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18 June 2025
Man Who Fatally Shot SLED K9 Sentenced to over 12 Years for Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. —James Robert Peterson, 38, of Prosperity, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on June 11, 2024, Peterson was found in possession of a firearm while law enforcement attempted to arrest him on a felony state warrant. He has prior convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms. Peterson used the gun to fatally shoot South Carolina Law Enforcement Division K9 Officer Coba during the incident.
United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Peterson to 150 months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Peterson was sentenced to 33 years in state prison earlier this year for first-degree burglary, attempted murder, cruelty to a police dog, and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.
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Long Island Child Therapist Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Renee Hoberman, also known as “Rina,” a licensed social worker, pleaded guilty to receipt and distribution of child pornography. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert. When sentenced, Hoberman faces a minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); and Patrick Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department, announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant, a licensed social worker, admitted to distributing extremely vile and unthinkable videos depicting the horrific sexual abuse of babies. The videos the defendant distributed and sought for her own perverse pleasure showed the most innocent members of our society being restrained and violently raped,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant’s crimes should outrage and offend every decent member of our society. My Office will relentlessly pursue predators like this defendant who victimize those who often cannot speak for themselves. We will work tirelessly to ensure that those who harm children and perpetuate the plague of child sexual abuse and child pornography are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to HSI and the Nassau County Police Department for their work on the case.
As set forth in court filings and on the record at today’s plea proceeding, Hoberman admitted to using encrypted social media messaging applications to upload, receive, and trade digital videos and images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including several videos of infants six months to one year of age being physically restrained and raped by an adult male as the infants cried and frantically screamed for the duration of the videos. The defendant also engaged in multiple online “chats” concerning child sexual molestation. In these chats, the defendant, posing as the father of several minor children, claimed to have sex with the children and punish them by getting naked, stripping the children naked, and spanking them while the other children watched. The defendant invited another user to visit “his” family in New York to spank and sexually abuse the children. In addition, the defendant described sexually abusing “his” children and their friends, and then uploaded and sent two videos containing child sexual abuse material, claiming that these videos depicted the defendant’s own children.
According to public records and as alleged in court documents, during the same time period that Hoberman was distributing child sexual abuse material online, she was also working as a therapist with an organization based in Melville, New York, which serves children up to the age of 17.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information about sexual exploitation by the defendant is asked to contact HSI’s tip line: 1-877-4-HSI-TIP or website: https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin McTague is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendant:
RENEE HOBERMAN (also known as “Rina”)
Age: 37
Plainview, Long IslandE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-463 (JS)
Local felon sentenced for transporting illegal aliens after high-speed chaseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old Laredo man has been sentenced to federal prison for transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Braulio Ivan Rueda pleaded guilty Feb. 27.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Rueda to serve a total of 21 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Nov. 25, 2024, several people ran from the Rio Grande River into an SUV with fictitious plates. Rueda was driving. When authorities tried to block the vehicle, four Guatemalan nationals fled towards the river.
Rueda sped away and led authorities on a three-mile chase before stopping in a commercial parking lot and attempting to escape on foot.
Authorities soon took him into custody and located the four illegal aliens.
He admitted he needed money and agreed to smuggle the aliens for “easy money.” One had said he arranged in Guatemala to be smuggled into the United States and picked up near Laredo.
Rueda will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department, Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Webb County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting 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.
Lobbyist Who Evaded Payment of More than $2 Million in Taxes Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Eston “Dusty” Melton III, a lobbyist operating in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, to 18 months in federal prison for evading the payment of over $2 million in federal income taxes.
According to court documents and Melton’s plea agreement, Melton owned and operated a lobbying business in both Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. For tax years 2005 through 2014, Melton filed personal federal income tax returns showing a total tax liability of $1,313,840. With penalties and interest, his total tax debt rose to $2,143,381. Melton made payments totaling $62,100 toward this debt. Additionally, the IRS collected $537,231 through liens and levies.
Between 2012 and 2021, in order to prevent the IRS from collecting his growing tax debt, Melton engaged in a sophisticated scheme to conceal his assets and income in an effort to prevent the IRS from collecting on his increasing tax debt. When an IRS Revenue Officer indicated the IRS intended to levy (or foreclose) on Melton’s house, Melton appeared to cooperate by attempting to sell the house. Melton purported to try to sell the house himself, while actually taking steps to undermine the sale. Melton finally sold the house six years after purporting to put it on the market.
Melton also took other actions to avoid IRS collection efforts. He paid roughly $80,000 in cash from his lobbying business to his wife. He transferred all his clients to a new lobbying business that was supposedly owned by his wife, then continued providing lobbying services there for little or no pay. Melton helped his wife purchase a home solely in her name, using funds primarily from his own business, and transferred ownership of cars and life insurance policies to her as well.
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg ordered Melton to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,736,586 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Bryne for the Southern District of Florida, and Emmanuel Gomez, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Osborne for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80001.
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Lee County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lee County man, Curtis Phillips, 45, was sentenced on Monday, to 360 months, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to his plea agreement, on March 17, 2023, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office encountered Phillips passed out in a vehicle in the driveway of a residence. A search of the vehicle revealed over a kilogram of pure methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, $8,000 in cash, and a set of digital scales for drug trafficking purposes. On June 18, 2024, Phillips was again encountered passed out in a vehicle by law enforcement. At his feet, law enforcement located a loaded firearm. Phillips admitted to possessing the firearm and knowing that he had been convicted of a felony, and therefore was prohibited from possessing the weapon.
Under federal law, Phillips must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Paul C. McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Sheriff Jospeh Lucas, Lee County Sheriff’s Office; and Sheriff Tara Chadwell, Owsley County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Owsley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Las Vegas Man Convicted of Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography Following Multiple Prior Child Pornography ConvictionsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – After a one-day bench trial, a Las Vegas man was found guilty on Monday for one-count of receipt of child pornography and one-count of possession of child pornography. As a result, he faces at least 15 years in federal custody.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, on June 12, 2023, Leonard Shove was found in possession of a cell phone that contained multiple images and videos which constitute child pornography. Shove was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense, and in accordance with the terms of his release, the U.S. Probation Office conducted a search of his possessions and discovered the cellular device in his backpack. The FBI subsequently took possession of the cellular device and continued the investigation.
United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva presided over the bench trial on June 16, 2025. Shove was convicted of one-count of receipt of child pornography and one-count of possession of child pornography. He had multiple prior convictions related to the possession and receipt of child pornography.
Shove is set to be sentenced on September 22, 2025. As a result of his conduct, and his prior convictions, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and statutory maximum of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafik Mattar for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jean Ripley and Daniel Schiess prosecuted the case. The case was initially indicted by Trial Attorney Supriya Prasad.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
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Largest Ever Seizure of Funds Related to Crypto Confidence ScamsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against more than $225.3 million in cryptocurrency. According to the complaint, the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI used blockchain analysis and other investigative techniques to determine that the cryptocurrency is connected to the theft and laundering of funds from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly referred to as cryptocurrency confidence scams.
The civil action was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the San Francisco Field Office, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the San Francisco Field Office.
The complaint alleges that the cryptocurrency addresses that held the over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency were part of a sophisticated blockchain-based money laundering network that executed hundreds of thousands of transactions and was used to conceal the nature, source, control, and ownership of proceeds derived from cryptocurrency investment fraud. The scam operators dispersed proceeds across an extensive group of cryptocurrency addresses and accounts on the blockchain to conceal the source of the illicitly obtained funds.
As part of the investigation of the laundering network, dozens of victims across the country were confirmed to have lost funds through the belief that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments, with more than 400 suspected victims around the world. The complaint discussed millions of dollars in victim losses.
“Under my leadership, with the support of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia is taking a leading role in the fight against crypto-confidence scams, partnering with law enforcement throughout the country to seize and forfeit stolen funds and rip them from the hands of foreign criminals, all with the eye toward making victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro.
“Today’s civil forfeiture complaint is the latest action taken by the Department to protect the American public from fraudsters specializing in cryptocurrency-based scams, and it will not be the last,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These schemes harm American victims, costing them billions of dollars every year, and undermine faith in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our investigators and prosecutors are relentlessly pursuing these scammers and their ill-gotten gains, and we will relentlessly pursue recovery of victim funds.”
