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6 June 2025
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Robbing Bank in Lake County, Ill.Read the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a man of robbing a bank in Lake County, Ill.
FRANCISCO MARTINEZ entered a First Midwest Bank branch in Round Lake, Ill., on Dec. 20, 2021, and handed the teller a folded piece of paper that read, “40k, 30 seconds, no tricks, go now.” Martinez then raised his shirt, showing what appeared to be the handle of a firearm tucked into his waistband. Martinez briefly grabbed a customer and threatened to take her with him from the bank. The teller complied with Martinez’s demands and handed him cash before Martinez fled the bank.
Martinez, 32, of Des Plaines, Ill., was arrested in June 2022 and has remained in law enforcement custody since then. Martinez committed the robbery while on court-supervised release following a prior bank robbery conviction.
On Monday, the jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago convicted him of one count of bank robbery, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger set sentencing for Aug. 29, 2025.
The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Substantial assistance was provided by the Round Lake Beach, Ill. Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The government has been represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jimmy Arce, Adam L. Rosenbloom, and Caitlin S. Walgamuth.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Fort Campbell Soldier for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment on April 15, 2025, charging a Fort Campbell soldier with enticement and sexual exploitation of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Chief Brian Laird of the Paducah Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Cameron Lawrence, 23, was charged with one count of enticement of a minor, two counts of attempted enticement of a minor, and two counts of sexual exploitation of children.
The defendant made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on June 3, 2025. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, Lawrence faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the Paducah Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Executive at Investor Relations Firm and Two Associates Plead Guilty to Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that ROBERT YEDID, ANDREW KAUFMAN, and MARK JACOBS pled guilty to participating in a five-year insider trading scheme to reap illegal profits from stock and options trading based on inside information about several health care company clients of the investor relations firm where YEDID was employed. Together, YEDID, KAUFMAN and JACOBS made more than $500,000 in illicit gains through this scheme. JACOBS pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Laura Taylor Swain. YEDID and KAUFMAN pled guilty before Chief Judge Swain on May 29, 2025.
“Robert Yedid betrayed the trust of his employer and its clients by stealing confidential information and passing it to two friends, Andrew Kaufman and Mark Jacobs, to make unlawful, profitable trades based on inside information,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This Office is committed to prosecuting securities fraud and ensuring that insiders and their friends can’t cheat their way to profits. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to police the financial markets and hold those accountable who misuse nonpublic information for personal gain.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Robert Yedid abused his authority as a former investor relations director and provided his friends with material nonpublic information to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit profits. By betraying the trust placed in his position, Yedid established an unlawful financial advantage for his insular social circle that was not afforded to all investors. May today’s plea serve as a deterrent to any individual who exploits confidential trading information for personal benefit.”
According to the allegations contained in the Information and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings:
Between 2019 and 2024, YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS engaged in a scheme to trade in stocks and options based on material nonpublic information about several publicly traded health care companies, in violation of the duties of trust and confidence that YEDID owed to his employer, an investor relations firm, and to the companies.
YEDID was a director at an investor relations firm that provided public relations services to health care companies, including BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (“BDSI”), CinCor Pharma (“CinCor”), Inotiv (“Inotiv”), Inspire Medical Systems (“Inspire”), Nano-X Imaging Ltd. (“Nano-X”), and OncoCyte Corp. (“OncoCyte”). In this role, YEDID had access to the content of upcoming press releases, which often contained highly sensitive, non-public, and potentially market-moving news, such as earning reports, regulatory approvals, clinical trial results, and merger and acquisition announcements. YEDID owed a duty of trust and confidence to his employer and its clients and was prohibited from misusing or disclosing the firm’s confidential information for personal gain or to benefit others.
Beginning in 2019, YEDID knowingly and willfully tipped his friends, KAUFMAN and JACOBS, with valuable, nonpublic information of upcoming corporate announcements involving at least six client companies. That confidential information included advanced notice of an upcoming merger for BDSI; clinical trial results for healthcare products being developed by OncoCyte and CinCor; and quarterly earnings announcements for Inspire, Nano-X, and Inotiv.
YEDID understood and intended that the information he provided to KAUFMAN and JACOBS would be used to execute securities trades before the information became public. As expected, KAUFMAN and JACOBS executed trades based on YEDID’s tips. In many cases, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded aggressively in the securities of the companies, often purchasing shares or options just days before major announcements were made. Together, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded in stocks and options on at least 17 different occasions based on YEDID’s tips. KAUFMAN generated profits of more than $480,000, and JACOBS generated profits of more than $35,000. In exchange for the tips, KAUFMAN shared half of his illegal profits with YEDID by giving him cash in envelopes during various meetings in New York City.
In November 2024, FBI agents approached YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS as part of this investigation. Shortly after being contacted by the FBI, KAUFMAN intentionally deleted spreadsheets he maintained that listed the illegal profits he made through trading based on YEDID’s tips. KAUFMAN deleted these records in order to impede and obstruct the FBI’s investigation.
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YEDID, 67, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
KAUFMAN, 68, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison; and one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
JACOBS, 77, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
YEDID is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m; KAUFMAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 18, 2025, at 11 a.m; and JACOBS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 19, 2025, at 11 a.m.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its cooperation and assistance in this investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution.
u.s._v._yedid_kaufman_and_jacobs_information.pdfEight Charged in Federal Crackdown on Treasury Check FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eight individuals have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts.
According to the charging documents eight defendants in communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts have allegedly been involved in the theft of tax refund checks, totaling more than $8.8 million in 2023 and 2024. As alleged, each of the U.S. Treasury checks the defendants stole represented a tax refund or tax credit due to a bona fide taxpayer, but had been altered to be payable to shell companies the defendants controlled. Each defendant allegedly deposited one or more fraudulent checks at banks or credit unions in and around Metro Boston. The following defendants are charged in separate indictments:
- Gino Rosario Tyler Alexander Allegra, 31, of Brockton, charged with theft of $861,646 in government funds;
- Eric Banks, 70, of Quincy, charged with theft of $1,173,482 in government funds;
- Jesse El-Ghoul, 31, of Leominster, charged with theft of $1,355,863 in government funds;
- Nnamdi Opara, 30, of Woburn, charged with theft of $700,767 in government funds;
- Gurprit Singh, 34, of Framingham, charged with theft of $2,547,508 in government funds;
- Amarpreet Singh, 33, of Framingham, charged with theft of $536,214 in government funds;
- Lonnie Smith-Matthews, 33, of Hyde Park, charged with theft of $150,000 in government funds and bank fraud of $232,588; and
- Domingo Villari, 49, of Framingham, charged with theft of $1,288,575 in government funds.
Banks, El-Ghoul, G. Singh, Opara, Smith-Matthews and Villari are in federal custody and will appear in Federal Court in Boston later today. Allegra and A. Singh remain at large.
“As alleged, these defendants stole millions in tax refunds owed to hardworking Americans and used Massachusetts businesses and community banks to defraud the U.S. Treasury,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Would-be thieves should understand that taking government money is not a victimless crime. If you cash or deposit a refund check that you know is not yours, you will be prosecuted. This office and its law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out fraud and abuse in the federal tax system.”
“Today’s arrest demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting all instances of Treasury check theft,” said Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “The theft and altering of Treasury checks is a growing issue that impacts all Americans. IRS-CI will continue to work diligently to bring all those who prey on American taxpayers to justice.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain," said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter. “TIGTA's mission is to protect the integrity of our nation's tax administration system. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible."
The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Foley; IRS Acting SAC Demeo; Treasury Inspector General SAC Carpenter; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Needham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kriss Basil and Brian Sullivan of Foley’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Drug Supplier from Lowell Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced on June 4, 2025 in federal court in Boston for conspiring with gang members to traffic methamphetamine pills made to look like the legitimate pharmaceutical product, Adderall.
Brian Gingras, a/k/a “Cheech,” 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to nine years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In January 2025, Gingras pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.
Gingras was a drug supplier in an extensive distribution network involving Asian Boyz gang member, Bill Phim, a/k/a “Bonez.” Between May 2022 and September 2022, Gingras delivered over 5,000 counterfeit Adderall pills – which were referred to as “Ads,” “Addies,” or simply, “A’s” – to Phim on numerous occasions. Phim then sold the pills to an undercover federal agent for more than $18,000. Chemical testing confirmed that the pills contained a dangerous compound of methamphetamine and caffeine.
During a search of Gingras’ residence, hundreds of additional counterfeit “Adderall” pills as well as counterfeit “Xanax” pills and a pill press were discovered. The search also revealed that Gingras maintained a storage unit where he kept a loaded firearm and over 30 kilograms of counterfeit “Adderall” pills made with caffeine only, bags of suspected marijuana as well as boxes of THC extract and edible products.
Phim was sentenced by Judge Gorton in May 2025 to 10 years in prison.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.
