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Monday 24 March 2025
Justice Department Statement on Juliana CaseRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari by plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States, a case the Justice Department has consistently defended across three presidential administrations.
The case, filed in 2015, sought to have courts force the government to implement more stringent, remedial measures related to climate change. The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon agreed to hear the case. The Justice Department moved to dismiss and sought an interlocutory appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit remanded the case to the district court with instructions to dismiss. The district court accepted an amended complaint, and the circuit court again instructed for the case to be dismissed. The plaintiffs then filed a petition for certiorari in the Supreme Court.
“For nearly a decade, lawyers for the plaintiffs in the Juliana case have tied up the United States in litigation, persisting even after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals twice instructed the case to be dismissed because the plaintiffs lack Article III standing,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The U.S. Supreme Court’s cert denial brings this long saga to a conclusion. Through ENRD’s work, the Justice Department is enforcing our nation’s environmental laws and safeguarding America’s air, water, and natural resources. Cases like Juliana distract from those enforcement efforts.”
Jury Finds Man Guilty of Strangulation in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Desmond Fletcher, 37, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, has been found guilty by a jury of one count of felony strangulation and two counts of misdemeanor assault for charges that took place in southeast Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The verdict was returned on March 24, 2025, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Judith Pipe scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2025.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of September 4, 2023, Fletcher came to the home of the victim, a woman he had been seeing romantically. Once inside, the defendant confronted the victim, following her from room to room, as he strangled and assaulter her, causing her to black-out and urinate. The victim’s minor daughter was also home at the time of the assault. The victim ultimately ran to a next-door neighbor and asked her to call 911.
Strangulation is widely recognized as one of the most lethal forms of intimate partner violence. A major strangulation study in San Diego, which is frequently cited, found: “Many victims suffer internal injuries, including permanent brain damage. Signs and symptoms do exist and can be documented even without visible injury… Most abusers do not strangle to kill. They strangle to show they can kill. Victims often suffer major long-term emotional and physical impacts. Surviving victims are much more likely to die later if their abuser has strangled them.” The study also noted that “…..the odds of becoming a victim of attempted homicide increased by 700%, and the odds of becoming a homicide victim increased by 800%, among women who had been strangled by their partner.”
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Trisha Jhunjhnuwala and Sarah Roessler, from the Domestic Violence Felony Unit of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section of the Superior Court Division, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts San Diego Attorney of Securities FraudRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – After a weeklong trial, San Diego-based securities attorney Andrew Coldicutt was convicted by a federal jury today on all 17 counts of securities fraud, false securities registration statements, and wire fraud in connection with two pump-and-dump market-manipulation schemes.
The jury deliberated for less than four hours and determined that Coldicutt used his expertise as an experienced securities lawyer to help clients – who were actually undercover FBI agents – create companies, take them public, release false information about the companies, manipulate the stock for a windfall and conceal their affiliation with those companies.
In the first scheme, Coldicutt worked with others from 2017 through 2019 to prepare and execute a pump-and-dump stock fraud scheme. Coldicutt created a business plan for a fake backyard fruit harvesting company. He prepared and filed securities registration statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of the company’s stock. The securities registration statements contained false and misleading information about the company, its business plans, and the people who owned and controlled the company.
In the second scheme, in 2019, one of Coldicutt’s corporate clients needed to raise money fast. Rather than raise money legally, Coldicutt presented the undercover FBI agents with another pump-and-dump stock fraud scheme. Coldicutt wrote a false attorney opinion letter to facilitate the sale of stock for the pump-and-dump scheme.
During the trial, the government presented multiple recordings connecting Coldicutt to the crimes, including inventing the business plan in the middle of a meeting with undercover FBI agents. Coldicutt was also recorded accepting $2,500 in cash as an advance on successfully completing the pump-and-dump scheme. Jurors were also presented with encrypted messages where Coldicutt coordinated the plans for the pump-and-dump with a cooperating source.
According to testimony during the trial, the expected profit of the first pump-and-dump scheme was approximately $4.85 million, and Coldicutt’s share would be about $240,000. Since Coldicutt was actually working with undercover FBI agents and sources gathering evidence against him, no investors were injured.
A “pump and dump” scheme is a type of fraud where manipulators gain control over a company’s stock and boost a company's stock price by spreading false information or trading in a way that creates fake demand. Once the stock price is inflated, they sell off their shares (the “dump”), causing the price to drop and leaving investors with losses.
“Securities attorneys and other professionals in the securities industry hold a critical position of trust and responsibility,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden. “When these individuals misuse their legal credentials to commit fraud, it is innocent investors who often bear the brunt of the harm. Thanks to the diligent work of FBI investigators and our prosecution team, we were able to expose the wrongdoing and deliver justice without any investors suffering financial loss. This outcome reflects the extraordinary efforts of all involved.”
“Andrew Coldicutt engaged in a deliberate, unlawful and years long securities fraud scheme,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Attorneys are held to a higher standard of conduct and this case proves when an individual in a position of trust abuses their authority for unjust personal gain, the FBI will hold them accountable.”
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has also taken civil action against Coldicutt.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr1881
Andrew Coldicutt Age: 44 San Diego, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 15, U.S.C., Sec. 77q, 77x – Securities Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Title 15, U.S.C., Sec. 77g, 77x – False Securities Registration Statements
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1343 – Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assault with a Deadly Weapon in USP AtwaterRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jarvell Kent, 30, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to assault with a deadly weapon in the U.S. Penitentiary at Atwater, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, on April 28, 2024, Kent chased another inmate around a cell block at USP Atwater while holding a knife-like, jail-made weapon. Kent, along with another inmate, used his jail-made knife to stab the victim, wounding him and requiring medical attention.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
Kent is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on June 23, 2025. Kent faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Indictment Charges Ellington Woman with Fraud and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a 12-count indictment charging HEATHER MURDOCK, 57, of Ellington, with fraud and tax offenses stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
The indictment was returned on March 19, 2025. On March 20, Murdock appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $40,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, Murdock was employed as the bookkeeper and office manager at a Hartford law firm, identified in court documents as “Firm A.” Between approximately 2010 and 2022, using Firm A’s bookkeeping software, Murdock generated hundreds of false checks made payable to herself and on which she forged the signature of Firm A’s owner. To conceal her embezzlement, Murdock doctored the bookkeeping system entries to make it appear that the checks had been issued to legitimate vendors. Murdock deposited the forged checks into her own bank account. Murdock stole approximately $583,953 through this scheme.
The indictment also alleges that Murdock stole cash rental payment made by tenants of properties owned by Firm A’s owner. To conceal her theft, Murdock generated false checks from Firm A’s bank account payable to the account in which Firm A’s owner received rental income, making it appear that the expected deposits of rental income had been made, and doctored references in the firm’s bookkeeping system. Murdock stole approximately $251,314 through this scheme.
The indictment further alleges that Murdock failed to pay federal income taxes on the embezzled funds and her wages from Firm A for the 2013 through 2022 tax years, and that she substantially underreported her income in 2011 and 2012. Murdock’s underreported tax obligations total $248,294.
The indictment charges Murdock with five counts of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count; two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; and five counts of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.
Illegal alien charged in gift card fraud, identity theft scheme in Glen CarbonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Chilean national is facing federal charges for using a stolen credit card to purchase gift cards at the Sam’s Club in Glen Carbon.
Mayorie Fernandez-Ormeno, also known as Guadalupe Maldanado Salinas, 36, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, attempted access device fraud and illegal entry after deportation and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
“Individuals who enter the U.S. illegally and steal from our communities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
According to court documents, Fernandez-Ormeno is accused of stealing a credit card out of another woman’s purse while she shopped at the Schnucks in Edwardsville. She then used the stolen credit card to purchase $2,684.24 in gift cards at the Sam’s Club in Glen Carbon on Feb. 18, 2024. Fernandez-Ormeno is also accused of using the same stolen credit card to attempt to make a $2,477.76 purchase at the same Sam’s Club.
Fernandez-Ormeno was previously deported from the U.S. on Oct. 2, 2023, and she is facing a charge for reentering the country unlawfully. She was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia.
A co-conspirator is also facing charges.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Convictions for attempted access device fraud and access device fraud are punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, aggravated identity theft is a mandatory two years in federal prison, conspiracy to commit access device fraud can earn five years’ imprisonment and illegal reentry after deportation is punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment.
The Edwardsville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.
Idabel Resident Pleads Guilty to Stealing Firearms from A Federal Firearms Licensed DealerRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that J’Quarius J’Vontay Austin, age 18, of Idabel, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Stealing Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer.