“This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service history,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the U.S. Secret Service’s San Francisco Field Office. “These scams prey on trust, often resulting in extreme financial hardship for the victims. The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and our private partners worked diligently to trace these illicit transactions, identify victims and seize these funds so that they can eventually be returned to their rightful owners.”
“Cryptocurrency investment schemes can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for victims, far beyond just financial losses,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the San Francisco Field Office. “In this case, hundreds of victims lost millions of dollars to an elaborate scheme, and I commend the work of the FBI San Francisco investigative team and the United States Secret Service, San Francisco Office who worked tirelessly to return stolen assets to the victims. The FBI continues to aggressively pursue the criminals behind these heartless frauds, working alongside our federal partners and the private sector to disrupt malicious networks and recover funds for those targeted.”
According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused more than $5.8 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone.
This investigation is being handled by the U.S. Secret Service San Francisco Field Office and the FBI San Francisco Field Office. The Department of Justice thanks Tether for its proactive assistance in this investigation.
This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rosenberg and Rick Blaylock, Jr., of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and Ethan Cantor of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov. If you believe you may be a victim of one of the scams alleged in the government’s complaint, add the code “BT06182025” in the narrative of your complaint, and if you have previously filed a related complaint, make note of the prior complaint in the narrative.
verified_complaint_25-cv-1907.pdfKansan sentenced to 30 years in prison for creating child pornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas resident was sentenced to 30 years in prison for charges related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
According to court documents, Chloe Wade Gullotto, 25, of Leavenworth pled guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
From September 2023 to November 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a series of CyberTips about images and videos connected to a cloud account belonging to Gullotto. During an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the defendant admitted to using a cellphone to download CSAM and to create CSAM images.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.###
KC Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Ks., man was sentenced in federal court for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Christopher R.P. Beaman, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs to five years for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and five years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Court ordered the sentences to run consecutively for a total sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole. The Court also sentenced Beaman to three years of supervised release following incarceration.
On Nov. 26, 2024, Beaman pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense.
On July 1, 2023, Independence, Missouri Police Department officers pulled over a black Mazda truck with expired plates and missing door handles. The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Beaman. During the traffic stop, officers observed two clear glass pipes and a bowl that appeared to be drug paraphernalia. Officers asked Beaman to step out of the car and directed him to the rear of the Mazda truck. One of the officers was about to conduct a probable cause search of the truck when Beaman fled on foot. Officers chased Beaman and were ultimately able to subdue him after utilizing a Taser and forcefully handcuffing him.
When investigators searched the Mazda truck, they discovered a black, Taurus, .45 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number. They also found approximately 23.3 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Jury convicts Du Quoin felon of possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois jury found a Du Quoin man guilty of possessing a firearm as a felon in Franklin County.
A jury convicted Marcus T. Moore, 42, of one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“To help protect the public and keep guns away from dangerous individuals, convicted felons lose the right to legally possess firearms. As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to hold repeat criminal offenders accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
According to court documents, a Sesser police officer initiated a traffic stop on Moore’s vehicle on Sept. 10, 2023. After Moore failed a field sobriety test, he fled on foot as officers attempted to take him into custody. He was apprehended after being tased, and a firearm was discovered secured to his ankle.
Moore had a prior federal conviction from 2007, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm. Moore was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.
Moore’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the federal courthouse in Benton. Convictions for felon in possession of a firearm are punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The Sesser Police Department led the investigation with support from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Sanders and Tom Leggans are prosecuting the case.
Jamaican National Extradited to United States for Participating in Lottery and Romance Scheme Targeting Elderly Arizona ResidentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On June 12, 2025, Sherwayne Benjamin Bellinfantie, a.k.a. “Ice Man,” of Jamaica, was extradited to the United States to face charges related to a romance and sweepstakes scheme that targeted an Arizona resident. A federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Bellinfantie in March 2022 for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Bellinfantie was arrested in Jamaica on an extradition warrant on July 3, 2023.
The indictment alleges that from December 2015 through January 2019, Bellinfantie and his co-conspirators participated in a romance and sweepstakes scheme targeting an elderly 85-year-old resident of Vail, Arizona. Using a fictitious name, Bellinfantie and his co-conspirators deceived the victim by leading her to believe she was engaged in a romantic relationship. In furtherance of the scheme, one of the co-conspirators would send flowers with love messages to the victim’s residence. The co-conspirators also falsely represented to the victim that she had won the lottery or another monetary prize to induce her into sending them money to pay “taxes” or other “fees.” As a result of the scheme, the victim lost over $400,000.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering each carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Bellinfantie to the United States.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-0523-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-095_Bellinfantie# # #
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.Indian National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Americans While on Student VisaRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national who was living in the U.S. on a student visa was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 63 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, of Navsari, Gujarat, conspired with co-defendant Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya and others to defraud elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold from July 2024 through August 2024. The conspiracy used various online phishing methods and impersonated U.S. government officials, while Patel fraudulently received the cash and gold from victims, conveying a portion to co-conspirators and keeping a percentage for his own benefit. To date, the investigation has determined that the conspiracy defrauded at least 25 victims with a total intended loss of at least $2,694,156.
Patel was arrested by the Granite Shoals Police Department on Aug. 24, 2024, after he retrieved a box represented to contain $130,000 from a victim’s residence. He was transferred into federal custody on Aug. 29 and pleaded guilty on March 18. Patel’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman.
“This defendant took advantage of his visa status in our country and participated in an international fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Patel defrauded vulnerable American citizens out of millions of dollars by impersonating government officials and preying on his victims' fears of adverse government action. Today’s sentence demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting the perpetrators of such nefarious schemes and achieving justice for the victims.”
“The FBI is deeply committed to protecting the American people from the devastating effects of financial fraud. We prioritize and aggressively pursue those who prey on our elderly population,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. “We want to thank our colleagues at the Granite Shoals Police Department for their professionalism and dedication to the citizens they serve.”
Mangukiya pleaded guilty June 16 and awaits his sentence hearing.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.
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Illegal Alien Found Guilty of National Defense Area Violation in El Paso TrialRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – On Tuesday in El Paso, Senior U.S. District Judge David Briones found an Ecuadorian national guilty of one count of improper entry by an alien and one count of entering military property.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dario Javier Trejo-Burbano knowingly and unlawfully entered the United States on May 8, 2025, through the National Defense Area, a restricted area established by the Department of the Army.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susanna Martinez and Chris Skillern are prosecuting 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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Honduran National Sentenced to 6 Months for Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ (“AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ”), age 29, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ reentered the United States after he was previously deported on June 8, 2018. The Pacific Enforcement Response Center issued a detainer on December 22,2024, after AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, was booked into Orleans Justice Center after being arrested for several state charges and the Pacific Enforcement Response Center issued a detainer on March 5,2025, after the subject was arrested and booked into Jefferson Parish on municipal and traffic attachments.
On March 7, 2025, Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans picked up AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ after he was released from local custody and turned over to immigration on the active detainer. Department of Homeland Security record checks reflect that AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ was last deported on June 8, 2018, to Honduras.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Honduran National Sentenced for Re-Entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingU.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that HIBIS TURCIO-SANCHEZ (“TURCIO-SANCHEZ”), age 45, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and (b)(1).
According to court documents, TURCIO-SANCHEZ re-entered the United States after he was previously deported on October 17, 2016.
TURCIO-SANCHEZ was sentenced to time served before United States District Judge Susie Morgan.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran National Sentenced for Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ROSSEL GEOVANNY RECINOS ARITA (“ARITA”), age 30, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, ARITA, a Honduran national, was found in St. Tammany Parish on or around February 24, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on June 19, 2018.
ARITA was sentenced by United States District Judge Susie Morgan to time served.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Hays man sentenced to more than 4 years in prison for death on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Hays man who fatally stabbed a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 51 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,050 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tonylee Andrew Sears, 24, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of voluntary manslaughter.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early hours of January 13, 2024, law enforcement responded to reports of a stabbing at Sears’ home. Officers found the victim, Jane Doe, on the floor of the living room, bleeding. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers interviewed both Sears and a witness. The witness said he and Jane Doe had gone over to Sears’ house to drink alcohol and hang out. According to the witness, Sears and Jane Doe got into an argument that escalated. Sears ultimately grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Jane Doe while she was on the ground. The witness pulled Sears off Jane Doe and called 911. Sears threw the knife in the kitchen sink.
