contract or agreement.”
As detailed in the information and admitted to by the defendant, from in or about May 2016 through in or about November 2019, in Philadelphia, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, Seefeldt conspired, combined, and agreed with others, including Amtrak Employee #1, Maniatis, Dallo, and Snedden to commit an offense against the United States; that is, to knowingly and corruptly give, offer, and agree to give, a thing of value to Amtrak Employee #1, intending to influence and reward Amtrak Employee #1 in connection with any business, transaction and series of transactions involving a thing of value of $5,000 or more.
Specifically, Seefeldt and the others, with the knowledge and agreement of Snedden, provided Amtrak Employee #1 with gifts and other things of value totaling approximately $323,686, including, among other things, paid vacations (including an approximately $19,000 trip to Ecuador and a $9,500 trip to India), jewelry (including an approximately $5,600 watch and later an approximately $11,000 watch), cash, dinners, a dog, entertainment, and transportation, to ensure that Amtrak Employee #1 used his power and influence to benefit the Contractor during the performance of the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project.
In return for these gifts and other things of value, Amtrak Employee #1 allegedly used his position at Amtrak to access internal agency information available only to Amtrak employees about the 30th Street Station Project and shared this internal information with the defendant and other officials with the Contractor.
The information further alleges that Amtrak Employee #1 used his position at Amtrak to approve additional, more expensive changes to the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project, thereby increasing the amount and value of the work to be performed by the Contractor. These additional expenses were reflected in a series of change orders or contract modifications. In total, Amtrak Employee #1 approved over $52 million of additional payments from Amtrak to the Contractor. Amtrak Employee #1 and officials with the Contractor, including defendant Seefeldt, falsely inflated the true costs of some of the work to be performed by the Contractor under these change orders, causing Amtrak to be substantially overbilled by over $2 million for the completion of the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project.
“Seefeldt conspired to bribe an Amtrak employee, to benefit himself and his colleagues,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “In padding their pockets at the government’s expense, they were, in fact, victimizing U.S. taxpayers. Every dollar lost to federal program fraud means one less for a vital program or public priority.”
“Stealing and misappropriating federal funds is not just a criminal act; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in us by the communities we serve, and it damages the integrity of the systems they depend on,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Bribery directly undermines our rule of law. In partnership with our colleagues, the FBI is unwavering in its commitment to eradicating public corruption and ensuring that those who abuse their positions for personal gain are held accountable.”
“Our work on this case sends a strong message to all contractors about their obligation to operate legally and ethically,” said Michael J. Waters, Special Agent in Charge for the Amtrak Office of Inspector General Eastern Area Field Office. “We remain committed to investigating acts of bribery or other illegal or unethical conduct to ensure Amtrak’s funds are protected. We’re proud of our joint efforts with the FBI and DOT OIG who supported this investigation and appreciative of the support from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: if you defraud our nation’s infrastructure system, you will be caught and held accountable,” said Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Region. “We’re committed to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to protect taxpayer dollars and uphold the integrity of federally funded programs.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grenell.
Florida Man Sentenced to 22 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Pay and Receive Healthcare KickbacksRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joseph P. Stadtmueller sentenced Michael G.V. Comino to 22 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to pay and receive healthcare kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Comino was also ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution to Medicare.
According to court records, Comino and his co-defendant owned Kestrel Medical LLC, a company that supplied durable medical equipment, such as orthotic devices, including braces for ankles, knees, backs, and shoulders. Beginning in August 2019, Comino began providing “leads” or signed doctors’ orders to Kestrel in exchange for kickback payments to two companies he owned. Comino became a fifty percent owner of Kestrel in approximately February 2020, after which he continued to offer and pay kickbacks for signed doctors’ orders. Comino and his co-defendant concealed the nature of the kickback payments by paying invoices for marketing hours. As a result of the conspiracy, Medicare paid over $2 million to Kestrel. Comino personally received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Kestrel in 2019 and 2020.
“The United States Attorney Office prioritizes efforts to stop healthcare fraud and will continue to hold accountable individuals who intentionally misuse Medicare and Medicaid dollars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling. “The restitution order and prison sentence in this case underscore that providers of medical equipment and supplies cannot engage in unlawful schemes that put their interests ahead of those of the American taxpayer.”