The Indictment alleged that on December 23, 2024, Austin knowingly stole four semi-automatic pistols from a licensed firearms dealer.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Broken Bow Police Department, and the Idabel Police Department.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Austin will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Semaj Markes Leondre Figg, 33, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 9, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to reports of shots fired at an 11th Avenue residence in Huntington, encountered Figg, and arrested him on an outstanding warrant. Officers executed a search warrant at the residence and seized approximately 30 grams of crack, 54 grams of fentanyl, a Glock 22C pistol and a Ruger-5.7 pistol. Figg admitted that he intended to sell the seized controlled substances.
Figg is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-180.
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Honduran Man Sentenced for Knowing Possession Without Authority of Identification of Another Person in Connection with Violation of Federal LawRead the Press Release
GULFPORT, MS – A Honduran national sentenced to “49 months” imprisonment for the federal felony offense of Knowing Possession Without Authority of a Means of Identification of Another Person in Connection with Violation of Federal Law. According to court documents, Wilmer Alexander Montufar, age 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel in Gulfport. Additionally, Montufar, who also is known by the name of Wilmer Montuvar-Martinez, was sentenced to three years of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence.
Federal law provides for Montufar to face U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removal proceedings. Montufar previously had been lawfully removed from the United States to his home nation of Honduras. After removal from the U.S., his supervised release period will be non-reporting while he remains outside of the United States. However, if he unlawfully returns to the U.S., Montufar could face separate, consecutive penalties in addition to further prosecution. He was convicted after pleading guilty on October 17, 2024.
On May 6, 2024, a Mississippi law enforcement officer observed a vehicle driving northbound on Interstate 59. The Officer observed the vehicle traveling in the left lane and impeding traffic. The Officer conducted a traffic stop on I-59 eastbound at about Mile Marker 31 in Pearl River County. The Officer observed that there were two people inside. The driver was identified by his Honduran passport as Wilmer Alexander Montufar, a citizen of Honduras, and the defendant in this case. The front seat passenger was identified as a 16-year-old female juvenile Honduran citizen. Both Montufar and the juvenile indicated that they could not speak English.
A Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to the traffic stop location to provide translation. The juvenile initially said she was a friend of Montufar but did not know where they were going in Mississippi. Montufar was arrested and taken into custody for violations of Mississippi state law for driving without a driver’s license and traveling in the left lane. Montufar and the juvenile were transported to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office and, later, the juvenile was turned over to Mississippi Child Protective Services. Pearl River County officials interviewed Montufar which was video recorded. Montufar admitted to bringing the juvenile from Honduras into the U.S. and said he and the juvenile female were in a relationship, and that he was aware that she was sixteen years old. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents arrived at the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, and transported Montufar to the U.S. Border Patrol Station.
At the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport, databases confirmed Montufar had been ordered removed from the U.S. on four occasions. Montufar was removed from the U.S. to Honduras, in or about 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2018. Databases also revealed Montufar had not received permission to apply for readmission to the US from either the Attorney General or the DHS Secretary. Montufar was read his Miranda rights in Spanish and waived his rights verbally and by signing a waiver form in Spanish. He agreed to speak with law enforcement officials in a video-recorded interview, and he admitted to unlawfully entering McAllen, Texas, from Reynosa, Mexico, in about 2022.
Montufar also consented verbally and in writing to allowing HSI agents to forensically examine his cellular phone. On-site previews of data extracted from the device revealed about four images of what purported to be a Texas (TX) identification (ID) card bearing Montufar’s image and the name: J.L.T. (represented by initials) about five images of what purported to be Social Security Administration (SSA) cards – four with the name: J.L.T. and one with the name J.L.C., and two images of Montufar’s Honduran ID card bearing Montufar’s image and his official name.
When asked about the purported Texas identification card and Social Security cards, Montufar said he purchased the documents for about $800.00 and had been using them for employment purposes. He acknowledged that the documents were false and that he knew they were not issued by a government agency and that he had been using them for his own employment.
A lawful Social Security Card shows that the holder may lawfully work in the U.S. Illegal aliens sometimes pay higher amounts (such as $800) for unlawful identification documents with identity information of a real person so documents appear real when employers report to federal and state officials for Social Security, income tax withholding and other purposes.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon, praised the investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Border Patrol, as well as the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Child Protective Services and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Adam M. Calderon, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal Reentry by A Previously Deported AlienRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging David Velasquez-Lopez (34, Guatemala) with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. If convicted, Velasquez-Lopez faces up to two years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Velasquez-Lopez was previously removed from the United States on January 6, 2010, January 16, 2010, and October 10, 2012. He has never applied to the Attorney General of the United States and/or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for permission to reenter the United States. On January 10, 2018, Velasquez-Lopez was found voluntarily back in the United States.
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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
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.
Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned an Indictment charging six defendants with offenses related to human trafficking. The indictment was unsealed on Friday, March 21. Eduardo Jose Perdomo, Michel Martinez-Gonzalez and Alfredo Zambrano-Hurtado are all charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit human trafficking from December 16, 2024, through January 7, 2025. The same three defendants are also charged with two counts of sex trafficking minors or by force, fraud, and/or coercion. Sumit Chaudhari, Kavankumar Patel, and Vishal Goswami are all charged with two counts of sex trafficking minors or by the use of force, fraud, or coercion relating to events alleged to have occurred January 3 through January 6, 2025. All charges related to human trafficking carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to life, and special assessments of $100 and $5,000. Eduardo Jose Perdomo and Michel Martinez-Gonzalez are further charged with two counts of child enticement from December 16, 2024, through January 6, 2025. The maximum possible penalty for each child enticement count is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and special assessments of $100 and $50,000.
The prosecution of major cases, such as this case, always requires collaboration with multiple agencies. The Douglas County Attorney’s Office has been a significant contributor to the team effort to move this case forward. We thank them for their assistance in furthering the investigation, and in taking swift action in bringing initial charges.
Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Goldsboro Gang Member Sentenced to 21 Years for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Goldsboro man was sentenced today to 258 months in prison for armed robbery. Fremandeus Connell Williams, age 45, pled guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on December 20, 2024.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Wilson Police Department (WPD) responded to a call of a robbery at the Hot Spot Internet Café Sweepstakes on Ward Boulevard in Wilson on December 7, 2021. The investigation revealed that Williams entered the establishment wearing a surgical mask and appeared to play a game machine. As a Hot Spot employee unlocked the office door to assist a customer in cashing out, Williams walked up behind the employee, placed the barrel of a firearm against the back of her head, and pushed her to the ground. Williams then threatened the employee and said, “where’s the money and you better not lie, or I’ll kill you.” Williams stole $7,039 in cash from the register and counter drawers while the employee remained in the back corner of the office. The incident was captured on video surveillance. Williams, a known member of the United Blood Nation gang, was arrested a few days later on December 10, 2021.
The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, interagency coordination, and intelligence-led policing.
Daniel Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The WPD, Goldsboro Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-87-D-RJ-1.
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Georgia Man Charged in Danbury Kidnapping ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that JAMES SCHWAB, 22, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has been federally charged for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping in Danbury in August 2024.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men who were involved in a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of two occupants of the vehicle on that date. The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual who is suspected of participating in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. Schwab, who had an altercation with the victims’ son in a Miami nightclub in July 2024, was in regular communication with certain of the kidnappers in the days before the crime, provided funding for it, and helped arrange the participants’ transportation and lodging.
Schwab was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 29, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport after he returned to the U.S. from a trip to Bali. On February 25, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Schwab with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Schwab appeared in Bridgeport federal court on March 12, 2025, and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
Schwab has been detained since his arrest.