When Sears was interviewed, he also told officers he and Jane Doe had gotten into an argument during which Jane Doe said something about Sears’ parents—both of whom are deceased—that aggravated him. Jane Doe and Sears then ended up in a scuffle on the floor. Sears admitted he stabbed her while they were rolling around on the floor.
During the investigation, officers recovered a knife from the kitchen sink, which still had blood on the blade and on the handle. Additionally, Jane Doe’s body was autopsied. The autopsy report concluded Jane Doe’s cause of death was a stab wound to the trunk: a knife pierced her heart, almost immediately killing her.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
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Hancock County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer Ann Miller, 38, of Colliers, West Virginia, was sentenced today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller, also known as “Jennifer Reagan” and “Jenn,” sold methamphetamine on several occasions in 2022. On July 12, 2022, during a traffic stop, officers found Miller in possession of approximately361 grams of methamphetamine. Miller pled guilty to that offense.
While on pretrial release, Miller continued selling methamphetamine. On June 4, 2024, a grand jury returned a second Indictment against Miller, charging her with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Miller pled guilty to one count, and the government agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against her.
Miller was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and 33 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. The sentences will run concurrent to each other, for a total sentence of 78 months’ incarceration.
Miller will serve 3 years of supervised release following her prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Weirton Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Guatemalan Man Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Domingo Gonzalez Perez, 43, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about October 9, 2024, Perez was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States on or about September 4, 2007.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand jury indicts Mexican national for firearms, drug crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Mexican national who opened fire in a local taco restaurant parking lot was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Abel Velasquez-Avecedo, 29, was charged with illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine.
According to charging documents, on April 11, Velasquez-Avecedo and another individual allegedly had an argument at Taco Nice restaurant in Columbus. It is alleged that the defendant fired multiple shots from a vehicle while driving near the restaurant.
Local law enforcement authorities found Velasquez-Avecedo to be in possession of a pistol and 30 to 40 small baggies of narcotics.
The defendant has prior convictions including assault and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Possessing a firearm as an illegal alien is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the indictment returned on June 17. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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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Grand jury indicts Columbian national for illegally reentering United States after prior kidnapping, firearms convictionsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jaime Fernandez-Alacron, 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony.
According to charging documents, the defendant was previously removed from the United States in 2011 and 2020. Fernandez-Alacron was deported after being convicted in New York of federal kidnapping conspiracy and firearms crimes.
Court documents detail that Fernandez-Alacron was most recently arrested in May by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was charged locally with felony possession of drugs and driving violations, including driving while intoxicated and without a valid license.
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, like Fernandez-Alacron is in this case, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Robert Lynch, Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office; and Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones announced the indictment filed today. Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
These cases were 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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Grand Island Man Charged with Attempting to Damage Federal Property with Molotov CocktailRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Eulisis P. Martin, 20, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was charged on June 16, 2025, by criminal complaint with one count of attempting malicious damage to federal property using explosive materials. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a special assessment of $100. Martin was arrested on June 16, 2025.
Martin is alleged to have utilized a Molotov cocktail near a federal building housing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Grand Island on June 9, 2025. Martin is also linked to a spray-painted sign on the federal building stating, “Kill ICE” on June 9.
Aware of the vandalism at the HSI building, a Grand Island Police officer, while on patrol, observed an individual wearing dark clothing running along the fence of the HSI building on June 14. Upon further investigation, Grand Island Police officers located government vehicles with slashed tires.
Law enforcement identified a vehicle belonging to Martin in the area of the building at the time of vandalisms and Molotov cocktail event. Law enforcement located Martin’s vehicle and observed in plain view inside the vehicle a dark brown coat, several gloves, a protest-style sign, a scarf, and two bags under the scarf resembling a tactical-style bag. Open-source information revealed a phone number assigned to Martin. Law enforcement was able to place Martin’s cellphone in the area of the HSI building on June 9 and June 14. Surveillance of Martin’s vehicle and his residence revealed that Martin was showing signs that he was a target of an investigation and took measures to dispose of his vehicle by relocating it to a rural property.
Martin appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 18, 2025, for his initial appearance.
“The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue, identify, and apprehend anyone who maliciously attempts to damage federal property,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office. He added, “Many members of our community work in federal buildings and serve the public, and they deserve to do so free from the threat of harm and violence. We respect and protect the right of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment freedoms but will not tolerate individuals inciting violence or engaging in criminal activity and violating federal law. We appreciate the support of the Nebraska State Patrol, Grand Island Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Federal Protective Service in bringing Martin to justice.”
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods said, “The United States Attorney’s Office vows that violence, intimidation, and threats of violence against federal law enforcement officers, federal investigative agencies, other federal employees who are just doing their jobs and enforcing the laws will not be tolerated in Nebraska. Federal law enforcement officers do not make the laws, but they are tasked with enforcing them, and they must be able to do so safely. Anyone who chooses to target law enforcement officers and agencies will be held accountable.”
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Protective Service, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Grand Island Police Department.
Grand Island Man Charged with Attempting to Damage Federal Property with Molotov CocktailRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Eulisis P. Martin, 20, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was charged on June 16, 2025, by criminal complaint with one count of attempting malicious damage to federal property using explosive materials. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a special assessment of $100. Martin was arrested on June 16, 2025.
Martin is alleged to have utilized a Molotov cocktail near a federal building housing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Grand Island on June 9, 2025. Martin is also linked to a spray-painted sign on the federal building stating, “Kill ICE” on June 9.
Aware of the vandalism at the HSI building, a Grand Island Police officer, while on patrol, observed an individual wearing dark clothing running along the fence of the HSI building on June 14. Upon further investigation, Grand Island Police officers located government vehicles with slashed tires.
Law enforcement identified a vehicle belonging to Martin in the area of the building at the time of vandalisms and Molotov cocktail event. Law enforcement located Martin’s vehicle and observed in plain view inside the vehicle a dark brown coat, several gloves, a protest-style sign, a scarf, and two bags under the scarf resembling a tactical-style bag. Open-source information revealed a phone number assigned to Martin. Law enforcement was able to place Martin’s cellphone in the area of the HSI building on June 9 and June 14. Surveillance of Martin’s vehicle and his residence revealed that Martin was showing signs that he was a target of an investigation and took measures to dispose of his vehicle by relocating it to a rural property.
Martin appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 18, 2025, for his initial appearance.
“The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue, identify, and apprehend anyone who maliciously attempts to damage federal property,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office. He added, “Many members of our community work in federal buildings and serve the public, and they deserve to do so free from the threat of harm and violence. We respect and protect the right of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment freedoms but will not tolerate individuals inciting violence or engaging in criminal activity and violating federal law. We appreciate the support of the Nebraska State Patrol, Grand Island Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Federal Protective Service in bringing Martin to justice.”
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods said, “The United States Attorney’s Office vows that violence, intimidation, and threats of violence against federal law enforcement officers, federal investigative agencies, other federal employees who are just doing their jobs and enforcing the laws will not be tolerated in Nebraska. Federal law enforcement officers do not make the laws, but they are tasked with enforcing them, and they must be able to do so safely. Anyone who chooses to target law enforcement officers and agencies will be held accountable.”
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Protective Service, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Grand Island Police Department.
Gorham Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Gorham man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to court records, Cody J. Merrill, 33, who had been previously convicted of unlawful sexual conduct involving a minor in York County Superior Court, sent a video file depicting child sexual abuse material to an undercover Special Agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) over a messaging application. In February 2025, HSI executed a search warrant at his residence, resulting in the seizure of multiple digital media devices that contained child sexual abuse material files. During a recorded interview with investigators, Merrill admitted to accessing, viewing, and distributing child sexual abuse material over the internet.
Merrill faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a maximum supervised release term of life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HSI investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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Georgia Man Sentenced to More Than 33 Years for Transporting A Minor with Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity and Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Vincent Joseph Robusto (42, Decatur, GA) to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. Robusto was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. A federal jury found Robusto guilty on January 15, 2025.
According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in at least February 2021, Robusto was chatting and discussing sexual activity with a minor using a social media application. In July 2021, Robusto purchased an airline ticket for the minor using his bank card and provided the airline with the minor’s name and date of birth, indicating that he knew the minor’s age. On July 17, 2021, Robusto caused the minor to travel from Texas to Fort Myers, where airport surveillance video captured Robusto picking up the minor from the airport.
