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Wednesday 12 March 2025
Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault While ArmedRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marquita Holloman, 36, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a stabbing that occurred in the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, S.E. on September 13, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On March 11, 2025, Holloman pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed before the Honorable Michael Ryan, who scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2025.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on September 13, 2023, Holloman and the victim got into a verbal argument while hanging out in the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, S.E. After the argument had concluded, the victim walked away from Holloman and towards her daughter, who was also present in the block that night. Holloman got up from the chair she was seated in and lunged at the victim with a knife, stabbing the victim’s daughter in the neck in the process. Holloman then attacked the victim and stabbed her multiple times in the face and head. The victim and her daughter were both transported to local hospitals for treatment of their wounds. The victim suffered severe damage to her right eye that ultimately required surgery to remove the eye.
MPD officers and detectives reviewed surveillance video footage of the stabbing from nearby Savoy Elementary school, which led to Holloman’s identification as the assailant. MPD detectives arrested Holloman on January 8, 2024, pursuant to an arrest warrant.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant United States Attorney Ella Gladman, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Washington State Resident Sentenced for Receiving Child Sexual Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Christopher Dean Robinson-Holm, age 26, of Lynnwood, Washington, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for one count of Receipt of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
The charge arose from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
On August 26, 2024, Robinson-Holm pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, in June 2022, Robinson-Holm knowingly received a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The subject of that image resided in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com, through the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or through Homeland Security Investigations at 1-877-4-HSI TIP.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Robinson-Holm will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.
Wagoner County Resident Sentenced for Two Counts of Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nicholas Lapez Scarborough, age 32, of Redbird, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 405 months in prison for two counts of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On May 6, 2024, Scarborough pleaded guilty to two counts of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree. According to investigators, on October 24, 2023, Scarborough intentionally stabbed two individuals with a steak knife. One victim died after completing an emergency call for help. A second victim died two weeks later from injuries sustained in the attack. The crimes occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Scarborough will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.
Virginia Beach man sentenced to 40 years in prison for attempting to coerce children to send child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for attempted production of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and distribution of CSAM.
According to court documents, on March 10, 2024, Andrew Joseph Fernandez, 33, a married Machinist’s Mate in the U.S. Navy, contacted a victim, identified as Minor Victim 1 (MV1), by private message on TikTok and later continued to engage with her by text messages. The victim told Fernandez that she was 10 years old and Fernandez told her that he was under 13 years old, that his name was Levi, and that he previously attended her school before he moved to another state.
Fernandez’s text messages quickly turned sexual, sending a sexually graphic message within one minute of his first text and a video exposing himself two minutes later. Fernandez continued to engage the child in sexual conversations and sending graphic images, even after the victim declined his offers to send more. He also made the victim promise to keep their conversations a secret.
On March 14, 2024, a school bus driver overheard MV1 describing sexually explicit subjects and alerted the school principal, who contacted MV1’s parent. Law enforcement began an investigation and learned that MV1 was actually nine years old. An FBI agent assumed the victim’s identity and continued to engage with Fernandez, who continued to send sexually explicit images, which he directed the victim to delete. Fernandez attempted to persuade MV1 to produce CSAM depicting herself by telling her that the images would lead to a lucrative modeling audition.
On Oct. 3, 2023, Fernandez engaged Minor Victim 2 (MV2), a 14-year-old girl, in text and WhatsApp messages, introducing himself as 13-year-old “Levi.” Less than four minutes after his first text message to MV2, Fernandez sent her a video of himself engaged in a sexual act. MV2 reacted negatively, and no messages were exchanged for about two months. When their messages resumed, Fernandez offered to send more sexual images of himself, which the victim declined. On Dec. 3, 2023, Fernandez asked MV2 to produce CSAM, and she declined. When MV2 expressed concern after Fernandez threatened to end their relationship, Fernandez took the opportunity to again send sexually graphic images of himself and pressured her to provide CSAM.
On July 13, 2023, Fernandez began engaging in text messages with Minor Victim 3 (MV3), a friend of MV1 who was eight years old, but told Fernandez that she was 10. Fernandez told MV3 that his name was Levi and that he attended her school. Less than one minute after his first message, Fernandez asked MV3 whether she was dating anyone and if she wanted “to go out.” Then, after asking MV3 if she could keep a secret, Fernandez began sending sexually graphic messages.
On Aug. 19, 2023, after asking her age again, Fernandez sent to MV3 a video depicting himself in a sexual act, then became angry that she did not want to see images of that type of content. He nonetheless sent similar images and videos and requested that MV3 send him CSAM.
Messages found on Fernandez cellphone show that he engaged in similar conduct with several other victims, including sending sexually explicit images of himself, sending CSAM, and requesting CSAM from the victims, some of whom acquiesced to his requests.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. The FBI New York Field Office and Dutchess County (New York) Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Dutchess Child Advocacy Center provided valuable assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Marek prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-55.