This case is also 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.
Dominican National Sentenced to 10 years on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Ery Rivera Palmer, 39, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 75 kilograms of cocaine and three firearms.
According to court documents, on August 28, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., while patrolling the area of Haulover Bay, St. John, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine (CBP-AMO) agents, along with Border Patrol (BP) agents, detected two males walking the beach trail towards the beach at Haulover Bay. One male was carrying an assault-style long gun. Minutes later, the males were observed carrying three black duffel bags up the trail towards a small parking area. A lone gray Acura RDX was then seen leaving the area. Federal agents, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), were able to locate the vehicle suspected of containing the two males seen walking the trail. The vehicle was stopped. Rivera Palmer was one of two occupants in the car who matched the description of the two men seen on the trail. As federal agents approached the vehicle, two assault-style rifles were seen on the rear passenger floorboard. A third firearm, a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, was found on the driver side floorboard. Neither of the two assault-style rifles had serial numbers. In the rear of the vehicle, agents recovered three duffle bags containing 61 brick-like packages containing approximately 75 kilograms of cocaine.
The investigation was conducted by CBP-AMO, BP, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of FBI and VIPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
This effort was 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.District of Arizona Charges 199 Individuals with Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 31, 2025, through June 6, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 199 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 74 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 104 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 18 cases against 20 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border vigilance, and federal prosecutors also charged one individual for assaulting a Border Patrol Agent.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Norberto Rueda-Mancinas: On May 31, 2025, a Border Patrol agent encountered Norberto Rueda-Mancinas walking about three miles southeast of San Miguel, Arizona. When Rueda saw the agent, he tried to run. After a short chase, the agent caught up to Rueda, and Rueda threw his backpack at the agent, hitting him in the head and causing the agent's night vision goggles to cut his face. The backpack was loaded with food and water and weighed approximately 10 pounds. Rueda was arrested and determined to be a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. He had been previously removed from the United States on April 11, 2025. Rueda was charged with Assaulting a Federal Officer and Illegal Reentry. [Case Number: MJ-25-00620]
United States v. Fabian Ramirez-Childs and United States v. Pena-Losada: On May 31, 2025, Border Patrol agents received an alert for a vehicle that was reportedly loaded with suspected illegal aliens. Agents located the vehicle and initiated a stop. As the vehicle yielded, the passenger door opened and two subjects exited and ran into the desert. The driver then sped away, leading agents on a chase for approximately two miles before yielding. The driver was identified as Fabian Ramirez-Childs, a U.S. citizen. The passenger who had remained in the vehicle was determined to be a citizen of Bangladesh, illegally present in the United States. Agents tracked and located the two subjects that had run from the vehicle, and both were determined to be Mexican citizens who were illegally present in the United States. The driver, Ramirez-Childs, was charged with Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. [Case Number: MJ-25-00623]
United States v. Cesar Ivan Bencomo Varela: In 2021, Cesar Ivan Bencomo Varela submitted an application for a U.S. Passport at the U.S. Post Office in Show Low, Arizona. In his application, Bencomo Varela claimed to be “Joseph David Olivas,” a United States citizen. Bencomo signed the application packet, swearing under oath that the information on the application was true, and that the photograph attached to the passport application was a true likeness of him. An investigation revealed that Bencomo Varela had been using the Olivas identity since 2015 to obtain employment in the United States. On June 3, 2025, Bencomo Varela was indicted on one count of False Statement in Application or Use of Passport and one count of aggravated identity theft. [Case Number: CR-25-08098]
United States v. Blanca Esthela Favela-Coronel: On June 3, 2025, Blanca Esthela Favela-Coronel was charged by criminal complaint with Reentry of a Removed Alien. Blanca Esthela Favela-Coronel had been previously removed from the United States in 2014 after being convicted of two counts of felony Attempted Sale of Dangerous Drugs (Methamphetamine) in the Superior Court of Arizona, Coconino County. Favela-Coronel was sentenced to two years of incarceration on each count, to be served concurrently with one another. [Case Number: 25-08325MJ]
Criminal complaints and indictments are simply methods 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.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-090_June 6 Immigration Enforcement
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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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Depew man charged with entering secure area at the Buffalo Niagara International AirportRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that that James R. Muench Jr., 45, of Depew, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with entering an aircraft area at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport by forcefully ramming his vehicle through a closed security gate and entering the secure aircraft operational area of the airport. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 20, 2025, Muench, driving a pickup truck, breached perimeter access Gate 1 at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport by forcefully driving up to the gate, intentionally crashing and ramming it multiple times, before bending the gate. After breaking through, he then drove to the aircraft operational area without authorization, evading the security procedures or restrictions in place. The vehicle was observed driving through various secure parts of the airport to include the airfield, aircraft taxiways, the passenger ramp where commercial aircraft are usually docked when transporting passengers, and the airport runway where aircraft take off and land. Vehicle access to all these areas is highly regulated. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority police responded to the scene, located Muench, and took him into custody.
Muench made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Del City Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison after Setting Fire at Metro RestaurantRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – DANIEL JOB, 38, of Del City, has been sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for arson, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, on July 27, 2024, crews with the Del City Fire Department (DCFD) responded on reports of a structure fire at a local restaurant. At the business, DCFD encountered and extinguished a small fire near one of the doors of the building, and crews smelled what they believed to be gasoline. Surveillance video taken inside the restaurant showed a subject, later identified as Job, approach the door where the fire was set and bend over and placed something on the ground, just before the fire ignited. After investigators identified Job as a suspect, they executed a search warrant at Job’s home and discovered a backpack with a hydration bladder filled with gasoline. On September 4, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Job with arson.
On December 17, 2024, Job pleaded guilty, and admitted he intentionally set fire to the restaurant.
At the sentencing hearing on June 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Job to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the dangerous nature of the offense involving intentionally setting a fire to the structure of a business.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Del City Fire Department, and the Del City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Machine Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rashaw Henry, 30, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was sentenced yesterday in Superior Court for being in possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Henry was found guilty at trial, on January 24, 2025, of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a machine gun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced Henry to 60 months of incarceration; however, all but 24 months of the time was suspended on the condition that Henry successfully complete two years of supervised probation.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, on March 21, 2024, MPD officers were monitoring the unit block of M Street NE, when an officer observed Henry in possession of approximately one pound of marijuana. When officers arrested Henry, they recovered a Glock 23 handgun from his waistband. The Glock was equipped with a conversion switch that turned the semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic handgun. The Glock was loaded with 18 rounds in a 22-round capacity magazine and one round in the chamber.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Cotter and William Gandy, who prosecuted the case.
Colchester, Vermont Man Sentenced to 49 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 30, 2025, Samuel Blatt, 33, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 49 additional months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Blatt has been detained in the custody of the State of Vermont since his arrest on March 15, 2024. Judge Reiss also ordered that Blatt pay $14,100 in restitution. Blatt previously pleaded guilty to the March 5, 2024, robbery of the Union Bank in Johnson, Vermont.
According to court records, between February 28, 2024, and March 14, 2024, Blatt committed the robberies of four banks in Vermont, and attempted the robbery of a fifth bank. On February 28, 2024, Blatt entered the M&T Bank in Essex, Vermont and handed the teller a note demanding money, stating that he wanted $100 bills with “No dye packs,” “No bait money,” and “Fast.” Blatt obtained approximately $1000 from M&T Bank. On March 5, 2024, Blatt entered the Union Bank in Johnson, Vermont and handed the teller a note which stated, “Give me all $100’s, $50’s, $20 bills fast, no dye packs.” During the robbery, Blatt stated to bank employees in effect, “This is not a joke, you know what to do, give me all your money.” Blatt obtained approximately $5,300 from Union Bank. On March 13, 2024, Blatt entered a Community Bank in Burlington, Vermont, stated that he was robbing the bank and handed a bank employee a note that stated, “Give me all $100-, $50-, and $20-bills, no dye packs. Fast.” Community Bank employees did not comply with Blatt’s demands, and he left the bank. On March 13, 2024, Blatt entered the TD Bank in Winooski, Vermont, and displayed a note to the teller that stated in effect that he wanted $20’s, $50’s and $100’s but no dye packs. Blatt obtained approximately $600 from TD Bank. On March 14, 2024, Blatt entered the North Country Federal Credit Union in Alburgh, Vermont. Blatt asked a teller, “Can I cash a check if I don’t have an account here?” When the teller told Blatt no, he handed the teller a note and asked “What about this one?” The note stated, “Give me all the 100’s, 30’s and 20’s you have!!!” Blatt obtained approximately $7200 from NCFCU.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Essex Police Department, the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, the Winooski Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department, the Williston Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Owyang and Jason Turner. Blatt was represented by Assistant Federal Defender Sara Puls.