Five of the six individuals charged with offenses related to the carjacking and kidnapping have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force and the Danbury Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition in Ghost GunRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Donald Henderson, 30, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of ammunition in connection with his possession of a loaded ghost gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2024, Henderson arranged to sell a rifle to an undercover police officer in Clovis while believing the undercover officer was a prostitute. When officers arrived, Henderson quickly entered a vehicle as a passenger, at which point officers engaged in a high-speed chase during which Henderson threw a rifle out the window. The rifle was a privately manufactured firearm, or “ghost gun,” with a loaded high-capacity magazine. Henderson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County, including for burglary and illegal possession of a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
Henderson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on June 23, 2025. Henderson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Fort Washakie Man Sentenced to 29 Years of Imprisonment for Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Conrad Troy Tillman, 38, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 348 months and 23 days in federal prison with five years of supervised release for second-degree murder. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on March 21, 2025, in Casper. The federal sentence considered the fact Tillman had been serving a related tribal sentence for nearly a year. The court also ordered Tillman to pay $6,998.10 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
On April 14, 2024, the Wind River Police Department was dispatched to a vehicle located on Highway 287 within the Wind River Indian Reservation. The 911 call indicated that a man had shot his wife. According to court documents and witness testimony, Tillman, his wife, and their adolescent daughter were traveling on Highway 287 when an argument ensued between the couple. It culminated in Tillman firing a semi-automatic pistol, striking his wife in the head, and killing her. Tillman flagged down a passing motorist to call 911. EMS and law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Case No. 24-CR-00086
Former New Mexico House of Representatives Candidate Convicted for Shooting SpreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A former candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury for a shooting spree targeting the homes of four elected officials and a subsequent plot to murder multiple witnesses to prevent their testimony at trial.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Solomon Peña, 40, ran for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 mid-term elections. After his November 2022 electoral defeat, Peña pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election, but despite Peña’s pressure, the commissioners certified the results. Peña then organized and participated in shootings on the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners who voted to certify the election and two New Mexico state legislators. The shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023, with assistance from co-conspirators Demetrio Trujillo, 41; and Jose Trujillo, 24.
Jose Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jose Trujillo’s sentencing is set for April 14.
Demetrio Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2024, to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. Demetrio Trujillo’s sentencing is set for May 21.
After his arrest, Peña solicited several inmates in jail to coordinate the murder of multiple witnesses in order to prevent their testimony at trial.
The jury convicted Peña of one count of conspiracy; four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities; four counts of using or carrying a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, including a machinegun in one instance; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. Peña faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 60 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico, and Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
Trial Attorney Bill Gullotta of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from former Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell.
Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to 8 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 19, 2025, Kevin Lewis, 38, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge David G. Campbell to 96 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. Lewis previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.
Beginning in February 2020, Lewis, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, encouraged his wife and brother-in-law to purchase firearms on his behalf over the course of a year and a half. Lewis then sold those firearms to other people, predominantly in California. Lewis’ wife, Karra, and brother-in-law, Isaac Godfrey, both pleaded guilty to the same crime as Lewis. Karra Lewis was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and Godfrey was sentenced to 42 months in prison. All three defendants were arrested in Houston.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice has launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Phoenix, with the assistance of ATF Houston, Mesa Police Department Major Crimes Unit, and the Police Department of Houston, conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01809-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-041_ Lewis
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Federal Grand Jury in Bowling Green Returns 4 Indictments Charging 5 Defendants with Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned four indictments on March 12, 2025, charging four men and one woman with multiple methamphetamine trafficking offenses and one of the men with firearm offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Billy Bolin of the Henderson Police Department made the announcement.
According to the first indictment, Steven Marruquin, 52, of Henderson, Kentucky, is charged with three counts of distributing 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on February 23, 2024, February 29, 2024, and March 15, 2024, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on July 11, 2024, and January 20, 2025. Marruquin is also charged with one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On July 11, 2024, Marruquin possessed a Taurus handgun. Marruquin was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had been convicted of the following felony offense.
On July 30, 2015, in United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky, Marruquin was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Brandy Powell, 46, of Henderson, Kentucky, is also charged with Marruquin in the first indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on June 22, 2024.
According to the second indictment, Kane Bentley, 30, of Henderson, Kentucky, is charged with two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on July 31, 2024, and October 18, 2024.
According to the third indictment, Deontay Black, 34, of Henderson, Kentucky, is charged with two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on August 24, 2024, and September 10, 2024.
According to the fourth indictment, Scott Stone, 36, of Henderson, Kentucky, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on January 20, 2025.
Marruquin and Black, made their initial court appearances on March 19, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered Marruquin and Black detained pending trial. Stone made his initial appearance on March 17, 2025, and was ordered detained pending trial. Bentley and Powell are in state custody and will make their initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge later.
If convicted, Marruquin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Powell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Bentley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Black faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Stone faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The cases are being investigated by the FBI Owensboro Satellite Office, the ATF Bowling Green Field Office, the Kentucky State Police, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Henderson Police Department, with assistance from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, and HSI Owensboro.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting the cases.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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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Fayetteville Man Admits to Fraud Involving Checks Stolen from Macon Blue BoxRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Metro Atlanta resident who orchestrated a bank fraud scheme involving checks stolen from a Macon mail collection box that he would sell online pleaded guilty to bank fraud in federal court today.
Keyon Ponder, 28, of Fayetteville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on March 24. Ponder faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. The Court will determine a sentencing date. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Keyon Ponder’s stolen check scheme defrauded citizens and businesses alike, a crime that will ultimately cost him years in prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “I commend the actions of U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigators who quickly responded to reports of theft from a Blue Box, ultimately preventing additional fraud and helping us hold the perpetrator accountable.”
“The investigative work conducted by Postal Inspectors with the assistance of the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office led to the arrest of the defendant who would have continued to victimize countless other people,” said Jessica L. Wagner, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains vigilant to protect the nation's mail system from criminal misuse and will continue to aggressively investigate those individuals suspected of such crimes."
According to court documents and statements referenced in Court, on May 29, 2024, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) started investigating mail theft and bank fraud issues occurring in the Macon area after receiving multiple reports of mail stolen from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Blue Box on Georgia Avenue near the Macon Post Office on College Street. USPIS investigators found a homemade “trap” in the Blue Box. The "trap" was made of cardboard to prevent the mail from falling completely into the Blue Box, instead keeping it held in the "trap." The “trap” allowed a person to steal the mail by placing their hand in the opening of the collection box to the mail or removing the trap and the mail.
On May 31, 2024, a USPS employee reported that a suspicious vehicle was observed at that Blue Box numerous times. The USPS employee took pictures of the black Tesla with a tinted tag cover and license plate and provided them to the USPIS investigator. The USPS employee reported that the vehicle’s driver was not seen placing mail in the Blue Box but instead observed the vehicle stay longer at the collection box. Electronic surveillance also captured video of the black Tesla, as described above, pulling up to the USPS Blue Box on May 31, 2024.
On that same day, at approximately 2:22 p.m., USPIS inspectors observed the black Tesla, with Ponder driving, pull up to the USPS blue box, roll down the vehicle’s window, and stick his empty hand deep in the opening of the blue box. Ponder then appeared to shove an item in the blue box but then pulled the item back towards the opening of the blue box. Ponder’s fingerprints were recovered from the “trap” in the blue box. Ponder left the location and traveled on I-75 toward Monroe County. A Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled him over for a traffic violation, plus the additional violations observed by the USPIS inspectors. Ponder had a bag of mail in plain view on the front passenger floorboard. Ponder also had outstanding arrest warrants and was placed in custody. The mail was not addressed to Ponder and contained checks. Investigators found cardboard boxes and tape inside his vehicle, which matched the homemade “trap” inside the blue box. The agents also seized two cell phones belonging to Ponder. At the time of arrest, Ponder had 52 pieces of stolen stamped mail, including 42 stolen checks totaling more than $20,000.
While incarcerated at the Monroe County Jail, Ponder was observed on jail security video taking something out of his pants and stuffing it behind a screen in the booking area. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recovered the envelope containing 17 more checks and one USPS Postal Money Order, none of which listed Ponder as the payee or payor and totaled more than $75,000. In all, Ponder had 59 stolen checks written for approximately $96,000.
A federal search warrant executed on Ponder’s two cell phones found evidence of a sophisticated fraud scheme in which Ponder and other individuals stole mail--specifically targeting checks--to operate a fraud ring utilizing originals and copies of checks that Ponder advertised and sold on the Telegram social media and messaging application. The phone data showed 136 individuals participated on Ponder’s stolen checks Telegram channel. Ponder’s cell phone contained more than 500 stolen check images and numerous photos of stolen checks listed for sale on his Telegram channel, along with many detailed conversations regarding various aspects of the transactions of the stolen checks. Ponder admitted that he knew the checks were stolen and that he sold them or offered them for sale to others.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) with assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Dominican National Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Possessing with Intent to Distribute over a Kilogram of FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national living in Boston was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl.
Santo Rafael Franco Andujar, formerly charged as “John Doe,” was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In November 2024, Franco Andujar was convicted by a federal jury of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
In June and July of 2021, Franco Andujar sold over 100 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Lawrence which was captured on a recording device. In September 2021, Franco Andujar was arrested by law enforcement in possession of over 100 grams of fentanyl. As part of the investigation, law enforcement surveilled the defendant traveling to an apartment in Boston prior to selling fentanyl to the cooperating witness. On the day of Franco Andujar’s arrest, a search warrant was executed at the apartment where over a kilogram of fentanyl hidden inside a wall was recovered.