“Individuals like Mr. Comino must face the consequences of their actions that defrauded the American people and wasted taxpayer money. This case sends a clear message that healthcare kickback schemes won’t be tolerated,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI will continue to work vigorously with our partners to combat and prevent healthcare fraud.”
“The conduct in this investigation highlights a scheme whereby the defendant prioritized profits over patient care, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working together with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to protect the integrity of federal health care programs.”
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully prosecuted.
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Final Defendant in Waco RICO Case Sentenced to Two Life Sentences in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Temple man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco to two consecutive life sentences with two 20-year concurrent sentences in prison for crimes committed in violation of the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act and the Hobbs Act.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Demonta Daniels aka Tado aka Tato, 26, conspired with Atorius Marquis Williams aka Lil Man, 28, and Trashawn Lamar Alexander aka Mad Max, 30, to commit four murders, multiple violent assaults, extortion, drug trafficking and armed robberies in furtherance of the criminal enterprise. Specifically, the indictment alleges four overt acts to include murder—one committed by Williams on Sept. 30, 2017, in Belton; the second, committed by Williams and Alexander on Dec. 10, 2017, in Temple; the third, committed by Williams and Daniels on Jan. 16, 2018, in Temple; and the fourth, committed by Williams, Daniels and Alexander on Jan. 31, 2018, in Temple.
Additionally, the defendants conspired to affect commerce by robbery, committing acts of physical violence and threatening to commit acts of physical violence to steal controlled substances and proceeds from persons engaged in illegal drug distribution. Daniels, Williams and Alexander were also convicted of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, namely robbery.
A federal jury found all three men guilty in a February 2024 trial. In September, Williams and Alexander were sentenced to life in federal prison for three counts and a concurrent 20 years in prison for three additional counts.
“The multiple life sentences Daniels will serve, locked away in federal prison, reflects the egregiousness of this defendant’s conduct and how important it is to keep violent criminals like Daniels and his co-conspirators off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to the AUSAs who prosecuted this case and our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal levels, who committed countless hours and incredible skill to this investigation, leading to a successful trial verdict and multiple justified sentences.”
Daniels is the tenth and final defendant in this case to be sentenced. Additionally, Dominic Johnson was sentenced in January 2023 to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Desmond Wilkerson was sentenced in September 2023 to 71 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy; James Roy Whitfield Jr was sentenced on Feb. 13 to 102 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting; Jason Mayse was sentenced on Feb. 13 to 40 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; Jyaraciel Whitfield was sentenced in September 2023 to 144 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting; Christopher Meyers was sentenced in August 2022 to 144 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy; and Reginald Williams was sentenced in September 2023 to 96 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting.
The FBI, Temple Police Department, Belton Police Department, Bell County Organized Crime Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Cameron Police Department, and Hearne Police Department investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Killeen Police Department and Bell County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton prosecuted the case.
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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Felon Caught Twice with Guns and Drugs Sentenced to 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Tuesday sentenced a convicted felon who was caught twice with guns and drugs to 14 years in prison.
Evidence and testimony during the February trial of Antonio Dixson, 37, of St. Louis, showed that Dixson was caught with two guns and drugs on Dec. 1, 2020, in Wentzville, Missouri. Dixson was in the rear seat of a Honda SUV that had fled from St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers two weeks earlier. When Dixson stepped out of the vehicle, a Glock pistol fell from his waist to the ground. A Taurus Judge revolver, loaded with two.45 caliber rounds and three .410 shotgun shells, was visibly protruding from his pocket. Police then found ammunition and drugs in his pockets. He had 31 tablets of clonazepam laced with PCP, 100 capsules containing a mixture of para-fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, and morphine, eight tablets containing fentanyl, 0.5 grams of cocaine and 5.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a sentencing memorandum says. He also had six cellular phones and over $700 cash. Due to COVID-era restrictions, Dixson was booked and released from custody, the memo says.
Dixson was undeterred by the arrest, and was arrested again on Feb. 25, 2021, by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers who spotted a Mercury Villager driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Officers found a .45 caliber Colt model 1911, a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol, and drugs in Dixson’s pants pockets. Those drugs included tablets containing meth, 6.76 grams of crystal meth and 0.63 grams of cocaine base.
Both the drugs and weapons Dixson possessed presented a great danger to the public, the memo says. Dixson has also repeatedly been convicted of various crimes and “remains unrepentant even now,” the memo says, adding that in the last 19 years, Dixson has spent more than 16 years either behind bars or under court supervision.