Co-leader of large-scale narcotics & human trafficking rings sentenced to 30 years in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A leader in a case with 23 defendants involved in narcotics and human trafficking conspiracies was sentenced in federal court here today to 360 months in prison for drug, gun, human trafficking and money laundering crimes.
From 2008 until June 2022, Cordell Washington, 38, of Pickerington, ran a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus with co-defendant Patrick Saultz. Their operations also included sex trafficking, labor trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school. In October 2022, the government added 12 defendants and 28 new charges.
Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit.
As part of this case, local, state and federal law enforcement officers have executed more than 20 search warrants at various locations throughout Central Ohio and seized more than $1.7 million in drug proceeds. For example, while executing a search warrant at a local storage unit, law enforcement officials discovered approximately one million dollars in bulk United States currency. Searches of additional residences yielded 47 firearms, diamonds, Rolex watches and additional bulk amounts of cash.
The drug trafficking organization sold drugs to customers out of more than 20 Columbus residences and distributed larger amounts to regional drug traffickers who then trafficked those narcotics to places such as West Virginia and the Northern District of Ohio. Saultz began the drug trafficking organization by distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine from his residences on Vida Place and South Hague Street in Columbus as early as 2008.
Most of the drug dealing took place within 1000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School in Columbus at a residence on South Burgess. For example, one of Washington and Saultz’s numerous subordinates sold approximately $18,000 worth of narcotics per day from the location on South Burgess.
The case also involves the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim.
As part of his plea in April 2024, Washington admitted to labor trafficking male drug addicts. The defendant provided the men with their drug of choice after the men completed construction or cleaning projects at residences owned by the drug trafficking organization. The men were recruited by Washington and some completed the work for him under serious threat of harm.
Washington would provide the addicts with advances on small amounts of drugs so that they were well enough to perform physical labor. If Washington was not pleased with their work product, he would not complete the final drug payment and would threaten violence against them.
Washington used numerous methods to launder the group’s drug trafficking proceeds, including establishing front businesses that purported to be rental, repair and construction companies.
As of today, 18 of the 23 defendants have been sentenced, including six defendants who were sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. Saultz was sentenced in March 2025 to 30 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team.
This investigation was initiated as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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).
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.
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Citizen of Mexico Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Higinio Mendez-Salazar, age 52, Citizen of Mexico residing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was charged yesterday by Criminal Information with Illegal Reentry.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about May 15, 2025, Mendez-Salazar was found in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. The Criminal Information also alleges that Mendez-Salazar had been removed from the United States through Hildalgo, Texas, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), 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).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Cherokee, Iowa, Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Lance Paul White, 33, from Cherokee, Iowa, pled guilty on June 5, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to possession of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, White admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography. After a CyberTip was received regarding White’s Gmail account, law enforcement established that White had possessed and viewed several graphic videos depicting child pornography. Law enforcement traced the internet activity back to White’s address in Cherokee, Iowa. White engaged in a consensual interview with officers at his home and admitted that he possessed child pornography, and several electronics were seized. Forensic analysis of White’s electronic devices revealed dozens of videos and images of child pornography, as well as several AI or cartoon photographs and videos of child pornography. Evidence further showed that the materials involved prepubescent minors and portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. White remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. White faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and Cherokee Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4076. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Cerro Gordo County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Dustin Burkhardt, 36, from Rockwell, Iowa, was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine June 5, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on September 29, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Burkhardt. Law enforcement observed an open container in the vehicle and conducted a probable cause search. Law enforcement located and seized a glass pipe in the center console and a backpack from the front passenger footwell. Inside of the backpack was another pouch which contained four zip-top baggies containing 137.12 grams of pure methamphetamine. Burkhardt admitted that all of the methamphetamine seized belonged to him and he intended to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to another person or persons.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Burkhardt remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Burkhardt faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa DCI Laboratory and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3015. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Career Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – Nicole Ann Kettler, 41, of Grayling, Michigan was sentenced to 139 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced.
According to court records, Kettler was travelling to Portland, Oregon on a regular basis to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl for distribution in Idaho. On May 2, 2024, Kettler was pulled over for a traffic violation in Nampa, Idaho. During the traffic stop, officers observed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. A canine trained in the detection of the odor of controlled substances positively alerted on the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 4,300 fentanyl pills, more than a half-pound of fentanyl powder, more than a quarter-pound of methamphetamine, and a variety of other controlled substances. After Kettler was arrested, she admitted to investigators that she frequently travelled to Portland to purchase significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl for distribution in Idaho. Kettler has two prior convictions for possession with intent to deliver controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Kettler to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Idaho State Police Department, the Oregon State Police Department, and the High Desert Drug Task Force, which led to Kettler’s arrest and subsequent charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.
The High Desert Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. They are supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
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Canadian National Pleads Guilty to Possessing 90 Pounds of Ecstasy Intended for DistributionRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – A Canadian citizen has admitted to having possession of 90 pounds of a Schedule I controlled substance, typically used as a party drug, which he intended to further distribute.
According to court documents, on Aug. 7, 2024, a U.S. Border Patrol agent observed a compact sport utility vehicle with Canadian license plates parked in a service plaza parking lot near the interstate 80/90 Ohio turnpike in Sandusky County. After the agent ran a check on the license plates, it was found that the vehicle entered the U.S. from Canada on Nov. 21, 2023. The agent proceeded to have a consensual encounter with the driver, Dontavius Forbes, 27, to inquire about his visitation status since the vehicle’s last entry into the country was more than 180 days prior. During the consensual search of the SUV, agents observed what appeared to be aftermarket modifications to the rear cargo area. In the rear cargo floor panel agents discovered a hidden compartment packed with 20 vacuum sealed packages containing a crystal-like substance. Upon further search of the vehicle, a second hidden compartment was also found which provided access to the other compartment containing the suspected illegal drugs. A field test of one of the packages tested positive for methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDMA is more commonly known as ecstasy or molly, and typically used by adolescents and young adults as a “party drug” because it lowers inhibitions, according to DEA.gov. Agents also seized nearly $3,000 in U.S. currency from the vehicle.
During the investigation, the packages recovered from the vehicle were submitted to a forensic laboratory for analysis which confirmed the accuracy of the field test indicating the presence of MDMA.
On June 6, 2025, Forbes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance for which he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2025.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol-Sandusky Bay Station and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank H. Spryszak prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
California Attorney Guilty of Federal Contempt Charge for Failing to Ensure Distribution of Settlement Funds to Relatives of Victims of Lion Air Flight 610Read the Press Release
CHICAGO — A California attorney has pleaded guilty to a contempt of court charge for willfully disobeying a court order that called for settlement funds to be distributed to relatives of victims killed in the crash of Lion Air Flight 610.
DAVID R. LIRA, 65, of Pasadena, Calif., entered the plea on Thursday before U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. Judge Rowland set sentencing for Oct. 8, 2025.
Lira worked for the California personal injury law firm Girardi Keese, which represented five clients who were relatives of passengers killed in the 2018 crash in the Java Sea. Girardi Keese filed lawsuits in federal court in Chicago against the plane’s manufacturer, Boeing Co., and settled the suits in 2020. In connection with the settlements, U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin ordered that the settlement funds, which included a total of $7.5 million for four of the clients, be sent to each client as soon as practicable. Although Boeing wired the settlement funds for those four victims into Girardi Keese’s client trust account, Lira admitted in a plea agreement that he knew for several months that the firm failed to distribute the money to the clients, in contravention of Judge Durkin’s order.
During those months, Lira admitted that the victims demanded their money but were not paid, and that there was nothing about the Covid-19 pandemic that precluded the firm from paying the money. Lira confronted another attorney at the firm, THOMAS GIRARDI, who was also Lira’s father-in-law, and demanded that Girardi pay the money to the clients, Lira’s plea agreement states. Lira admitted in his plea that he knew Girardi had misappropriated the money and that Lira was willfully violating Judge Durkin’s orders.
Lira ultimately resigned from the firm. The Lion Air Victims eventually received their settlement funds following a hearing before Judge Durkin when another law firm’s insurer paid the amount that Girardi had misappropriated.
Girardi, 86, of Seal Beach, Calif., was convicted last year by a federal jury in Los Angeles of embezzling millions of dollars in settlement funds from other clients. In connection with Girardi’s sentencing in that case, prosecutors in Los Angeles apprised the Court about Girardi’s misappropriation of settlement funds in the Lion Air matter. Girardi was sentenced earlier this week to more than seven years in federal prison.
Lira’s guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten, Emily Vermylen, and Thomas Peabody.
“The willful failure to ensure distribution of settlement funds compounded the grief and anguish of the clients who lost loved ones in the Lion Air crash,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Attorneys who violate the trust of their clients and breach the fiduciary duty that is paramount to the practice of law will be held accountable.”