Within a few days, the minor’s parent contacted the Dilley (Texas) Police Department (DPD) to report the minor missing and shared the locations of the minor’s cellphone that were observed using a locator application. The DPD contacted the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for assistance in locating the minor and provided the residential address of a home in Port Charlotte indicated by the locator application.
On July 23, 2021, at approximately 3:00 a.m., CCSO deputies arrived at the Port Charlotte residence attempting to locate the minor, where they found Robusto with the minor. While executing a search of the residence, law enforcement located a firearm and ammunition inside Robusto’s backpack on a kitchen table. Robusto knew that he was a convicted felon and could not possess a firearm or ammunition.
Subsequently, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted DNA analysis on evidence obtained in this case. A crime laboratory analyst found Robusto’s DNA on the rough surfaces of the firearm and in the analysis of the sexual assault kit that had been collected from the minor.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Dilley Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Lee County Port Authority. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Yolande G. Viacava and Benjamin S. Winter.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
General Manager Pleads Guilty to Practice of Hiring AliensRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – John Washburn, general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings in El Cajon, pleaded guilty in federal court today to engaging in a pattern or practice of hiring undocumented immigrants without authorization to work.
As part of the plea agreement, Washburn admitted that he knew at least 10 workers were undocumented immigrants at the company, and that three were living in a company warehouse where U.S. Navy submarine components were being stored. These charges stemmed from a search warrant that was served by federal agents at the company’s warehouses in March of this year.
Washburn was immediately sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major to one year probation and 50 hours of community service.
According to the plea agreement, Washburn admitted he had communicated with other managers at San Diego Powder & Protective Coating about certain employees who had “issues” with their paperwork or “bad paperwork,” meaning some employees lacked valid documents showing they had legal authorization to work in the U.S.
In or around 2024, the defendant communicated with company officials regarding assigning employees with “good paperwork” to work at the military base because those employees would be subjected to additional screening prior to entering restricted areas on the base.
Homeland Security Investigations San Diego is investigating these cases with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; GSA - Office of Inspector General; United States Border Patrol; Customs and Border Protection, ERO; NCIS; SBA – Office of Inspector General; Drug Enforcement Administration San Diego Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong.
DEFENDANT Case Number 25mj1458-BLM
John Washburn Age: 57
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Engaging in a Pattern or Practice of Employing Aliens, in violation of Title 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(a)(1)(A) and (f); Maximum Penalty: Six months in prison; $3,000 fine per alien.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General
General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General
Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General
Enforcement and Removal Operations
Drug Enforcement Administration
Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives
U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This investigation 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).
Four months of Operation Take Back America results in criminal charges against 39 defendants in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman announced today the immediate success of Operation Take Back America in Alaska. In just over four months since its inception, the District of Alaska has already criminally charged 39 defendants under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, repel the invasion of illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking.
“Operation Take Back America has already been a huge success in Alaska. By concentrating our efforts on national law enforcement priorities and aggressively charging individuals for perpetrating crimes that most significantly impact public safety, our communities are becoming safer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The road ahead will be challenging, but I want to thank our federal, state and local partners for these early successes and look forward to the continued mission.”
“DEA’s core mission is protecting America from drug traffickers and others who seek to do harm to our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “We are proud to collaborate with our partners in Alaska as we work collectively to aggressively implement Operation Take Back America. The amazing results so far speak to DEA’s commitment to work with our partners to make Alaska safe.”
“Transnational criminal organizations responsible for violent crime and drug trafficking in Alaska not only endanger communities, but are also a threat to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Through Operation Take Back America, Alaskans can expect to see continued results in our mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises in furtherance of public safety.”
“When law enforcement agencies at all levels unite, each contributing its distinct strengths, the collective effort enhances the safety of all Americans in the fight against violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division.
Among the 28 cases charged between Jan. 21, 2025, and June 10, 2025, the following three cases highlight the impact of Operation Take Back America in Alaska:
U.S. v. Mobley
On Nov. 14 and 15, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, allegedly distributed carfentanil to two people, one adult and one minor. Carfentanil is a highly potent opioid not approved for human use. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Both victims allegedly used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was revived by Narcan, but the minor victim died. Mobley then allegedly dumped her body onto a secluded ATV trail in Wasilla in the middle of the night. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. v. Clifton et al
Between August 2024 and February 2025, Corey Clifton, 51, and Elizabeth Cruickshank, 44, allegedly conspired together, and with others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl in Alaska. Specifically, on one occasion, Clifton allegedly shipped a parcel from Washington to Cruickshank in Alaska. The parcel contained over 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills (over approximately 42,000 pills) packaged in small baggies with stickers inside drink mix containers. The indictment also alleges that between April 2024 to 2025, Clifton and Cruickshank conspired together to launder over one-half million dollars in drug proceeds. Clifton is also accused of possessing two firearms and ammunition as a felon. If convicted, they face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. v. Kawanishi
On Oct. 21, 2024, Alexander Kawanishi, 32, allegedly purchased illegal narcotics from an individual at an Anchorage motel. Court documents allege that Kawanishi provided the individual with $100 in cash, but later demanded the money back. When the individual refused, Kawanishi allegedly shot the individual with a pistol in the lower back/hip area before fleeing the scene. On Nov. 15, 2024, law enforcement located Kawanishi slumped over the wheel of a vehicle that was stuck on a snowbank. When Kawanishi woke up and exited the vehicle, he was wearing body armor and had two pistols on his person. During Kawanishi’s arrest, law enforcement, discovered a third firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. At the time of the alleged conduct, Kawanishi had two felony convictions in Alaska Superior Court, making him a felon in possession of multiple firearms. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Below is the full list of cases charged as part of Operation Take Back America in Alaska (in alphabetical order):
U.S. v. Benson (DT)U.S. v. Melvin(VC)U.S. v. Santiago-Martinez (I)U.S. v. Carroll (VC)U.S. v. Miles et al. (DT)U.S. v. Schaefer et al. (DT)U.S. v. Clifton et al (DT)U.S. v. Mobley(DT)U.S. v. Cody Severance (VC)U.S. v. Cotton(DT)U.S. v. Owens (VC)U.S. v. Sergio Severance (VC)U.S. v. Facey(DT)U.S. vs. Parker (DT)U.S. v. Spann (VC)U.S. v. Garrett (DT)U.S. v. Ritchie (DT)U.S. v. Steffensen (DT)U.S. v. Greydanus et al. (DT)U.S. v. Rodgers et al. (DT)U.S. v. Walker (VC)U.S. v. Katelnikoff et al. (DT)U.S. v. Ronquillo (I)U.S. v. Washington et al. (DT)U.S. v. Kawanishi (VC)U.S. v. Rowcroft-Ivy (VC)U.S. v. Woods (DT)U.S. v. Lemana (VC)*Drug Trafficking (DT)
*Violent Crime (VC)
*Immigration (I)In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Heyman commends the FBI Anchorage Field Office, DEA Seattle Field Division, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for their investigations that lead to these charges. He also thanks the state and local law enforcement partners that assisted with the operations in these cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska are prosecuting the cases.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former U.S. Marine Sentenced for Submitting False Purple Heart ApplicationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former United States Marine was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for submitting a false Purple Heart application.
Paul John Herbert, 54, of Shelburne Falls, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to two years of supervised release with the first year to be served in home confinement. In March 2025, Herbert pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements. In September 2023, Herbert was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Beginning on Oct. 13, 2010, Herbert submitted numerous false statements to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) concerning IED-related injuries in support of a claim for disability compensation. Based upon these false claims, between January 1, 2010 and March 1, 2023 the VA overpaid Herbert $344,040.
On Oct. 24, 2018, Herbert issued a request to his Congressman to assist with the application for a Purple Heart. The request contained a notarized letter from Herbert, that falsely stated he had been injured by a roadside explosion.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office; and Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Sunset Chief of Police Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Luis Enrique Padilla a/k/a Louis Padilla, former Chief of Police of the Sunset Police Department has been sentenced by United States District Judge David C. Joseph. Padilla was sentenced to six months home incarceration with GPS monitoring, and five years of probation, for willfully using unreasonable force against an individual violating his civil rights.
Padilla pled guilty in March to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with deprivation of rights under color of law and agreed to resign and not run for re-election as part of his plea deal. Padilla had been employed as the Chief of Police of the Sunset Police Department since 2016. According to information presented in court, on December 1, 2023, while acting under the color of law, Padilla used unreasonable force against an individual during an arrest.