In February, jurors found Dixson guilty of two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a defaced firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wentzville Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Dunkel and Hal Goldsmith prosecuted the case.
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.
Federal Jury Convicts Michigan Man on Charges of Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Possessing a Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
DETROIT — A Michigan man was convicted today by a jury on two charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for being a felon in possession of a destructive device, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Aws Mohammed Naser, 37, formerly of Westland, Michigan, was convicted following a five-week trial. The jury unanimously found that Naser attempted to provide material support to ISIS, in the form of personnel (including himself) and services, knowing that ISIS was a designated terrorist organization, and that ISIS engages in terrorism. In addition, Naser was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a destructive device. The jury deliberated approximately six hours before returning their verdict.
U.S. Attorney Gorgon stated, “Defendant Aws Mohammed Naser is a bombmaker and self-avowed ‘son of the Islamic State’—a vicious foreign terrorist organization hell-bent on murdering Americans and destroying our way of life. Naser tried to travel and fight for ISIS overseas but was turned away. So, Naser turned his fight inward on America, gathered drones, and built a bomb in his basement. But our office is dedicated to finding and applying the full force of the law against any terrorist, like Naser, plotting to harm Americans.”
“The conviction of Aws Mohammed Naser highlights the FBI’s strong commitment to protecting the United States from those who wish to harm our citizens,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Anyone who associates with a terrorist organization or supports violent extremism will be identified, disrupted, and prosecuted. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, its partner agencies, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their diligent investigative efforts and successful prosecution. We will continue to safeguard our community and protect our nation from those who pose a threat.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Naser became radicalized and frequently posted extreme Salafi-Jihadist ideological content on his YouTube channel. Naser developed a close relationship with Russell Dennison, an aspiring Salafi-Jihadist preacher, and the two jointly traveled to Iraq in early 2012.
In August 2012, Naser returned to Michigan while Dennison traveled to Syria and joined the foreign terrorist organization Al Nusrah Front, an Islamic State of Iraq-affiliate group that was a precursor to ISIS. Once back in the United States, Naser began preparations to join Dennison, and the two continued to communicate and discussed the terror group’s urgent need for money to acquire firearms. Dennison is believed to have been killed in 2019 while with ISIS in Syria. Naser attempted to leave the United States for Syria on two occasions. First, in November 2012, but he was not permitted to board the plan at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Undeterred, Naser purchased another one-way plane ticket departing from Chicago O’Hare Airport bound for Beirut, Lebanon, in January 2013. Hours before his scheduled flight to Lebanon, Naser robbed a gas station. After the robbery, Naser took a bus to Chicago and attempted to board his flight to Lebanon with $2,000 in his possession but was again denied boarding and returned to Michigan. Naser was subsequently charged and convicted of armed robbery and served a three-year prison sentence.
After being released from prison and unable to travel to join ISIS, Naser focused his attention on how to support ISIS in the United States. Naser surreptitiously created social media accounts and joined invitation-only ISIS supporters’ chatrooms, groups, and private rooms where he obtained and viewed official ISIS media reports, publications, and other jihadi propaganda. He solicited and obtained information on explosives and experimented with manufacturing explosives and operating drones. In October 2017, FBI searched Naser’s home and vehicle and recovered a readily assembleable destructive device.
Naser faces up to 20 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and up to 15 years in prison for possessing a destructive device. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Saima Mohsin, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., Assistant U.S Attorney Hank Moon for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Fayette County Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Robert Lee Moran, 47, of Mount Hope, was sentenced today to nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2024, Moran distributed approximately 0.857 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant for $100 in Beckley. As part of his guilty plea, Moran admitted to the transaction and to arranging it beforehand.
On April 30, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Moran’s residence and seized two bags of suspected fentanyl, multiple firearms and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Moran has a long criminal history that includes prior convictions for domestic battery, destruction of property, possession of a hoax bomb and harboring a fugitive.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Alexander A. Redmon prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-141.
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Elkton Man Pleads Guilty to Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Mark Rice, 38, of Elkton, Maryland, pled guilty to federal charges of production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP).
In April 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from Reddit regarding the transmission of child sexual abuse material. Authorities traced the tip to an IP address associated with Rice’s Elkton residence.