“The FBI stands committed to protecting victims of crime and holding those who have violated federal laws accountable, no matter how much time may have passed,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “The FBI is thankful for our continuing partnerships with law enforcement and our prosecutorial partners who have ensured justice in this case.”
u.s._v._lira_no._23_cr_54-3_-_plea_agreement.pdfCEO of Health Care Software Company Convicted of $1B Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal jury convicted the CEO of Power Mobility Doctor Rx, LLC (DMERx) for his role in operating a platform that generated false doctors’ orders to defraud Medicare and other federal health care benefit programs of more than $1 billion.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gary Cox, 79, of Maricopa County, Arizona, and his co-conspirators targeted hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries who provided their personally identifiable information and agreed to accept medically unnecessary orthotic braces, pain creams, and other items through misleading mailers, television advertisements, and calls from offshore call centers. Cox and his co-conspirators owned, controlled, and operated DMERx, an internet-based platform that generated false and fraudulent doctors’ orders for these items. As part of the scheme, Cox connected pharmacies, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, and marketers with telemedicine companies that would accept illegal kickbacks and bribes in exchange for signed doctors’ orders transmitted using the DMERx platform. Cox and his co-conspirators received payments for coordinating these illegal kickback transactions and referring the completed doctors’ orders to the DME suppliers, pharmacies, and telemarketers that paid kickbacks and bribes for the orders.
The fraudulent doctors’ orders generated by DMERx falsely represented that a doctor had examined and treated the Medicare beneficiaries when in fact purported telemedicine companies paid doctors to sign the orders without regard to medical necessity, based only on a brief telephone call with the beneficiary or no interaction with the beneficiary at all. The DME suppliers and pharmacies that paid illegal kickbacks in exchange for these doctors’ orders billed Medicare and other insurers more than $1 billion. Medicare and the insurers paid more than $360 million based on these claims. According to evidence presented at trial, Cox and his co-conspirators concealed the scheme through sham contracts and by eliminating from doctors’ orders what one co-conspirator described as “dangerous words” that might cause Medicare to audit the scheme’s DME suppliers.
“Medicare fraud undermines the integrity of our nation's most critical healthcare programs, which are relied upon by millions of patients, doctors and honest healthcare professionals.” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O'Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Fraud of this kind wastes taxpayer dollars and increases the cost of healthcare for all Americans. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who steal from taxpayers and exploit our healthcare system for their own personal gain”
“The defendant orchestrated a scheme to defraud government health care benefit programs on a massive scale, creating fraudulent doctors’ orders used to bill insurers over $1 billion,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Americans are all too familiar with junk mail and spam calls that target seniors to steal their personal information and promote waste, fraud, and abuse in our economy. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively prosecute health care fraud schemes to hold criminals accountable, protect the vulnerable, and recover financial losses.”
“Fraud schemes perpetrated against veterans are abhorrent and will be thoroughly investigated,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to combat these schemes to ensure the integrity of VA’s healthcare programs for veterans and their families.”
“The defendant deliberately exploited the federal health care system by prioritizing personal enrichment over the medical needs of vulnerable patients,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “By fraudulently billing the government for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, the defendant not only violated the law but also assaulted the public’s trust placed in health care providers. There is zero tolerance for those who abuse federal health care programs, and HHS-OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that individuals who engage in such egregious fraud are held fully accountable.”
“Medicare fraud and other health care related frauds are, unfortunately, nothing new,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mark McCormick of the FBI Miami Field Office. “As such, the FBI and our partners devote considerable resources to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those committing this fraud. The victims are U.S. taxpayers - you and me. Our message to those who commit health care fraud and steal from U.S. taxpayers is clear: you will be caught, and you will face justice.”
Cox was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, three counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and conspiracy to defraud the United States and make false statements in connection with health care matters. Cox faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud conviction, 10 years for each health care fraud conviction, five years for the conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks conviction, and five years for the conspiracy to defraud the United States and make false statements in connection with health care matters conviction. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HHS-OIG, FBI, VA-OIG, and DCIS investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Darren C. Halverson and Jennifer E. Burns of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Andrea Savdie and Shane Butland assisted in the prosecution. Trial Attorney Evan N. Schlom with the Fraud Section’s Special Matters Unit provided valuable assistance.
The charges contained in an information are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of 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.
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 23-cr-20271.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to conspiracy to steal mail and possession of a postal service keyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Antonio Jones, Jr., 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to commit mail theft and possession of postal service key, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that on October 2, 2024, Jones conspired with Eric Michael Robinson and Lamor Runell Bolden to steal mail from mail receptacles in Cheektowaga, NY. In addition, the defendants also possessed a key used to open authorized mail receptacles. Jones drove with Robinson and Bolden to a mail facility in Cheektowaga at approximately 1:00 a.m. on October 2, 2024. Robinson drove and Jones and Bolden were passengers. Robinson parked the car behind a row of blue collection mailboxes outside the postal facility, Jones and Bolden got out of the car, and Jones opened the mailboxes with the stolen key and stole mail from the mailboxes while Bolden stood watch. The two then got back into the car and Robinson drove away. A short time later, their car was stopped by law enforcement. At the time the car was stopped, various opened and unopened pieces of mail were found inside. Jones admits that he and his co-conspirators used the stolen key to open mailboxes at other locations around the Western District of New York.
Eric Michael Robinson and Lamor Runell Bolden were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Baltimore Man Sentenced for Attempted Armed Robbery of Family-Owned RestaurantRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Chief United States District Court Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Malik Thompson, 23, of Baltimore, Maryland, to eight years and one month in federal prison for his role in the attempted armed robbery of a family-owned restaurant, which resulted in the death of his co-conspirator. Thompson previously pleaded guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by violence – the Hobbs Act robbery.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
Thompson and two co-conspirators targeted employees of a family-owned restaurant after discovering that they regularly transported the business's cash to their North Baltimore residence. Instead of robbing the restaurant directly, the conspirators planned to ambush the family at their home when they arrived with the day’s profits.
On the evening of August 10, 2020, Thompson and his accomplices executed their plan, waiting near the family's residence. When the family returned home, one of Thompson's co-conspirators brandished a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, confronted the victims, and demanded their money. After the family members resisted, the armed accomplice fired his weapon, striking one victim in the leg.
The wounded victim, acting in self-defense, drew his personal firearm and returned fire, fatally wounding the armed robber. Thompson and the second accomplice immediately fled the scene by vehicle, abandoning their wounded co-conspirator who died from his injuries hours later.
Following the incident, Thompson fled to an Owings Mills residence. Federal and local investigators conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene, recovering crucial physical evidence, including a shoe that fell off as the perpetrators fled.
DNA analysis of the recovered shoe matched Thompson's DNA profile, directly linking him to the crime scene. Additional evidence gathered during the investigation included cell-site location data and text-message records that further corroborated Thompson's participation in the conspiracy and attempted armed robbery.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their investigative efforts. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gordin who prosecuted the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach
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Arrest Made in Indictment Charging Three Individuals with Felony Murder and Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Avery Taylor, 20, of Washington, D.C., was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on a bench warrant yesterday that was issued after the grand jury returned an indictment in May 2025, charging him with first degree murder while armed, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, U.S. Marshal Anthony Dixon and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Taylor was arraigned today before Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt who ordered Taylor held without bond until a July 1, 2025 detention hearing.
On August 16, 2024, Rayon Davis Jr., 18, and Quintin Reed, 18 were also arrested and charged in connection in the incident. They are also being held without bond. An indictment, returned on May 7, 2025, charges all three men.
According to the court documents, defendants are members of a 7D crew located in the Woodland Terrance neighborhood that calls itself “On the Clock Gang” or “OCG.” On December 20, 2023, inside of a stairwell located at 2921 Knox Place SE, the three defendants shot Dwayne Barbour, 39, while they were robbing him of an authentic Rolex 36mm Datejust Gold/Stainless Steel watch, containing 15 carats in diamonds. Mr. Barbour had legally purchased the watch from a jewelry store for approximately $10,000. Mr. Barbour died eleven days later, on December 31, 2023.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Sellinger and John Parron.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Apple Valley Woman Charged with Participating in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – The 72nd defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme has been charged in a federal indictment with three counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“This fraud is outrageous, brazen, and seemingly never-ending,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “As Acting United States Attorney, I intend to put the full weight of this office behind rooting out and prosecuting the shocking and unacceptable levels of fraud in Minnesota.”
“Stealing from a program designed to feed vulnerable children is not only criminal — it’s unconscionable,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Today’s indictment underscores our commitment to rooting out fraud that targets taxpayer-funded programs and ensuring those who exploit them are held fully accountable. The FBI, alongside our partners, will not relent in our pursuit of those who seek to profit from deception.”