Franco Andujar was originally charged in October 2021 under a pseudonym because he was using the stolen identity of a Puerto Rican man at the time of his arrest. After his conviction, Franco Andujar agreed to reveal his true identity to law enforcement. Franco Andujar is a Dominican national and is present in the United States illegally. Franco Andujar has agreed to provide complete and truthful information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and that information will be used to determine Franco Andujar’s eligibility for deportation proceedings.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was proved by the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Lauren A. Graber prosecuted the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on March 18, 2025 to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and Armed Career Criminal.
According to public court documents, Dontae Lamonte Burrage, 36, had multiple outstanding arrest warrants. Members of a bail bond company attempted to arrest Burrage on February 26, 2022. Burrage ran and threw a loaded pistol. Burrage has six prior state felony drug convictions. Therefore, Burrage is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law and, as an Armed Career Criminal, faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Burrage will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Cuban National Sentenced to over Five Years in $7.6 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Fernando Espinosa Leon (60) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. Espinosa Leon was also ordered to forfeit $4,013,148.76, the proceeds of his offenses. Espinosa Leon pleaded guilty on December 6, 2024.
According to court documents, Espinosa Leon engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare using his company, Global Medical Supply Inc. To carry out the scheme, stole the personally identifiable information of Medicare beneficiaries and medical practitioners. Espinosa Leon fraudulently billed Medicare for durable medical equipment that he falsely claimed had been prescribed and supplied. From June 2020 through September 2020, Espinosa Leon utilized the services of a third-party biller and fraudulently submitted for billing more than $7.6 million in claims for reimbursement. As a result, over $4 million in fraudulently obtained Medicare fraud proceeds were deposited into a bank account that Espinosa Leon managed and controlled.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
Council Bluffs Women Sentenced to 210 Months on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Tracy Gulzow, 56, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gulzow to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
As part of a long-term Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, Gulzow was identified as a distributor for a Mexican-based meth drug trafficking organization (DTO). DEA first identified Gulzow as a customer of the DTO in March of 2022. In the fall of 2023, DEA became aware that Gulzow had stepped into a distributor role for the DTO. On January 24, 2023, the Omaha Police Department stopped Gulzow for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, nine pounds of meth were seized. Gulzow admitted to law enforcement that more meth was located at her residence. Gulzow also admitted to receiving more than 50 pounds of meth from the DTO since she became a distributor. Law enforcement went to her residence where they recovered two more pounds of meth, a firearm, and $19,563 which was derived from the sale of methamphetamine.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Police Department, and Bellevue Police Department.
Convicted Felon from Millinocket Sentenced for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Millinocket man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Jeffrey Barnard, 61, to time served, approximately 22 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Barnard pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025.
According to court records, in March 2023, an officer with the East Millinocket Police Department ran a registration check on a vehicle and discovered that it was registered to someone with a suspended driver’s permit. The officer stopped the vehicle, and a confrontation ensued between the officer and the driver, Jeffrey Barnard. Barnard was arrested with the assistance of a second officer and a private citizen. As he was searched, a .22 caliber revolver was found in his jacket pocket. Barnard is precluded from possessing a firearm due an extensive criminal history, which includes a 2017 conviction in the U.S. District Court for being a felon in possession of a firearm in a case that stemmed from an armed standoff with police in Ellsworth.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the East Millinocket Police Department.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Brandishing a Machine Gun as He Livestreamed Himself on InstagramRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Corey Whittico, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 84 months in federal prison in connection with live-streaming himself on social media brandishing a pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device as he was a passenger in a car traveling from Maryland into the District. The livestreamed video, which Metropolitan Police officers viewed as it was broadcast, also showed more than a kilogram of marijuana that Whittico had stashed in the back seat of the car.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., FBI Special Agent in Chief Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Whittico pleaded guilty on December 17, 2024, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates ordered Whittico to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on December 19, 2023, about 3:23 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers viewed, in real time, a live video broadcast on Instagram of a user account that officers knew belonged to Whittico. Whittico was in the front-passenger seat of a moving vehicle and had his camera pointed out the front windshield. One of the officers noted that the car appeared to be driving from Maryland into Washington D.C.
Whittico turned the camera on himself to show that he was brandishing a black Glock handgun that had been outfitted with an aftermarket machine gun conversion device known as a “switch.” A “switch” is a device that converts a semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic firearm. In the next minute, Wittico reached into the backseat of the vehicle and displayed black and clear plastic bags containing a green leafy substance consistent with the appearance of marijuana.
The officers drove their marked MPD cruiser to the Clay Terrace neighborhood in Northeast Washington, an area that Whittico was known to frequent, while they continued to monitor Whittico’s livestream. In the Clay Terrace neighborhood, the officers spotted Whittico sitting in the passenger seat of a white Honda Accord. The officers conducted a traffic stop on the 5800 block of East Capitol Street, SE. As the driver of the Honda pulled over, the officers watched as the Honda’s occupants reached into the back passenger’s compartment and appeared to conceal an item under one of the seats.
In the backseat of the car, officers found three separate packages of marijuana weighing a total of 51 ounces (over three pounds). (District law allows possession of two ounces for personal use.) Underneath the front passenger’s seat, officers recovered a Glock 27, .40 caliber semiautomatic, loaded with 17 rounds, that had been modified with a machine gun conversion device. Officers also recovered at Glock 45, 9 mm semiautomatic that was equipped with a laser and loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition.
Whittico is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. In April 2023, he was convicted of robbery in Prince George’s County and sentenced to 10 years in prison, with eight years and six months suspended.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared English and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Courtney.
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Convicted Felon Headed Back to Federal Prison for Possessing Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Juan Gonzalez-Diaz (46, Cuba) to two years and six months in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Gonzalez-Diaz to forfeit the firearms and ammunition possessed during the offense. Gonzalez-Diaz entered a guilty plea on December 18, 2024.
According to court documents, on June 19, 2024, deputies from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at an industrial park in Labelle. During the search of the property, deputies located a stolen recreational vehicle (RV) and discovered Gonzalez-Diaz, a convicted felon, inside. The RV was subsequently searched, and deputies recovered multiple firearms and ammunition. At the time, Gonzalez-Diaz had a previous federal felony conviction for conspiracy to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen goods. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Charter fishing boat captain pleads guilty to defrauding Social Security Disability programRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 50-year-old resident of Westport, Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to Social Security Fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Derek Gochanour admitted that he failed to tell the Social Security Administration that he was able to work, and illegally collected $126,928 in benefits. Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2025.
According to the plea agreement and civil settlement agreement, in April 2001, Gochanour applied for disability insurance benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) due to his diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy – a form of muscle disease. In January 2003, a court found Gochanour was disabled, and he began collecting benefits. Just two years later, Gochanour obtained his Merchant Mariner Credential from the U.S. Coast Guard indicating that he was physically able to perform shipboard functions.
In January of 2012, the Coast Guard granted Gochanour a medical waiver that required him to submit neurological evaluations regarding the stability of his condition so that he could keep his Merchant Mariner Credential. Gochanour provided the Coast Guard with several of these evaluations.
In 2015, Gochanour and an associate purchased a 41-foot charter fishing boat. Gochanour served as the captain, piloting the boat and helping customers catch fish in the ocean waters off of Westport. However, no wages were ever reported for Gochanour’s work on the charter craft.
In the plea agreement, Gochanour admits that since at least 2015, his medication and lifestyle allowed him to work several months per year and he should have reported that to SSA. For example, in 2015 Gochanour sent the Coast Guard a letter from his neurologist stating that he was able to work and perform duties on the job. However, he never provided that letter to SSA, even though he had received a notice that he needed to inform the agency of any relevant changes -- including if a doctor said his health had improved. In 2022, Gochanour submitted a Continuing Disability Review Report to SSA that did not disclose his improved health, his Merchant Mariner Credential, or his work as a charter ship captain.
Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of three months in prison followed by three months of home detention. Chief Judge Estudillo is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law. Social Security fraud is punishable by up to five years in prison.
In a parallel civil investigation, Gochanour has agreed to pay the government $253,856 of which $126,928 is restitution for the benefits he wrongly received. The remaining amount owed will settle civil claims.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS).
The criminal case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M. Ly. The civil case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Katie Fairchild.