Vietnamese National Pleads Guilty to Using Stolen Identity of Deceased Individual for over Five YearsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Vietnamese man who has been residing in Braintree, Mass., and whose true identity was unknown at indictment, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to passport fraud and aggravated identity theft.
John Doe, a/k/a “Truong Nguyen,” 50, pleaded guilty to passport fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2025. The defendant was arrested and charged in May 2024 and released on conditions including an unsecured bond of $50,000. He was later indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024.
In March 2023, the defendant submitted a passport application in-person at the U.S. post office in Weymouth, presenting himself to be an individual identified as HH (the victim). In support of the application, Doe provided the victim’s date of birth and Social Security number, a copy of the victim’s U.S. birth certificate, as well a Massachusetts driver’s license with the victim’s information.
In June 2023, the Boston Passport Agency forwarded the defendant’s passport application and supporting documents to federal law enforcement, after verifying a death record for HH (the victim) when reviewing the application. The Social Security number, date of birth and parental information provided by Doe in his passport application matched the records for the deceased victim. It was ultimately confirmed that the victim died in Boston in 2002 at the age of 13. The passport was not issued to the defendant.
A subsequent investigation determined that the defendant used the victim’s identity to obtain and use multiple government-issued identification documents in the victim’s name, including Massachusetts driver’s licenses in June 2018, January 2019 and April 2023, as well as a Social Security card in the victim’s name in 2018.
Doe also used the deceased victim’s identity to obtain an EMT-Basic Certification in 2021 and an EMT-Paramedic Certification in 2023, before going on to apply for employment as a paramedic, again using the stolen identity.
From November 2023 to January 2024, Doe used the deceased victim’s identity to attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. After graduating, the defendant began employment with the Melrose Fire Department in the name of the victim, where he worked until his arrest in May 2024.
The investigation further revealed that Doe (while using the identity of the victim) was the subject of an RMV fraud hearing in August 2018, after a facial recognition hit determined the defendant had been issued Massachusetts driver’s licenses under two separate identities – that of an individual identified as Truong Nguyen issued in February 2018 and that of the deceased victim issued in June 2018. At the fraud hearing, Doe claimed the victim’s identity was his true identity and presented a birth certificate and Social Security card issued under the deceased victim’s identity. As a result of the hearing, RMV closed the case – determining the victim was Doe’s true identity and suspending his license for six months.
However, the investigation found that Doe matched the identity of Nguyen and the individual’s corresponding records which span from 1997 to 2018. Specifically, Nguyen entered the United States from Vietnam in 1979 as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). In 1995, Nguyen’s LPR status was revoked and he was ordered deported after being convicted of second-degree burglary in 1991. Although ordered deported, the investigation revealed that Nguyen was not physically deported to Vietnam. Nguyen was later arrested in 2010 for embezzlement and larceny after allegedly stealing over $46,000 from the Norwell Firefighters Union while working as an officer of the union.
At the plea hearing, John Doe stated under oath that is true identity his Truong Nguyen.
The charge of false statement in a passport application provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be added to the felony committed while using the means of identification of another without lawful authority. The defendant will be subject to deportation proceedings upon competition of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Matthew O’Brien. Special Agent in Charge of the Department of State/Diplomatic Security Service; Braintree Police Chief Tim Cohoon; Melrose Police Chief Kevin M. Faller; Melrose Fire Chief John White; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.UPDATE: This press release was amended on March 14, 2025 to reflect that the defendant is 50 years old, not 40 years old.
U.S. Attorney's Office and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Charge Convicted Felon with Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A convicted felon has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms after law enforcement discovered multiple guns during a search warrant execution at his Albuquerque residence.
According to court documents, on March 7, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Albuquerque as part of an ongoing fraud and identity theft investigation. During the operation, one of the residents, Ryan John Leach, 46, attempted to flee by exiting the rear of the house. When law enforcement prevented him from doing so, Leach returned to the residence and allegedly started a fire in his bedroom to burn evidence of his alleged crimes.
After containing the fire, law enforcement discovered suspected methamphetamine, four firearms and ammunition in Leach's bedroom. Leach, who was previously convicted of trafficking a controlled substance, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Leach will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Leach faces 15 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Glen Henderson, Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case.
View the Complaint (Leach).pdfA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing for Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Lordsburg man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child pornography.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between July 1, 2022, and September 18, 2022, Keith Joseph Medina, 38, recorded at least four videos of himself performing sexual acts on a minor victim at his residence in Lordsburg.
Upon his release from prison, Medina will be subject to twenty years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Medina was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to his victims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Lordsburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Ong and Jackson K. Dering V prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Plea in Navajo Nation DUI CrashRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman pleaded guilty in federal court to assault resulting in serious bodily injury after driving while intoxicated and causing a crash that severely injured two children on the Navajo Nation.