According to court documents, Dorothy Jean Moore, 57, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, launched two purported federal child nutrition program sites in late 2020 under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. According to meal count forms Moore completed and signed, Moore purportedly served 1,500 meals to children a day at each of her sites, which she purportedly operated out of community churches. Through Feeding Our Future, Moore claimed and received reimbursements, in federal taxpayer dollars, for those purported meals.
At the same time, Moore claimed that she operated a catering company called Jean’s Soul Food. She claimed entitlement to further federal reimbursements for food she purported to provide from that company to her own sites. However, bank records show that Moore used little of the reimbursement dollars she received to purchase food. Instead, Moore used those funds for other purposes, including to purchase cars and fund an enhanced lifestyle.
Moore made her initial appearance in U.S. District Court today before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Aberdeen Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted David Fowler, age 49, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 4, 2025.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, up to life on supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
David Fowler was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.
In March and April 2024, investigators with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office conducted three controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Fowler, in amounts ranging from 10-21 grams. Authorities then obtained a search warrant for Fowler’s home, where 56 grams of methamphetamine were located. Fowler’s supplier was also arrested en route to his residence with an additional 344 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed the methamphetamine was being mailed from California to a local source in Aberdeen, where it was then sold to sub-distributors, including Fowler. In total, Fowler purchased five packages of methamphetamine, totaling 2.5 pounds.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing will take place on September 8, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
35 Year Old Man Arrested for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico andSpecial Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office Devin J. Kowalski, announced that a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Henry Manuel Sepúlveda-Cruzado, age 35, of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, with production and possession of child pornography material. On June 5, 2025, FBI special agents arrested Sepúlveda-Cruzado.
According to court documents, between approximately November 2023 and February 2024, Henry Manuel Sepúlveda-Cruzado knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a female minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct. During this period, the defendant also possessed child pornography material involving the minor on his electronic device.
If convicted, Sepúlveda-Cruzado faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography, and up to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“The sexual abuse of children is intolerable and victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue working to identify, arrest and prosecute those who steal the innocence of our children.”
“There is no place in our communities for predators who exploit children—none,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, Devin J. Kowalski. “The FBI will hunt these criminals down and ensure they are held fully accountable for their heinous acts. The public can rest assured that we will not hesitate, and we will not relent. To those targeting our youth, we’re coming for you. The FBI and our partners will make sure you face justice.”
The FBI is investigating the case with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Elba Gorbea of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit is prosecuting the case.
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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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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5 June 2025
White River Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a White River man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. The sentencing took place on May 27, 2025.
Michael Bettelyoun, age 31, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bettelyoun was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on June 19, 2024, in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Bettelyoun was videotaped shooting a pistol in a rural area outside of Norris, South Dakota. Law enforcement was subsequently alerted to Bettelyoun’s conduct and collected the firearm and video as evidence.
Bettelyoun was previously convicted in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance in 2019. He was on supervised release for this conviction at the time of the instant offense. As a result of the prior felony conviction, Bettelyoun is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Bettelyoun was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Wheeling Attorney Charged with Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A Wheeling attorney has been indicted for allegedly fraudulently handling client funds and using client funds to conduct unlawful monetary transactions.
Paul J. Harris, 62, of Wheeling, was indicted on June 3 for mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and unlawful monetary transactions related to his allegedly fraudulent and unlawful handling of client funds between approximately April 2014 and June 2025.
Harris faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the mail and wire fraud counts, up to 30 years in federal prison for each of the bank fraud counts, and up to 10 years in federal prison for each of the unlawful monetary transaction counts.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Jennifer T. Conklin are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government, and the matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Read the indictment here.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE DELROSARIO-CANELA, also known as “Domi,” 39, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 32 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a Waterbury drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury. One organization operated in the area of William Street and the other operated in the area of Maple Avenue. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers. The organizations shared sources of supply and worked together to further their operations.
During the investigation, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Delrosario-Canela, one of the main street-level distributors for the Maple Avenue organization.
Seventeen individuals were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation. Delrosario-Canela and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023. In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.
Delrosario-Canela has been detained since his arrest. On February 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Violent Offender Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A serial offender with a violent criminal history, including attacking women, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 84 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
“Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Protecting the public from violent offenders is our duty as law enforcement. The criminal background of the defendant in this case is astounding. Today’s sentencing ensures that a repeat offender will be taken off the streets. The Las Vegas community is now a safer place.”
Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Division, which oversees Las Vegas, said, “The methamphetamine epidemic continues to threaten the health and safety of Americans. Today’s sentencing serves as a stern warning to drug distributors: When you unleash deadly poison in our communities, we will track you down and ensure you face the full force of the law.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on or about September 12, 2021, Damien Patillo, 41, of Las Vegas, possessed 16 grams of pure methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Patillo’s prior convictions includes brutally attacking six different women, 38 convictions, and 10 domestic violence convictions.
Following a four-day trial in January 2025, a jury convicted Patillo of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura for ATF’s San Francisco Field Division, and Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis for DEA’s Los Angeles Division made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the ATF and DEA. Assistant United States Attorney David Kiebler prosecuted the case.
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Violent McKees Rocks Felon Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm and Violation of Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 17-and-a-half years in prison on his conviction of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and violating his federal supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Ernest Lee Terry, 46, on June 4, 2025.
According to information presented to the Court, on May 12, 2024, Terry opened fire on another individual in broad daylight in McKees Rocks. Based on recovered evidence and surveillance video, Terry fired at least seven rounds at a vehicle as it fled from him. Two days later, when arrested for the shooting, Terry had a firearm in his waistband, which was later confirmed to be the same firearm Terry used during the May 12 shooting. Terry was on federal supervised release for a prior federal firearms conviction at the time of the offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
“After a 15-year federal prison sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and while still serving a term of supervised release for that conviction, defendant Terry pulled a gun and fired at least seven rounds at a fleeing individual,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “Upon his arrest two days later for this egregious conduct, Terry had the same gun tucked into his waistband. We commend the Allegheny County Police Department for their outstanding work in apprehending this dangerous felon. This sentencing demonstrates that we remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners at all levels to prosecute violent recidivist offenders like Terry to the fullest extent of the law.”
“ATF’s highest priority is reducing violent gun crime, and keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous career criminals like Ernest Terry is a key means to protect public safety,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “We work tirelessly with our local, state and federal partners to prosecute the criminals that endanger our communities.”
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that Terry’s conduct was “exceptionally serious,” and emphasized Terry’s significant criminal history. Judge Hornak described Terry’s conduct in committing the shooting as “calculated” and observed that Terry had “engaged in conduct that created a high risk of serious harm or death to other people.”
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Allegheny County Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Terry.
Two Co-Defendants Arrested in Connection with Cocaine and Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Temeko Evans (46, Brandon) and Torrey Taylor (44, Tampa) on an indictment charging them with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the indictment, beginning on an unknown date, but not later than on or about February 11, 2025, and continuing through on or about March 26, 2025, Evans and Taylor knowingly and willfully conspired with each other and other persons to distribute cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that on February 19, 2025, Evans and Taylor knowingly and willfully distributed cocaine, and on March 26, 2025, they knowingly and willfully distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
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 and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
Three Foreign Nationals Charged with Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Almost Four Tons of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – A federal complaint was filed today charging Erick Arriola, Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes and Eugenio Lizama, alleged drivers of drug-laden vans and a truck, with conspiring to distribute almost four tons of methamphetamine.
It was one of the biggest seizures of methamphetamine in 2025 in the Southern District of California, and the most significant so far by the new Homeland Security Task Force San Diego, which was recently established by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security at the request of President Trump.
Among other goals, the task force was created to identify and target for prosecution transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, homicide, extortion, and kidnapping.
The complaint alleges that on June 2, 2025, federal law enforcement officials were conducting surveillance on four vehicles - which included two white panel vans, a white Ford F150 truck, and a semi-truck - as they congregated in a parking lot in the 8200 block of Otay Mesa Road.
According to the complaint, bundles in each vehicle had been moved from the large semi-truck into the other vehicles while in the parking lot. The three defendants drove in separate directions before they were ultimately arrested by United States Border Patrol. Each vehicle was stuffed with large bundles of methamphetamine.
Arriola, of El Salvador, was present in the United States despite being a felon convicted of DUI, battery of a spouse, and false imprisonment. Rodriguez Reyes and Lizama are Mexican nationals.
“The recent formation of Homeland Security Task Force San Diego is an essential step to fulfilling the promises of Operation Take Back America,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “Our Office will fully support these enhanced law enforcement partnerships to ensure the safety of our community.”
“As a founding member of HSTF in San Diego, I’m thrilled to be working alongside our partners who have also committed resources to combatting transnational crime,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “Cases under the HSTF will be a priority for me and staff as we all will continue to work together to secure our border and keep our communities safe.”
“Collaboration between law enforcement agencies greatly helps to effectively combat transnational criminal organizations,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker. “The leveraging of our unique capabilities amplifies our ability to safeguard the nation.”
