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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 15 July 2026
A‑Plus Management and Its Owner Agree to Pay $1M to Settle Alleged False Claims at Post for Office RepairsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A-Plus Management, LLC and its owner, Jared Chavis of Maxton, agreed to pay $1,000,000 to the U.S. government to resolve alleged false claims for overstated repairs at United States Postal Service (USPS) facilities.
“This civil fraud settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect taxpayer money from dishonest contractors,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office zealously pursues those who submit false invoices to wrongfully take government funds, whether large or small amounts.”
This settlement arose from allegations that A-Plus and Jared Chavis falsely overstated labor, mischarged travel expenses, altered invoices, and failed to provide accurate documentation for repairs at USPS properties. The False Claims Act allows the Government to seek recovery of three times the money falsely obtained, plus substantial penalties for each false claim submitted. It should be noted that the civil claims resolved by settlement here are allegations only, that there has been no judicial determination or admission of liability, and that A-Plus and Jared Chavis deny these fraud allegations.
“The USPS OIG will continue to aggressively investigate companies that engage in activities designed to defraud the Postal Service’s contracting process,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kevin Cloninger of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “This settlement demonstrates that our special agents, along with the United States Attorney’s Office, will pursue contractors that overcharge the government and enrich themselves at the expense of USPS customers.”
The USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent oversight and law enforcement agency established under the Inspector General Act. Responsibilities include conducting investigations, detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. This investigation came from the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.
Arlington man sentenced to prison for sexually exploiting minors and attempting to destroy evidenceRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Arlington man was sentenced today to 18 years and 10 months in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and destruction or removal of property to prevent search or seizure.
According to court documents, from at least May 2023 through May 2025, Stephen Chadwick Howell, 25, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with at least three minor victims. Howell at times misrepresented his age, sent sexually explicit images of himself, and requested and received sexually explicit images. Howell met at least one minor victim with whom he engaged in sex and produced sexually explicit images and videos of the victim, which he later distributed to her. Howell sent money to a 16-year-old victim who sent sexually explicit images of herself that were later found on Howell’s cellphone.
Between January 2023 and January 2024, Howell communicated online with an individual in Brooklyn, New York, about their shared interest in CSAM. Howell distributed sexually explicit images of minors to the individual and requested advice on grooming minors such as what age to represent himself to victims online. Howell asked the individual’s assistance rebuilding his CSAM collection after having deleted it.
On May 7, 2025, the FBI executed a search warrant at Howell’s residence. When investigators arrived, however, Howell did not comply with orders to exit the residence. Instead, he retrieved two knives from the kitchen and barricaded himself in his bedroom, leading to a nine-hour standoff. During the standoff, Howell urinated on his laptop in an attempt to prevent the FBI from accessing its contents. Investigators were able to partially repair the laptop and recover sexually explicit images of minors.
The FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case. The FBI’s New York Field Office provided substantial assistance in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Withers and Lauren Halper 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. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-235.
Amherst man going to prison for receipt of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marcus Elliott, 40, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison followed by 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
In September 2020, Elliott began to communicate with a 12-year-old female on Snapchat, during which the minor victim took a sexually explicit photograph and sent it to Elliott. In June 2025, following a disclosure by the minor victim, Elliott’s cellular telephone was searched, and the sexually explicit image of the minor victim was recovered. In addition, Elliott admits that he engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim on one occasion and requested that she produce child pornography on other occasions.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin.
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Adams County Man Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Lee White, age 39, of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for receiving child pornography. Judge Wilson also ordered White to pay victims restitution in the amount of $133,500, and to pay assessments totaling $17,100.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, law enforcement began investigating White in 2023 after learning that he had been communicating with underage girls on Instagram and soliciting sexually explicit images from them. Following the execution of a search warrant at White’s home in November 2023, law enforcement seized computer devices that contained tens of thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography, which White received via the internet.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby.
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Westfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Victim of More Than $500,000Read the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Shayna Williams, 51, of Westfield, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud for her role in a six‑year scheme that targeted and financially devastated an elderly victim.
According to court documents, Williams was involved in a car accident with an elderly woman. Following the accident, over the course of six years, Williams defrauded the victim and the victim’s friend of $672,086 by repeatedly lying about injuries, medical conditions, and other expenses she claimed resulted from the car accident.
Williams falsely asserted that her daughter had suffered severe back injuries in the accident, requiring costly surgery and specialized medical equipment, including a walker and an in‑home elevator. She also claimed that she and other family members were undergoing expensive medical treatments and were burdened with substantial medical bills.
To further the scheme, Williams sent text messages to the victim while impersonating insurance agents who were supposedly negotiating with hospitals over the alleged medical bills. These messages falsely promised that the victim would be reimbursed by the insurance company if she paid Williams’s expenses. Williams also took steps to disguise her phone number to make the impersonations more convincing.
The financial impact on the victim was severe. The victim took out personal loans, worked as a food delivery driver, obtained a second mortgage on her home, and borrowed money from a friend to pay the fraudulent bills. In total, the victim paid Williams more than $500,000. Despite knowing the victim was incurring significant debt, Williams continued to request additional funds and spent the money on personal expenses, including restaurants, travel, and gambling.
FBI Indianapolis and the Carmel Police Department investigated this case. U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker will sentence Williams at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Eakman and Meredith Wood, who are prosecuting this case.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is aged 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available from the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website.
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Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Two men in separate cases were sentenced to prison today for unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents and statements made in court:
- Marc Christopher Viloria was sentenced by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. On November 20, 2024, Viloria was involved in a high-speed chase with police while fleeing the scene of a shooting in which he was likely involved. He admitted that he possessed a privately made 9mm semiautomatic pistol with no serial number and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. He had previously been convicted of sale of a hallucinogen, criminal possession of a firearm, and distribution of a hallucinogen, all in Geary County, Kansas. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. The government recommended a sentence of 30 months’ imprisonment.
- Manuel Edwin Martinez was sentenced by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 37 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Martinez admitted that, on January 12, 2022, he possessed a 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol at a gas station and convenience store in Las Vegas, Nevada. He had previously been convicted for of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, both in Denver, Colorado. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. The government recommended a sentence of 37 months’ imprisonment.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge John Wester of the San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
These cases were investigated by ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Cowhig and Joseph Sciscento prosecuted these cases.
Anyone with information about unlawful firearms activity should call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip at www.reportit.com/.
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Two Men Indicted for Alleged Roles in ATM Jackpotting SchemeRead the Press Release
RENO – A federal grand jury indicted two men for their alleged roles in a scheme to steal money from multiple ATMs located in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. This crime is commonly referred to as “ATM jackpotting.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 3, 2026, Kleiber Jovanny Garcia Rojas and Yeiker Andres Diaz-Calatayud, aka “Jose Soto,” installed a digital device on an ATM at a federal credit union. The device allowed them to bypass security functions without authorization and withdraw cash. They allegedly stole approximately $76,000 in cash.
Defendants installing malware device on ATM
Garcia Rojas and Diaz-Calatayud are each charged with one count of bank theft. If convicted, they each face the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. Both defendants made their initial court appearances and were ordered detained. A jury trial is scheduled for September 15, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Anne Traum. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“As alleged, the defendants hacked into an ATM in northern Nevada and stole approximately $76,000 in cash through a scheme known as ATM jackpotting,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “This indictment is another shining example of our focused efforts with partners in law enforcement to protect financial institutions.”
“Criminal acts, such as ATM jackpotting schemes, significantly disrupt business operations and endanger customers and bystanders,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI has a longstanding commitment to investigating bank robberies and as criminal tactics evolve, we remain steadfast in our mission to combat violent crime and uphold public safety.”
The FBI, Reno Police Department, and Washoe County Sherriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Gaeta is prosecuting the case.
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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Two Illegal Aliens with Prior Felony Convictions and Multiple Deportations Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Two illegal aliens unlawfully residing in Las Vegas were sentenced to prison today for illegally reentering the United States after having been previously removed from the country.
Rito Lopez-Mundo, also known as “Cora Aguayo-Mundo,” “Everado Cobarubia Altamirano,” “Everado Cobarubia Lopez,” “Rito Everado-Cobarubia,” “Everado Cobarubia Mundo,” “Joaquin Altamiran-Bobadillo,” and “Jose River-Lopez,” pleaded guilty to one count of deported alien found in the United States. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 30 months in prison. The government recommended a sentence of 24 months in prison.
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on June 14, 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Lopez-Mundo was in custody at the Clark County Detention Center. On November 26, 2025, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Lopez-Mundo to ICE custody after he served a 19-48 month sentence for conspiracy to commit robbery. Lopez-Mundo was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on May 13, 1996; November 3, 1997; August 12, 1998; March 25, 2005; May 28, 2013; and October 5, 2018.
Lopez-Mundo has prior felony convictions including attempted robbery in San Diego, California; and five times deported alien found unlawfully in the United States in the Southern District of California.
Jose Leonel Gomez-Palma, a citizen of Nicaragua, also known as “Erik Gonzalez,” Jose Lopez,” “Jose Godinez,” and “Jose Gomez,” pleaded guilty to one count of deported alien found in the United States. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 15 months in prison. The government recommended a sentence of 15 months in prison.
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on April 30, 2026, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Gomez-Palma for driving under the influence and possession of a gun under the influence of alcohol/drugs. On May 2, 2026, the Clark County Detention Center remanded him to ICE custody. Gomez-Palma was previously removed and deported from the United States to Nicaragua on September 8, 2012.
Gomez-Palma has previous felony convictions including possession of narcotic/controlled substance (cocaine); carjacking; kidnapping; attempted robbery; assault with a deadly weapon, all in Los Angeles County, California.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated these cases; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted these cases.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
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.
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Trade Fraud Task Force Surpasses $1 Billion in Recoveries and Charged Losses in Less Than One YearRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that the Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF), launched in August 2025, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties, forfeitures, and publicly charged losses in less than one year This milestone reflects a fundamental shift in the federal government’s approach to customs and trade enforcement, emphasizing rigorous criminal prosecution and civil enforcement under the False Claims Act (FCA).
“For too long, fraud actors have viewed customs violations as a mere surcharge or cost of doing business,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “By utilizing the Department’s full weight, we are making it clear that trade fraud is a serious economic crime. This billion-dollar milestone demonstrates that the United States and the National Fraud Enforcement Division will no longer allow the integrity of our country’s borders and markets to be compromised for illicit profit. This message should be heard loud and clear by all supply-chain actors.”
The TFTF was established by DOJ and DHS to investigate and prosecute those who defraud the government through material misrepresentations to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including transshipment, mislabeling, and false declaration. Its mandate covers the entire supply chain, including importers, customs brokers, downstream distributors, industrial and commercial end-users, and other supply-chain actors who knowingly profit from merchandise imported contrary to law. Although the TFTF maintains broad enforcement authority, the task force focuses on key revenue and enforcement priorities, including the evasion of Section 301 tariffs, antidumping duties (AD), and countervailing duties (CVD), the eradication of forced labor from global supply chains that seek to exploit U.S. markets, and the prosecution of criminal violations concerning imported goods that threaten public health and safety. By prioritizing clear, high-impact enforcement actions within established legal frameworks, the TFTF ensures swift accountability and a level playing field for law-abiding American businesses.
“Ensuring that the global supply chain remains a level playing field for law-abiding American businesses is a critical component of CBP’s mission,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “By pairing CBP’s operational reach with DOJ’s prosecutorial authority, we are dismantling the networks that seek to bypass our laws and undermine our economic security. Every day, CBP confronts criminal networks that exploit our supply chains, endanger American families with unsafe goods, threaten the integrity of our consumer and industrial markets, and undermine confidence in international commerce. Our message is clear: those who seek to exploit America’s trade system will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”
“Through the Trade Fraud Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations is actively protecting American families and businesses from the dangers and consequences of illegal trade practices,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “HSI combines investigative expertise and global partnerships to confront criminal networks that threaten fair trade and the security of our nation’s economic interests. By holding offenders accountable, we build trust in the products people rely on every day and support a fair marketplace for honest businesses.”