According to court documents, on April 23, 2023, Jazmyne Deschinny, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving a sedan carrying eight people within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Deschinny was heavily intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level of 0.264, which is more than three times the legal limit in New Mexico. She also had opiates and cannabinoids in her system at the time of the incident.
The crash occurred when Deschinny ran a red light and collided with a flatbed trailer being towed by a truck. The sedan was overcrowded with three adults and five children, and there were insufficient seatbelts and car seats to properly secure all occupants. As a result, two unsecured minors suffered severe injuries.
John Doe 1, one of the minors in Deschinny's vehicle, sustained a life-threatening head injury, including subdural hematomas, a fractured skull, and bleeding within the brain structure. The child's condition was so critical that he nearly died during the emergency flight to the University of New Mexico Hospital. John Doe 1 required weeks of hospitalization for treatment.
Jane Doe 1, another minor in the vehicle, suffered multiple facial fractures, a fractured wrist, and facial lacerations that required surgical repair. She was hospitalized for several days following the incident.
According to the plea agreement, Deschinny faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing followed by three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement (Deschinny).pdfThree Defendants Face Federal Charges of Bilking and Attempting to Defraud FEMA with Fraudulent Claims for Wildfire Disaster BenefitsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Three defendants have been charged in recent days with fraudulently seeking federal disaster relief funds by falsely claiming their properties were damaged by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires when in fact they did not have an interest in the affected property or the property was not affected by either fire, the Justice Department announced today.
Three defendants – two in Southern California and one in Texas – were arrested this week after being charged with defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“These defendants allegedly made false and fraudulent claims to FEMA for emergency benefits related to wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County two months ago,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “These false claims resulted in badly needed disaster-relief money being denied to actual wildfire victims while these defendants allegedly used property information to illegally line their own pockets.”
“The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, along with our law enforcement partners, including HSI, SBA OIG, FEMA fraud investigations and Inspections Division, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to investigate anyone who attempts to defraud FEMA in order to protect the integrity of government assistance programs, and to ensure FEMA funds are accessible to those who truly need them,” said Matthew Brackett, Special Agent in Charge of DHS OIG, Los Angeles Field Office.
“Criminals will seize every opportunity to defraud the government, even at the expense of those who have lost everything,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “We strongly urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to disaster relief claims to the HSI Los Angeles’ El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and our law enforcement partners.”
“These suspects are accused of attempting to defraud the U.S. Government out of disaster relief funds carved out to help those who lost loved ones, pets, and homes…as well as those whose properties were damaged instead of destroyed,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation stands proudly with our law enforcement partners to prevent and deter this sort of fraud to ensure relief funds exist for those in need as Los Angeles rebuilds our communities.”
The allegedly false claims were made in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires that started on January 7. Together, the wildfires burned nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and resulted in the deaths of 29 people. As a result, the President approved a Major Disaster Declaration, which prompted FEMA to develop a program to provide financial assistance to fire victims.
FEMA offered various forms of relief, a one-time payment of $750, up to $43,600 for “other needs” assistance, and housing assistance for up to 18 months. Homeowners are also potentially eligible for additional relief of up to $43,600 for home repair.
The fraud alleged in the three cases include payment of “other needs assistance” based on false claims of damage to personal property, lost vehicles, and medical and relocation expenses.
The cases announced today were investigated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force.
- United States v. Turner
Joyce Turner, 55, of Rosharon, Texas, was arrested Tuesday after being charged Friday in a criminal complaint with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits.
Turner allegedly submitted an application claiming her home had been destroyed in the Eaton fire, but she appears never to have lived in California and in fact had no connection to the address she claimed was destroyed in the fire. Instead, she allegedly forged a lease making it look like she lived there, and she received more than $25,000 from FEMA because of the fraudulent submissions.
“Turner submitted at least ten other applications to FEMA for disaster relief (so eleven total) related to seven other federally declared disasters, e.g., Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Ike (2008), Hurricane Isaac (2012), Hurricane Harvey (2017), and Hurricane Beryl (2024), and otherwise has a criminal history showing previous arrests and convictions for fraud offenses,” the affidavit states.
Turner is scheduled to make her initial appearance today in United States District Court in the Southern District of Texas and is expected to appear in the Central District of California in the coming weeks.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section.
- United States v. Barnes
Tyrone D. Barnes Jr., 38, of Paramount, was arrested Tuesday after being named in an indictment charging him with making false claims that was returned by a federal grand jury on February 21. The indictment alleges that Barnes submitted a disaster relief claim to FEMA for an Altadena property owned by other individuals who did not know Barnes. The true owners of the property contacted FEMA about potential assistance, which is when they learned another person had already submitted an application in relation to their property.
Barnes is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section.