“When we combine our unique capabilities, authorities, strengths, and assets, we create a unified response to the expansive cartel threat,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “FBI San Diego will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to reduce the growing epidemic of drug trafficking and violence in our community.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin of the U.S. Attorney’s recently created Narcoterrorism Unit.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 25mj3112
Erick Omar Arriola Age 27 El Salvador
Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes Age 49 Mexico
Eugenio Lizama Age 35 Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) – Possession with Intent to
Distribute Methamphetamine
Maximum penalty: Life; 10-year mandatory minimum sentence
Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1), 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
Maximum penalty: Life; 10-year mandatory minimum sentence
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Border Patrol
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) San Diego 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, among other goals, 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 Neighborhoods.
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Justice Department, Texas Reach Agreement to End In-State Tuition for Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statements after a federal judge formally enjoined Texas from providing in-state tuition for illegal aliens.
"The Justice Department commends Texas leadership and AG Ken Paxton for swiftly working with us to halt a program that was treating Americans like second-class citizens in their own country," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "Other states should take note that we will continue filing affirmative litigation to remedy unconstitutional state laws that discriminate against American citizens."
"I'm proud to stand with Attorney General Bondi and the Trump Administration to stop an unconstitutional and un-American law that gave in-state tuition to illegal aliens," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. "This law was an insult to our nation's citizens and has now been rightly stopped from being enforced. I will continue to fight for the American people and work swiftly to defeat any policy that puts illegal aliens ahead of our own citizens."
The motion came just hours after the Department filed a complaint in the Northern District of Texas seeking to enjoin enforcement of Texas laws that required colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all aliens who maintain Texas residency, regardless of their legal status. Federal law prohibits institutions of higher education from providing benefits to aliens that are not offered to U.S. citizens. The Texas laws were in direct conflict of federal law and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Southwest Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Armed Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia man with a criminal history who admitted to being a “lifelong” methamphetamine supplier and who said he distributed up to three kilograms of the illegal drug per week during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison this week.
Justin Harris Vinson, 42, of Warwick, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on June 4. Vinson previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Sept. 17, 2024. Codefendant Shana Rae Black, 34, of Cordele, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 168 months to be followed by five years of supervised release on Feb. 28, after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Aug. 15, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat convicted felons who weaponize themselves and distribute hazardous, illegal drugs in our communities will be brought to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Alongside our law enforcement partners, our office is working nonstop to identity those offenders causing the most harm in the communities we serve, stop their criminal activities and hold them accountable.”
“Drug traffickers drive addiction and destroy communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division stated. “DEA will use any resource necessary to remove these career criminals from our streets.”
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug with devastating consequences to users, their families and communities,” said to Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of FBI Atlanta. “This prosecution closes a pipeline for dangerous drugs flowing into the streets of Southwest Georgia.”
“We are committed to holding those who traffic methamphetamine accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Collaborating closely with state, local and federal law enforcement agencies, we will work to ensure justice and dismantle these dangerous networks.”
"I am incredibly proud of our agency's relentless efforts and the strong collaboration with our local and federal partners. Methamphetamine trafficking brings dangerous consequences to our community, often resulting in tragedy and loss of life. This case highlights our dedication to safeguarding the community and demonstrates the powerful results we achieve through collaboration," stated Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.
“This case demonstrates the daily, unwavering efforts law enforcement agents make to ensure a good case to get criminal offenders off the streets and behind bars,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals. "We are proud of the cooperation demonstrated by all to ensure these repeat offenders are held accountable at the federal level, where there is no parole."
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, a confidential informant (CI) working with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) contacted Black on Facebook to obtain methamphetamine on Oct. 27, 2022. Black sold the CI approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine at a Perry, Georgia, motel; the CI reported there was a pistol on a nightstand in the motel room next to a bulk quantity of methamphetamine. On Oct. 31, an undercover Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent contacted Black to purchase methamphetamine and met her at the Walmart in Cordele. Under audio and video surveillance, the GBI agent purchased methamphetamine from Black.
On Nov. 2, FBI, DEA and GBI agents met with another CI to purchase methamphetamine from Vinson. Under surveillance, Vinson met the CI at his Warwick residence and traveled with Vinson to the Sunrise Inn in Cordele to meet with Black. During the transaction, Black provided 284.4 grams of methamphetamine and collected the majority of the cash payment for the drugs, with Vinson keeping $300 as a brokering fee. Vinson was seen with a firearm during the transaction.
On Nov. 7, CCSO and GBI arrested Black in Crisp County as she traveled in a vehicle back from McDonough, Georgia. A search of the vehicle revealed Black was in possession of 982.7 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine, 15.89 grams of 91% pure methamphetamine, a digital scale and several cell phones. GBI executed a search warrant on the Baymont Inn motel room in Cordele where Black was staying and found a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a small bag of suspected methamphetamine, four digital scales and bulk quantities of plastic baggies. Black’s cell phones showed extensive communications between her and known drug dealers.
On Jan. 22, 2023, Vinson purchased 15 ounces of methamphetamine in Cordele and sold 277 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine to a CI utilized by GBI in Warwick. During the transaction, the CI observed Vinson place a firearm in the center console of his vehicle. A search warrant was executed at Vinson’s residence on Jan. 26, 2023. Law enforcement located a semiautomatic pistol in his bedroom, along with five other firearms, inside of an open safe. Vinson told officers he had been selling methamphetamine in the South Georgia and North Florida area his entire life and that during the peak of COVID in 2020, he would sell approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine per week for six months on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel.
Vinson has multiple prior felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine. Black also has a previous felony conviction in Jones County, Georgia, Superior Court for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by GBI, DEA and the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the FBI and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case for the Government.
Social Security employee pleads guilty to multimillion-dollar fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former Social Security employee has admitted to conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
David Lam, 45, Pearland, was an operations supervisor and claims specialist for the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Houston.
As part of his plea, Lam admitted to stealing the personally identifying information (PII) of recently deceased men and then using that PII to facilitate fraudulent benefits applications.
Lam admitted to working with various coconspirators—typically, women with children—to file fraudulent survivor benefits applications listing the deceased men as the children’s fathers or stepfathers. If true, this would have entitled the women to receive benefits while raising their children as widows. However, the women had no connection to the men listed on the applications and the deceased men did not father the children. To facilitate his scheme, Lam would utilize the deceased men’s names, dates of birth and death and Social Security numbers.
He would also instruct the coconspirators to split the stolen funds with him. The women would transfer funds via applications like Zelle, CashApp or Chime. Lam agreed to take responsibility for causing $3,346,280 in loss to the SSA and has agreed to pay that amount in restitution.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake will impose sentencing Sept. 12. At that time, Lam faces up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States on the conspiracy charge and a $250,000 maximum fine. He will also face two years for aggravated identity theft which must run consecutively to any sentence imposed.
The SSA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.
Small Business Investment Company Agrees to Pay $1.5 MILLION to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Pennsylvania Small Business Investment Company (SBIC), its affiliate, and one of its portfolio companies have entered into a settlement agreement with the United States resolving allegations that the portfolio company violated the False Claims Act by taking a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to which the company was not entitled, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced today.
According to the allegations in the complaint and the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement:
Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses. Under appropriate circumstances, small businesses were eligible to receive these funds even if they were owned or had investment from SBICs. For the second draw of PPP loans, businesses in a single corporate group were limited to receiving a maximum of $4 million in PPP loans.
Argosy Investment Partners V, L.P. (“AIP V”) is an SBIC, and Argosy Investment Partners Parallel V, L.P. invests in parallel with AIP V. Among the portfolio companies in which they invested is AIP-ECS Holdings LLC (“AIP-ECS”). AIP-ECS applied for, received, and received forgiveness of a PPP loan for $1,205,352.00, even though AIP-ECS was ineligible for a loan of that size, because other companies in the portfolio had already received loans that, together with the loan AIP-ECS received, would take the corporate group over $4 million in total second draw PPP loans.
Argosy fully cooperated in the investigation and resolution of this matter. In accordance with the terms of the settlement, Argosy Investment Partners V, L.P., Argosy Investment Partners Parallel V, L.P., and/or AIP-ECS agree collectively to pay the United States $1.5 million.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties, called relators, to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. In this matter, the relator is receiving $150,000 as his share in the recovery.
U.S. Attorney Habba credits special agents of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Supervisory Criminal Investigator Angelo Palmeri in New York, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul W. Kaufman of the Healthcare Fraud Unit.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The qui tam case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Zachary Holtzman v. Argosy Capital Company, LLC, et al., Civil Action No. 24-8318.