Padilla was on duty and involved in an investigation concerning a hit and run and reported to the residence of the suspect, who was identified as a black female. Upon Padilla’s arrival at the residence, a male was standing outside of the residence. This individual was not aware of the alleged hit and run incident and did not match the physical description of the suspect. Padilla immediately approached the male in an aggressive manner and placed him in handcuffs. The individual did not resist in any way or pose a threat to himself of any officer.
While handcuffed, Padilla poked the individual in the chest and neck area and began to yell at him. Padilla continued to yell in the individual’s face and threatened to show him that he was “a bad man.” The victim never reacted to Padilla’s tirade. While he was handcuffed, Padilla then warned “let me show you how bad I am” and proceeded to forcefully twist the victim’s left thumb and wrist, causing pain to the handcuffed individual who was unlawfully detained.
Padilla admitted to willfully using unreasonable force under the circumstances. The suspect was taken to the Sunset Police Department and released without being charged.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Myers P. Namie.
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Former Rolla Church Volunteer Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a former church youth ministry volunteer from Rolla, Missouri to 9 years in prison for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Bradley Thomas Colvin was also ordered to pay $84,000 to 28 victims that have been identified in the child sexual abuse material (CSAM) he possessed.
Colvin searched for, viewed and downloaded CSAM for years. Colvin also distributed child pornography via a peer-to peer file sharing program to an officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol who was conducting an investigation. After a court-approved search of Colvin’s home, Colvin admitted during a polygraph examination having touched a minor for sexual gratification years earlier at a pool party to celebrate the end of Vacation Bible School. Investigators also found at least 833 videos and 5,566 images containing CSAM on Colvin’s computers and electronic devices, he admitted as part of a guilty plea.
Colvin, 52, pleaded guilty in March in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. He will be on supervised release for life after his release from prison.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club Pleads Guilty for Assault Against a Rival Motorcycle Club MemberRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in an assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.
Jarrid A. Hammer, also known as “Hammer,” 45, of Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.
On July 20, 2023, Hammer and two other members of the Pagan’s assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a bar & grill in North Kansas City, Mo. Hammer told the victim that they were there to shut the victim’s club down, then flipped a table over knocking the victim to the ground. Once on the ground, Hammer and the other two Pagan’s began stomping, kicking and punching the victim. The victim later told law enforcement that those who assaulted them were wearing steel-toed boots. Hammer and the two others fled the bar & grill before any law enforcement arrived. The victim was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital, suffering from a head contusion (bruise on the brain), rib fracture, hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the area between the chest wall and lungs), a left pulmonary contusion (bruising of the lung), pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a traumatic brain injury.
Under federal statutes, Hammer is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This 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.
Former JBLM soldier pleads guilty to attempting to share military secrets with ChinaRead the Press Release
A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington pleaded guilty on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal felonies, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, pleaded guilty to attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. He faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on September 9, 2025.
According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After his separation from the military, Schmidt reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later, the Chinese security services via email offering national defense information.
In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service. He created multiple lengthy documents describing various “high level secrets” he was offering to the Chinese government. He retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks.
Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until October 2023, when he flew to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport.
Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Former JBLM soldier pleads guilty to attempting to share military secrets with ChinaRead the Press Release
Seattle – A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal felonies, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, pleaded guilty to attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. He faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on September 9, 2025.
According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After his separation from the military, Schmidt reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later, the Chinese security services via email offering national defense information.
In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service. He created multiple lengthy documents describing various “high level secrets” he was offering to the Chinese government. He retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks.
Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until October 2023, when he flew to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport.
Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case.
Former Georgia Bookkeeper Sentenced for Embezzling from Columbus Real Estate Brokerage FirmRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A former employee of Keller Williams Realty River Cities was sentenced to prison after she admitted to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer to pay off her credit card.
Lauren Williams Eldridge, 38, of Pine Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $453,876.64 in restitution to Keller Williams Realty River Cities by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on June 18 after she previously pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud on Jan. 29, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The repercussions of employee theft are often felt beyond the prosecution, negatively affecting businesses, their customers and the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Fraud and theft will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia. Our office will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to hold those who choose to disregard the law accountable.”
“For years, Eldridge used her company’s funds like her personal ATM,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “She will now have more than two years behind bars to consider the impact of her actions.”
According to court documents and other statements made in court, Eldridge was an office manager and bookkeeper for nine years with Keller Williams Realty River Cities (KW). KW representatives noticed some discrepancies in a KW account in Oct. 2022 and that Eldridge had moved money out of that account to other accounts. When Eldridge was initially questioned about the transfer, she did not provide a clear explanation. Eldridge resigned from her position soon afterward.
Law enforcement was notified in Jan. 2023; a review of the KW accounts revealed that a total of $453,876.68 in monthly electronic payments were made to Eldridge’s personal American Express account from KW accounts between Jan. 2017 and Sept. 2022. Eldridge admitted to KW representatives and their legal counsel in Dec. 2022 that she embezzled the money from KW to pay her personal American Express credit card balance every month. She reported that she intended to pay this money back when she first began taking funds after she had charged $30,000 to her American Express for home repairs.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Hostetler prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Fort Hood Soldiers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas – A former U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Hood was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos to 33 months in prison for aiding and abetting the transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain.
According to court documents, Enrique Jauregui, 26, organized a smuggling event in 2024, recruiting fellow soldiers Angel Palma, 21, and Emilio Mendoza Lopez, 22. Jauregui provided Palma and Mendoza Lopez with the location information to pick up illegal aliens to smuggle, supported them with encouraging messages and instructions, and intended to pay the two co-conspirators after they dropped off the illegal aliens.
On Nov. 27, 2024, Palma and Mendoza Lopez drove from Fort Hood (known at the time as Fort Cavazos) to Presidio and picked up three illegal aliens before leading U.S. Border Patrol agents on a high-speed chase. At one point, the defendants hit a marked USBP vehicle with an agent inside, causing injuries. Palma and Mendoza Lopez, along with the three illegal aliens, fled the vehicle on foot. All were apprehended except for Palma, who was located at a hotel in Odessa and eventually arrested.
All three co-defendants pleaded guilty in early 2025. Palma and Mendoza Lopez were each sentenced in May to 24 months in federal prison. In addition to their imprisonment, Palma, Mendoza Lopez, and Jauregui were also sentenced to three years of supervised release. Jauregui was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. U.S. District Judge David Counts presided over the hearings.
“These three individuals turned their backs on their values in a way that put our nation at risk, and put at risk the lives of others, including the lives of law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Everyone in this district, regardless of whether you wear the uniform or not, should take note: if you seek to enrich yourself by moving illegal aliens into or through this country, you will face the consequences of federal prosecution and will likely find yourself in federal prison.”
"The sentencing of these individuals underscores the serious consequences of engaging in human smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens for Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. “Recruiting fellow soldiers to participate in illegal activities, culminating in a reckless high-speed chase with law enforcement, is a blatant betrayal of duty and public trust. HSI alongside our law enforcement partners, remain committed to dismantling smuggling networks and ensuring those responsible face justice."
“This sentencing demonstrates the strong partnership between Army CID, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Border Patrol," said Special Agent in Charge Lane Allen of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Central Texas Field Office. "Maintaining the readiness and integrity of our fighting force remains our top priority."
Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Central Texas Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Cayton 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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Former Employee of Global Security and Aerospace Company Admits to Lying About Military ServiceRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Omar Naziry, a former employee of a global security and aerospace company, pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341, in connection with a scheme to defraud his former employer by falsely claiming to be on military deployment.
Naziry, 40, of Mountain View, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 24, 2024. According to his plea agreement, Naziry’s former employer (Company 1) had a policy under which it paid a differential to any employee who went on military leave. The differential was the difference between the employee’s company pay and military pay. The policy—which, according to the indictment, was first instituted following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks and later expanded to cover all forms of military leave—ensured the employee experienced no reduction in income because of his or her military service.
Naziry admitted in his plea agreement that, although he was not and had never been in the U.S. military, he fraudulently obtained differential pay and other benefits from Company 1 between August 2016 and April 2022 by falsely claiming to be on military deployment. In support of his August 2016 request for differential pay, Naziry submitted false military orders and a military leave and earnings statement. In July 2017, Naziry renewed his fraudulent differential pay request, falsely claiming his nonexistent military deployment had been extended by four years and submitting false military orders. In reliance on Naziry’s misrepresentations, Company 1 awarded Naziry differential pay following these requests. In June 2021, Naziry made a third fraudulent request for differential pay, which Company 1 did not award because Naziry had already reached the five-year limit for differential pay.