- United States v. Robertson
Hedeshia Robertson, 36, of Lakewood, was arrested on Tuesday after being charged in a criminal complaint filed Monday. Robertson allegedly filed a fraudulent application for FEMA benefits on January 28, seeking benefits related to a damaged residence in the Pacific Palisades that she did not own, did not rent, and in which she did not reside or work. As a result of her fraudulent application, Robertson obtained approximately $24,899 in FEMA benefits to which she was not entitled. At the time of her arrest, Robertson also allegedly attempted to obtain additional FEMA benefits for a purported property lease in San Francisco. She is due to make an initial appearance in court this afternoon.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Paetty and Roger Hsieh of the Major Frauds Section.
Complaints and indictments contain allegations of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charge of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits carries a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The charge of false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim against the United States carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
To report fraud related to FEMA disaster-relief public assistance, please contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) hotline at (800) 323-8603. Homeland Security's tip line may be contacted at (866) 347-2423.
The “Wolf of West Virginia” Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Theodore Miller, 35, of South Charleston, pleaded guilty today to two counts of wire fraud. Miller admitted to defrauding more than 170 individuals through two real estate-related investment schemes that caused losses of between $395,000 and $434,501.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller conceived and perpetrated the two fraudulent schemes between the spring of 2022 and September 2024. One scheme solicited direct investments to develop modern residential duplexes and a dry-storage lot on Bigley Avenue in Charleston. The other scheme offered a pooled real estate investment vehicle dubbed “Bear Lute.”
To carry out these schemes, Miller portrayed himself on social media as the “Wolf of West Virginia,” a wealthy, successful and knowledgeable real estate mogul with enough disposable income to travel the world at his leisure. As part of his guilty pleas, Miller admitted that in reality, he had poor credit, thin month-to-month financial margins, was delinquent on property taxes and bills, and defaulted on loans.
In each scheme, Miller made multiple misrepresentations to investors. These misrepresentations included that individuals would receive returns on their investments, that their investments were secured by real property, and that they could withdraw their investments. As part of his guilty pleas, Miller admitted that there were no returns on investments, that he never owned the real property he identified as security for the investments, and that he used the money from his fraud schemes to pay unrelated expenses, debts and obligations.
Miller’s victims included an individual who wired $20,000 to Miller from California for the storage lot project on July 5, 2022, and an individual who wired $2,500 to Miller from Texas for Bear Lute on December 12, 2022.
The money from the schemes was deposited into bank accounts for several entities Miller solely owned and operated including Bear Industries LLC, which initially served as an umbrella entity for the related businesses. Miller’s mother, Deanna Drumm, served as vice president of operations for Bear Industries from in or around 2019 to September 2024. While Miller lived outside the United States from in or about June 2021 to on or about August 8, 2024, he directed his mother to handle the day-to-day operational tasks for the Bear entities including the management of finances and transfer of funds.
Drumm, 61, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2024, to aiding and abetting the sale and offer of unregistered securities. Both the direct investments and the Bear Lute investments were securities as defined by federal law, offered through interstate commerce via the internet, and were required to be registered. Drumm admitted that no registration statement was in effect for either of these securities, and that neither was exempt from the registration requirement. Drumm further admitted that she aided and abetted the offering of these unregistered securities in the course of her duties as vice president of operations for Bear Industries. Drumm is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2025.
In September 2022, the West Virginia Securities Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bear Industries ordering it to stop the unregistered sale and offering of securities in Bear Lute. In November 2022, the West Virginia Securities Commission issued a cease-and-desist order regarding the same. Miller admitted that he continued to operate Bear Lute in violation of the order and never disclosed the order to his investors.
On August 9, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested Miller following his return to the United States. Miller admitted that he told his wife during a recorded jail phone call on August 11, 2024, to report his iPhone stolen to make it inaccessible to law enforcement and to hide a backpack containing his laptop computer. Miller further admitted that the laptop contained most of the documents related to the direct investments and Bear Lute.
Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on July 2, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine. Miller also owes restitution of between $395,000 and $434,501, with the final amount to be determined by the Court.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia Fusion Center, the West Virginia Securities Commission, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Holly Wilson and Joshua Hanks are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a parallel civil action against Miller, Bear Industries LLC, Bear Investments and Business Consulting LLC, and Drumm in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. The lawsuit alleges that Miller has engaged in the unregistered and fraudulent offer of securities related to his real estate-related investment programs since at least 2022, and that Miller’s social-media persona and businesses were all a calculated fraud to divert investor funds for his own personal benefit. The lawsuit seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and prejudgment interest, and civil penalties.
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 Nos. 2:24-cr-145 and 2:24-cv-479.
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Texas Man Sentenced for Supplying Cocaine to Omaha DealerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Luis Perez, 37, of Rosenburg, Texas, was sentenced on March 12, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Perez to 87 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Perez was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
Law enforcement became aware of co-defendant Gary Pope as a dealer of cocaine in the Omaha area. This led to a three-month wiretap of Pope’s cell phone in 2022. The wiretap intercepts and resulting investigation confirmed that Pope would receive cocaine deliveries from Perez. Perez would send kilogram quantities of cocaine from Texas using a courier, co-defendant Joseph Reyes. Reyes was arrested on May 23, 2022, in Kansas with two kilograms of cocaine destined for Omaha.