U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES CHARGES IN TWO SIGNIFICANT CHICAGO TRADE FRAUD CASES
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL) today announced charges against multiple defendants in significant customs duty evasion schemes involving the false declaration of countries of origin for gold jewelry. The Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF) has selected NDIL as its lead prosecutorial partner. These Chicago cases contributed to the TFTF surpassing the $1 billion milestone in enforced trade fraud matters.
Raj Kohli and Veena Kohli, who operate Surya International, Inc., a gold jewelry importer and wholesaler in South San Francisco, California, were charged in U.S. District Court in Chicago with falsely declaring that the gold jewelry they imported into the United States had originated in Singapore and not its true country of origin—India and United Arab Emirates. The charges allege that from approximately August 2020 through May 2024, the company, together with foreign manufacturers and other United States entities, imported and brought into the United States approximately 563 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. The gold jewelry had an estimated total value of more than approximately $693 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $38 million in United States customs duties.
Separately, Narain Gulabani who owned and operated Barkha Wholesale, Inc., a gold jewelry importer and wholesaler in Naperville, Illinois, was charged in U.S. District Court in Chicago with falsely declaring the country of origin for imported gold jewelry. The charges allege that, from approximately May 2016 and October 2021, Gulabani, together with foreign manufacturers and other United States entities, imported or caused to be imported into the United States approximately 242 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Oman or Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. The gold jewelry had an estimated total value of more than approximately $240 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $13.6 million in United States customs duties.
These charges are part of a broader federal effort to combat trade fraud schemes that undermine fair competition, harm domestic industries, deprive the United States of substantial revenue, and ultimately hurt the American taxpayer.
Gold jewelry and objects seized by law enforcement in May 2022.CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ENFORCEMENT
The TFTF has a nationwide mandate to investigate and prosecute trade fraud and related cases, from coast-to-coast. Any offense involving the importation of an object may be inquired of and prosecuted in any district from, through, or into which the imported object moves. Moreover, federal law criminalizes down-chain activities involving merchandise entered contrary to law when done with knowledge of the illegal entry. As a result, the port of entry is only the starting point for these actions, which may also be prosecuted in the district that feels the impact of the trade fraud.
The TFTF has secured major victories across a diverse range of industries. Recent high-impact matters include:
- Perfectus Aluminum (May 12, 2026) (CDCA): S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-led criminal investigation resulted in the collection of $549.5 million through a FCA settlement concerning massive scheme to evade antidumping and countervailing duties on aluminum extrusions.
- Boise Cascade (April 27, 2026) (SDFL): HSI-led criminal investigation resulted in a $6.3 million fine and guilty plea for Lacey Act violations where the company demonstrated willful blindness toward illegally imported birch plywood.
- Ceratizit USA (December 18, 2025) (EDMI): $54 million FCA settlement to resolve allegations of knowingly failing to pay duties on tungsten carbide products imported from China.
- Royal Sovereign (April 28, 2026) (DNJ): $8 million criminal fine and restitution ordered after failure to report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission dangerously defective imported air conditioners allegedly linked to more than 40 fires and one death.
- MGI International (December 12, 2025) (DNH): HSI-led criminal investigation leading to resolutions against a global plastic resin distributor and its former executive concerning misrepresentations of the goods’ country of origin to avoid paying Section 301 duties.
CBP ENFORCEMENT
In addition to the civil and criminal enforcement efforts that led to this historic milestone, CBP continues to exercise its enforcement authorities to address trade violations. So far this Fiscal Year, CBP has assessed more than $2.1 billion in commercial trade penalties and debarred 35 parties from doing business with the federal government. These actions complement DOJ’s enforcement mechanisms and strengthen CBP’s mission to protect our national and economic security by preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
THE TRADE FRAUD RESOURCE GUIDE
The DOJ and the DHS today released A Resource Guide to Trade Fraud Enforcement (the Guide). As the first joint comprehensive framework of its kind, the Guide is a historic and seminal roadmap for cross-border compliance and enforcement priorities. The Guide provides critical information to enterprises of all sizes and addresses a wide variety of topics, including who and what is covered by customs regulations and anti-trade fraud laws and the different types of civil and criminal resolutions available in trade fraud enforcement. On these and other topics, the Guide takes a multi-faceted approach toward setting forth the statutory and regulatory requirements and providing insights into the enforcement practices of the DOJ and DHS.
Since January 2025, the Department has brought trade fraud enforcement actions all over the country as shown in the map below:
“When companies commit trade fraud, the prosperity and safety of American workers, families, and communities are put at risk,” said the DHS Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security, Aris Kourkoumelis. “To level the playing field and protect the American people, DOJ and DHS have forged the Trade Fraud Task Force and have produced this Resource Guide which provides the private sector with a transparent, comprehensive manual on trade fraud enforcement.”
GLOBAL TRADE & COMMERCE ENFORCEMENT SECTION
The Department is announcing the creation of the Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement Section (GTCES) within the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The GTCES’s mission is to investigate and prosecute criminal import, trade, and other fraud offenses that undermine American industries, evade external revenue collection, threaten consumers’ health and safety, finance foreign adversaries, promote forced labor through illegal trade practices, and violate United States laws and regulations governing domestic and foreign commerce.
A FOUNDATION OF PARTNERSHIP
The success of the GTCES and TFTF is built upon unprecedented cooperation between Main Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and law enforcement partners.
“It has been a tremendous honor to work closely with the Department and its leadership to envision what the Trade Fraud Task Force could be, and then to convert concept into reality,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros of the Northern District of Illinois. “Helping stand up the Task Force from the ground up has been a vision of mine for nearly 20 years, dating back to when I was a federal prosecutor in Chicago bringing what has still stood as the largest criminal trade fraud cases of their kind and doing so against a stacked deck. It is deeply satisfying to know that we were decades ahead of our time and that our strategy from years ago has now been adopted at the highest levels of the Department and is being implemented across the whole of government. It is a great privilege and responsibility for the Northern District of Illinois to be selected as lead prosecutorial partner for the Trade Fraud Task Force. With our expansive venue and my decades of experience in this space, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office intends to be the tip of the spear when it comes to robust and vigorous enforcement of our nation’s trade, forced labor, and other related laws. There should be no doubt, the key roads for trade fraud enforcement lead from, to, and through Chicago past, present, and future.”
The Department extends its gratitude to the 35 TFTF masthead U.S. Attorneys’ Offices: District of Arizona, Eastern District of Arkansas, Northern District of California, Central District of California, Eastern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Columbia, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Central District of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, District of Nebraska, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Middle District of North Carolina, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virigina, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin.
The Task Force also acknowledges the indispensable contributions of its law enforcement and agency partners, including CBP, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration.
The Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy provides concrete benefits to incentivize companies to voluntarily disclose discovered misconduct, cooperate with our investigations, and timely and appropriately remediate the wrongdoing.
The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Department’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at [email protected] using the form available here.
Trade Fraud Task Force Surpasses $1 Billion in Recoveries and Charged Losses in Less Than One YearRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice announced today that the Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF), launched in August 2025, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties, forfeitures, and publicly charged losses in less than one year. This milestone reflects a fundamental shift in the federal government’s approach to customs and trade enforcement, emphasizing rigorous criminal prosecution and civil enforcement under the False Claims Act (FCA).
“For too long, fraud actors have viewed customs violations as a mere surcharge or cost of doing business,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “By utilizing the Department’s full weight, we are making it clear that trade fraud is a serious economic crime. This billion-dollar milestone demonstrates that the United States and the National Fraud Enforcement Division will no longer allow the integrity of our country’s borders and markets to be compromised for illicit profit. This message should be heard loud and clear by all supply-chain actors.”
The TFTF was established by DOJ and DHS to investigate and prosecute those who defraud the government through material misrepresentations to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including transshipment, mislabeling, and false declaration. Its mandate covers the entire supply chain, including importers, customs brokers, downstream distributors, industrial and commercial end-users, and other supply-chain actors who knowingly profit from merchandise imported contrary to law. Although the TFTF maintains broad enforcement authority, the task force focuses on key revenue and enforcement priorities, including the evasion of Section 301 tariffs, antidumping duties (AD), and countervailing duties (CVD), the eradication of forced labor from global supply chains that seek to exploit U.S. markets, and the prosecution of criminal violations concerning imported goods that threaten public health and safety. By prioritizing clear, high-impact enforcement actions within established legal frameworks, the TFTF ensures swift accountability and a level playing field for law-abiding American businesses.
“Ensuring that the global supply chain remains a level playing field for law-abiding American businesses is a critical component of CBP’s mission,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “By pairing CBP’s operational reach with DOJ’s prosecutorial authority, we are dismantling the networks that seek to bypass our laws and undermine our economic security. Every day, CBP confronts criminal networks that exploit our supply chains, endanger American families with unsafe goods, threaten the integrity of our consumer and industrial markets, and undermine confidence in international commerce. Our message is clear: those who seek to exploit America’s trade system will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”
“Through the Trade Fraud Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations is actively protecting American families and businesses from the dangers and consequences of illegal trade practices,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “HSI combines investigative expertise and global partnerships to confront criminal networks that threaten fair trade and the security of our nation’s economic interests. By holding offenders accountable, we build trust in the products people rely on every day and support a fair marketplace for honest businesses.”
U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES CHARGES IN TWO SIGNIFICANT CHICAGO TRADE FRAUD CASES
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL) today announced charges against multiple defendants in significant customs duty evasion schemes involving the false declaration of countries of origin for gold jewelry. The Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF) has selected NDIL as its lead prosecutorial partner. These Chicago cases contributed to the TFTF surpassing the $1 billion milestone in enforced trade fraud matters.
Raj Kohli and Veena Kohli, who operate Surya International, Inc., a gold jewelry importer and wholesaler in South San Francisco, California, were charged in U.S. District Court in Chicago with falsely declaring that the gold jewelry they imported into the United States had originated in Singapore and not its true country of origin—India and United Arab Emirates. The charges allege that from approximately August 2020 through May 2024, the company, together with foreign manufacturers and other United States entities, imported and brought into the United States approximately 563 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. The gold jewelry had an estimated total value of more than approximately $693 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $38 million in United States customs duties.
Separately, Narain Gulabani who owned and operated Barkha Wholesale, Inc., a gold jewelry importer and wholesaler in Naperville, Illinois, was charged in U.S. District Court in Chicago with falsely declaring the country of origin for imported gold jewelry. The charges allege that, from approximately May 2016 and October 2021, Gulabani, together with foreign manufacturers and other United States entities, imported or caused to be imported into the United States approximately 242 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Oman or Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. The gold jewelry had an estimated total value of more than approximately $240 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $13.6 million in United States customs duties.
These charges are part of a broader federal effort to combat trade fraud schemes that undermine fair competition, harm domestic industries, deprive the United States of substantial revenue, and ultimately hurt the American taxpayer.
Gold jewelry and objects seized by law enforcement in May 2022.
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ENFORCEMENT
The TFTF has a nationwide mandate to investigate and prosecute trade fraud and related cases, from coast-to-coast. Any offense involving the importation of an object may be inquired of and prosecuted in any district from, through, or into which the imported object moves. Moreover, federal law criminalizes down-chain activities involving merchandise entered contrary to law when done with knowledge of the illegal entry. As a result, the port of entry is only the starting point for these actions, which may also be prosecuted in the district that feels the impact of the trade fraud.
The TFTF has secured major victories across a diverse range of industries. Recent high-impact matters include:
Perfectus Aluminum (May 12, 2026) (CDCA): U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-led criminal investigation resulted in the collection of $549.5 million through a FCA settlement concerning massive scheme to evade antidumping and countervailing duties on aluminum extrusions.
Boise Cascade (April 27, 2026) (SDFL): HSI-led criminal investigation resulted in a $6.3 million fine and guilty plea for Lacey Act violations where the company demonstrated willful blindness toward illegally imported birch plywood.