Naziry further admitted that, in January 2022, he used a fake identity to request additional differential pay from Company 1. In March of that year, Company 1 sent Naziry a letter advising him it had reason to believe his military orders were fraudulent. In response—and for the purpose of convincing Company 1 to reverse its decision and award him additional differential pay—Naziry mailed Company 1 a letter falsely representing that his military orders were valid and that he was stationed in the Middle East. Naziry also admitted in his plea agreement that he caused Company 1 a financial loss of between $250,000 and $550,000.
Naziry separately admitted in his plea agreement that, between January 2021 and October 2022, he fraudulently obtained $35,093 in federal housing assistance payments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by knowingly misstating his income to be significantly lower than it actually was.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and John Helsing, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office, made the announcement.
Naziry is currently released on bond. Naziry’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts. Naziry faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine (or twice the gross gain). However, any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Arash Rezaei is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kevin Costello and Lynette Dixon. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DCIS and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.
Foreign National Sentenced to Prison for Conducting Cyber Scams That Victimized U.S. Citizens and BusinessesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A foreign national has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for conducting a variety of cyber fraud schemes that victimized U.S. citizens and businesses.
RIDWAN ADELEKE ADEPOJU and co-schemers operated multiple fraud schemes from Nigeria, including phishing scams, romance scams, and the submission of fraudulent tax returns. The scams involved multiple spoofed email addresses, fictional social media personas, and unwitting money mules. Adepoju’s schemes victimized numerous U.S. citizens and businesses, including individuals and companies in the Chicago area.
Adepoju, 33, of Lagos, Nigeria, was arrested last year in the United Kingdom and extradited to the United States. He pleaded guilty in March to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly imposed a 43-month prison sentence.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.
"Defendant’s offense involved a years-long, complex scheme, involving several types of scams and many victims,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie E. Ursini argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant chose to be a willing participant in the scheme over and over again.”
Five Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Deportation; Another Sentenced for Fraudulent Passport ApplicationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that five defendants convicted of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations, and one defendant convicted of making false statements in his passport applications so he could illegally reside in the U.S., were sentenced this week.
Ronal Leonardo Suarez, 44, a Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty this afternoon to illegal reentry and was sentenced to time served, three months, by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney. Having completed his prison sentence, Suarez again will be removed from the country.
Suarez had had previously been deported from the U.S. in July 2003, after he was encountered by immigration authorities and ordered removed.
In March of this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) located and arrested Suarez outside the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown, where he had an appearance on a pending criminal charge. Suarez was charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry in April.
Demetrio Pulido Urbina, 39, a Mexican national, was sentenced this morning to time served, just over four months, by United States District Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg, for illegal reentry. Having completed his prison sentence, Pulido Urbina again will be removed from the country.
Pulido Urbina had previously been removed from the U.S. three times: twice in February 2015, after separate encounters with the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas and Arizona, and again in June 2016, after he was convicted in the District of Arizona of illegally reentering the United States and had completed his 30-day sentence.
In August 2024, ICE received electronic notification that Pulido Urbina had been arrested by the Caln Township (Pa.) Police Department on a charge of simple assault.
ICE located and arrested Pulido Urbina in February of this year. He was charged by indictment the same month and pleaded guilty in April.
Gonzalo Hernandez-Roque, 28, a Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to illegal reentry and was sentenced to time served, almost three months, by United States District Judge John M. Gallagher. Having completed his prison sentence, Hernandez-Roque again will be removed from the country.
A May 2016 encounter with the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas led an immigration judge to order his deportation, and he was removed from the country that July.
In March of this year, ICE located and administratively arrested Hernandez-Roque and he was charged by indictment in April.
Guillermo Lopez-Ramirez, 34, a Guatemalan national, was also sentenced on Tuesday by Judge Gallagher to time served, almost three months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country.
Lopez-Ramirez had had previously been removed from the U.S. in May 2015, after he was encountered and arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol for being in the country illegally.
In July of 2024, ICE received electronic notification that Lopez-Ramirez had been arrested by the Upper Moreland Township (Pa.) Police Department.
After conducting surveillance to verify the defendant’s identity and location, ICE arrested Lopez-Ramirez in March of this year, and he was charged by information in April.
Martin Astudillo Estrada, aka Martely Ortiz Perez, 41, a Mexican national, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Gail A. Weilheimer to four months in prison for illegal reentry. At the conclusion of his sentence, he again will be removed from the country.
Following multiple encounters with U.S. immigration authorities between 2000 and 2013 that had resulted in Astudillo Estrada’s voluntary departures back to Mexico, he was encountered in June of 2015 by the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona and removed from the U.S. that July.
In July 2024, ICE received an electronic notification that the Downingtown Borough Police Department had arrested Astudillo Estrada for driving under the influence of a controlled substance/alcohol, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program in November 2024.
Earlier this year, ICE officers conducted surveillance, confirmed Astudillo Estrada’s location and identity, and took him into custody in February. He was charged by indictment with illegal reentry in March and pleaded guilty in April.
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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
The cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lizmar Bosques, Rosalynda M. Michetti, Robert Schopf, Rebecca J. Kulik, and Robert J. Livermore.
Also on Monday, Andres De La Rosa Hernandez, 61, a Dominican native illegally residing in Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced to time served, approximately two months, by United States District Judge John F. Murphy for making a false statement in application of a passport. Having completed his prison sentence, De La Rosa Hernandez will be removed from the country.
The defendant was charged by information in April of this year and pleaded guilty in May, at which time he waived prosecution by indictment.
As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, De La Rosa Hernandez had been living illegally in the United States under the name and identity of a U.S. citizen, filing for and receiving multiple U.S. passport books and cards in that citizen’s name.
Specifically, in May 2004 the defendant fraudulently obtained a U.S. passport book in in the name and other identifiers of Victim 1, and in August 2014, used that U.S. passport book to fraudulently obtain a renewed U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card.
In September 2024, De La Rosa Hernandez used the fraudulently obtained 2014 U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card to attempt to receive a renewed U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card. Ultimately, they were not issued, after the Philadelphia Passport Agency discovered multiple fraud indicators during the adjudication process and referred the matter to the U.S. Department of State.
This case was investigated by the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Livermore.
Fairfax man sentenced for attempted church shootingRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Fairfax man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for his attempt to carry out a mass shooting at a Haymarket church, for carrying a gun during that attempt, and for transmitting threats over the internet. Rui Jiang, 36, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Jiang was previously convicted by a jury in March 2025.
According to evidence presented at trial, Jiang began posting online threats against the Park Valley Church on the evening of Sept. 23, 2023, which made clear his intention to kill congregants. The next morning, police searched for Jiang in response to a concerned citizen’s call. Officers located Jiang at the church while Sunday services were underway. Jiang was armed with a semiautomatic handgun, two magazines of ammunition, and two knives. He had additional ammunition, knives, and a canister of bear spray in his nearby car. During a search of Jiang’s apartment, police discovered copies of a manifesto, signed by Jiang, which read in part, “I am here deny (sic) the love lives blessed by God to these lucky men, by taking out these men… To the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do (sic).”
“The freedom to worship without fear is one of the bedrock principles of our Nation,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Rui Jiang set out to violate that principle by entering a church during a religious service armed with the intent to murder innocent parishioners. This unspeakable act, only thwarted by brave law enforcement officers and civilians, has no place in our Republic and will always be a priority of my office.”
“This was the closest of calls. But for the determination of a concerned citizen; the exceptional police work by the Anne Arundel, Fairfax, and Prince William County Police Departments; and the steadfast vigilance of the church security team, this would have ended in unimaginable tragedy,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will relentlessly investigate and prosecute attacks on our nation’s houses of worship.”
“The church shooting that was thwarted because of the vigilance of concerned citizens is a reminder that when communities and law enforcement agencies work together, we can prevent targeted acts of violence,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office.
The FBI investigated the case with substantial assistance from the Prince William County and Fairfax County Police Departments. The Anne Arundel County Police Department also assisted.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-65.