After Reyes’s arrest, Pope began receiving cocaine from a different Texas supplier. Co-defendant Lonnie Embers was arrested on July 15, 2022, in Oklahoma with two kilograms of cocaine destined for Omaha from the Texas supplier that was not Perez.
Perez was the last of the four defendants to be sentenced. Pope, 43, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for the Nebraska case and was sentenced to an additional 66 months in prison for a case prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa for charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Reyes, 34, of Houston, Texas, and Embers, 53, of San Marcos, Texas, were each sentenced to 46 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven,
multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Texas Man Admits to Stowaway Charge Onboard a Delta Airlines FlightRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Texas man admitted to a felony, after he boarded and hid in a lavatory of a Delta Airlines flight to catch a free flight to Austin, Texas, from Salt Lake City International Airport.
Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, 26, of Leander, Texas, was indicted in April 2024. Prior press release here: Alleged Airline Stowaway Passenger Facing Federal Charges
According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, in March of 2024, Fleurizard intentionally boarded Delta Airlines flight #1683 and hid in the lavatory. Prior to boarding, Fleurizard was captured on surveillance footage in the boarding area taking photos of multiple passenger’s phones and/or boarding passes while they were not looking. Surveillance footage also showed Fleurizard used his phone as a boarding pass when he boarded the plane. However, Fleurizard did not purchase a ticket, and was not authorized to board. Fleurizard further admitted his actions caused the flight, which had pushed away from the gate, to return to the gate where he was met by law enforcement and taken into custody.
Fleurizard is scheduled to be sentenced May 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan N. Reeves and Michael Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
Tennessee Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Employment Tax Credit SchemeRead the Press Release
A Tennessee woman pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud by her role in making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 employment tax credits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Aylissa Glidewell, of Kingsport, conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Glidewell and co-conspirators created phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of claiming the bogus credits. Glidewell filed numerous false tax returns for those phony businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to addresses she and co-conspirators controlled.
In total, the refunds claimed were over $3.4 million, of which the IRS paid approximately $1.8 million.
Glidewell is set to be sentenced on July 9. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Heavener for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
Tennessee Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Employment Tax Credit SchemeRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn.— On March 12, 2025, Aylissa Glidewell, 35 of Kingsport, Tennessee plead guilty to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud by her role in making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 employment tax credits before the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, United States District Judge. Sentencing is set for July 9, 2025, at 11:00am., in the United States District Court at Greeneville. Glidewell faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Aylissa Glidewell conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Glidewell and co-conspirators created phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of claiming the bogus credits. Glidewell filed numerous false tax returns for those phony businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to an address she and co-conspirators controlled.
In total, the refunds claimed were over $3.4 million, of which the IRS paid approximately $1.8 million.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and the U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac D. Heavener for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
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Tarpon Springs Felon Previously Convicted for Attempted Murder of A Police Officer Sentenced to over Twelve Years in Prison for Possessing Ammunition Loaded into Ar-15 Ghost GunRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States District Judge Kathryn K. Mizelle has sentenced James Patrick Sychowski (48, Tarpon Springs) to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. A federal jury found Sychowski guilty on December 6, 2024.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on February 7, 2023, at his mother’s residence in Tarpon Springs, Sychowski armed himself with a loaded AR-15 “ghost gun” that he had built himself over the course of several months. Sychowski threatened to kill his mother and her husband and threatened to shoot at any police officers responding to the scene. When officers from the Tarpon Springs Police Department arrived, Sychowski fled and was later arrested in Clearwater. Officers discovered the AR-15 ghost gun on Sychowski’s bed in his room along with the construction materials and accessories Sychowski used to build the AR-15. Further investigation revealed that Sychowski had purchased the AR-15 components online and shipped them to the Tarpon Springs residence.
Bank statements, financial documents, and electronic evidence presented at trial corroborated Sychowski’s purchase of the ghost gun components and his purchase of PMC 5.56mm ammunition and a magazine from a local firearms store. Below is a photograph of the AR-15 ghost gun recovered from Sychowski’s phone.
Over the last 20 years, Sychowski was convicted in Florida of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, carjacking, various sex crimes involving children, and bank robbery. Sychowski had been released from the Florida Department of Corrections for fewer than 5 months when he began planning to assemble his “ghost gun” and load it with ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and David J. Pardo.
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.
Tampa Shooter Convicted by A Federal Jury at TrialRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that a federal jury has found Milton Anthony Bradshaw (44, Tampa) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Bradshaw faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing has been set for June 3, 2025.