Ceratizit USA (December 18, 2025) (EDMI): $54 million FCA settlement to resolve allegations of knowingly failing to pay duties on tungsten carbide products imported from China.
Royal Sovereign (April 28, 2026) (DNJ): $8 million criminal fine and restitution ordered after failure to report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission dangerously defective imported air conditioners allegedly linked to more than 40 fires and one death.
MGI International (December 12, 2025) (DNH): HSI-led criminal investigation leading to resolutions against a global plastic resin distributor and its former executive concerning misrepresentations of the goods’ country of origin to avoid paying Section 301 duties.
CBP ENFORCEMENT
In addition to the civil and criminal enforcement efforts that led to this historic milestone, CBP continues to exercise its enforcement authorities to address trade violations. So far this Fiscal Year, CBP has assessed more than $2.1 billion in commercial trade penalties and debarred 35 parties from doing business with the federal government. These actions complement DOJ’s enforcement mechanisms and strengthen CBP’s mission to protect our national and economic security by preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
THE TRADE FRAUD RESOURCE GUIDE
The DOJ and the DHS today released A Resource Guide to Trade Fraud Enforcement (the Guide). As the first joint comprehensive framework of its kind, the Guide is a historic and seminal roadmap for cross-border compliance and enforcement priorities. The Guide provides critical information to enterprises of all sizes and addresses a wide variety of topics, including who and what is covered by customs regulations and anti-trade fraud laws and the different types of civil and criminal resolutions available in trade fraud enforcement. On these and other topics, the Guide takes a multi-faceted approach toward setting forth the statutory and regulatory requirements and providing insights into the enforcement practices of the DOJ and DHS.
Since January 2025, the Department has brought trade fraud enforcement actions all over the country as shown in the map below:
“When companies commit trade fraud, the prosperity and safety of American workers, families, and communities are put at risk,” said the DHS Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security, Aris Kourkoumelis. “To level the playing field and protect the American people, DOJ and DHS have forged the Trade Fraud Task Force and have produced this Resource Guide which provides the private sector with a transparent, comprehensive manual on trade fraud enforcement.”
GLOBAL TRADE & COMMERCE ENFORCEMENT SECTION
The Department is announcing the creation of the Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement Section (GTCES) within the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The GTCES’s mission is to investigate and prosecute criminal import, trade, and other fraud offenses that undermine American industries, evade external revenue collection, threaten consumers’ health and safety, finance foreign adversaries, promote forced labor through illegal trade practices, and violate United States laws and regulations governing domestic and foreign commerce.
A FOUNDATION OF PARTNERSHIP
The success of the GTCES and TFTF is built upon unprecedented cooperation between Main Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and law enforcement partners.
“It has been a tremendous honor to work closely with the Department and its leadership to envision what the Trade Fraud Task Force could be, and then to convert concept into reality,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros of the Northern District of Illinois. “Helping stand up the Task Force from the ground up has been a vision of mine for nearly 20 years, dating back to when I was a federal prosecutor in Chicago bringing what has still stood as the largest criminal trade fraud cases of their kind and doing so against a stacked deck. It is deeply satisfying to know that we were decades ahead of our time and that our strategy from years ago has now been adopted at the highest levels of the Department and is being implemented across the whole of government. It is a great privilege and responsibility for the Northern District of Illinois to be selected as lead prosecutorial partner for the Trade Fraud Task Force. With our expansive venue and my decades of experience in this space, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office intends to be the tip of the spear when it comes to robust and vigorous enforcement of our nation’s trade, forced labor, and other related laws. There should be no doubt, the key roads for trade fraud enforcement lead from, to, and through Chicago past, present, and future.”
The Department extends its gratitude to the 35 TFTF masthead U.S. Attorneys’ Offices: District of Arizona, Eastern District of Arkansas, Northern District of California, Central District of California, Eastern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Columbia, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Central District of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, District of Nebraska, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Middle District of North Carolina, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin.
The Task Force also acknowledges the indispensable contributions of its law enforcement and agency partners, including CBP, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration.
The Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy provides concrete benefits to incentivize companies to voluntarily disclose discovered misconduct, cooperate with our investigations, and timely and appropriately remediate the wrongdoing.
The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Department’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at [email protected] using the form available here.
Three Russian Nationals and Two Companies Indicted for International Cybercrimes Resulting in More Than $62M in Victim LossesRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Ohio charging three Russian nationals and two related “bulletproof hosting” companies for their roles in cybercrimes against U.S. victims, causing tens of millions of dollars in losses.
The indictment, returned in December 2024, charges the following defendants with conspiracy to commit and aid and abet computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering:
- Alexander Alexandrovich Volosovik, 43, of St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Kirill Andreevich Zatolokin, 34, of St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Yulia Vladimirovna Pankova, 29, of St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Medialand LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia; and
- ML.Cloud LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia
In addition to the unsealing of the indictment, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program announced today that it is offering a reward of up to $10 million and possible relocation for actionable information on foreign government-linked associates of Pankova, Volosovik and Zatolokin, their malicious cyber activities, or foreign government-linked use of Media Land or ML.Cloud. U.S. sanctions were announced in November 2025 against the indicted defendants and companies.
“From their overseas haven, these defendants ran the criminal infrastructure that powered attacks on critical institutions across our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their actions put the American public at risk. We will continue to dismantle these networks and protect our critical infrastructure from cybercriminals at home and abroad.”
“The victims in this case are not only in Ohio, but also in 20 other states across the country, touching every aspect of Americans’ lives. They include banks, schools, government entities, hospitals, and media companies,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Together with our international partners, we will aggressively combat the efforts of individuals who hide behind computers anywhere in the world who seek to profit and wreak havoc by targeting the infrastructures that support our communities.”
“With today’s actions, the FBI and our partners are striking at the core services that cybercriminals rely on to attack U.S. critical infrastructure,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of FBI Cyber Division. “Media Land has enabled malicious activity causing tens of millions in losses and impacting victims across 21 states and multiple countries. This is another step in our broader campaign to shrink the space in which these actors can operate, forcing them to work harder, take greater risks, and lose the anonymity they depend on.”
“Today’s announcement underscores the importance of global partnerships and international collaboration, especially in a borderless world riddled with cyber criminals,” said Special Agent in Charge Josh DelManzo of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “The methods used by these bad actors, including ransomware, malware, phishing and other cyber activity, serves as a reminder that whether for business or personal use, when you are online, criminal networks will stop at nothing to hack, attack, share, or sell your information for their own greed, gain, and profit. The FBI and its partners will continue to identify and cripple criminal networks and freeze their infrastructures to reduce or remove the threats to the public and further protect trusting individuals and companies.”
“The Department of State is committed to countering malicious cyber activities that threaten U.S. critical infrastructure and our national security,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for Cyber & Technology Security Gharun Lacy. “We remain relentless in our efforts to generate information that helps our law enforcement partners disrupt campaigns against our national interest and bring these malicious cyber actors to justice.”
According to allegations in court documents, Medialand LLC (owned by Volosovik) and ML.Cloud (at the time of investigation and indictment, owned by Pankova) were both based in St. Petersburg, Russia, and provided infrastructure including computer servers and related internet services. Medialand’s infrastructure also operated out of multiple countries including China, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United States. These businesses provided what are known as “bulletproof hosting” services for client users to not only conduct criminal activities, but also to evade detection by law enforcement. Such businesses knowingly and intentionally market and/or lease their infrastructure to cybercriminals. According to the indictment, Volosovik advertised their services on criminal forums, touting features and services advantageous to cybercriminals. Medialand and ML.Cloud provided criminal client co-conspirators with the means to infect victim computers with malware and ransomware and then extort those victims for money and cryptocurrency. Other computer-based crimes facilitated by Medialand and ML.Cloud included supporting criminal marketplaces, registering fraudulent domain, and providing a platform from which to launch phishing and brute-force attacks. According to the indictment, 42 victims in 21 states were targeted by criminal groups who used Medialand’s and ML.Cloud’s services.
The November 2025 Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions against the named defendants and entities were joined in full by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and in part by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The OFAC sanctions block all U.S. property and prohibit transactions by U.S. persons. Volosovik, Zatolokin and Pankova were individually sanctioned. Medialand and its subsidiaries Media Land Technology (MLT) and Data Center Kirishi (DC Kirishi) along with Medialand’s sister company, ML Cloud were also sanctioned.
The criminal investigation is being led by the FBI Cleveland Division, with the assistance of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and OFAC. Valuable assistance was provided by the National Police of the Netherlands, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australian Federal Police.
Trial Attorney Christen Gallagher of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Duncan T. Brown for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
This action is part of Operation Riptide, an ongoing FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and fraud against the American people. Last year, Americans reported over $20 billion in losses to cybercrime, a 26 percent single-year increase. Operation Riptide is the FBI’s sustained enforcement response to that threat.
Anyone with information should contact Rewards for Justice via its Tor-based tips-reporting channel at:
he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (Tor browser required).
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Russian Nationals Indicted for International Cybercrimes Resulting in More Than $62M in Losses to VictimsRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has announced the unsealing of an indictment charging three Russian nationals for their roles in malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure affecting victims in 21 states and in several countries, with losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars. These charges are the result of a seven-year-long investigation.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment in December 2024 charging the following defendants with Conspiracy to Commit and Aid and Abet Computer Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering:
- Alexander Alexandrovich Volosovik, 43, of St. Petersburg, Russia
- Kirill Andreevich Zatolokin, 34, of St. Petersburg, Russia
- Yulia Vladimirovna Pankova, 29, of St. Petersburg, Russia
- Media Land, LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia
- ML.Cloud, LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia
In addition to the unsealing of the indictment, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program announced today that it is offering a reward of up to $10 million and possible relocation for actionable information on foreign government-linked associates of Pankova, Volosovik and Zatolokin, their malicious cyber activities, or foreign government-linked use of Media Land or ML.Cloud. U.S. sanctions were announced in November 2025 against the indicted defendants and companies.
“From their overseas haven, these defendants ran the criminal infrastructure that powered attacks on critical institutions across our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their actions put the American public at risk. We will continue to dismantle these networks and protect our critical infrastructure from cybercriminals at home and abroad.”
"The victims in this case are not only in Ohio, but also in 20 other states across the country, touching every aspect of Americans’ lives. They include banks, schools, government entities, hospitals, and media companies,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Together with our international partners, we will aggressively combat the efforts of individuals who hide behind computers anywhere in the world who seek to profit and wreak havoc by targeting the infrastructures that support our communities.”
“With today’s actions, the FBI and our partners are striking at the core services that cybercriminals rely on to attack U.S. critical infrastructure,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of FBI Cyber Division. “Media Land has enabled malicious activity causing tens of millions in losses and impacting victims across 21 states and multiple countries. This is another step in our broader campaign to shrink the space in which these actors can operate, forcing them to work harder, take greater risks, and lose the anonymity they depend on.”
According to allegations in court documents, Media Land, LLC, owned by Volosovik, and ML.Cloud, owned by Pankova, at the time of investigation and indictment, were both based in St. Petersburg and provided infrastructure for computer servers and related internet services. Media Land’s infrastructure also operated out of multiple countries including China, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United States. These businesses provided what are known as “bulletproof hosting” services for client users to not only conduct criminal activities, but also to evade detection by law enforcement. Such businesses knowingly and intentionally market and/or lease their infrastructure to cybercriminals. According to the indictment, Media Land and ML.Cloud provided infrastructure and tech support to criminal client co-conspirators with the means to infect victim computers with malware and ransomware and then extorted those victims for money and cryptocurrency. Other computer-based crimes facilitated by Media Land and ML.Cloud included supporting criminal marketplaces, fraudulent domain registrations, and providing the platform from which to launch phishing and brute force attacks.