During an MSP interview, Rice denied the accusation but was observed deleting photos from his phone. When Rice showed officers his phone, investigators spotted child sexual abuse material in a thumbnail image. Through a deeper search, authorities uncovered additional material in his recently deleted folder.
Then HSI discovered more than 600 child sexual abuse material images across Rice’s devices, including two showing Rice’s sexual abuse of a minor as young as 3 years old. Investigators also found that Rice used a public Reddit community to connect with people that he traded child sexual abuse material with using encrypted messaging platforms.
Pursuant to his plea agreement, the parties agree that if the court accepts the plea agreement, Rice will be sentenced to no less than 27 years but no more than 32 years in federal prison, followed by a period of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, at 2:30 p.m.
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 Attorney’s 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 and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. Click the “Resources” tab on the left side of the page to learn about Internet safety education.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI and MSP for their investigative efforts and NCMEC for its valuable assistance in the case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gordin who is prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Dominican National Sentenced to Federal Prison, to be Deported for Trafficking Fentanyl, Stealing Hundreds of Individuals’ Personal Information, and Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national illegally present in the United States who trafficked fentanyl, was found to be in possession of stolen personal identifying information of nearly a thousand individuals, and filed hundreds of fraudulent tax returns to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in COVID related tax credit payments has been sentenced to four years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Juan Carlos Nunez Rodriguez, 51, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, theft of government property, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 48 months in federal prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS totaling $66,112.
An immigration detainer has been lodged by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
According to information presented to the court, in September 2023, following a two-month investigation into his drug trafficking activities, members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force sought and executed a court-authorized search warrant at Nunez Rodriguez’s Providence apartment, where they seized 613 grams of fentanyl. According to a DEA analysis set forth in court documents, the 613 grams of fentanyl seized represents approximately 306,500 lethal doses.
In addition to seizing fentanyl from Nunez Rodriguez’s residence, agents also seized United States Treasury checks addressed to different individuals, more than three dozen fraudulent federal tax returns in envelopes addressed to the IRS, and stolen personal identifying information belonging to 976 individuals.
A follow-up investigation by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation found that Nunez Rodriguez fraudulently filed at least 15 tax returns for which he received and deposited refund checks, and that he was in possession of 43 refund checks ranging in amounts from $1,400 to $1,800.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force and IRS Criminal Investigation.
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Defendants with former cocaine convictions plead guilty to illegally reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Mexican nationals pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to illegally reentering the United States.
Juan Carlos Garcia-Vazquez, 45, was convicted in Franklin County in 2024 for cocaine trafficking. The defendant was previously removed from the United States in 2004 and 2013.
Previous convictions for Lino Mendiola-Vanegas, 45, include cocaine trafficking and forgery in Franklin County. He admitted to illegally reentering the United States after being ordered removed in 2010.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Robert Lynch, Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office announced the guilty pleas entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth F. Affeldt is representing the United States in both cases.
Illegally reentering the United States is a federal crime punishable by up to two years in prison. If the offender has a prior felony conviction (or multiple prior misdemeanor convictions of certain types), the penalty is increased to 10 years in prison, and if the offender has been previously convicted of an aggravated felony, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison. Transporting illegal aliens is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Possessing a firearm as an illegal alien is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Congress sets minimum and maximum statutory sentences and sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Southern District of Ohio Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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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Dark Web Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Holly Adams, 35, of Palm Desert, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to 12 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and to launder the resulting proceeds, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, Adams and her co-conspirator Devlin Hosner generated hundreds of thousands of dollars selling counterfeit oxycodone pills pressed with fentanyl on the dark web. Adams and Hosner laundered the proceeds using cryptocurrency mixers, wallets, and other online tools. In September 2021, state law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at an address where Adams and Hosner were residing. After officers announced their presence, Hosner attempted to impede their entry while Adams destroyed pills by pouring them into a chemical solution. Adams and Hosner were arrested and subsequently released by state authorities and resumed selling fentanyl on the dark web a few months later while they were unknowingly under investigation by federal law enforcement agents.
In March 2022, federal law enforcement executed a search warrant at a hotel room in Riverside County where Adams and Hosner were temporarily residing. Officers seized nearly a kilogram of fentanyl-pressed oxycodone pills and 60 grams of methamphetamine from this hotel room.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, which includes agents from the IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force focused on targeting all forms of illicit dark web and cryptocurrency activity in the Eastern District of California and beyond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki prosecuted the case.