Carson Tahoe Health System Agrees to Pay over $8.8 Million to Settle Allegations over Pandemic-Related LoansRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Carson Tahoe Health System, which owns Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics and Carson Tahoe Continuing Care Hospital, has agreed to pay $8,876,475.45 to settle allegations that they were not eligible for the four Paycheck Protection Program loans that they obtained, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, to provide relief to small businesses experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for a loan, businesses were required to meet certain eligibility requirements accounting for any affiliated entities. The United States contends that Carson Tahoe Health System and its affiliated entities were ineligible to receive PPP loans because they exceeded the size limitations in the Small Business Administration’s affiliation rules.
In May 2020, Carson Tahoe Health System, Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics, and Carson Tahoe Continuing Care Hospital each received a PPP loan, totaling $5,077,011 in loan disbursements. After receiving their loan forgiveness applications, the Small Business Administration forgave these loans. In February 2021, Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics applied for a second PPP loan of $2 million. After Carson Tahoe Physicians Clinic requested loan forgiveness in September 2021, the SBA forgave this PPP loan. The four loans resulted in the United States paying $7,267,009 including forgiven loan principal and interest, and lenders fees.
“This settlement returns millions of taxpayer dollars to the government and reflects our ongoing commitment to enforce the requirements of the Paycheck Protection Program and ensure that only eligible businesses received this critical pandemic relief,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith.
SBA’s General Counsel Wendell Davis stated, “The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SBA’s Office of Inspector General to pursue recovery from those who obtained essential government program funds when they were ineligible to do so.”
The settlement stems from allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties, known as relators, to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. In connection with the settlement, the relator will receive a percentage of the recovery.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Amin for the Eastern District of California.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
carson_tahoe_settlement_agreement_final_v.1.pdfCalifornia Man Pleads Guilty to Cyber Stalking and Making Threats to InjureRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Robert B. McDougal (29, California) today pleaded guilty to one count of cyber stalking and three counts of interstate transmission of threats to injure. McDougal faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, McDougal made numerous public social media posts threatening to kill an individual and his family members. McDougal started making these threats in July 2020. For example, on August 17, 2020, McDougal posted a video on his Facebook page in which he said, “…I swear to God, [victim]… everyone at [victim’s employer], I’m gonna to f---king slaughter all of you, I am gonna fucking set your whole family on fire, I am gonna f---ing knife off the limbs of every f---ing family member, I’m gonna f---ing murder you all.” The video ended with the following statement: “I’ll get my hands on your children! I will f---in decapitate them!”
On January 28, 2021, McDougal was served with an injunction and ordered to stop making these posts. He persisted in making several violent and graphic threats to kill the victim and his family until March 2024. For example, in October 2023, McDougal posted a video on his YouTube channel in which he threatened to “skin [the victim] alive, and the “hurt” the children of VICTIM 1. And in March 2024, McDougal wrote an online post in which he threatened to torture, skin, mutilate, and kill the victim.
This case was investigated by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
Buffalo man charged with distributing fentanyl that caused the death of another individualRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Kenneth G. Shoemaker, II a/k/a Kenny, 50, of Buffalo, NY, with distribution of fentanyl causing death, distribution of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, maintaining a drug involved premises, and money laundering. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis A. Testani and Melanie J. Bailey, who are handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, on September 23, 2023, Shoemaker possessed fentanyl, which resulted in the death of an individual identified as E.I. The superseding indictment also states that between August 28 and October 18, 2024, Shoemaker sold fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine, using a Sweet Avenue residence in Buffalo for his drug trafficking activities. In addition, Shoemaker is accused of structuring financial transactions at area banks, to include transferring funds from one bank to another, to disguise the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities.
The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonse Wright.
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.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Loaded Semi-Automatic Pistol and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to being a felon in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Brevin Dossantos-Wellington, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, methamphetamine and oxycodone. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 15, 2025. In August 2024, Dossantos-Wellington was indicted by a federal grand jury.
On May 5, 2024, law enforcement conducted a motor vehicle stop of Dossantos-Wellington, during which time Dossantos-Wellington tried to flee. Subsequently, a loaded Springfield Armory XD-9 9mm pistol, along with 8 baggies of cocaine base, methamphetamine and oxycodone were found in his pants. Dossantos-Wellington recently completed a sentence for a prior federal drug trafficking conviction and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
The charge of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, methamphetamine and oxycodone provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and up to life and a fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty on March 21, 2025 to his role in an extortion conspiracy involving former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) troopers who allegedly conspired to give false passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants who had failed or had taken only partial CDL skills test, in exchange for bribes.
Eric Mathison, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2025. In January 2024, Mathison was charged in a 74-count indictment along with five others in the alleged conspiracy and related schemes.
Mathison, who worked for a water company that employed drivers who needed CDLs to drive their delivery vehicles, admitted to his role in an alleged conspiracy with others including former MSP Sergeant Gary Cederquist, then in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit, to give false passing scores to certain CDL applicants affiliated with the water company. It is alleged that Cederquist gave passing scores to multiple applicants who actually failed the CDL skills test, as well as others who took only a partial test, in exchange for bribes of free inventory from the water company, such as cases of bottled Fiji, VOSS and Essentia water, cases of bottled Arizona Iced Tea and coffee and tea products, all of which Mathison delivered to an office trailer at the CDL test site in Stoughton. Mathison admitted to his alleged communications with Cederquist about particular CDL applicants, their performance on the skills test, and inventory from the water company that Cederquist allegedly requested and that Mathison delivered. For example, Mathison admitted that he received texts, allegedly from Cederquist, describing one water company applicant as “an idiot,” who had “no idea what he’s doing,” and “should have failed about 10 times already.” It is alleged that Cederquist then gave this applicant a passing score. On another occasion, Mathison admitted that he asked Cederquist, “Hows the trailer holding,” to which Cederquist allegedly responded, “In desperate need of restocking,” along with a specific request for, among other things, premium bottled water, tea, energy drinks and a “truckload of large water.”
The charge of conspiracy to commit extortion provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.
Bethel man, 2 California men indicted, arrested for Tramadol trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Bethel man and two California men were arrested this month after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging them with trafficking Tramadol to Alaska.
According to court documents, between at least March 2024 and continuing until at least February 2025, Ryan Greydanus, 38, of Bethel, Syed Tahir Turab Naqvi, 45, and Adil Hussain, 39, both residing in California, allegedly conspired together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance. According to the DEA, Tramadol is an opioid analgesic, which means it is used to relieve or reduce pain and is typically taken orally and can result in addiction. It is alleged that tramadol is especially dangerous if used in combination with other drugs or alcohol.
Court documents further allege that Naqvi and Hussain are responsible for using the mail to traffic significant quantities of Tramadol from Arizona and California to Greydanus for distribution in rural Alaska. Naqvi and Hussain are allegedly responsible for shipping over 15,000 parcels suspected of containing tramadol across the U.S. from January 2024 to August 2024.
The indictment alleges that on two separate occasions in July and August 2024, respectively, Greydanus allegedly attempted to possess with intent to distribute Tramadol in Alaska. The indictment also alleges that in June 2024, Naqvi attempted to distribute Tramadol in Alaska.
Greydanus was arrested on March 16, 2025, in Bethel, Alaska; Naqvi was arrested on March 6, 2025, in Azusa, California; and Hussain was arrested on March 6, 2025, in Walnut, California.
All three defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Greydanus is also charged with two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and Naqvi is also charged with one count of attempted distribution of controlled substances. Naqvi and Hussain made their initial court appearance on March 7, 2025, before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Greydanus made his initial court appearance on March 19, 2025, before the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division and Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the Anchorage Domicile made the announcement.
The DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and Alaska State Troopers are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody Tirpak and Mac Caille Petursson are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Mailing Methamphetamine to Northern AlabamaRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – An Arizona man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Division.
United States District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Jeremiah Warren, 42, of Vail, Arizona, to 180 months in prison. On October 4, 2023, Warren pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine.
According to the plea agreement, Warren supplied Isaiah Oneal Rice, who lived in Athens, Alabama, with controlled substances for several years. Warren would send Rice drugs—including crystal methamphetamine—through the United States mail. From February to May 2022, Warren mailed over 34 pounds of packages containing controlled substances into the Northern District of Alabama.
Rice was also prosecuted and sentenced to 176 months in prison on January 10, 2024. On July 27, 2022, Rice pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine, two counts of Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The FBI’s North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force investigated the cases. The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office and Athens Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney John M. Hundscheid prosecuted the cases.
Ames Nurse Practitioner and Business Owner Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing and Trafficking Dozens of Children and AdultsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ames man was sentenced today to life in federal prison on each of fifteen counts of sex trafficking by fraud and coercion.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Carl Dale Markley, 45, from at least 2001 to April 2023, used fraud and coercion to cause dozens of teenage boys and young men, and a few young women, to engage in sex acts in exchange for money or some other benefit. Markley was a nurse practitioner in Ames and owned several businesses. Over a course of years, Markley used his professions and position in the community to befriend and gain the trust of victims, and then groom and repeatedly sexually abuse them. For a number of victims, Markley placed hidden cameras in locations to record this abuse.