“Today’s announcement underscores the importance of global partnerships and international collaboration, especially in a borderless world riddled with cyber criminals,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Josh DelManzo. “The methods used by these bad actors, including ransomware, malware, phishing and other cyber activity, serves as a reminder that whether for business or personal use, when you are online, criminal networks will stop at nothing to hack, attack, share, or sell your information for their own greed, gain, and profit. The FBI and its partners will continue to identify and cripple criminal networks and freeze their infrastructures to reduce or remove the threats to the public and further protect trusting individuals and companies.”
“The Department of State is committed to countering malicious cyber activities that threaten U.S. critical infrastructure and our national security,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for Cyber & Technology Security Gharun Lacy. “We remain relentless in our efforts to generate information that helps our law enforcement partners disrupt campaigns against our national interest and bring these malicious cyber actors to justice.”
Investigators found that dozens of victim organizations were targeted by criminal groups who used Media Land’s and ML.Cloud’s services. Victim entities included banks, schools, government entities, hospitals, and media companies. The victims were located throughout the U.S. and across the world. In the Northern District of Ohio, victims were located in: Akron, Brookfield, Canton, Cleveland, Elyria, Medina, Findlay, Solon, and Valley View. At least 20 other states were also affected including: California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington state, and Wisconsin. International victims were located in Australia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“Cybercriminals persist in their efforts to disrupt networks and systems while remaining undetectable and difficult to trace. Bulletproof hosting providers are increasingly becoming common accomplices, posing an imminent and significant risk to the resilience and safety of critical systems and services,” said CISA Industry Team Operations Manager, Nicholas Colella. “CISA’s global collaboration with governments, law enforcement, and the private sector is making it harder for cybercriminals to remain anonymous online. Our joint BulletProof Defense guide provides actionable information to reduce the effectiveness of this nefarious infrastructure and risk to this threat.”
Anyone with information should contact Rewards for Justice via its Tor-based tips-reporting channel at: he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (Tor browser required).
More information is available on the RFJ website at RewardsForJustice.net.
Rewards for Justice
Rewards for JusticeIn November 2025, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, joined by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, designated Media Land as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for facilitating global ransomware operations, DDoS attacks, and malicious cyber activities. The sanctions block all U.S. property and prohibit transactions by U.S. persons. Volosovik, Zatolokin, and Pankova were individually sanctioned. Media Land subsidiaries Media Land Technology (MLT) and Data Center Kirishi (DC Kirishi) along with Media Land’s sister company, ML Cloud were also sanctioned.
On July 13, the European Union also announced sanctions as a crucial step in the international fight against cybercrime.
This investigation is being led by the FBI Cleveland Division, with the assistance of the Cybersecurity/Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
U.S. Attorney Toepfer would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of the following agencies in this investigation:
- National Police of the Netherlands
- Public Prosecutor's Office of the Netherlands
- United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency
- United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Australian Federal Police
The prosecution in this case is being led Assistant United States Attorney Duncan T. Brown for the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Christen Gallagher of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
Additional Partner Statements
Australian Federal Police
“The AFP welcomes and supports the United States’ Department of Justice announcement on the indictment on the principal Media Land operator, Aleksandr Alexandrovich Volosovik – also known as Yalishanda,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Cyber and Special Investigations Sandra Booth said. “AFP’s cooperation with partner law enforcement agencies in the United States and internationally is critical in disrupting criminal activity. The AFP remains committed to continuing its relentless work to target cybercriminals.”
”Bulletproof hosting enables cybercriminal activity including ransomware, scams, malware infections, and other malicious offending that harms people online in Australia and overseas.
“The disruption and removal of bulletproof hosts is a vital step to prevent cybercriminals who prey on the victims online.”
National Police and Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands
Police and Public Prosecution Service: New EU sanctions crucial step in international fight against cybercrime
“The Netherlands Police and Public Prosecution Service welcome the EU sanctions that were imposed on two Russian companies, the CEO of these companies, and another key player in organised cybercrime. The sanctions were introduced to make it harder for cyber criminals to continue their activities, and to disrupt their criminal business model.”
United Kingdom National Crime Agency
The National Crime Agency welcomes today’s action against the key operators behind the bulletproof hosting service Media Land AKA Yalishanda.
Deputy Director Paul Foster, National Cyber Crime Unit, said “Working together across borders is essential to dismantling the infrastructure that enables serious cybercrime. This action reflects the strength of close collaboration between international partners to identify, disrupt, and bring cybercriminals to justice. Bulletproof hosting forms a critical part of the cybercriminal ecosystem, providing resilient infrastructure that facilitates ransomware, phishing, malware and other serious offences. Continued action against these key enablers is essential to reducing their resilience, disrupting the services cybercriminals depend on, and increasing the cost and risk of cybercrime.”
filed_indictment.pdf- This is a test
Tennessee Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Scheme Involving $1.4 Million of Fake Property DeedsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Tennessee woman was sentenced to prison today for filing bogus deeds for residential real estate in North Carolina and other states and misusing the owners’ personal identifying information (PII), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Alicia, England, 33, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was ordered to serve 75 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay more than $300,000 as restitution.
“Filing fake deeds and stealing identities can wreak havoc on a victim’s life,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “England left a trail of victims forced to deal with the aftermath of her crimes—for that, she will pay the price.”
According to court documents and court proceedings, from October 2022 to August 2024, England engaged in a wire fraud scheme by filing fake deeds for residential real estate located in North Carolina and elsewhere. To carry out the scheme, England stole the identity of several victims, alive and deceased, and used their PII to open bank accounts, file fraudulent deeds, and enter into real estate sales for properties she did not actually own. In some cases, she also forged the signatures of notaries, while in others she used fake identifications. She then sold or attempted to sell the properties to third parties through various platforms, including Facebook Marketplace.
In total, the scheme involved at least 19 properties, including four properties in the Charlotte area, worth more than $1.4 million. Court documents show that England’s fraudulent scheme caused victims significant emotional distress and financial hardship.
England pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked United States Secret Service for the investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Tampa Men Who Robbed and Zip-Tied Victims in Their Home IndictedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against Jay El Wilburn (47, Tampa) and Alvaughn Parker (27, Tampa) for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Wilburn previously served a federal sentence for using a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison. Parker faces a minimum sentence of 7 years, up to life, federal prison, if convicted. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Wilburn and Parker conspired to commit an armed robbery in Tampa. On January 20, 2026, they made their way into an apartment at a Tampa apartment complex where they brandished firearms at the occupants—including a 13-year-old child—and restrained the victims by zip-tying their hands behind their backs. Wilburn and Parker stole cash, controlled substances, firearms, and other personal property, including jewelry, before fleeing the scene.
On February 2, 2026, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn’s residence and recovered the loaded firearm, a Taurus PT58S .380 caliber pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, that had been used in the robbery. At the time, Wilburn had prior felony convictions, including carjacking and use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
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.
Suspected gang member arrested for possessing a machinegunRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lorenzo Harris, 20, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of a machinegun, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Since 2024, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Buffalo Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the criminal activities of the Newburg 118 Drop Boys Gang, a violent street gang operating in and around the City of Buffalo. The FBI has identified numerous gang members as well as gang territory located on the east side of Buffalo. Members have been arrested by several police departments for violent criminal acts, including drug and firearm trafficking. Newburg 118 Drop Boys members commit violent criminal acts to protect gang-controlled territory and associated houses. Harris has been identified as a suspected gang member involved in firearm trafficking.
On July 9, 2026, a search warrant was executed at an apartment at 80 Silo City Row in Buffalo, during which Harris, who was observed with a firearm in his hand, attempted to flee from law enforcement. Harris was taken into custody, and law enforcement seized the firearm, which had a machinegun conversion attached.
Harris made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained pending a detention hearing on July 20, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shield.
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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Sperry Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Sperry man was sentenced for distributing methamphetamine and witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Aaron Mitchell Robinson, 51, to 132 months' imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
In July 2025, the FBI began investigating Robinson for selling methamphetamine from his residence in Sperry. Agents conducted controlled buys from Robinson, who took cash for more than a pound of methamphetamine. During one controlled buy, Robinson was seen in possession of two firearms. When agents served a search warrant at Robinson’s home, they recovered two firearms and ammunition, $1,660 in cash, and evidence consistent with drug use and drug trafficking.
Robinson’s plea agreement shows that he also admitted to contacting a witness on social media and attempted to persuade them not to testify as a witness.
Court records show that Robinson had been previously arrested several times and had previous felony convictions for stealing a plane, using a motor vehicle without permission, and possessing stolen property.
Robinson will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses on the most pressing violent crime issues facing our communities. This nationwide initiative brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to strategically address and reduce violent crime, in collaboration with other agencies and organizations that serve communities.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026.
Brenda Fernandez, age 52, was sentenced to four years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $ 1,000 fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. She pleaded guilty on April 8, 2026.
The conviction stems from a traffic stop on September 1, 2024, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation during which officers recovered 34 grams of pure methamphetamine, a scale, baggies and a drug ledger in Fernandez’s possession. Fernandez was intending to distribute the methamphetamine within the reservation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Dewey County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, FBI, and DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Fernandez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Silver City Man Charged with Threatening U.S. Forest Service Officer at Federal CourthouseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Silver City man has been charged with threatening a U.S. Forest Service officer after allegedly confronting the officer and making threatening remarks following a sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, on June 11, 2026, Fred Andrew Berry, 55, appeared in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for a sentencing hearing on matters related to prior violations occurring on U.S. Forest Service land. Following the hearing, a U.S. Forest Service officer, who was attending court in an official capacity and wearing a badge of office, approached Berry to issue two additional citations for maintaining a campfire during fire restrictions and failing to properly dispose of garbage.
After receiving the citations, Berry allegedly became confrontational and threatened the officer. Court documents allege that Berry leaned toward the officer and stated, “just know that if I see you in the streets,” before pointing at the officer and saying, “you’re a dead terrorist bitch.” The officer observed Berry clenching his teeth and tensing his body, causing the officer to fear an imminent physical attack and take a defensive position.
Witnesses, including a Bureau of Land Management ranger and a courtroom security officer, observed the confrontation. The courtroom security officer later heard Berry respond, “I said what I said,” when asked whether the statement was intended as a threat.
Berry is charged with making threats to a federal law enforcement officer. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Berry faces up to two years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Aguirre-Rivera is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sharon Resident Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Armed Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his conviction of drug trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Corey Adkins, 29.
According to information presented to the Court, in January 2025, Adkins engaged in armed cocaine trafficking from his Sharon residence, where Adkins’ girlfriend and a young child also resided and were present at the time. Adkins had been convicted twice for cocaine trafficking during the preceding eight years. He pleaded guilty in January 2026 to possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Sharon Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Adkins.
Sewickley Woman Pleads Guilty to Seven Counts of Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank fraud, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Judith A. Hetzell, 63, pleaded guilty to seven counts before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between November 2023 and February 2025, Hetzell, the former business manager for a non-profit guardianship agency based in the Western District of Pennsylvania, fraudulently drafted checks against individuals’ bank accounts to which the agency had access as a provider of guardianship and other fiduciary services to the victims.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hetzell.
Santa Rosa County Man Faces Federal Indictment for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Christopher M. Mayer, 32, of Navarre, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of conspiracy to distribute, receive, and possess visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Mayer appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for August 17, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Mayer faces a minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, on each of the conspiracy and receipt counts. Mayer also faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession count. Mayer would also be required to register as a sexual offender and forfeit all the electronic devices utilized to commit the crimes.
The case is being jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Rikers Island Correction Officer Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Making False Statements to Obtain Workers' Compensation Benefits Following Use-Of-Force IncidentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that TODD FAUSTIN, a former correction officer at Rikers Island, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman for making false statements relating to healthcare matters in connection with use-of-force incidents that took place within Rikers Island. As part of his sentence, FAUSTIN was ordered to pay $370,336.79 in restitution and $370,336.79 in forfeiture.
“Todd Faustin lined his own pockets by exploiting one of the most sensitive interactions in our justice system: the use of physical force against prisoners,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Our justice system relies on correction officers to act safely and honestly while serving in our prisons. Today’s sentence demonstrates that when officers abuse the system and undermine New Yorkers’ trust, they will be held criminally accountable.”