According to evidence presented at trial, in the early morning hours of September 20, 2022, Bradshaw got into an argument with three unknown individuals at an apartment complex in Tampa. As the three individuals walked to their car, Bradshaw grabbed a gun and proceeded to hide behind a dumpster in the parking lot. As the individuals drove away, Bradshaw started firing at them.
Deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene where they recovered a firearm that Bradshaw had left outside of an apartment after the shooting. Bradshaw was identified in surveillance video that captured the argument and the shooting, and DNA recovered from the firearm matched Bradshaw’s.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Chelsey Hanson. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.
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.
The Detroit Club Owners and Operators Settle False Claims Act Allegations for $357,669Read the Press Release
DETROIT – Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced today that the owners and operators of The Detroit Club agreed to pay $357,669 to the United States to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act. The settling parties are Detroit Management Corporation, Lynn Kassotis, Citi Investment Group Corporation, and Emre Uralli (collectively, Defendants).
Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP was administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), but the loans were issued by private lenders, with the SBA guaranteeing the loans. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans to cover expenses like payroll and lease payments. To obtain a PPP loan, an organization submitted an application, which required the applicant to certify, among other things, that it was eligible for the loan and that it would use the proceeds for eligible purposes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Defendants applied for two PPP loans related to the operation of The Detroit Club – a hotel, social club, and restaurant in Downtown Detroit. Under the program rules, PPP loans were forgivable if the proceeds were spent on eligible expenses during a period of up to 24 weeks after the loan was issued. Here, the first draw loan, which was applied for on April 4, 2020, was for $348,400. The second draw loan, which was applied for on February 16, 2021, was for $410,546. Defendants certified that all their PPP loan proceeds were spent on eligible expenses and, as a result, both loans were fully forgiven. The United States contends that Defendants did not spend all their PPP funds on expenses that were eligible for forgiveness. Specifically, the United States contends that Defendants obtained forgiveness of $167,040 for building lease expenses that were not eligible for forgiveness under the applicable rules.
“The False Claims Act is an important tool to deter and hold accountable those who defraud the government,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Entities who took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to commit fraud against the government will be vigorously investigated by our office.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party may file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblower will receive $71,533.96 from the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Decker v. Detroit Club Management Corporation, et al., case no. 23-cv-10209 (E.D. Mich.).
The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John Postulka from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Stockton Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sean Arthur Robinson, 38, of Stockton, was sentenced Tuesday by Senior United States District Judge John A. Mendez to serve two years in prison followed three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers recovered a Glock 27 semiautomatic firearm and a loaded high-capacity magazine inside a vehicle while serving a search warrant at Robinson’s residence in Stockton in September 2022. The firearm had previously been reported stolen from Sacramento. On the same day in September 2022, law enforcement officers also recovered two Glock switches inside a separate residence associated with Robinson in Fairfield. Robinson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions for elder abuse and for carrying a loaded firearm in public.
Law enforcement’s investigation into Robinson began at least as early as May 2021, when surveillance footage captured him engaging in a violent shootout at the Grand Hyatt Hotel near San Francisco International Airport. During this incident, Robinson and a compatriot attempted to carjack at least two other vehicles. Following the shootout, law enforcement officers seized a black duffel bag that surveillance footage captured Robinson carrying just before the firefight began, and that contained three illegal firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, with assistance from the San Francisco Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Lee and Sam Stefanki 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.
State Prisoner Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Kill Federal JudgeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Marcus Pratt (39, Crestview) has pleaded guilty to one count of mailing threatening communications and one count of influencing, impeding or retaliating against a federal official. Pratt faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, Pratt was in Live Oak serving a state sentence when he placed a threatening handwritten letter through the U.S. Mail. The letter was addressed to a judge and the federal courthouse in Miami threatening that his associates would kill a certain U.S. District Judge and place bombs outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Pratt sent another hand-written letter on September 27, 2023, addressed to the same federal judge that threatened that Pratt’s associates were going to kill the judge and whoever was at his house when they got there. Finally, Pratt sent a handwritten letter dated October 10, 2023, to the same federal judge telling the judge that the Pratt’s associates would kill him very soon, and that he was planning an attack on the U.S. Courthouse and U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami. All letters were signed by Pratt and threatened to kill the judge due to the performance of his official duties and with the intent to retaliate against the judge on the performance of his official duties.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Kirwinn Mike.
Shirley Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Shirley man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiring to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Noel Haro, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2025. In April 2023, Noel Haro was indicted along with his brother Marcos Haro.
Noel Haro is a member and influential leader of the “Border Brothers” gang – a large-scale international gang known to be heavily involved in drug, weapon and human trafficking in Southern Arizona with a presence in Nogales, Mexico and the Arizona prison system. Noel Haro is currently serving a life sentence at a Massachusetts Department of Correction facility in connection with convictions in Arizona for drug distribution, conspiracy and money laundering.