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Counsel for Argosy and AIP-ECS Holdings: Suzanne Jaffe Bloom, Benjamin Sokoly, Alan Roth, and Christopher Douglass, Winston & Strawn, New York, New York
Relator’s counsel: Darth Newman Esq., Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
argosy.agreement.pdfSix People Indicted for COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme Totaling over $34 MillionRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Elaine A. Escoe, 40; Alfred L. Davis, 51; Gino J. Jourdan, 37; Cher L. Davis, 53; Latoya T. Clark, 39; and James G. McGhow, 69, have been indicted with conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $34 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
According to allegations in the indictment, from May 2020 through November 2021, the defendants conspired to submit more than 90 false and fraudulent applications for funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). The applications allegedly contained materially false representations regarding employee counts, payroll expenses, and business revenues. In support of the applications, the defendants are alleged to have submitted falsified IRS tax documents and fabricated bank statements.
The indictment alleges that the scheme resulted in the wrongful disbursement of approximately $29.1 million in PPP funds, $1.2 million in RRF funds, and $3.8 million in SVOG funds. After the funds were disbursed, the defendants allegedly directed payments to each other and to businesses they controlled, withdrew large sums in cash, and used blank, signed checks to conceal the origin and nature of the proceeds.
Each of the six defendants is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each defendant also faces multiple substantive counts of wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud charge and up to 10 years in prison on each money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, made the announcement.
FBI Miami’s West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case. HSI Miami assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Bailyn is prosecuting the case. Legal Administrative Specialist Matthew Neff is helping with litigation technology.
An indictment is a mere allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
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-80076-AMC.
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Six Men Sentenced for Illegally Transmitting More Than $15 Million Dollars Using Hawala NetworkRead the Press Release
Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that HIRENKUMAR PATEL, the last of six defendants in a case involving an unlicensed money transmitting business that illegally sent millions of dollars in cash throughout the U.S. and between the U.S. and India, was sentenced to 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas. PATEL previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business on September 12, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik.
“The anonymous transmission of money is a linchpin of international criminal activity, whether hacking, drug dealing, sex trafficking, or terrorism” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Unlicensed money transmission organizations, like the ‘halawa’ network operated by Patel and his cohorts, are tailor made for supporting international criminal activity. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will seek to shut down these unlicensed networks and stop the flow of dirty money to criminals who do harm to Americans from abroad.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “These six defendants engaged in an unregulated money transferring scheme responsible for illegally transmitting $15 million in less than a year. Illicit financial schemes like this one cause damage to our economic system that extends beyond the directly involved bad actors. The sentencings announced today demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to ensuring those who attempt to carry out illegal financial schemes face the repercussions in the criminal justice system.”
According to allegations contained in the Complaint, the Information, court filings, and public court proceedings:
In or about April 2021, law enforcement identified a vendor (“Vendor”) on the dark web who was offering, in exchange for a fee, a service to convert cryptocurrency into cash. The Vendor indicated to an undercover agent that some of his clients made money by selling drugs, his wealthiest clients were hackers, and that he had made approximately $30 million over the prior three years through the conversion of cryptocurrency to cash.
In or about February 2023, law enforcement began working with a confidential source and learned that the Vendor was using a “hawala”[1] to obtain the cash that was ultimately exchanged for the cryptocurrency. As part of this hawala, several of the defendants collected cash along the East Coast of the U.S., which was later delivered to an individual who mailed the cash to the Vendor’s customers. All six defendants participated in the delivery of, and/or coordinated the delivery of, the collected cash. The persons who supplied the cash for collection, in turn, used the hawala to have their cash converted into rupees delivered to designated individuals in India.
Of the approximately $15 million sent through the hawala between in or about February 2023 and in or about September 2023, PATEL was responsible for participating in 42 deliveries of bags of cash totaling more than $7.7 million. Neither PATEL nor his co-defendants were licensed or registered to operate as a money transmitting business in New York or under federal law.
* * *
A chart containing the names of the defendants, the charges they were convicted of, and the sentences they received is set forth below.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky in connection with this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levander and Timothy Ly are in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant
Age
Convictions
Sentence
Rajendrakumar Patel52Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business27 months in prisonBrijeshkumar Patel32Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business18 months in prisonHirenkumar Patel40Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business21 months in prisonNaineshkumar Patel51Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business12 months and one day in prisonNileshkumar Patel33Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business3 years of probationShaileshkumar Goyani36Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessTime served
[1] A “hawala” is an unregulated method of transferring money—usually internationally—from one person to another without the money being physically transported from one location another. Rather, someone who seeks to have money transferred relies on brokers who use their own capital to disburse money and informal ledgers to track the receipt and disbursal of money.
Sex Offender Who Approached 11-Year-Old Online Sentenced to 16 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Thursday sentenced a registered sex offender who possessed child sexual abuse material and initiated a sexual conversation with a 11-year-old girl via Facebook Messenger to 16 years in prison.
Seth Allen Barger, 42, of Jefferson County, Missouri, sent a friend request to the victim in 2023. Via Facebook Messenger on July 26, 2023, he sought to engage her in a sexual conversation. The victim’s mother contacted the St. Louis County Police Department, and a detective interviewed Barger. Barger said his account had been hacked. After Barger consented to a search of his phone, a detective with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office found 35 images containing child sexual abuse material.
Barger pleaded guilty in November in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of receiving child pornography and one count of enticement of a minor.
The St. Louis County Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards 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.
Seminole County Resident Pleads Guilty to ArsonRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Robby Dewayne Tiger, age 41, of Seminole County, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Arson in Indian Country, punishable by up to life in prison.
The Indictment alleged that on December 6, 2024, Tiger willfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling, placing the life of a person in jeopardy.
The crime occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Seminole Lighthorse Police.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Tiger will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gross and Jacob Parker represented the United States.
Salvadoran National Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition after Standoff with SWAT at Fresno HotelRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On June 5, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Helan Noel Lopez-Sanchez, 32, a citizen of El Salvador, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 16, 2025, law enforcement officers received information that Lopez-Sanchez, a felon who had escaped from police custody, was located at a Motel 6 in Fresno after he logged into his Snapchat account. The Fresno Sheriff’s Office’s SWAT team was activated to serve an arrest warrant at the Motel 6.
According to court documents, SWAT operators sent a drone into the motel room, where they observed Lopez-Sanchez with a rifle pointing the rifle at the door. Law enforcement officers ultimately took Lopez-Sanchez into custody and located ammunition as well as a short-barreled, privately manufactured rifle.
Lopez-Sanchez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to felony convictions including bringing alcohol/drugs into a jail and grand theft.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lopez-Sanchez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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).
Salinas Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury today indicted Edy Antonio, Jr., 30, of Salinas, Calif., on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
Antonio was initially charged by criminal complaint on May 13, 2025, with the same offense. According to the indictment and the criminal complaint, Antonio allegedly used or attempted to use his cell phone to persuade, induce, and entice two minors to engage in criminal sexual conduct. On April 21, 2025, Antonio responded to an advertisement on a website dedicated to promoting commercial sex services. The advertisement depicted two minors whom Antonio believed to be a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old. Antonio allegedly responded via text message and agreed to pay $500 to engage in sexual conduct with the minor girls. Thereafter, Antonio traveled to the planned meeting location at a hotel in Salinas, where he was arrested by Salinas Police Department officers. The complaint describes that Antonio worked as a respiratory therapist at two hospitals in Salinas and Monterey.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.
Antonio was arrested in Salinas on May 20, 2025, and made an initial appearance in federal court that same day. He was released on bond. Antonio is next scheduled to appear in district court on June 10, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Chang is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney and Susan Kreider. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI and the Salinas Police Department.
Saint Francis Man Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Saint Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. The sentencing took place on May 27, 2025.
Randy Harlan Arcoren Jr., age 42, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Arcoren was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 26, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in January 2024 in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On January 4, 2024, law enforcement was called to Arcoren’s home for an unrelated matter. Once inside the home, law enforcement located two firearms in Arcoren’s bedroom: a revolver and a shotgun. Law enforcement also found a small amount of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia in the bedroom.
Arcoren was convicted in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota of Robbery in 2006 and Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition in 2015. As a result of these felony convictions, it is illegal for Arcoren to possess firearms or ammunition. Arcoren will forfeit ownership of the firearms to the United States.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Arcoren was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rochester area teacher arrested on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kevin Burns, 45, of Irondequoit, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in October 2023, the New York State Police received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual living in Rochester uploaded an image of child pornography from the internet. Subsequent investigation traced the images to Burns, a teacher employed by a school in Monroe County. In November 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Burns’ residence, during which they seized his computer. A forensic review of the device recovered more than 450 images of child pornography, to include children engaged in sexual acts with adults, children that are restrained, blind-folded or masked, and infants and toddler-age children.
Burns made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Colleen D. Holland and was held pending a detention hearing.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Roberts man found guilty of kidnapping and threatening one woman and two children while trafficking meth, fentanyl, and cocaineRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A man who lived for a time in Roberts, Montana was found guilty of three counts of kidnapping and one count of making an interstate threat, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The same man had entered a plea of guilty the previous week with respect to trafficking large amounts of illegal narcotics.