According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court:
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (the “Board”) administers New York State’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, which guarantees medical care and cash benefits to people who are injured at work, including employees of the New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”). Payments made by the Board to DOC employees are paid from the New York City Treasury. For years, FAUSTIN was employed by the DOC as a correction officer and was assigned to work at Rikers Island. During that time, FAUSTIN falsely claimed that he was injured while on duty at Rikers Island during incidents with incarcerated individuals requiring the use of force. Rather than approaching use-of-force incidents with the gravity and sensitivity that such moments deserve, the defendant actively sought out these incidents and attempted to instigate them to steal money from the workers’ compensation system.
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In addition to the prison term, FAUSTIN, 43, of New York, New York, was sentenced to one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York State Office of Inspector General, and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit and the Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo and Stephanie Simon are in charge of the prosecution.
Repeat sex offender sentenced to nearly 33 years in prison for sexually exploiting 8-year-oldRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Approximately two years after he was released from prison for starving, beating and locking a 5-year-old child in a room for months, Timothi L. Cramer, 45, of Columbus, sexually exploited an 8-year-old. Cramer was sentenced in federal court here on July 10 to 393 months in prison.
According to court documents, cyber tips were received regarding Cramer uploading hundreds of child pornography files in February and March 2024.
Metadata for one image was flagged as “newly produced content” and indicated it had been created in February 2024 at or near the Baymont Inn in Columbus. The explicit photo depicted an 8-year-old victim. Cramer admitted to asking the child to pull down her pants for him for the photo.
Subsequent investigation of images and videos in Cramer’s Gmail accounts revealed that Cramer seemed to have regular access to at least three minors.
In addition, investigation of his electronics showed that Cramer had obtained a voluminous catalog of child sexual abuse images and videos from the internet, including of toddlers and videos that depicted minors engaged in bestiality and subjected to sadistic and masochistic abuse.
The defendant was previously convicted in 2006 in Lake County, Florida, of Cruelty Toward Child Aggravated Child Abuse Torture and was sentenced to 20 years in prison with credit for 504 days served. He was released from prison in 2022.
Cramer pleaded guilty in this case in February 2025 to sexually exploiting a minor and possessing child pornography.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. 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.
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Rapid City Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026.
Aaron England, 30, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
England was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 13, 2026.
On July 23, 2024, in Rapid City, SD, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle England was driving. England failed to immediately stop. He later parked the car and fled from law enforcement on foot. On the floorboard of the driver’s side, law enforcement found a stolen pistol along with drug paraphernalia, which England had been in possession of before fleeing. England was later caught and arrested. England had been convicted of a crime punishable beyond a year in prison. As a result, he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
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). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
England was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pukwana, SD Duo Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Pukwana, South Dakota, man and woman, each of whom was earlier convicted of Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026.
Kyle James Loudner, age 40, was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Restitution was also ordered for $160,000.
Talyn Ashley Douville, age 34, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Restitution was also ordered for $160,000.
The two were jointly indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025. Loudner pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026, and Douville pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026.
Between May 27, 2022, and July 2, 2024, Loudner, an elected official, and Douville, a tribal employee, embezzled approximately $160,000 belonging to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.
According to Loudner’s and Douville’s admissions in court, on May 3, 2022, Loudner was elected to the CCST Tribal Council. Following his election, he and Douville established three different checking accounts. Between May 27, 2022, just weeks after his election, and July 2, 2024, nearly 100 checks were drawn out of government checking accounts that were made payable to Loudner, to Douville, to both defendants, or to cash. Each defendant signed many of these checks, and they embezzled funds totaling $160,000.
“Make no mistake about it,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Stealing from the government, including tribal governments, will land you in prison.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Loudner and Douville will report to the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving their federal sentences in July 2026.
Pharmacy Owner and Technician Sentenced for Falsifying Audit Documents and Submitting Fraudulent ClaimsRead the Press Release
The owner of a pharmacy and a pharmacy technician were sentenced today for their roles in a scheme that involved submitting fraudulent claims and materially false documents to health care benefit programs.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kirtan S. Patel, 34, of Allentown, New Jersey, and a lawful permanent resident originally from India, owned a pharmacy in Jersey City, New Jersey. In November 2020, Patel caused falsified documents to be submitted to a health insurance company in response to an audit. These documents falsely represented that medical providers had authorized certain prescriptions when they had not. Patel also submitted fraudulent prescription pick-up records that falsely represented that certain customers of the pharmacy had picked up prescriptions when they had not.
During the scheme, Patel sent text messages to a friend describing how Patel “bill[ed] around 8-10k every month to [his own] insurance” and did not “take any medications so that’s basically free money[.]” Patel also described how he plied doctors with trips to “strip clubs,” “night clubs,” and “cash” to keep them “as corrupt as possible.” In total, Patel caused over $620,000 in losses to health insurance companies. Patel was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay over $620,000 in restitution and $620,000 in forfeiture.
According to court documents and statements made in in court, Christopher Lugo, 36, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was a pharmacy technician at the pharmacy owned by Patel. In January 2020, Lugo submitted, or caused the submission of, a fraudulent claim to his own health insurer for a drug that he was not prescribed and was not dispensed. In total, Lugo caused over $565,000 in losses to health insurance companies and Medicare. Lugo was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay over $565,000 in restitution.
In April 2025, Patel pleaded guilty to making false statements relating to health care matters, and Lugo pleaded guilty to health care fraud.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddie of the FBI Newark Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) New York Regional Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
FBI, HHS-OIG, and HSI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Nicholas K. Peone and Paul J. Koob of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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 federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Parmelee Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026.
Jonathan Sierra, age 22, was sentenced to time served through August 7, 2026, equal to approximately ten months in custody, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sierra was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026. He pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in July 2025, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On the date of the event, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer was speaking to Sierra’s ex-girlfriend at her residence in Mission, South Dakota. Sierra drove up to the house, and the officer asked Sierra to get out of his vehicle. Sierra exited the vehicle with a knife in his hand. The officer repeatedly commanded Sierra to put the knife down. Eventually, Sierra threw the knife into the street. When the officer tried to detain Sierra, Sierra began to struggle and kicked the officer. Sierra also kicked an assisting officer during the struggle.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Sierra was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Parma Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Conspiracy that Targeted the ElderlyRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A Cuyahoga County man was sentenced to prison for his role in romance fraud schemes that targeted the elderly throughout Northern Ohio and elsewhere.
Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, 38, of Parma, Ohio, was sentenced to 63 months (5.25 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after pleading guilty in October 2025 to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money Laundering. Assimiou was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $220,485 in restitution to 15 victims.
According to court records, from December 2017 to March 2024, an international elder fraud and money laundering conspiracy targeted older Americans in the Northern District of Ohio and across the United States. Conspirators used dating websites and social media platforms to interact with victims, creating fake personas to establish close, often romantic, relationships. Victims, misled by false stories such as claims of gold inheritances, sent money via wire transfer to accounts controlled by Assimiou and others. For over three years, Assimiou retained portions of these stolen funds and purchased products to ship to co-conspirators in Ghana.
The FBI Cleveland Division investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. McDonough, prosecuted the case.
This investigation and prosecution are in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nation’s elderly population.
To report suspected elder financial abuse, visit: tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Orange County-Based Towing Company Settles Justice Department Lawsuit Alleging It Illegally Auctioned Servicemembers’ VehiclesRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – The Justice Department announced today that S&K Towing Inc., a San Clemente-based towing company, has agreed to pay $160,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally auctioning motor vehicles owned by members of the military.
“For far too long, tow companies have sold or disposed of servicemembers’ vehicles in violation of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement sends a strong message that all towing companies must recognize servicemembers’ rights and take the necessary steps to comply with the SCRA.”
“Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have a legal right to be protected while they serve our nation overseas,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This settlement will provide compensation to impacted service members and serves as notice to all businesses to comply with federal laws that protect our military.”
The Department’s lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on March 25, alleges that S&K Towing illegally sold or disposed of as many as 148 vehicles owned by servicemembers, many of which it towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Even though S&K’s contract with Camp Pendleton required it to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, the company made no effort to comply with the SCRA, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember.
In May 2024, a Military Legal Assistance attorney contacted S&K Towing and explained that the company was violating the SCRA. In response, a manager at S&K Towing told the attorney, “We do this all the time.” After this exchange, S&K Towing continued to sell and dispose of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining court orders. Some of the vehicles S&K sold or disposed of were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton. In other cases, S&K auctioned vehicles even after they were told that the owner was in the military.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, S&K Towing will pay $160,000 to servicemembers who were harmed by the company’s conduct. While the company is in the process of shutting down its operations, it has agreed that if it engages in or reenters the business of towing or storing vehicles, it will adopt policies and procedures to comply with the SCRA.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine M. Hikida of the Civil Division represented the United States in this matter along with attorneys from the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section.
Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $489 million in monetary relief for more than 152,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
Oklahoma Man Admits to Wire Fraud Scheme Targeting RED - Regional Economic Development PartnershipRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — An Oklahoma man has admitted to wire fraud for his role in a scheme that targeted the Ohio Valley Industrial & Business Development Corporation, doing business as the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), a private, non-profit development corporation based in Wheeling, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Terry Pierce, 48, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, has admitted to his involvement in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. BEC schemes are a sophisticated form of fraud in which perpetrators compromise legitimate business or personal email accounts. These schemes often result in unauthorized transfers of funds and significant financial losses for both organizations and individuals.
According to court documents, RED was targeted in October 2024. An unknown person sent a message to RED, using a compromised email address, requesting payment for solar panels installed on the former Horne’s Department Store building in Wheeling. The person then provided Pierce’s checking account routing number to receive the payment, totaling $30,750. Two days later, Pierce received the funds, transferred them into another account he controlled, and depleted the balance.
The investigation further revealed Pierce’s involvement in additional fraudulent activity resulting in approximately $220,000 in actual or intended loss.
Pierce is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The West Virginia State Police are investigating.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
New York Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery in LondonderryRead the Press Release
New York Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery in Londonderry
CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today for his role in a 2025 armed robbery in Londonderry, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Isaiah Ferro, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 46 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. According to the court documents and statements made in court, Ferro, along with four co-conspirators, traveled together from New York to Londonderry, New Hampshire, for the purpose of robbing a local business. Upon arriving at the business, the five perpetrators entered the premises, where Ferro threatened the victim with what appeared to be a firearm and the crew restrained the victim. Ferro and his co-conspirators then proceeded to steal merchandise and goods from the business, placing those items in a truck driven by a sixth co-conspirator. Afterwards, Ferro, and his co-conspirators fled the scene in their vehicle and returned to New York.
“This violent act involved an out-of-state crew who came to New Hampshire to steal goods and threaten lives,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We worked together with federal and state law enforcement partners in multiple jurisdictions to bring this crew to justice.”
“Isaiah Ferro made the very poor decision to come to New Hampshire and target a victim, apparently at gunpoint, and today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “No one should have to fear a roving crew of criminals targeting businesses, but that’s exactly what happened here. Rest assured, the FBI and our partners are working every day to take violent individuals like Mr. Ferro off the street, to keep them from harming anyone else.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Londonderry Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and New York Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.
Nevada Tax Preparer and 11 Others Indicted for Large-Scale Conspiracy to Fraudulently Obtain COVID-Related LoansRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury in Nevada returned a 90-count indictment charging a Las Vegas-based tax preparer and his 11 co-conspirators in connection with their alleged roles in a COVID-19 relief loan application scheme totaling more than $14 million in fraudulent loan proceeds to which they were not entitled.
“In a 90-count indictment, the defendants are alleged to have exploited a taxpayer-funded program during a national emergency,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI, IRS-CI, SBA-OIG, and TIGTA will pursue anyone who chooses to abuse and steal from taxpayer-funded programs for their own financial gain.”