Noel Haro was previously serving his sentence at a facility in Arizona but was transferred to serve his sentence in Massachusetts upon being deemed a security concern due to his alleged influence over other inmates and repeated introduction of cell phones and narcotics into Arizona facilities.
Beginning in or about April 2019, and investigation began into Noel Haro’s attempts to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics to Massachusetts during his inmate phone calls. Specifically, during his inmate calls, Noel Haro attempted to solicit friends and family members to transport narcotics from Arizona to Massachusetts on his behalf. In April 2022, recorded inmate calls indicated that Noel Haro worked with his brother, Marcos Haro, to allegedly arrange drug deals outside of prison.
In June 2022, Marcos Haro allegedly agreed to supply an individual with samples of multiple narcotics – including fentanyl and methamphetamine. It is alleged that Marcos Haro later mailed the narcotics to the individual concealed in a purple teddy bear inside a postal package. It is alleged that, on July 13, 2022, the package was retrieved and found to contain fentanyl, five fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and approximately 3 grams of black tar heroin. On July 25, 2022, during a recorded inmate call, Noel Haro and Marcos Haro allegedly discussed selling one pound of methamphetamine to the same individual and agreed on a sale price of $5,000. It is alleged that, on July 27, 2022, a package sent from Marcos Haro was retrieved and found to contain approximately 446.6 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine.
During a recorded inmate call on Aug. 10, 2022, Noel Haro allegedly directed Marcos Haro to arrange the sale of five pounds of methamphetamine to the individual. Later, on Sept. 12, 2022, two packages allegedly sent from Marcos Haro were retrieved and each found to contain approximately 892.3 grams of 86% pure methamphetamine and approximately 1,320.2 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine.
Marcos Haro is scheduled to plead guilty on March 19, 2025.
The charge conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division and Shawn Jenkins, Commissioner of the Department of Correction’s made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Seven Pasco County Methamphetamine Traffickers Face Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of indictments charging Ismael Alvarez (36, Dade City), Lonnie Griffin (63, Dade City), Juan Medrano (42, Dade City), Raymond Downing (51, Dade City), Lionel Florez (27, Dade City), Lorenzo Herrera (34, Dade City), and Richard Sanchez (31, Dade City) with distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted, each faces a minimum sentence of five years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the indictments and statements made in court, on multiple occasions over a series of months, these individuals conducted drug transactions with an undercover confidential source. The transactions involved varying amounts of methamphetamine. Between April and November 2024, law enforcement recovered over 800 grams of pure methamphetamine collectively from these transactions.
On March 11, 2025, the FBI, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, arrested five of the defendants during an early morning takedown.
“These law enforcement actions demonstrate the FBI’s persistence in combating violent crime in our communities. We will continue to strengthen our federal, state, and local partnerships to meet our mission and to ensure the safety and security of the American people,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Zephyrhills Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.
Seven Detroit Men Charged for Drug Distribution, Illegal Possession of Weapons, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Seven men have been charged in a forty-three-count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, weapons charges, and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.
Beck was joined in the announcement by Chevoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Detroit Field Office, and Charles E. Miller, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Detroit Field Office.
Tary Holcomb (age 52), Maurice Hill (56), James Thomas (47), Curtis Weathers (52), Jason Ford, Conrad Taylor (48), and Shantonio Brooks (49), all of Detroit, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a myriad of controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, each of the men faces a mandatory prison sentence of at least 10 years. Holcomb and Thomas each face additional charges for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, while Holcomb also faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for money laundering activities dating back to January 2023.
This case is assigned to Judge Edmunds of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
An indictment is only a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“This case is an example of our zealous commitment to identify and dismantle local drug trafficking organizations that wreak havoc in our community by distributing harmful substances, illegally amassing weapons, and laundering illicit proceeds. This activity puts far too many at risk, and it will not be tolerated in our district,” Acting U.S. Attorney Beck said.
“The indictment of seven men, accused of conspiring to distribute drugs, illegally possess firearms, and engage in money laundering, was successfully halted due to the tireless and meticulous investigative efforts by our dedicated team at the FBI Detroit Field Office, in close collaboration with our law enforcement partners at the IRS Criminal Investigation. This operation underscores our commitment to protecting the safety of Michigan’s communities,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI is unwavering in its mission to investigate and hold accountable those who threaten the well-being and security of our residents, ensuring a safer Michigan for all.”
“Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities, such as the drug trafficking and money laundering charges levied today,” said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “CI is committed to enforcing these laws and following the money, wherever it leads.”
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was investigated by agents from FBI’s Detroit Organized Crime Squad and IRS-CI along with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Ramamurthy.