Hosner faces the same charges as Adams and remains detained pending trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2025, before Judge Mendez.
Dallas, Texas Man Sentenced to 26 Months for Making Threats of Violence Against Employees of Sikh Nonprofit OrganizationRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Dallas County, Texas man was sentenced to 26 months in prison for a federal hate crime and for making violent interstate threats against various individuals based on their religion, including the employees of a Sikh nonprofit organization located in New Jersey, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey announced today.
Bhushan Athale, 49, of Dallas, Texas, had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court to interfering with federally protected activities through the threatened use of a dangerous weapon and one count of transmitting an interstate threat to injure another person.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Sept. 17, 2022, Athale called the main number of an organization that advocates for the civil rights of Sikh individuals within the United States, leaving numerous messages over several hours threatening to injure or kill these individuals with a razor and other very specific acts of violence.
On March 21, 2024, Athale again called the same Sikh organization and left two more voicemails. In these voicemails, Athale again used violent, sexual imagery to express his hatred toward Sikhs as well as Muslims.
“The Department of Justice has no tolerance for hate-fueled threats of violence in our country, and we appreciate the strong efforts of U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and her team in working with us to bring this perpetrator to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kiel sentenced Athale to three years of supervised release and warned Athale not to contact any of the victims of his offenses.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey credited the special agents of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, with the investigation
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara A. Aliabadi and Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden, New Jersey, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
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Defense Counsel: AFPD Maggie Moy
DACA recipient and another sentenced for scheme involving firearms destined for MexicoRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two men residing in Edinburg have been sentenced for their roles in the straw purchasing of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Mario Elier Leal, 22, and Rodolfo Benitez-Garza, 24, pleaded guilty in 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Leal to serve a total of 97 months in federal prison, while Benitez-Garza received 18 months. Benitez-Garza must serve three years of supervised release following the completion of his sentence. Lacking status in the United States, Leal is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his prison term.
At the hearings, the court heard additional evidence that described how Benitez-Garza and Jesus Cristo Lopez purchased the firearms on behalf of Leal. Leal would provide the money and advise which firearms he wanted. The court noted Leal was aware the firearms were to be transported into Mexico, that he played a significant role in recruiting others to purchase firearms on his behalf and could be described as a coordinator.
On July 12, 2024, authorities discovered a suspected straw purchasing attempt involving Benitez-Garza and Lopez who attempted to obtain three AK-47 variant rifles. Leal was circling the parking lot at that time and had previously visited the same location with Lopez.
The investigation revealed Leal provided the money for the purchases and offered Benitez-Garza and Lopez approximately $300 for their assistance. Both falsely claimed the rifles were for personal use when they were actually intended for Leal.
Evidence revealed Leal had recruited Lopez and directed him to find another individual. Surveillance captured Leal at multiple stores with others suspected of purchasing firearms on his behalf.
Authorities have identified 13 other firearms suspected of being purchased for Leal. As a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, Leal is prohibited from owning a firearm per federal law.
Benitez-Garza was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future while Leal will remain in custody.
Lopez, 21, is set for sentencing in August.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Mission Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
Kelvontae Rashad Wallace, 26, of Pell City, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun.
According to the plea agreement, between December 2023 and January 2024, Wallace illegally possessed a firearm and a machinegun on two separate occasions:
On December 15, 2023, Talladega police officers responded to a call of a person shot at the Orange #1 gas station. Officers responded to the scene and found a victim lying on the ground that had been shot in the stomach, back, and both legs. Officers collected five .45 caliber spent shell casings from the scene and there were at least three bullet holes in the glass on the store windows and door. Surveillance video from the store showed Wallace drive up to the store, exit his vehicle, and shoot the victim with a Glock pistol that had been converted to a machinegun using machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.”
On January 2, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force and the Pell City Police Department went to Wallace’s apartment to arrest him for warrants for Assault, Fist Degree and Shooting into an Occupied Building arising from the December incident in Talladega. When the officers arrived, Wallace attempted to flee out the back door of the apartment, but the officers were able to apprehend and arrest him. Officers recovered a Century Arms Micro VSKA 7.62x39mm pistol with a round chambered and a loaded magazine from Wallace’s apartment.
ATF investigated the case along with the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force, Pell City Police Department, Talladega Police Department, and Anniston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples prosecuted the case.