Markley exploited the trust his victims placed in him. He lied to victims that sex acts and sexual contact were needed because, among other things, he was conducting research for various research institutions or sexual-health companies, his insurance company required victims to undergo physicals which he could perform, or he was obtaining advanced degrees. None of Markley’s justifications were true.
The criminal investigation into Markley’s activities began in December 2022, when the Ames Police Department received a complaint that Markley had been conducting physicals on minor male children without parental consent. Ultimately, the Ames Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses, completed roughly thirty-five search warrants, and obtained documents and other materials from various research institutions and sexual-health-related entities. They also seized and searched dozens of electronic devices, including seven cellphones and ten computers determined to be Markley’s and on which they located the hidden-camera materials Markley had created, internet-based child pornography, including images depicting children under the age of twelve, and other evidence of Markley’s crimes.
At sentencing, Markley continued to provide false justifications for his behavior. Chief District Judge Stephanie M. Rose described Markley’s claims as “delusional.”
In November 2023, Markley was charged with 17 federal crimes, including 15 counts of sex trafficking by fraud and coercion, one count of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a child, and one count of possession of child pornography. In November 2024, Markley pleaded guilty to the 15 sex-trafficking counts.
“This case is a stark reminder that those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Ames Police Department Police Chief Geoff Huff. “We commend the bravery of the victims who came forward and the relentlessness of our officers and partner agencies in bringing this perpetrator to justice.”
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Carl Markley used trust and manipulation to exert control over his victims and fulfill his criminal sexual fantasies. His young victims suffered reprehensible abuse. The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners are committed to bringing sexual predators to justice, holding them accountable for their crimes and helping to provide a path towards healing for survivors.”
DCI Assistant Director Don Schnitker said, “Today marks a significant victory in Iowa’s ongoing fight against human trafficking. The survivors in this case showed immense bravery in coming forward, and today’s outcome ensures that Markley will never harm another person again.”
“Markley’s life sentence was absolutely warranted and necessary to permanently prevent anyone from being victimized by him again,” said United States Attorney Richard Westphal. “His defiance and failure to accept responsibility only exemplifies what a monstrous sexual predator he is. Our gratitude to the courage of the victims in this investigation and the dedication of the law enforcement personnel who identified and proved Markley’s horrendous acts of sex trafficking and abuse.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This criminal case was investigated jointly by the Ames Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Essley and Amy L. Jennings prosecuted the case with the assistance of Victim Witness Specialist Charlotte Kovacs.
Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking does not require the transportation of individuals across state lines, or that someone is physically restrained. Signs that a person is being trafficked can include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others, or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Victims particularly susceptible to being trafficked include those with criminal histories, a history of physical or sexual abuse, uncertain legal status, and dependency on controlled substances.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If anyone has information about this case, they are urged to call the Ames Police Department, FBI, or Iowa’s Division of Criminal Investigation, or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges, agreeing to forfeit multiple weapons, vehicles, and over $64,000 in cash seized during a raid on his residence.
According to court records, on March 23, 2023, the FBI SWAT team executed a search warrant at Jerry Bezie's residence in the South Valley. During the operation, agents seized more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 11,400 grams of fentanyl pills, multiple firearms, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug trafficking activities. In his plea agreement, Bezie admitted to possessing these substances with the intent to distribute and admitted that, as a convicted felon, he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
As part of his plea agreement, Bezie has agreed to forfeit numerous items, including:
- Firearms: A Glock 19 9mm pistol, a Glock 29 10mm pistol, an FN Five-seven 5.7x28 caliber pistol, a Sig Sauer P229 .357 sig caliber pistol, and a Steyr-Daimler Puch Aug/SA .223 caliber rifle.
- Ammunition and Accessories: Three .223 caliber magazines, approximately 308 rounds of .223 caliber cartridges, two 5.7x28 magazines, approximately 46 rounds of 5.7x28 cartridges, approximately 106 rounds of 9mm cartridges, two 9mm magazines, two 9mm casings, three 10mm magazines, and approximately ten rounds of 10mm cartridges.
- Vehicles and Trailers: A 2006 Hummer 4T vehicle, a 2018 Polaris Slingshot motorcycle, a 2018 Canam ATV, an Interstate Kingman Enclosed Trailer, and a 1984 Dump trailer.
- Cash and Jewelry: Approximately $64,333.93 in U.S. currency and certain jewelry seized on or about March 23, 2023, excluding specific items belonging to others.
2006 Hummer 4T vehicle
2018 Polaris Slingshot motorcycle
2018 Canam ATV
Firearms, ammunition and jewelry
The FBI's investigation linked Bezie to Julian Leyba, with both men allegedly supplying fentanyl sold along Central Avenue in Albuquerque. On March 23, 2023, the FBI raided Leyba's residence in Northeast Albuquerque as well. While no drugs were seized from Leyba's home, investigators found six firearms, including a machine gun, which he was prohibited from possessing due to prior felony convictions.
Leyba pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession a machine gun on May 2, 2024, and was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervise release.
At sentencing, Bezie faces a mandatory 60 months for drug trafficking and an additional 60 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, for a total of 120 months, and up to life in prison. This sentence will be followed by not less than four years of supervised release. Additionally, Bezie faces a fine not to exceed $5 million or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case.
Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Fraud, Identity Theft, and Falsely Endorsing Stolen Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK –Collins Bozil, age 26, of Albany, pled guilty today to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and forging endorsements on Treasury checks, for fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits and purchasing stolen tax refund checks issued by the United States Treasury.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); Jeffrey Burr, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of the United States Secret Service (USSS); and Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Field Division, Department of the Treasury, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), made the announcement.
Bozil admitted that from about April 2020 through April 2021, he fraudulently obtained over $143,000 in unemployment insurance benefits. Bozil admitted that he used cryptocurrency to purchase the personal identifying information (PII) of five people. Bozil used the stolen PII to file for unemployment insurance benefits with the New York State Department of Labor.
Bozil also admitted to purchasing five stolen tax refund checks worth more than $9,000, which he falsely endorsed before depositing into bank accounts he owned and controlled.
Bozil agreed to pay $143,178 to the State of New York, $3,225 to the United States Department of Treasury, and $6,075 to the victims whose identity he stole.
Bozil faces at least 2 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The case was investigated by USDOL-OIG, USSS, and TIGTA. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Paulbeck and Joseph S. Hartunian are prosecuting the case.
Saturday 22 March 2025
Statement of Attorney General Pamela Bondi on the Death of Former U.S. Attorney Jessica AberRead the Press Release
Attorney General Pamela Bondi made the following statement regarding the death of former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber:
“The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.”
Statement from U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert on the passing of former U.S. Attorney Jessica D. AberRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert provided the following statement regarding the passing of former U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber:
“We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber. She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard. Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career. She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back. We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted.”