Florida Man Convicted of Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography and Distribution of Obscene MaterialRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Donovan Arthur Sauleda, 39, of Crawfordville, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of all counts for possession and receipt of child pornography and production and distribution of obscene material portraying a child. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Protecting our children from sexual exploitation and abuse is of paramount importance, and I am proud of the great work by my office to bring this sex offender to justice. My office will aggressively pursue these types of cases to ensure those who victimize our most vulnerable populations are prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Trial testimony demonstrated in November, 2021, Sauleda, a registered sex offender, came under investigation by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office for his failure to register his internet accounts as required by law. Further investigation led to a search warrant in March 2022, where the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement found child pornography and child-like sex dolls within Sauleda’s residence. Sauleda was found to have made videos for sale and distribution with the child-like sex dolls.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
Sauleda will be required to continue to register as a sex offender following his prison sentence and is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and up twenty years’ imprisonment.
This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ellenton Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for His Role in Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle today sentenced Alexis Soto Escalante (20, Ellenton) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiring to and possessing with the intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of cocaine. Soto Escalante pleaded guilty on April 11, 2025.
According to court records, on May 22, 2024, Soto Escalante provided 55.9 grams of fentanyl to his co-defendant, Traveous Anderson, which was recovered by agents upon Anderson’s arrest. Later that same day, Soto Escalante traveled to Anderson’s apartment to collect payment for the fentanyl delivery, where he was also arrested. Agents recovered 641 grams of cocaine and 3.7 grams of fentanyl from the vehicle Soto Escalante was driving. Agents subsequently executed a search warrant at Soto Escalante’s home and found an additional 14.03 grams of cocaine and a handgun inside Soto Escalante’s bedroom closet.
Anderson is pending trial for his alleged role in this case.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips Members and Associates Indicted, Including Murder, Robbery, Fentanyl Distribution and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
A twelve-count indictment was unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia charging nine members of the Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips (RTC) violent street gang with crimes including a drug conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, conspiring to distribute large quantities of pressed fentanyl pills, narcotics trafficking, identity fraud, and the illegal use and straw purchasing of firearms.
According to the indictment, the RTC is a subunit or “set” of the Crips national street gang. The indictment alleges RTC members and associates committed numerous violent acts on behalf of the RTC, including a June 2022 murder in Alexandria, Virginia; a July 2021 attempted shooting of several individuals in the District of Columbia; an August 2021 armed robbery and pistol whipping of an individual in Hollywood, Florida; and a January 2021 attempted murder of two individuals in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. To finance and promote the RTC’s criminal activities, the indictment alleges that RTC members and associates obtained and distributed multi-kilogram quantities of pressed fentanyl pills. The indictment also alleges that, as part of the gang’s criminal activity, the RTC recruited children and encouraged them to commit crimes on behalf of the gang, including acts of violence and drug trafficking.
“As alleged, RTC members unleashed a wave of violence across three states and the District of Columbia, extending down the East Coast to Florida,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their commission of brutal, indiscriminate acts over perceived slights on social media reflects a particularly dangerous form of gang activity. The Criminal Division remains firmly committed to prosecuting menacing gangs and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
“The offenses alleged in this indictment represent the spectrum of danger presented by nationwide criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Any of these elements alone – from violence to illegal drugs to identity theft – is enough to destroy communities and lives, and these organizations employ them without compunction. Through coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are determined to eradicate criminal gangs and protect our citizens from the detriment they bring.”
“DEA is committed to protecting Americans by investigating and taking down major violators of drug laws who operate within the United States and around the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Ibrar Mian of the DEA Washington Field Division. “As demonstrated by today’s indictment, drug trafficking, firearms, and violence are undeniably connected, which is why we continue to address these threats with the full force of the federal government. The tenacious and hard-working men and women of DEA are combatting the illicit manufacture and distribution of drugs, removing illicit firearms from American streets, helping to put public threats in jail, and restoring safety in our communities.”
“Today’s announcement indicates a significant step towards making it even more clear that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with our partner agencies are committed to protecting our communities from violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the ATF Washington Field Division. “There just isn’t a place for criminal behavior in our neighborhoods. Although this is very early on in the judicial process, we remain optimistic that all of those involved will be held accountable for their actions.”
If convicted, the defendants face penalties including: up to life in prison or the death penalty for murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death; up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and use of a firearm during or in relation to drug trafficking; up to 25 years in prison for straw purchasing of firearms; up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Virginia State Police; and Arlington County Police Department are investigating the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; United States Postal Inspection Service; FBI; Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Fairfax County Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Prince William County’s Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney; Prince William County Parks and Recreation; United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sherriff’s Office; Manassas Park Police Department; George Mason University Police Department; Chesterfield County Police Department; Del City, OK, Police Department; Valley Brook, OK, Police Department; Tonto Apache Police Department; Sumter County, SC, Sheriff’s Office; Hollywood, FL, Police Department; Nash County, NC, Sheriff’s Office; Winston-Salem, NC, Police Department; and Nebraska State Patrol.
Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Ryan B. Bredemeier for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting 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 Project Safe Neighborhood and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs), which identify, disrupt, and dismantle 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Eastside Rollin 20s Crips members and associates indicted, including murder, robbery, fentanyl distribution and firearms offensesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A twelve-count indictment was unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia charging nine members of the Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips (RTC) violent street gang with crimes including a drug conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, conspiring to distribute large quantities of pressed fentanyl pills, narcotics trafficking, identity fraud, and the illegal use and straw purchasing of firearms.
According to the indictment, the RTC is a subunit or “set” of the Crips national street gang. The indictment alleges RTC members and associates committed numerous violent acts on behalf of the RTC, including a June 2022 murder in Alexandria; a July 2021 attempted shooting of several individuals in the District of Columbia; an August 2021 armed robbery and pistol whipping of an individual in Hollywood, Florida; and a January 2021 attempted murder of two individuals in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. To finance and promote the RTC’s criminal activities, the indictment alleges that RTC members and associates obtained and distributed multi-kilogram quantities of pressed fentanyl pills. The indictment also alleges that, as part of the gang’s criminal activity, the RTC recruited children under the age of 18 and encouraged them to commit crimes on behalf of the gang, including acts of violence and drug trafficking.
“The offenses alleged in this indictment represent the spectrum of danger presented by nationwide criminal enterprises,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Any of these elements alone – from violence to illegal drugs to identity theft – is enough to destroy communities and lives, and these organizations employ them without compunction. Through coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are determined to eradicate criminal gangs and protect our citizens from the detriment they bring.”
“As alleged, RTC members unleashed a wave of violence across three states and the District of Columbia, extending down the East Coast to Florida,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their commission of brutal, indiscriminate acts over perceived slights on social media reflects a particularly dangerous form of gang activity. The Criminal Division remains firmly committed to prosecuting menacing gangs and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
“DEA is committed to protecting Americans by investigating and taking down major violators of drug laws who operate within the United States and around the world,” said Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division. “As demonstrated by today’s indictments, drug trafficking, firearms, and violence are undeniably connected, which is why we continue to address these threats with the full force of the federal government. The tenacious and hard-working men and women of DEA are combatting the illicit manufacture and distribution of drugs, removing illicit firearms from American streets, helping to put public threats in jail, and restoring safety in our communities.”
“Today’s announcement indicates a significant step towards making it even more clear that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with our partner agencies are committed to protecting our communities from violent crime,” said Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division. “There just isn’t a place for criminal behavior in our neighborhoods. Although this is very early on in the judicial process, we remain optimistic that all of those involved will be held accountable for their actions.”
If convicted, the defendants face penalties including: up to life in prison or the death penalty for murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death; up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and use of a firearm during or in relation to drug trafficking; up to 25 years in prison for straw purchasing of firearms; up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Virginia State Police; and Arlington County Police Department are investigating the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Fairfax County Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Prince William County’s Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney; Prince William County Parks and Recreation; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sherriff’s Office; Manassas Park Police Department; George Mason University Police Department; Chesterfield County Police Department; Del City, Oklahoma, Police Department; Valley Brook, Oklahoma, Police Department; Tonto Apache Police Department; Sumter County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office; Hollywood Police Department; Nash County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office; Winston-Salem Police Department; and Nebraska State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Ryan B. Bredemeier of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-148.
Detroit CPA Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay $14.5 Million in Restitution for PPP Loan Fraud Scheme Involving Hundreds of Small BusinessesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $14.5 million to the U.S. Small Business Administration on his conviction of fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Matthew Lloyd Parker, 37.