“The defendants deliberately engaged in fraudulent activity, diverting funds intended for individuals and small businesses impacted by the national emergency,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in the pursuit and prosecution of individuals who misuse federal relief programs.”
According to court documents, from April 2020 to May 2021, Charles Omonzokpia Usigbe, a Las Vegas-based tax preparer, and his co-conspirators filed more than 100 false PPP loan applications and more than 25 false EIDL applications. The loan applications were administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Charles Omonzokpia Usigbe; Christopher Omobhio Usigbe; Nancy Usigbe Smith; Favor Chikelu; Francisca Iyere; Egberanmwen Vivian Osayanren Onaiwu; Matthew Obobhen Usigbe; Ayele Amavigan; Solomon Ugbodu; Ibironke Mercy Alaga; Ifekam Joycelynn Osuya; and Varney Allen Fofana were charged in a 90-count indictment including charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud; bank fraud; wire fraud; conspiracy to money launder; promotion money laundering; and concealment money laundering.
Earlier today, the defendants made their initial appearances in court. A jury trial has been scheduled for August 31, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown for the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-CI, the Small Business Administration (SBA-OIG), and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez is prosecuting this case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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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Multiple defendants sentenced after pleading guilty in district courtRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Three defendants have been sentenced to prison in federal court for firearms- and drug-related charges in separate cases.
The sentences were imposed in U.S. District Court and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. They include:
- Eric Lowe, 45, of Dublin, Georgia, was sentenced to 96 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. In February 2023, Lowe was found in possession of a Taurus, Model 85, .38 caliber pistol during a traffic stop by Dublin Police in Laurens County.
- Tykez Elijahwun Davis, 30, of Dublin, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In August 2024, Davis was found to be in possession of a Rossi Model 461 .357 caliber pistol by Dublin Police in Laurens County.
- Corrie Devon Eady, 32, of Savannah, was sentenced to 12 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In June 2025 in Chatham County, Eady was found in possession of a stolen Ruger .380 caliber pistol during a traffic stop by Savannah Police.
There is no parole in the federal system. Under federal law, it is prohibited for previously convicted felons to possess firearms or ammunition.
“Illegally possessed firearms are a fast track to extended prison terms for many defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Our law enforcement partners will investigate these cases, and they can be assured that our office will prosecute the case to the fullest extent.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Savannah Police Department, and the Dublin Police Department assisted in the investigation of these cases. These cases were prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Kyle Davis, L. Alexander Hamner, Ryan Bondura, and Patricia G. Rhodes.
More Than 40 Gang Members from Newburgh and Poughkeepsie Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering, Violence, Narcotics, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today the last sentencing of gang members and narcotics distributors as a result of a long-running investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, New York. 26 of the defendants were convicted of being members, associates, and co-conspirators of the violent street gang the Young Gunnaz (“YG”), including YG leader Kashad Sampson. 12 of the defendants were convicted of being members and associates of the violent street gang the Double Nine Grim Reapers (“Grimz”), including Grimz leaders Jeremy Williams, Randy Jones, and James White. U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas imposed the sentences in the YG case, United States v. Kashad Sampson, et al., 22 Cr. 640, and U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern imposed the sentences in the Grimz case, United States v. Jeremy Williams, et al., 22 Cr. 641. RODNEY GEORGE, a defendant in the Sampson case, was the last in this series to be sentenced and received 108 months in prison.
“For years, members and associates of the Young Gunnaz and the Double Nine Grim Reapers brought shootings, armed robberies, narcotics trafficking, and fraud to communities across the Hudson Valley,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s final sentencing marks the end of a years-long prosecution that removed over 40 of these violent gang members and drug traffickers from our streets. No gang should get to claim a block, a neighborhood, or a city as its own, and this Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations and protect the communities they prey upon.”
As alleged in the Indictments, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:
Since at least 2018, the Grimz has been a brutally violent street gang. The Grimz was founded by co-defendants Jeremy Williams, a/k/a “Dubs,” and Randy Jones, a/k/a “Nickelz,” and has hundreds of members across New York State, including throughout Orange County, Dutchess County, and the New York State prison system. The Grimz is a highly organized and efficient street gang with an organizational commitment to violence that strictly enforces its internal laws and celebrates gun violence. The highest-ranking members and leaders of the Grimz, like co-defendants James White, a/k/a “Infared,” and Octavious Griffin, a/k/a “Tate,” have so-called “serial numbers” within the Grimz, which include the name of a 9-millimeter firearm.
Since at least 2019, the YG has been a violent street gang that operated through New York State and engaged in large-scale narcotics trafficking, wire fraud, armed robberies, and shootings. For the most part, the YG defendants were part of the PlayBoyGzz subset of YG, which was led by, among others, co-defendant Kashad Sampson, a/k/a “Shoca.” Like the Grimz, senior members of YG glorified violence and demanded action from its members.
For years, the Grimz and YG terrorized communities in this District and demonstrated a complete disregard for human life. The Grimz defendants were responsible for multiple armed robberies and shootings in the City of Newburgh, including the November 3, 2020, attempted murder of a rival gang member. During that attempted murder, which involved co-defendants Justice Jackson, a/k/a “Tweak,” Tyrell Simon, a/k/a “Rello,” a/k/a “Insane,” Thomas Rodriguez, a/k/a “Tom Tom,” a/k/a “Checks,” and others, Rodriguez shot a rival gang member multiple times while the rival gang member sat in his vehicle. The rival gang member survived after receiving life-saving medical treatment at two different hospitals. The Grimz were also responsible for trafficking large amounts of deadly narcotics, like crack cocaine and heroin, on the streets and for trafficking K2, a synthetic cannabinoid, within the New York State prison system.
The YG defendants were responsible for at least approximately 13 shootings, three armed robberies, and a large-scale narcotics trafficking conspiracy responsible for flooding the streets with fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and other drugs. In addition, some of the YG defendants also participated in a widespread scheme to defraud the New York state unemployment insurance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, these defendants made just over $1,000,000 through this scheme and caused at least one of their victims to fall into financial ruin because, as a result of YG’s fraud, the victim lost her total disability social security payment.
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The counts of conviction and sentences imposed on the defendants in the Sampson and Williams cases are contained in the chart below.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, City of Newburgh Police Department, New York State Police, Town of New Windsor Police Department, Town of Newburgh Police Department, New York City Police Department, and Nassau County Police Department. Mr. Clayton also thanked the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer N. Ong, Ryan W. Allison, and Margaret N. Vasu are in charge of the prosecution.
United States v. Kashad Sampson, et al., 22 Cr. 640 (KMK)
Defendant
Age
Counts of Conviction
Sentence
Kashad Sampson,
a/k/a “Shoca”
27
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
200 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
George Delgado,
a/k/a “Groc”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy
Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
144 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Gabriel Roman,
a/k/a “Gabe”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Aggravated Identity Theft
160 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Dallas Archer,
a/k/a “Muggas”
29
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
90 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Bruce Allen,
a/k/a “Bam”
28
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
154 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Syncere Tatum,
a/k/a “Syn”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
160 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
John Lalanne,
a/k/a “JJ”
27
Racketeering Conspiracy
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
120 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Raekwon Jackson,
a/k/a “Tree”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
170 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Bashir Mallory,
a/k/a “BG,”
a/k/a “Bear”
22
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
140 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Mekhi McDonald,
a/k/a “Khi”
22
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
168 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Christopher Tate,
a/k/a “Bag”
23
Racketeering Conspiracy
Narcotics Conspiracy
140 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Kristopher Burgess Cunningham,
a/k/a “KG”
32
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
90 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Dejon Scott,
a/k/a “Red Dot”
30
Racketeering Conspiracy60 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Davon Waddell,
a/k/a “Spotem,”
a/k/a “Light Skin Day Day”
28
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
164 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Zyrell Williams,
a/k/a “Zabb”
21
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
96 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Demetrius Ware,
a/k/a “Doom Doom”
21
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
90 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Antonio Pittman,
a/k/a “Ant”
24
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
84 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Daquan Cueto24
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
108 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Christopher Johnson,
a/k/a “Brisko”
32
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Drug Trafficking Crime
Hobbs Act Robbery
Narcotics Conspiracy
144 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Harry Pimentel24
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
130 months in prison
Four years’ supervised release
Eric Steadman,
a/k/a “Little Man”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
120 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Donald Leid,
a/k/a “Big Lip Day Day”
32
Narcotics Conspiracy
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and a Drug Trafficking Crime
94 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Tevin George,
a/k/a “Tev Roc”
32
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence84 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Devin Williams,
a/k/a “Twin,”
a/k/a “Dev”
29
Racketeering Conspiracy54 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Dante Johnson,
a/k/a “D Rose”
28
Racketeering Conspiracy60 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
George Tatum,
a/k/a “Buddy”
48
Narcotics Conspiracy140 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Coleridge Lewter,
a/k/a “Korrupt”
45
Narcotics Conspiracy72 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Rodney George,
a/k/a “Taco”
49
Narcotics Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
108 months in prison
5 years’ supervised release
United States v. Jeremy Williams, et al., 22 Cr. 641 (PMH)
Defendant
Age
Counts of Conviction
Sentence
Jeremy Williams,
a/k/a “Dubs”
37
Racketeering Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
300 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
James White,
a/k/a “Infared”
47
Racketeering Conspiracy
Narcotics Conspiracy
300 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Messiah Jackson,
a/k/a “Two”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Narcotics Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
210 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Justice Jackson,
a/k/a “Tweak”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
180 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Octavious Griffin,
a/k/a “Tate”
39
Racketeering Conspiracy
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
234 months’ imprisonment
Five years’ supervised release
Markell Williams,
a/k/a “15”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
204 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Tyrell Simon,
a/k/a “Insane,”
a/k/a “Rello”
25
Racketeering Conspiracy
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
180 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Joshua Hendrick.
a/k/a “Hendrix”
26
Racketeering Conspiracy121 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Elijah Briggs,
a/k/a “Eli”
29
Racketeering Conspiracy87 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Shamell Williams,
a/k/a “Mello Trend”
33
Racketeering Conspiracy87 months in prison
Three years’ supervised release
Thomas Rodriguez,
a/k/a “Tom Tom,”
a/k/a “Checks”
34
Racketeering Conspiracy
Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Narcotics Conspiracy
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
360 months in prison
Five years’ supervised release
Mission Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026.
Fred Leading Cloud, age 68, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 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.
Leading Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026.
On May 22, 2025, Leading Cloud got into an altercation with the victim in Mission, South Dakota, within the exterior boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. During the altercation, Leading Cloud pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the neck.
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 investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Leading Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican Illegal Alien Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CANDIO TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA (“TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA”), age 43, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on July 9, 2026, by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after previously pleading guilty to reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was sentenced to the imprisonment time he already served, a one-year term of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. He has been detained in federal prison since January 2, 2026.
According to court records, TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was previously removed from the United States on three occasions: March 30, 2007; January 5, 2012; and October 28, 2012. TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana by an agent of the United States Border Patrol on December 29, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
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.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Kippers is in charge of the prosecution.
* * *
Meth Trafficker from Georgia Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Jimmy Randell Chason, 70, of Cairo, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our HIDTA partnerships continue to deliver results in our ongoing whole-of-government efforts to combat drug trafficking operations, and this successful prosecution will pay dividends in our fight to stop the devastation that meth has wrought on our communities.”
Court documents reflect that the investigators with the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration developed information identifying the defendant as source of supply of substantial quantities of methamphetamine into the Tallahassee area. As part of an undercover operation, law enforcement purchased multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from the defendant. The defendant was apprehended while in-transit to deliver drugs, during which he was caught with one pound of methamphetamine.
The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years imprisonment, up life imprisonment on all four counts of conviction.
This case was investigated by the investigators with the North Florida HIDTA, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Mescalero Man Sentenced for Violent Assault and StrangulationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assaulting and strangling the victim, leaving them with serious injuries.