Friday 21 March 2025
皇后區男子被指控冒充聯邦特工實施簽證欺詐Read the Press Release
今天早些時候，在布魯克林聯邦法院,一份已公佈的起訴書指控湯米·艾傑·達·席爾瓦·翁（Tommy Aijie Da Silva Weng，又名“湯米·翁·達席爾瓦”或“Jacky”）犯有電信欺詐、郵件欺詐以及冒充聯邦執法人員，併計謀詐騙一名個人，他聲稱可以協助她通過 EB-5 移民投資者簽證計劃（EB-5 計劃）獲得綠卡。 翁先生 於今天上午被捕以及 定於今天下午接受美國地方法院法官 Lara Eshkenazi 的審訊。
美國紐約東區檢察官約翰 J.達勒姆 (John J. Durham) 和聯邦調查局紐約地區辦事處（FBI）代理助理主任萊斯利·巴克希斯 (Leslie Backschies) 宣布了逮捕和指控。
美國檢察官達勒姆表示： “據稱，翁某謊稱自己是聯邦執法人員，以獲取毫無戒心的受害者的信任。” 「被告利用受害者想要成為美國公民並追求美國夢的願望，不僅竊取了這一夢想，還竊取了數十萬美元。今天，真正的執法人員給這名詐騙犯戴上了手銬，他將為自己的罪行付出代價。” 美國聯邦調查局代理助理局長巴克斯奇斯稱： “據稱，八年多來，湯米·翁偽造了一名聯邦執法人員的身份，用華麗的道具和保證合法身份的空洞保證，從弱勢受害者手中騙取了數十萬美元。” 「這名涉嫌冒名頂替者將一個受人尊敬的職業變成了一場精心策劃的陰謀，同時違背了公眾對執法部門的信任。聯邦調查局將繼續逮捕任何利用權力牟取不法利益的個人。
根據法庭文件，該詐騙案始於 2016 年 4 月，當時翁某向受害者 (Jane Doe) 謊稱自己是聯邦執法人員，並解釋說，如果受害者向他投資 50 萬美元，他就可以動用其執法關係，幫助她透過 EB-5 移民投資者計劃快速獲得綠卡。 翁先生向 Jane Doe 展示了一枚執法徽章，並給了她一張印有他名字的「聯邦警官協會」名片。 還有一次，翁先生告訴 Jane Doe，他曾在美國國土安全部工作，現在將調往義大利國際刑警組織擔任新的執法職務。 翁先生駕駛著一輛紅色悍馬車，車牌上印有「ICE」的縮寫，這顯然是指聯邦執法機構移民和海關執法局。
根據翁的陳述，Jane Doe 向翁提供了 50 萬美元作為簽證費用。 翁先生沒有將 Jane Doe 提供的錢用於投資，也沒有代表她提交簽證申請，而是將錢據為己有，並用一系列謊言欺騙受害者，解釋為何簽證申請過程被拖延了大約八年。
起訴書中的控告均為指控，除非被證明有罪，否則被告將先被假定無罪。 一旦罪名成立，被告將面臨最高23年監禁。
任何知曉翁某犯罪行為的人，請聯絡聯邦調查局，信箱為：[email protected]
該政府案件由該辦公室的普通犯罪科處理。該政府案件由美國助理檢察官納迪亞·E·摩爾 (Nadia E. Moore) 和丹尼爾·J·馬庫斯 (Daniel J. Marcus) 起訴。
被告：
湯米·艾傑·達·席爾瓦·翁
TOMMY AIJIE DA SILVA WENG
年齡：49歲
紐約皇后區紐約東區卷宗編號 25-CR-94 (NGG)
weng_indictment.pdfWimauma Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington has sentenced James Falzone (56, Wimauma) to eight years and one month in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The court also ordered Falzone to pay $30,000 in restitution to victims of the offenses and to register as a sex offender. Falzone pled guilty plea on December 4, 2024.
According to court documents, on October 31, 2022, Falzone attempted to enter the United States via the seaport in Port Canaveral, Florida, after arriving from an international cruise. Law enforcement conducted a border search of his cellphone and found over 1,500 images of CSAM. Also, within Falzone’s cellphone was a chat with another individual from whom he received CSAM.
“Another child predator behind bars,” said ICE HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “Thanks to the unique border search authorities of our special agents, this criminal was caught red-handed.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Abigail K. King.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
United States uses civil asset forfeiture to recover $7M of investment fraud proceedsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The United States has recovered and cleared title to $7 million of investment fraud proceeds using civil asset forfeiture. The United States will now begin the process of inviting the victims from whom those funds were stolen to submit petitions to have the funds remitted back to them.
According to court documents, the perpetrators used social engineering to convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency using spoofed investment websites. The social engineering involved the perpetrators getting to know the victims and earning their trust before introducing them to cryptocurrency investment ideas through the spoofed websites. These websites were set up to mimic legitimate cryptocurrency investment platforms, but funneled victim funds to the perpetrators through over 75 bank accounts in the names of shell companies. The sites falsely represented to the victims that their investments were making sizeable gains. However, when victims would attempt to make withdrawals, the perpetrators would coerce the victims to send even more money using tactics such as claiming the victims owed taxes on their purported profits.
The perpetrators laundered victims’ money, often to a location outside the United States. After the perpetrators received the victim funds in the shell company bank accounts, they would transfer them through a series of other bank accounts before ultimately sending them abroad. The wiring instructions affecting these transfers deceptively characterized them as domestic wires, when in fact the funds were bound for a bank outside the United States.
In June 2023, agents with the Secret Service seized some of these investment fraud proceeds from a bank account belonging to the foreign bank. The United States began a civil forfeiture action against the seized funds by publicly filing a civil forfeiture complaint in U.S. District Court. The United States then sent notice of the forfeiture action to every person and entity with a potential property interest in the funds, in addition to giving notice more broadly through online publication, providing potential claimants an opportunity to contest the forfeiture action in court. Following a claim by the bank that owned the account from which the funds were seized, the United States reached a settlement in which $7 million of the seized funds would be forfeited to the United States, allowing victims to petition to recover on their losses.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and Matthew McCool, Special Agent in Charge for the United States Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the settlement order between the United States and the foreign bank was issued by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zoe Bedell and Kevin Hudson.
Any person who may have been a victim of this investment fraud scheme may contact the United States Secret Service at [email protected].
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cv-2333.
U.S. Marshals Arrest Fugitive Tren De Aragua Member for Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
In a coordinated effort by the U.S. Marshal Service (USMS) Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF), USMS Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Chicago Police Department, a high-ranking member of the Venezuelan street gang Tren De Aragua (TDA) was arrested yesterday in Cobb County, Georgia.
Ricardo Gonzales, 32, had an arrest warrant from the Chicago Police Department for kidnapping and is wanted on probable cause for two counts of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. These charges stem from an incident on January 28 where Gonzalez is accused of kidnapping three female victims and taking them to an alley in Chicago where they were all shot in the head. Two were pronounced dead on the scene and the surviving victim was able to escape and call 911.
“This defendant’s crimes against American women are horrific, and he is exactly the type of Alien Enemy the Trump administration is fighting to remove from this country in order to make America safe again,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
“This case is a reflection of the tireless work the U.S. Marshal Service and partnering agencies put in to make sure justice has its day in court,” said USMS Acting Director Mark Pittella. “Every arrest contributes to safer communities and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the public.”
Gonzales was booked into a jail in Cobb County where he awaits extradition to Chicago. During the arrest of Gonzales, five additional people were taken into custody and transferred to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) detention facilities.
The USMS’ SERFTF began operations in June 2003. It has partnership agreements with four federal, and 32 state and local agencies and operates throughout Georgia. The SERFTF has apprehended nearly 47,000 fugitives since its inception and continues striving to protect the community.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at www.usmarshals.gov.
*The release was updated to include the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Files 200 New Immigration Cases This Week in the Western District of TexasRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 210 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from March 14 through March 20.
Among the new cases, Mexican national Carlos Alberto Santoyo Holguin and Guatemalan national Bielman Alexander PU-Ruiz were arrested on March 16 and March 18, respectively, during Greyhound bus inspections at the Sierra Blanca Border Patrol checkpoint. Both defendants allegedly did not have any immigration documents that would allow them to be or remain in the United States legally. Records checks revealed prior removal orders by immigration judges. Criminal complaints allege that agents found fraudulent Social Security cards and fraudulent Lawful Permanent Resident Alien cards in the belongings of both Holguin and PU-Ruiz. The defendants are alleged to have purchased the fraudulent documents in California.
A convicted felon who is a citizen and national of Guatemala was arrested by Marfa Border Patrol Agents. A criminal complaint alleges that Marvin Miguel US-Mendoza was not in possession of immigration documents allowing him to legally be or remain in the U.S. and he had been previously removed from the U.S. four times—the first being Feb. 19, 2016 through Brownsville/Gateway, and the most recent deportation through Laredo on Dec. 9, 2024.
Manuel Andres-Miguel was also arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents and charged with transporting illegal aliens after he was allegedly guiding a group of illegal aliens through the desert to a pick-up location in Marfa. Records revealed that Andres-Miguel had been apprehended three times before for illegal entry and was last charged with illegal reentry after removal in March 2023. For that offense, he was sentenced to 90 days in federal prison.
In Del Rio, Ashley Nicole Dronenberg and Zachery Lee Justus were arrested for allegedly trafficking two illegal aliens further into the U.S. A criminal complaint alleges that Dronenberg was the driver of a vehicle, and was discovered at a Border Patrol checkpoint to have concealed a mother and child in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
Jose Manuel Medellin-Guerrero was arrested in San Antonio March 20 and charged with one count of illegal re-entry. A Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office deputy dispatched Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) during a traffic stop after Medellin-Guerrero allegedly revealed he was a Mexican national with no legal status to enter, pass through, or remain in the country. Medellin-Guerrero has been previously convicted three times for illegal re-entry into the U.S.