Chinese Nationals Charged with Conspiracy and Smuggling a Dangerous Biological Pathogen into the U.S. for their Work at a University of Michigan LaboratoryRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, citizens of the People’s Republic of China, were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division and Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The FBI arrested Jian in connection with allegations related to Jian’s and Liu’s smuggling into America a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which scientific literature classifies as a potential agroterrorism weapon. This noxious fungus causes “head blight,” a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year. Fusarium graminearum’s toxins cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.
According to the complaint, Jian received Chinese government funding for her work on this pathogen in China. The complaint also alleges that Jian’s electronics contain information describing her membership in and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. It is further alleged that Jian’s boyfriend, Liu, works at a Chinese university where he conducts research on the same pathogen and that he first lied but then admitted to smuggling Fusarium graminearum into America—through the Detroit Metropolitan Airport—so that he could conduct research on it at the laboratory at the University of Michigan where his girlfriend, Jian, worked.
United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns. These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.”
“The federal charges announced today against Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, both residents of the People’s Republic of China, signify a crucial advancement in our efforts to safeguard our communities and uphold national security,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety. Thanks to the exceptional investigative efforts of the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force, in close cooperation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations these dangerous activities have been effectively halted. The FBI remains resolutely committed to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to protect the residents of Michigan and defend the United States against such grave threats.”
U.S. Custom and Border Protection, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon stated, “Today’s criminal charges levied upon Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are indicative of CBP’s critical role in protecting the American people from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy and cause harm to humans; especially when it involves a researcher from a major university attempting to clandestinely bring potentially harmful biological materials into the United States. This was a complex investigation involving CBP offices from across the country, alongside our federal partners. I’m grateful for their tireless efforts, ensuring our borders remain secure from all types of threats while safeguarding America’s national security interests.”
Jian will be appearing this afternoon in federal court in Detroit for her initial appearance on the complaint.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
The FBI and CBP are investigating this case.
Chinese National at the University of Michigan Charged with Illegally Voting in the 2024 ElectionRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A criminal complaint was filed charging Haoxiang Gao, a citizen and national of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), with false claims to register or vote and voting by aliens, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.
According to the complaint, Gao was a college student attending the University of Michigan who illegally registered to vote in the days before the 2024 presidential election, apparently using his University of Michigan student ID, and then cast a ballot in the election at a polling location located at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The complaint further alleges that Gao made false statements regarding his citizenship on his voter registration application and his early voting application. After being charged with state offenses, the state court granted Gao a $5,000 personal bond with conditions, including that he does not leave the State of Michigan and that he surrenders his passport for the pendency of the case. Gao did surrender his passport but on January 19, 2025—the day before the new administration took office in Washington—Gao jumped bond and fled the country on a flight bound for Shanghai, China. Customs and Border Protection records show that Gao passed through Detroit Metropolitan Airport security using a PRC passport in his name but bearing a number different from the number on the passport that he surrendered to University of Michigan police.
Relatedly, on Friday, May 30, 2025, a complaint was unsealed charging Gao with the federal offense of flight to avoid prosecution based on the allegations that he jumped bond and fled the country to avoid his state offenses.
United States Attorney Gorgon stated, “Illegal voting is a serious crime that cast doubt on our elections and serves to disenfranchise United States citizens by diluting their power at the ballot box. But illegal voting by a foreign national who is from a country controlled by a communist party dictatorship – with no modern history or tradition of democratic government – is beyond the pale. I hope that today’s charges send a message to foreign nationals – including those who are students at our universities – that we will not tolerate illegal voting.”
“The federal charges filed against Haoxiang Gao, a Chinese national, serve as a clear and unequivocal reminder that the FBI will investigate anyone who attempts to unlawfully interfere with the electoral process in the United States,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI treats all allegations of voter fraud with the utmost seriousness, and we are committed to holding accountable those who violate our election laws. This case reflects the strength of our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, whose prosecutorial leadership has been critical. I also want to commend the dedicated efforts of the FBI’s Ann Arbor Resident Agency, in close collaboration with the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety & Security, for their outstanding investigative work.”
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
The FBI is investigating this case.