According to information presented to the Court, between March 2020 and August 2021, Parker conspired with others to defraud lenders of more than $14.5 million through false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications for COVID-19 pandemic relief in the largest known PPP fraud in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Parker, a licensed CPA, recruited hundreds of small businesses in Pittsburgh and Detroit and falsified PPP loan applications in their names. The Small Business Administration approved more than 200 of those applications, resulting in loans totaling approximately $14.5 million to the various businesses. The United States argued that Parker’s sophistication as a CPA aided him in falsifying the hundreds of PPP loan documents, which then generated substantial PPP loans to others along with approximately $1.5 million dollars in loan processing fees to Parker.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Parker.
Curwensville Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Curwensville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Jason Lentz, 31, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on June 17, 2025.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in and around January 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Lentz possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for October 14, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lentz.
Cranston Man Admits to Large Scale Production of Meth and Fentanyl-Laced PillsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Cranston man admitted to a federal judge on Tuesday that he produced, possessed, and/or delivered thousands of methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced fake Adderall pills, and that he was in possession of significant quantities of methamphetamine pills and powder and a quantity of fentanyl powder at the time of his arrest in August 2022, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Sambo Sok, 41, pleaded guilty to charges of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to information presented to the court, in the summer of 2022, during an investigation into Sok’s drug trafficking activities, DEA agents learned that methamphetamine-laced pills were being manufactured at the defendant’s residence. On August 15, 2025, agents witnessed activity at Sok’s home consistent with narcotics trafficking. A person who had been at the residence manufacturing and packaging pills transferred a large quantity of pills from the residence to the trunk of a motor vehicle. A short time later law enforcement stopped the vehicle and recovered approximately 10,500 methamphetamine-laced fake Adderall pills. Law enforcement also responded to the Sok’s home where another co-conspirator was observed placing a bag, later determined to contain thousands of methamphetamine pills, into the trunk of his vehicle. Sok, who was present at the residence, was apprehended as he attempted to flee the agents.
Court-authorized searches of the defendant’s residence, a shed on his property, and a vehicle parked in front of the defendant’s home that followed resulted in the seizure of a total of 12,110.7 grams of methamphetamine, including approximately 21,688 pills and 501.2 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Also seized were, five pill presses, various items used in the production of drug-laced pills, and nearly 2,000 tablets containing a combination of MDMA, methamphetamine, and caffeine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
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Convicted Felon in Possession of Two Illegal Firearms Including an Unregistered “Ghost Gun ” Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Phillip Leon Leggett, 30, of Kings Mountain, N.C., was sentenced yesterday to 102 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm, including a “ghost gun,” announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.
According to court records and court proceedings, in the fall of 2023, CMPD was monitoring an area in Charlotte for criminal activity, when officers observed an individual, later identified as Leggett, who appeared to be concealing a firearm in the front pocket of his sweatshirt. CMPD officers approached Leggett who immediately fled on foot. A foot chase ensued, during which the officers observed two firearms fall from Leggett’s person. The guns came to rest along the defendant’s flight path. One officer stopped to collect the firearms while other officers continued to pursue Leggett until the defendant was apprehended and taken into custody. The recovered firearms were a black Taurus PT111 G2 9mm loaded with a magazine, and an unregistered privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” fitted with a 17-round magazine and a round in the chamber. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Leggett has a criminal history, including multiple Felony Common Law Robbery convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Leggett will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Colorado Dentist Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Colorado dentist was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for tax evasion related to his use of an illegal tax shelter.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: since 2014, Ryan Ulibarri owned and operated Ulibarri Family Dentistry in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2016, Ulibarri purchased an abusive-trust tax shelter for $50,000. The tax shelter involved concealing income and creating false tax deductions through the use of a so-called business trust, family trust, charitable trust and a private family foundation, all of which Ulibarri created and controlled. From 2016 through 2023, Ulibarri used this tax shelter to conceal from the IRS over $5 million in income he earned from his dental practice and evade more than $1.6 million in federal and state income taxes owed on that income.
To set up the tax shelter, Ulibarri signed trust instruments that named him as trustee of the three trusts and foundation, and he opened bank accounts in the name of each entity. He further recruited friends to falsely sign his trust instruments as the purported creators of the trusts to make it seem as if Ulibarri himself was not the real creator. Ulibarri then transferred majority ownership of his dental practice to his business trust. He did this despite having been warned by attorneys and CPAs that, in Colorado, a trust could not own a dental practice.
Ulibarri then transferred over $5 million in income he earned from his dental practice into the bank accounts of the various trusts and foundation to create the illusion that the funds belonged to those entities, not him. In reality, Ulibarri retained complete control over those funds and used the funds to pay for personal expenses including his home mortgage, credit card bills, boats, and professional baseball season tickets. Ulibarri also filed false tax returns for himself, his dental practice, the trusts, and his foundation that falsely reported the income he earned from his dental practice as income of the trusts. On those tax returns, Ulibarri also claimed fraudulent deductions for his personal living expenses which he disguised as trust expenses and charitable donations.
In total, Ulibarri caused a tax loss to the United States of $1.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Nina Y. Wang ordered Ulibarri to serve 3 years of supervised release, to pay a $150,000 fine and to pay $1,449,121 in restitution to the IRS and $166,966 in restitution to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Special Agent in Charge Amanda Prestegard of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Denver Field Office made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Amanda R. Scott and Lauren K. Pope and Assistant Chief Andrew J. Kameros of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Note: This press release was updated to correct minor errors.
Chicago Lab Owner Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Connection with $14M COVID-19 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The owner of a Chicago laboratory has been sentenced today to seven years in prison for his role in a COVID-19 testing fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Zishan Alvi, 46, of Inverness, Ill., owned and operated a laboratory in Chicago that performed testing for COVID-19. In 2021 and 2022, Alvi caused claims to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for COVID-19 tests that were either not performed at all or not performed correctly. As part of the scheme, the laboratory released negative test results to patients, even though the laboratory either had not tested the specimens or the results were inconclusive because Alvi had diluted the tests to save on costs, rendering the tests unreliable. Alvi knew that the laboratory was releasing negative results for tests that were not performed or were inconclusive but still caused the laboratory to bill HRSA for those tests. Alvi also lied to laboratory directors to conceal his fraud. As a result of the fraudulent claims, HRSA paid the laboratory more than $14 million.
Alvi pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on September 30, 2024. At sentencing, he was also ordered to pay $14,199,217 in restitution, and forfeit approximately $6.8 million in cash, a 2021 Range Rover HSE, and over $630,000 from an E-Trade account.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois, Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Claire Sobczak Pacelli of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten for the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Chicago Lab Owner Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Connection with $14 Million Covid-19 Testing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The owner of a Chicago laboratory was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison for his role in a Covid-19 testing fraud scheme.
ZISHAN ALVI, 46, of Inverness, Ill., owned and operated a laboratory in Chicago that performed testing for Covid-19. In 2021 and 2022, Alvi caused tens of thousands of claims to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for Covid-19 tests that were not performed as billed. As part of the scheme, the laboratory released negative test results to patients, even though the laboratory either had not tested the specimens or the results were inconclusive because Alvi diluted the tests to save on costs while making them unreliable. Alvi knew that the laboratory was releasing negative results for Covid-19 tests that were not performed or were inconclusive, but still caused the laboratory to submit claims to HRSA for those tests. Alvi also lied to laboratory directors to conceal his fraud. HRSA paid the laboratory more than $14 million because of the fraudulent claims that Alvi caused to be submitted.
Alvi pleaded guilty last year to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. imposed the prison sentence during a hearing today in federal court in Chicago. Judge Tharp also ordered Alvi to pay more than $14.1 million in restitution and forfeit more than $8 million in cash, a 2021 Range Rover HSE, a 2022 Tesla X, and a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250W4, all of which were previously seized by law enforcement.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten of the Northern District of Illinois, and Claire T. Sobczak, Trial Attorney of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
“At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zishan Alvi disregarded public health concerns in favor of greed and his own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The government’s pandemic-relief programs were intended to keep people safe, not provide an avenue for fraud and illegal profits. Our Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to root out abuse of these important programs and hold accountable those who seek to fraudulently profit from them.”
“In the midst of economic uncertainty for many Americans, the defendant chose to cash in on a global pandemic by stealing millions of dollars and committing extensive fraud,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “Further, he placed patients and the public at risk by releasing false Covid-19 test results. The FBI and our dedicated partners are committed to investigating Covid con artists and ensuring they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.