Mexican national Reymundo Criado-Cruz was transferred to federal custody in Austin, where he had been convicted in state court for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was serving a 700-day sentence. Criado-Cruz had been previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico twice, most recently in December 2007, and has an extensive record of criminal convictions, including burglary of a vehicle, theft of property, possession of a controlled substance, and evading arrest.
Also in Austin, Ezequiel Borja-Jaimes was arrested March 19 when he was encountered by the ICE Austin Fugitive Operations team. Borja-Jaimes had been previously removed from the U.S. in January 2021. He has been convicted of driving while intoxicated on three separate occasions between 2013 and 2021.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed More than 90 Border-Related Cases This WeekRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed more than 90 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).
In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.
A sample of border-related arrests this week, includes:
- Mexican nationals Eleazar Mozqueda Simental and Manuel Antonio Mozqueda Simental were arrested and charged on March 20, 2025, in connection with a maritime smuggling incident. They were accused of illegally transporting 14 undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Vietnam and China – all of whom were forced to wear large black trash bags over their heads and bodies during the four-hour trip. They were brought into the United States on a panga boat traveling at high speed across rough seas. According to interviews with the undocumented immigrants on the boat, at one point, the panga caught air, broke apart and capsized, sending terrified passengers into the water. The passengers, including a deaf/mute woman, were rescued.
- Mexican national Osvaldo Reyes-Virgen was arrested on March 17, 2025, by San Diego- based U.S. Border Patrol agents and charged after he was found in the United States hiding behind brush near Imperial Beach after agents observed a jet ski traveling north. Reyes-Virgen was previously deported on March 6, 2025, after entering the United States illegally.
- On March 17, 2025, Sarah Beth Schatz, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with alien smuggling after she was caught attempting to smuggle two citizens of China into the United States in the trunk of the vehicle she was driving. The two Chinese citizens she was arrested with admitted that they are citizens of China without lawful documents allowing them to enter the United States and that they were going to pay $30,000 and $15,000 if successfully smuggled into the United States.
- Joshua Nicolas Sanchez Lopez, a Mexican citizen, was arrested on March 15, 2025, when he attempted to cross into the U.S. from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on drug importation charges. According to a federal complaint, he was the driver and registered owner of a vehicle where Customs and Border Protection officials found 108 packages consisting of over 100 pounds of methamphetamine, 22 pounds of fentanyl, and more than four pounds of heroin hidden in the doors, quarters panels, and seats of his vehicle.
- On March 16, 2025, Baudelio Escalante-Orozco, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested after he was found by San Diego-based U.S. Border Patrol Agents attempting to hide in brush seven miles north of the U.S./Mexico International Boundary Line and charged with being a deported alien found in the United States. He is currently on probation in the District of Oregon for the same crime.
Federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.
The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges over 215 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct in Arizona This WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from March 15, 2025, through March 21, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona has brought immigration-related criminal charges against 217 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 91 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 103 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 15 cases against 23 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Juan Antonio Ruiz: On March 18, 2025, Juan Antonio Ruiz, a native and citizen of Mexico and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was indicted for violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a), Naturalization Fraud. According to the Indictment, in 2015, in his Application for Naturalization, naturalization interview, and Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony he provided false statements under oath indicating that he had never committed a crime for which he had not been arrested. In January 2021, Ruiz pleaded guilty to the crimes of Sexual Conduct with a Minor Under Fifteen (from January 2004 through January 2008) and Attempted Molestation of a Child (from September 2003 through September 2006) in the Superior Court of Arizona, Pima County. He was arrested for the crimes in May 2018. Case number CR-25-01502-TUC-AMM.
United States v. Jose Alejandro Medrano-Renteria: Medrano-Renteria was arrested and charged by complaint with Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. United States Border Patrol agents attempted a vehicle stop, but Medrano-Renteria failed to yield, and a vehicle immobilization device had to be deployed. The vehicle lost a tire, but the defendant continued to drive until all occupants bailed from the vehicle. With the assistance of a K9, Border Patrol agents located four illegal aliens who had been in the defendant's vehicle. The defendant was located hiding in a tree on a nearby property. He admitted he was being paid $1,000 per alien he smuggled. Case number 25-MJ-01687-MAA.
United States v. Tracy Ann Cook; Alex Puella; Yesenia Monique Ortiz: Tracy Ann Cook, Alex Puella, and Yesenia Monique Ortiz were arrested and charged by complaint with Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit. Tohono O'odham Police Officers stopped the vehicle driven by Cook for a traffic violation. Puella and Ortiz were passengers in the vehicle. Officers located three additional people laying down in the vehicle. When United States Border Patrol agents arrived on scene, the additional three people were determined to be illegal aliens. One of the illegal aliens was determined to be a citizen of Uzbekistan. Case number 25-MJ-01704-MAA.
A criminal complaint and criminal indictment are simply methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CASE NUMBERS: CR-25-01502-TUC-AMM
25-MJ-01687-MAA
25-MJ-01704-MAARELEASE NUMBER: 2025-040_March 21 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.
In the one-week period ending March 21, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:
46 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
4 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
27 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.
Two Mexican Nationals with Prior Convictions Charged for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances Thursday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.
Juan Carlos Verdin-Covarrubias, 41, and Uriel Lira-Cabrera, 44, are both charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for April 3, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe.
According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Verdin-Covarrubias and Lira-Cabrera are both citizens and nationals of Mexico. They were previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.
On March 12, 2025, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Verdin-Covarrubias to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) based on an ICE detainer. Verdin-Covarrubias was previously deported on or about April 21, 2006, after he was convicted for Unlawful Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Judicial District Court, Washoe County, Nevada. After illegally returning to the country, he was again convicted of drug-related offenses, Sale of a Controlled Substance and High-level Possession of a Controlled Substance, this time in the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada, and on February 16, 2022, Verdin-Covarrubias was sentenced to 36 to 96 months of imprisonment.
On March 5, 2025, ICE in Las Vegas, Nevada, arrested Lira-Cabrera who had previously been deported on six occasions between February 5, 2007, and November 27, 2021. Prior to his first deportation Lira-Cabrera was convicted of Assault with Deadly Weapon by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury in the Superior Court, Los Angeles County, California. Lira-Cabrera also has two prior felony convictions for illegally reentering the United States, one in federal court in the District of Arizona, and another in the District of Nevada.
Both face the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke made the announcement.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.
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.
A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Charges Related to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – Two Iowa men were sentenced for their role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
According to public court documents, Shannon D. Robertson, 44, of Chicago, Illinois and Des Moines, and Earl Sandeleo Galtney, 44, of Cedar Rapids, distributed fentanyl in the Des Moines metro throughout 2023 and 2024. Robertson and Galtney obtained the fentanyl in Chicago. In May 2024, law enforcement located more than 75 grams of fentanyl at Robertson’s residence. Robertson and Galtney were each held responsible for more than 750 grams of fentanyl.
Robertson was sentenced on February 20, 2025, to 142 months in federal prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release.
Galtney was sentenced on March 20, 2025 to 125 months in federal prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Co-defendant Ashley Lynn Andrews, 37, Des Moines, is scheduled for sentencing on July 1, 2025.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Central Iowa Gang Task Force.
Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. In 2023, accidental overdose was the number one cause of death in 37 states for residents under 40 years old. https://stateline.org/2023/09/05/death-rates-for-people-under-40-have-skyrocketed-blame-fentanyl/. In Iowa, opioid-related deaths reached a record high 258 in 2021, up 64% compared with 2019, and decreased 8% in 2022. https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/11935/download.
Two Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in Northern KentuckyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – Two men, John Christopher Davis, 54, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Douglas DeAngelo Wade, 45, of Covington, Kentucky, were sentenced on Friday, to 188 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning. Each was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In addition, Davis was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and Wade was convicted of distribution of cocaine.
According to their plea agreements and other court filings, from approximately January 1, 2023, through January 26, 2024, Davis and Wade conspired with co-defendants, Terry Mitchell, Michael Labordeaux, Stephen Russ, Gregory Soard and others to knowingly distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine in Kenton County, Ky., and elsewhere. Wade was the head of the conspiracy and regularly supplied cocaine and cocaine base to Davis and others to distribute it.
Both Davis and Wade had prior drug trafficking convictions. Davis was previously convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine, in 2003 and 2006 in Kenton County Circuit Court. He was additionally convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base in 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Similarly, Wade was previously convicted of distribution of over 50 grams of cocaine base in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Soard was previously sentenced to 96 months in prison in January 2025. Russ was sentenced to 105 months in prison in December 2024. Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, and Labordeaux is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9.
Under federal law, Davis and Wade must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon Davis’ release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years, and Wade will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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