Following a three-day trial, a federal jury on Wednesday found Adolfo Vargas-Lepe guilty of two counts of kidnapping two minors, one count of kidnapping an adult, and making an interstate threat. He was acquitted of a separate count of kidnapping an adult and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Lepe pleaded guilty last week to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of pure methamphetamine, 400 or more grams of fentanyl, and cocaine. Lepe faces the following penalties:
- A maximum term of imprisonment of life for kidnapping an adult, a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release;
- A mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and maximum term of life for each count of kidnapping a minor, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release;
- Five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for making a threat in interstate commerce; and
- A mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life for the drug trafficking, along with a fine of $10 million and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for October 2, 2025. Lepe will remain in custody pending sentencing.
“Lepe’s victims endured unimaginable trauma that will stay with them forever,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Lepe demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and the law. He is a serious threat to the community and will be held accountable for his horrific crimes.”
“Lepe traumatized his kidnapping victims, including physically and sexually assaulting them, shooting one of them, and transporting them around the United States and into Mexico. While engaged in that conduct, he also distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in communities in Montana and elsewhere. Lepe posed a significant danger to the public and the jury’s verdict should serve as a warning to others who would engage in such abhorrent behavior. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Ryan Weldon, the staff in our office, and the law enforcement agents from the FBI, BIA, Billings Police Department, and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work on the case.” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The government alleged in court documents that in November 2017 Lepe kidnapped Jane Does 1, 2, and 3, a mother and two daughters, and transported them to multiple states and into Mexico. While in Mexico, Lepe locked them in a house to prevent them from fleeing. Lepe plied Jane Doe 1 with methamphetamine and told her he transported drugs for a Mexican cartel. Lepe would not let Jane Doe 1 leave his sight because of her knowledge of his drug trafficking. He threatened to kill her and have cartel members kill her family, he continuously physically assaulted her, and he threatened her with a gun. In 2018, when Jane Doe 3 had returned to live with her mother (Jane Doe 1), Lepe sexually assaulted her at a residence in Billings.
In 2023, Lepe kidnapped Jane Doe 4, whom he had known for several years, from her residence in Wyoming, after sending her a text message from Montana that threatened to hurt her because she tried to get away from him. Jane Doe 4 ultimately agreed to travel from Wyoming to Montana with Lepe because of his threats to hurt her and her family. Once back in Montana, Lepe repeatedly abused Jane Doe 4. He beat her regularly, pistol whipped her, and shot her in the legs. She finally escaped in May 2023 by running away from his house, hiding in the dirt behind some bushes for several hours, and making her way to a nearby bar to call 911.
On May 31, 2023, two days after Jane Doe 4 had escaped, Carbon County Sheriff’s deputies saw Lepe driving a truck near Boyd, Montana, and tried to arrest him. He led the officers on a high-speed chase, ultimately rolling his vehicle, and was apprehended. In July, after listening to Lepe’s phone calls from the jail, which were translated from Spanish to English, law enforcement searched Lepe’s storage unit and seized about one pound of cocaine and two pounds of meth. They also found 12.5 pounds of meth and roughly 10,000 fentanyl pills in a backpack underneath a tree in the area where Lepe rolled his vehicle following the high-speed chase in May.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Billings Police Department, and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Multiple Fires Around the Exterior of a Church; Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man who intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest assaulted two federal correctional officers, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison.
Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 78 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on February 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, a predominantly black church with both an in-person and online following, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers who arrived at the church moments after the fires were lit, but not before the church sustained some damage.
Due to the damage, church congregants were prevented from enjoying their free exercise of religious beliefs as church services were cancelled until the church could be reopened.
Several hours prior to the fires being discovered, the pastor of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries reported to police that he witnessed an individual on the church’s Ring camera doorbell attempting to break into the church. The pastor spoke to the male subject through the Ring camera, telling him, among other things, that the building was a church. The man continued trying to break in the door, and then broke the Ring camera off the side of the building. The pastor later identified Colantonio as the person he saw on the Ring camera.
The day after lighting the fires, Colantonio privately messaged a family member that no one in the community cared about the arson; Colantonio called the church “Athiest God mockers,” adding that, “They’re busy dancing around collecting money.”
During a February 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage. Also seized were notebooks with writings such as “Eliminate Rich Snob global Elite Pastors, burn churches down to ground, when congregants move to next church, do the same… .” In a separate entry, Colantonio wrote, “hunt them down gun everyone down that isn’t white, if one is white spread the gospel. Always give our bloodline a chance.”
In addition to admitting to setting the fires, Colantonio admitted to assaulting two federal correctional officers while he was detained at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility following his arrest. Colantonio admitted that he struck two federal officers with human bodily waste and fluid that were contained inside a mug he tossed at the officers.
Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made today’s announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
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Repeat sex offender sentenced to over 19 years in prison for attempting to meet a child for sexRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 19 years and seven months in prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a child.
According to court documents, in July 2024, a task force officer was posing as a 13-year-old child online, identified in court records as Jane Doe. On July 10, 2024, Matthew Ian Britt, 40, under the username “weedsmoke,” sent a private message to Jane Doe through the Whisper social media platform. Britt told Jane Doe that he was 33 years old, and Jane Doe told Britt that she was 13.
Britt sent an image of a male exposing himself and requested photographs of Jane Doe, including asking for “a naughty pic.” Jane Doe explained that she would get in trouble with her parents if they found out she sent such a photograph, and Britt sent another picture of an exposed male. Britt asked Jane Doe if she ever engaged in sex. Britt also asked where Jane Doe lived and continued to talk about how attracted he was to her. Britt provided another sexually graphic image, asked Jane Doe if she would touch him in a sexual way, and asked if he could touch her. As he continued to send graphic sexual images, Britt asked Jane Doe if she would sit naked under a blanket with him and offered to make it happen.
Britt provided his cellphone number to Jane Doe to continue communicating and on July 11, 2024, Britt messaged Jane Doe and told her that he wanted to meet her and sit naked. He requested an address, and one was provided. The following day, Britt arrived at the residence in Hampton that he believed was Jane Doe’s and was taken into custody.
Britt previously was convicted of, among other crimes, aggravated sexual battery and carnal knowledge of a child 13 to 15.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Jimmie Wideman, Chief of Hampton Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Heath prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-75.
Randolph Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to possessing and transporting child sexual abuse material.
Kesler Xavier Saget, 43, pleaded guilty to transporting child pornography and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Sept. 4, 2025. In August 2024, Saget was arrested and charged.
On Aug. 7, 2024, Saget traveled to Boston Logan International Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. During a screening by border agents, child pornography was detected on Saget’s phone. Saget admitted to having child pornography on his phone and to receiving links with child pornography through various chat groups. A review of the phone also showed payments made by Saget in exchange for access to child pornography.
The charge of transporting child pornography provides for a sentence of up no less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possessing child pornography provides for a sentence up to 20 years, five years to life of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Acting United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Prison Sentence for Man Who Robbed a Woman Near Her JobRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Donovan Adams, 31, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 90 months in prison today for robbing a woman in an alleyway in Southeast Washington D.C, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Adams pleaded guilty to armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, on April 3, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Today, the Honorable Jennifer DiToro sentenced the defendant to 7.5 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on the morning of September 27, 2024, the victim drove her car and parked it in an alleyway adjacent to the restaurant where she worked in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. As the victim was exiting her car, she noticed a black sedan drive past her. The victim began walking down the alley toward her workplace. A few moments later, the same black sedan began following the victim down the alley, before pulling up beside the victim. The defendant exited the driver’s seat of the black sedan and pointed a firearm at the victim, demanding her belongings. The defendant took the victim’s purse, cell phone, and car key. The defendant returned to his black sedan and sped off. The victim ran into her workplace and called 911. About five minutes later, the defendant returned to the alleyway and drove off in the victim’s car. When she returned outside about ten minutes after the robbery, she discovered that her car was gone. About an hour later, Officers arrested the defendant, who had fled from police in his black sedan. Officers recovered from the defendant a beige BB gun, the victim’s car key, and three credit cards belonging to the victim.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein, who prosecuted the case.
Porcupine Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on May 30, 2025.
Chandler New Holy, age 28, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
New Holy was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 17, 2025.
The charge related to New Holy having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female. New Holy and the female lived in the same community and corresponded with each other over a social media platform. The female represented that she was 16 years old. New Holy told the female he was only 17, when in fact, he was 25 years old. A short while later, the female told New Holy she was only 14 years of age. Despite learning that the female had not reached the age of consent, New Holy continued the relationship, and they both attempted to keep their relationship a secret. The female was reported missing by her family members. Law enforcement later located the female with New Holy, which prompted the investigation.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
New Holy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.