According to court documents, on March 13, 2025, Philman Sam Pike, 25, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim by punching, strangling and suffocating them, causing them to lose consciousness and causing them extreme physical pain.
Pike pleaded guilty to assault by strangling. Upon his release from prison, Pike will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Medical Device Company to Pay over $550,000 to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Tactile Systems Technology (Tactile) has agreed to pay $550,959 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for medically unnecessary pneumatic compression devices in violation of the federal False Claims Act.
Tactile markets pneumatic compression devices that health care professionals prescribe to treat patients suffering from chronic swelling due to lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. Pneumatic compression devices apply rhythmic, sequential pressure to body parts to enhance blood flow, lymphatic flow, reduce swelling and prevent venous thromboembolism. Tactile markets two pneumatic compression devices: a basic model called the Entre and an advanced model called the Flexitouch.
Medicare will cover the cost of a pneumatic compression device only after a lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency patient fails to receive adequate relief from swelling after four weeks of conservative therapy, including basic compression. A health care professional prescribing a pneumatic compression device for a Medicare patient must document in medical records why basic compression failed to adequately treat a patient’s condition. Tactile required sales personnel to collect and retain the patient’s medical records.
The government contends that between Jan. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2024, certain Tactile sales personnel fabricated or amended health care professionals’ medical records and other clinical documentation that Tactile used to submit claims to Medicare for payment for dispensing the pneumatic compression devices. In particular, various Tactile sales personnel, many of whom Tactile terminated upon learning of the conduct, inserted false statements into the medical records about patients’ failures to experience relief through basic compression therapy and/or forged health care professionals’ signatures on doctored medical records to make it appear as though the health care professionals had prescribed the Entre or Flexitouch devices. In other instances, Tactile sales personnel fabricated and amended health care professionals’ medical records and other clinical documentation to falsely state that patients did not experience a significant reduction in swelling after using the Entre and, therefore, required use of the more expensive Flexitouch device.
The claims against Tactile were brought under the whistleblower or qui tam provision of the False Claims Act. Under the FCA, private parties may sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The relators will receive $129,475 from the proceeds of the settlement. The lawsuits are captioned United States ex rel. Scarborough, LLC v. Tactile Systems Technology, Inc., No 21-cv-10813 and United States ex rel. Gorham and Gast v. Tactile Systems Technology, Inc., No. 21-cv-11809.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and Civil Chief Abraham R. George.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Violating U.S. Sanctions Against IranRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man was convicted yesterday in federal court in Boston following a 14-day jury trial for charges related to a scheme to illegally export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran.
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 43, a dual U.S.-Iranian national of Natick, Massachusetts, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR); and two counts of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 13.
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint in December 2024 alongside Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini (Abedini), of Tehran, Iran, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury shortly thereafter. They were again charged in a superseding indictment in December 2025. Abedini remains a fugitive in wanted status.
“This guilty verdict demonstrates the National Security Division’s commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. sanctions against Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “For years, Sadeghi conspired to and did send sensitive microelectronic parts from the United States to Iran through a company in Europe despite receiving training on U.S. sanctions and export law. The National Security Division will continue to pursue those who, through unlawful export and deception, threaten our national security.”
“This defendant exploited his access to sophisticated U.S. technology to help funnel sensitive electronic components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. These laws exist to protect our national security by preventing these high-tech components from reaching – and being used by – hostile foreign actors and terrorist organizations. This verdict makes clear that individuals who conspire to evade U.S. sanctions will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who seek to evade these critical safeguards.”
“By illegally exporting sophisticated American technology to Iran, Sadeghi violated U.S. laws and endangered national security,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This conviction holds him accountable. The FBI and our partners are committed to using all our resources to bring to justice anyone who helps our adversaries.”
“This verdict should serve as a wake-up call to those in corporate America that if you violate our country’s export laws, you will not get away with it,” said Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks of the FBI Boston Field Office. “Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi learned this the hard way when he conspired to send electronic components to Iran, one of the world’s most infamous state sponsors of terrorism. There’s no question Mr. Sadeghi put his own personal interests ahead of our country’s best interests. Export laws exist for a reason and that’s to protect our national security, here and abroad. Make no mistake, the FBI will continue to defend the homeland by going after anyone who illegally transfers U.S. technology to our adversaries.”
According to court documents, Abedini is the founder and managing director of an Iranian company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA or SADRA), that manufactures navigation modules used in the IRGC’s military drone program. SDRA’s main business is the sale of a proprietary navigation system—known as the Sepehr Navigation System—to the IRGC, which the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) on April 15, 2019. The primary application of SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System is for use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) – also known as drones – as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.
Sadeghi was employed by a Massachusetts-based microelectronics manufacturer (U.S. Company 1) and was one of the founders of a Massachusetts-based technology company (U.S. Company 2) that specializes in wearable sensors that provide kinetic monitoring for fitness applications.
Sadeghi and, allegedly, Abedini and others conspired to evade U.S. export control and sanctions laws by procuring U.S. origin goods from, U.S. Company 1 and causing them to be exported and supplied to Iran and, in particular, Abedini’s Iranian company, SDRA.
In or around 2016, Sadeghi traveled to Iran to request funding for U.S. Company 2 from the Iranian National Elites Foundation (INEF), which is an Iranian governmental organization whose main purpose is to recognize, organize and support Iran’s elite national talents. In exchange for funding for U.S. Company 2, which Sadeghi’s company ultimately received from the INEF, Sadeghi and others created a second company in Iran (Iranian Company 1). Shortly after forming Iranian Company 1, Sadeghi, through Iranian Company 1, entered into a contract with SDRA for the purchase of SDRA’s technology. On multiple occasions beginning in or around 2016, Sadeghi helped Abedini procure U.S. export-controlled electronic components for reexport to Iran.
Due to U.S. laws restricting exports to Iran, Abedini established a Switzerland front company for SDRA, Illumove SA (Illumove). According to court documents, with Sadeghi’s assistance, Abedini, through Illumove, entered into a contract with U.S. Company 1 to develop a product to evaluate U.S. Company 1’s electronic components, including sophisticated semiconductors. Sadeghi caused U.S.-origin goods to be transferred to Iran, through Illumove, for the benefit of SDRA, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and inertial measurement units. Certain of the electronic components that Abedini allegedly obtained through Illumove were the same types of electronic components used in SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System.
Abedini also allegedly provided material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the IRGC Aerospace Force, which is a strategic missile, air and space force. Since at least in or about 2014, SDRA has had multiple projects with the IRGC Aerospace Force, including projects for guided rockets and integrated navigation systems. As alleged, between 2021 and 2022, approximately 99% of SDRA’s sales of the Sepehr Navigation System, which are used in IRGC one-way attack drones, were to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.
On Jan. 28, 2024, three U.S. service members were killed, and more than 40 others were injured, in a drone attack by IRGC-backed militants on a military base located in northern Jordan, known as Tower 22. According to court documents, analysis of the drone that was recovered from the site of the attack showed that the drone was an Iranian Shahed UAV and that the navigation system used in the drone was manufactured by Abedini’s company.
The charges of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR, and conspiracy to do so, each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the District of Massachusetts’ National Security Unit; Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Violating U.S. Sanctions Against IranRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts man was convicted yesterday in federal court in Boston following a 14-day jury trial for charges related to a scheme to illegally export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran.
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 43, a dual U.S.-Iranian national of Natick, Mass., was convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) and two counts of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 13, 2026.
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint in December 2024 alongside Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, a/k/a Mohammad Abedini (Abedini), of Tehran, Iran, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury shortly thereafter. They were charged in a superseding indictment in December 2025. Abedini remains a fugitive.
“This defendant exploited his access to sophisticated U.S. technology to help funnel sensitive electronic components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. These laws exist to protect our national security by preventing these high-tech components from reaching – and being used by – hostile foreign actors and terrorist organizations. This verdict makes clear that individuals who conspire to evade U.S. sanctions will be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who seek to evade these critical safeguards.”
“This guilty verdict demonstrates the National Security Division’s commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. sanctions against Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department's National Security Division. “For years, Sadeghi conspired to and did send sensitive microelectronic parts from the United States to Iran through a company in Europe despite receiving training on U.S. sanctions and export law. The National Security Division will continue to pursue those who, through unlawful export and deception, threaten our national security.”
“This verdict should serve as a wake-up call to those in corporate America that if you violate our country’s export laws, you will not get away with it,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi learned this the hard way when he conspired to send electronic components to Iran, one of the world’s most infamous state sponsors of terrorism. There’s no question Mr. Sadeghi put his own personal interests ahead of our country’s best interests. Export laws exist for a reason and that’s to protect our national security, here and abroad. Make no mistake, the FBI will continue to defend the homeland by going after anyone who illegally transfers U.S. technology to our adversaries.”
According to court documents, Abedini is the founder and managing director of an Iranian company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA or SADRA), that manufactures navigation modules used in the IRGC’s military drone program. SDRA’s main business is the sale of a proprietary navigation system—known as the Sepehr Navigation System—to the IRGC, which the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) on April 15, 2019. The primary application of SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System is for use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) – also known as drones – as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.
Sadeghi was employed by a Massachusetts-based microelectronics manufacturer (U.S. Company 1). He was also one of the founders of a Massachusetts-based technology company (U.S. Company 2) that specializes in wearable sensors that provide kinetic monitoring for fitness applications.
Sadeghi and others conspired to evade U.S. export control and sanctions laws by procuring U.S. origin goods from, U.S. Company 1 and causing them to be exported and supplied to Iran and, in particular, Abedini’s Iranian company, SDRA.
In or around 2016, Sadeghi traveled to Iran to request funding for U.S. Company 2 from the Iranian National Elites Foundation (INEF), which is an Iranian governmental organization whose main purpose is to recognize, organize and support Iran’s elite national talents. In exchange for funding for U.S. Company 2, which Sadeghi’s company ultimately received from the INEF, Sadeghi and others created a second company in Iran (Iranian Company 1). Shortly after forming Iranian Company 1, Sadeghi, through Iranian Company 1, entered into a contract with SDRA for the purchase of SDRA’s technology. On multiple occasions beginning in or around 2016, Sadeghi helped Abedini procure U.S. export-controlled electronic components for reexport to Iran.
Due to U.S. laws restricting exports to Iran, Abedini established a Switzerland front company for SDRA, Illumove SA (Illumove). With Sadeghi’s assistance, Abedini, through Illumove, entered into a contract with U.S. Company 1 to develop a product to evaluate U.S. Company 1’s electronic components, including accelerometers, gyroscopes and inertial measurement units. Those electronic components were transferred to Iran, through Illumove, for the benefit of SDRA. Certain of the electronic components that Abedini allegedly obtained through Illumove were the same types of electronic components used in SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System.
According to Court documents, Abedini also allegedly provided material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the IRGC Aerospace Force, which is a strategic missile, air and space force. Since at least in or about 2014, SDRA has had multiple projects with the IRGC Aerospace Force, including projects for guided rockets and integrated navigation systems. As alleged, between 2021 and 2022, approximately 99% of SDRA’s sales of the Sepehr Navigation System, which are used in IRGC one-way attack drones, were to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.
On Jan. 28, 2024, three U.S. service members were killed, and more than 40 others were injured, in a drone attack by IRGC-backed militants on a military base located in northern Jordan, known as Tower 22. According to court documents, analysis of the drone that was recovered from the site of the attack showed that the drone was an Iranian Shahed UAV and that the navigation system used in the drone was manufactured by Abedini’s company.
The charges of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR, and conspiracy to do so, each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the District of Massachusetts’ National Security Unit are prosecuting the case alongside Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence & Export Control Section.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Receiving Stolen Government Money and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for receiving stolen Social Security benefits and making false statements.
James C. Burdulis, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one day of prison deemed served, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $67,159 in restitution. In April 2026, Burdulis pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money or property and one count of false statements. Burdulis was charged on March 26, 2026.