Charleston Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Weapon ViolationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Claude Michael Barrs, 45, of Charleston, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented in court showed that on September 29, 2023, Berkeley County sheriff’s deputies stopped Barrs after observing him driving erratically. During the stop, Barrs appeared extremely nervous and admitted that his license was suspended. When asked to exit the vehicle, he attempted to discreetly discard a bag on the ground. Deputies recovered the bag and found 6 grams of methamphetamine inside.
A search of the vehicle uncovered an additional 0.85 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat and a 9mm pistol in the trunk. Barrs admitted the drugs and firearm belonged to him. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. He was also eligible for a sentencing enhancement based on prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses.
At the time of this arrest, Barrs was out on bond for state charges of armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a violent offender.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Barrs to 180 imprisonment as part of a negotiated agreement between the parties to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.
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Cedar Rapids Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who distributed thousands of fentanyl pills was sentenced on June 2, 2025, to more than six years in federal prison.
Artadius Damon Robinson, age 24, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 31, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Information disclosed at the sentencing hearing showed that, between April 2022 and August 2023, Robinson distributed thousands of fentanyl pills in the Cedar Rapids area. At one point, Robinson bragged that he made $1,000 a day selling fentanyl. During the period he was distributing fentanyl, Robinson possessed a firearm with an extended drum magazine attached. Robinson had been ineligible to possess firearms since 2020 due to two firearm‑related felony convictions.
Robinson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Robinson was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a three‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Robinson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force, consisting of the Johnson County Sherriff’s Office, the Iowa City Police Department, the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24‑CR‑00057. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
California Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Selling Illegal Depressant over the InternetRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man has been sentenced on May 30, 2025 in federal court in Boston for conspiracy to sell the illegal depressant, Etizolam, over the internet. One customer died as a result of ingesting Etizolam purchased from defendant’s website.
Paul Z. Lamberty, 52, of Folsom, Calif., was sentenced on May 30, 2025 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In August 2024, Lamberty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of the introduction of misbranded drugs with the intent to defraud and mislead.
Lamberty operated websites Encern.com and Ohmod.com and used those sites to sell the drug etizolam to customers throughout the United States, including Massachusetts. Payments for etizolam through those websites could only be made through cryptocurrency and it was shipped to customers through U.S. Priority Mail. Encern.com has no corporate records in the State of California and the website did not provide a physical address for the business. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had not approved etizolam for use as a drug, and thus it could not be sold or prescribed in the United States. Despite this, Lamberty purchased drugs from suppliers in China, imported them into the United States and then sold the drugs with false labelling stating that the products were sold “For Research Purposes Only” and “Not for Human Consumption.” Based on an analysis of bank and cryptocurrency records, Lamberty and his co-conspirator conducted gross sales of over $550,000 of etizolam through the internet during the course of the conspiracy. According to court documents, in 2020, a Massachusetts customer of Lamberty’s website purchased and ingested etizolam and died as a result.
According to the charging document, etizolam is a drug known as a thienodiazepine, a class of drugs chemically related to benzodiazepines, which produce central nervous system depression. Physicians may prescribe FDA-approved benzodiazepines to treat insomnia and anxiety, but benzodiazepines and thienodiazepines also carry risks of dependency, toxicity and even fatal overdose, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. According to court documents, in July 2023, the DEA temporarily scheduled etizolam as a Schedule I controlled substance.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Fernando P. McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Lauren A. Graber of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
California Inmate Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Scheme to Deliver Drugs into State Prison by DroneRead the Press Release
Michael Ray Acosta, 48, an inmate at Pleasant Valley State Prison, was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana inside of the prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, from May 23 to Aug. 27, 2021, Acosta used a contraband cellphone to coordinate multiple drone deliveries of contraband into Pleasant Valley State Prison. Acosta’s co-conspirators Joshua Gonzalez, Jose Oropeza, Rosendo Ramirez, and David Ramirez Jr. flew drones over the prisons and dropped packages into the prisons. Acosta and his associates would then recover the contraband for further distribution throughout the prison population. The packages that Acosta helped to smuggle into the prisons included methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and various other items. Acosta was one of five people charged federally as a result of Operation Night Drop, a multi-agency investigation that sought to prevent a rising number of drone incursions over prison facilities.
Jose Oropeza is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2025, and David Ramirez is scheduled to plead guilty on the same day. Joshua Gonzalez and Rosendo Ramirez are next scheduled to appear in court on June 11, 2025.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Federal Aviation Administration, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.