Burdulis received $63,959 in stolen Social Security benefits and $3,200 in COVID economic impact payments (EIP) from June 2019 through June 2025 that were intended for a beneficiary who had died. Prior to the beneficiary’s death in May 2019, Burdulis had been appointed as the beneficiary’s representative payee to manage their Social Security benefits and provide regular accountings to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Between June 2020 and June 2024, Burdulis submitted five fraudulent representative payee reports to the SSA under penalty of perjury in which he stated that he spent money received from the SSA on behalf of the deceased beneficiary after their death. Further, Burdulis submitted a fraudulent verification form to the SSA in September 2020 stating that the deceased beneficiary continued to live at the same location.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Louisiana Man Charged with Murder of a Federal Officer After Standoff with Federal and State Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE / ALEXANDRIA — Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, of Alexandria, Louisiana by criminal complaint with the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson who was working with other law enforcement to apprehend Frazier after he failed to appear for trial on a state charge of sexual battery. If convicted, Frazier faces a maximum sentence of life in prison or death.
“U.S. Marshals risk their lives every day - securing our courts, protecting our communities, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with local law enforcement to bring dangerous fugitives to justice. Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson embodied that courage and dedication,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Tragically, the defendant's alleged actions claimed the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer who was simply doing his duty. The alleged perpetrator is now in custody and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Marshal Hanson's family and the entire law enforcement community mourning his loss. Drew paid the ultimate price while protecting our communities. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his service will forever stand as an inspiration to all who wear the badge.”
“Our men and women put their lives on the line every day to apprehend the country’s most dangerous criminals,” said Director Gadyaces Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service. “When a Deputy U.S. Marshal is killed in the line of duty serving an arrest warrant on a violent fugitive, this agency and, indeed the entire country mourn that loss. While we are all profoundly heartbroken by Drew Hanson’s tragic death, we are at the same time grateful for his unselfish devotion to protecting his community and those he loved.”
“Our Office joins all of our Western District community and the Department of Justice in mourning and honoring the loss of this Deputy Marshal — a man who was a father, a husband, a son, and a child of God — as someone who paid the ultimate price in service of our community’s safety,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “This investigation is ongoing and a criminal complaint is only an allegation, but our office looks forward to working alongside our federal and state law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is done and that accountability reflects the enormity of the loss our community grieves today.”
“The FBI offers our deepest condolences to the family of Deputy U.S. Marshal Hanson, who was killed in the line of duty while doing his job pursuing a subject wanted for violent crime” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will commit our full force of resources to conduct a thorough investigation with our partners at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and the Department of Justice to ensure the individual responsible for this horrific act is brought to justice. The FBI sends our prayers to Deputy Hanson’s family, friends, and our partners at the U.S. Marshal’s service."
According to court documents, law enforcement from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) secured an arrest warrant for Frazier on July 13 in connection with his failure to appear in state court to face trial on a charge of Sexual Battery with a Person with Infirmities. RPSO and USMS personnel located Frazier at his residence and obtained a search warrant for the residence before attempting to approach Frazier. The officers then approached Frazier’s residence while bearing clear law enforcement markings to execute the warrant, announced their presence, and forced entry into the residence.
Officers then found Frazier in his bedroom, where he barricaded himself and shot at the officers, striking a Deputy United States Marshal who later succumbed to his injuries. Frazier then engaged in a further standoff with law enforcement in his bedroom until he was taken into custody.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from RPSO.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Elliott Cassidy for the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills and Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
A criminal complaint 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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Louisiana Man Charged with Murder of a Federal Officer After Standoff with Federal and State Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48 of Alexandria, Louisiana by criminal complaint with the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson who was working with other law enforcement to apprehend Frazier after he failed to appear for trial on a state charge of sexual battery. If convicted, Frazier faces a maximum sentence of life in prison or death.
“U.S. Marshals risk their lives every day - securing our courts, protecting our communities, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with local law enforcement to bring dangerous fugitives to justice. Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson embodied that courage and dedication,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Tragically, the defendant's alleged actions claimed the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer who was simply doing his duty. The alleged perpetrator is now in custody and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Marshal Hanson's family and the entire law enforcement community mourning his loss. Drew paid the ultimate price while protecting our communities. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his service will forever stand as an inspiration to all who wear the badge.”
“Our men and women put their lives on the line every day to apprehend the country’s most dangerous criminals,” said Director Gadyaces Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service. “When a Deputy U.S. Marshal is killed in the line of duty serving an arrest warrant on a violent fugitive, this agency and, indeed the entire country mourn that loss. While we are all profoundly heartbroken by Drew Hanson’s tragic death, we are at the same time grateful for his unselfish devotion to protecting his community and those he loved.”
“Our Office joins all of our Western District community and the Department of Justice in mourning and honoring the loss of this Deputy Marshal — a man who was a father, a husband, a son, and a child of God — as someone who paid the ultimate price in service of our community’s safety,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “This investigation is ongoing and a criminal complaint is only an allegation, but our office looks forward to working alongside our federal and state law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is done and that accountability reflects the enormity of the loss our community grieves today.”
“The FBI offers our deepest condolences to the family of Deputy U.S. Marshal Hanson, who was killed in the line of duty while doing his job pursuing a subject wanted for violent crime” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will commit our full force of resources to conduct a thorough investigation with our partners at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and the Department of Justice to ensure the individual responsible for this horrific act is brought to justice. The FBI sends our prayers to Deputy Hanson’s family, friends, and our partners at the U.S. Marshal’s service."
According to court documents, law enforcement from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) secured an arrest warrant for Frazier on July 13 in connection with his failure to appear in state court to face trial on a charge of Sexual Battery with a Person with Infirmities. RPSO and USMS personnel located Frazier at his residence and obtained a search warrant for the residence before attempting to approach Frazier. The officers then approached Frazier’s residence while bearing clear law enforcement markings to execute the warrant, announced their presence, and forced entry into the residence.
Officers then found Frazier in his bedroom, where he barricaded himself and shot at the officers, striking a Deputy United States Marshal who later succumbed to his injuries. Frazier then engaged in a further standoff with law enforcement in his bedroom until he was taken into custody.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from RPSO.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lenexa Man Charged with Traveling to Missouri to Engage in Illegal Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lenexa, Kan., man has been charged in federal court on an attempted child exploitation charge.
Ruben A. Gutierrez, II, 25, of Lenexa was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Gutierrez had his initial appearance yesterday afternoon.
The federal complaint charges Gutierrez with one count of Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Gutierrez engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 14-year-old minor. During his communications with the person he believed to be a minor, Gutierrez arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Gutierrez was later arrested on July 12, 2026, after he traveled from Kansas to the location in Missouri where he had arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual conduct. A subsequent search of Gutierrez’s cell phone by law enforcement located text messages between Gutierrez and the purported minor.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Justice Department Settles with California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning Servicemembers’ VehiclesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that S & K Towing Inc., a towing company based in San Clemente, California, has agreed to pay $160,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally auctioning motor vehicles owned by members of the military.
“For far too long, tow companies have sold or disposed of servicemembers’ vehicles in violation of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement sends a strong message that all towing companies must recognize servicemembers’ rights and take the necessary steps to comply with the SCRA.”
“Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have a legal right to be protected while they serve our nation overseas,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “This settlement will provide compensation to impacted service members and serves as notice to all businesses to comply with federal laws that protect our military.”
The Department’s lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on March 25, alleges that S & K Towing illegally sold or disposed of as many as 148 vehicles owned by servicemembers, many of which it towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Even though S & K’s contract with Camp Pendleton required it to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, the company made no effort to comply with the SCRA, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember.
In May 2024, a Military Legal Assistance attorney contacted S & K Towing and explained that the company was violating the SCRA. In response, a manager at S & K Towing told the attorney, “We do this all the time.” After this exchange, S & K Towing continued to sell and dispose of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining court orders. Some of the vehicles S & K sold or disposed of were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton. In other cases, S & K auctioned vehicles even after they were told that the owner was in the military.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, S & K Towing will pay $160,000 to servicemembers who were harmed by the company’s conduct. While the company is in the process of shutting down its operations, it has agreed that if it engages in or reenters the business of towing or storing vehicles, it will adopt policies and procedures to comply with the SCRA.
Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $489 million in monetary relief for over 152,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil
Jamaican Citizen Charged with Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging a Jamaican citizen and music artist residing in the United States on an O-1B visa, with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person after he was allegedly caught with multiple guns and 92 rounds of ammunition after fleeing deputies in Turner County, Georgia, in November.
Ackeme Jermane Campbell, 32, of Jamaica and Davenport, Florida, who is in the United States on an O-1B non-immigrant visa, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Campbell faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The complaint was filed in the Middle District of Georgia on July 1 and unsealed on July 14.
Campbell was arrested in Miami, Florida, on July 5 and was detained without bond at his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eduardo I. Sanchez in the Southern District of Florida on July 9. Campbell is in federal custody.
According to the criminal complaint and court documents, Campbell, a music artist performing professionally as Chronic Law, was residing and performing in the United States pursuant to an O-1B non-immigrant visa. On Nov. 15, 2025, Campbell was allegedly driving a vehicle at an excessive speed in Turner County, Georgia. When deputies attempted to pull him over, Campbell fled, driving the car at over 120 miles per hour.
As captured on body camera, when the chase concluded, officers discovered that Campbell allegedly had a semiautomatic pistol with one magazine and 12 rounds of ammunition; a semiautomatic pistol with two magazines and 31 rounds of ammunition; a semiautomatic rifle with two magazines and 49 rounds of ammunition; and a gun that was reported stolen from Miami.
Campbell allegedly admitted to agents that the firearms belonged to him and that he had not applied for the necessary waivers permitting ownership, as it is illegal for a visa holder to have firearms. As alleged, Campbell’s affiliation with a criminal gang and his high risk of flight from the country, coupled with the serious nature of the crime and the number of firearms and ammunition in his possession, determined his detention by the Court without bond.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
FBI-Miami, FBI-Atlanta, and the Turner County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shiante McMahon of the Middle District of Georgia is prosecuting the case for the Government, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Pasek from the Southern District of Florida.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Hot Springs Couple Sentenced to More Than 20 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas husband and wife were sentenced yesterday to more than 20 years combined in Federal Prison to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release for Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. The Honorable District Judge John Thomas Shepherd presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in late 2024 into early 2025, law enforcement agent conducted undercover controlled purchases of methamphetamine from William Bostick, age 45, and his wife, Ashley Bostick, age 42, both of Hot Springs. On June 16, 2025, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the Bosticks’ residence, during which they located a large quantity of methamphetamine. It was also determined that both William and Ashley Bostick have prior felony convictions.
On December 2, 2025, William Bostick pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. During a separate hearing on the same date, Ashley Bostick pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. William and Ashley Bostick appeared in separate proceedings before District Judge John Thomas Shepherd on July 13, 2026, in Hot Springs. William Bostick was sentenced to a term of 126 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release. Ashley Bostick was sentenced to a term of 135 months imprisonment also to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release. Combined, the husband-and-wife duo was sentenced to a total of 261 months of imprisonment.
United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan A. Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, Investigations Division and the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the 18th East Judicial District also assisted with the prosecution and investigation of this matter.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. 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.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hinsdale Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Approximately $345,000 from His EmployerRead the Press Release
Hinsdale Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Approximately $345,000 From His Employer
CONCORD – A Hinsdale man pleaded guilty today to embezzling almost $345,000 from his employer, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Michael Darcy, 49, pleaded guilty to five counts of Bank Fraud. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2026.
Darcy was the Operations Manager for his employer. As Operations Manager, Darcy oversaw the day-to-day work of the company and had access to the company checkbook. Beginning in December 2019, and continuing through December 2024, Darcy forged the owner’s signature to draft dozens of unauthorized checks on the company’s bank account. Darcy concealed the purpose of the payments by entering them under false headings in accounting records. He sometimes also listed false entries in the memo line on the checks. Overall, Darcy embezzled $344,874.47 from his employer.
The charging of Bank Fraud provides a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to three years 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.
The Hinsdale Police Department, FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.