Serial Sex Offender Indicted for New Felony Offense Under Secure DC LawRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Hilliard, 65, of no fixed address, was indicted today by a D.C. Superior Court grand jury on four felony accounts. Specifically, he is charged with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, felony offenses for forced sexual contacts, and two counts of enhanced misdemeanor sexual abuse, now also a felony, for engaging in a sexual contact within the victim’s permission having three or more prior convictions for misdemeanor sexual abuse. The charges are in connection with an allegation that the defendant forcibly sexually touched a treating nurse at George Washington University Hospital, a stranger to him. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Hilliard is detained pending competency proceedings.
According to charging documents, on September 26, 2024, the victim attempted to draw blood from Hilliard while he sat inside of a hospital room. Hilliard requested to sit on the bed to get his blood drawn. As the nurse attempted to adjust the bed rail, Hilliard grabbed her into a face-to-face bear hug. Having wrapped his arms around her, Hillard then reached down to grope her on her buttocks and genitalia.
Hilliard has more than three prior convictions for misdemeanor sexual abuse. His most recent conviction occurred on December 19, 2023, when he was convicted of misdemeanor sexual abuse for sexually abusing a female stranger.
Hilliard is the first individual indicted with enhanced misdemeanor sexual abuse, a felony created by the D.C. Council’s Secure D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024. Prior to the legislation going into effect, repeat offenders who committed sexual contacts or sexual acts when the offender knew or should have known the victim did not give permission for such contact/act, could not be charged with a felony, no matter how many times they were prosecuted, often for virtually identical misdemeanor sexual abuse conduct. The new felony offense of enhanced misdemeanor sexual abuse is chargeable if the defendant has three or more prior convictions for misdemeanor sexual abuse.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Houck.
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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Scrap metal dealer sentenced to over two years in prison for multi-state catalytic converter theft conspiracyRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A North Carolina scrap metal dealer was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison for theft and tax charges related to his participation in a multi-state catalytic converter theft conspiracy.
According to court documents, Theodore Nicholas Papouloglou, 45, used his business, DG Auto South in Emporia to purchase stolen catalytic converters from thieves. Papouloglou then transported the stolen catalytic converters to his co-conspirators in New Jersey for shipment of the catalytic metals to Japan. In 2020 and 2021, Papouloglou received over $12.2 million in wired payments from his co-conspirators in New Jersey, including for proceeds from his illicit sale of catalytic converters. Papouloglou spent the money he received from DG Auto South on personal expenses, such as purchasing real estate and a luxury motorcycle for his girlfriend and to gamble at casinos in Las Vegas. Despite realizing income from DG Auto South, Papouloglou paid no taxes in 2020 and 2021.
Catalytic converters, which reduce toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle’s exhaust system, use precious metals in their centers, or “cores,” and are regularly targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals, especially palladium, platinum, and rhodium.
Papouloglou separately helped his co-conspirators in New Jersey to purchase stolen catalytic converters from other sellers, including sellers in Texas and Oklahoma, by facilitating bulk cash payments. The total value of the funds that Papouloglou illicitly transferred was at least $6.6 million.
Papouloglou pled guilty on Aug. 20, 2024, and must forfeit various vehicles associated with the offense:
(1) 2021 Ford F250 (Roush)
(2) 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport (Apocalypse)
(3) 2017 Lamborghini Huracan (Convertible)
(4) 2020 McLaren 720s (Convertible)
(5) 2021 Mercedes-AMG G63
(6) 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista
(7) 2021 McLaren 765LT
(8) 2021 Ford F450 (Super Duty)
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office; and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kashan K. Pathan prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section assisted with the prosecution.
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. 3:24-cr-42.
San Francisco Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Cristian Eduardo Mattus Piccardo, 52, of San Francisco, was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria handed down the sentence.
Mattus pleaded guilty on July 11, 2024, to one count of possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). He was originally indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023 and by a superseding indictment in December 2023. According to the plea agreement, Mattus knowingly possessed over 4,000 videos and over 2,000 images of child sexual abuse materials that he downloaded from the Internet using peer-to-peer file sharing software. Many of the videos and images depicted infants and toddlers as young as two, three, four, and five years old. Mattus admitted that he actively searched for and downloaded files depicting infants and toddlers. He also uploaded over 2,000 files of child sexual abuse materials to the Internet for other users to access and download. Mattus further admitted that the minor daughter of a family friend was among the victims to whom he owed restitution.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Chhabria sentenced the defendant to a 10-year period of supervised release. The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender. Mattus will begin serving his sentence on May 12, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Hageman prosecuted the case with the assistance of Helen Yee. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI.
Roseville Man Sentenced to Three Years and Ten months in Prison for Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Alex Altoh, 64, of Roseville, was sentenced Tuesday to three years and ten months in prison for money laundering conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. Altoh was also ordered to pay $1,478,068.99 in restitution.
According to court documents, between January 2021 and November 2021, Altoh and his co-defendant Oumar Sidibe, 31, were involved in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds from two large business email compromise schemes, in which two corporate victims were tricked into making payments to bank accounts controlled by Altoh and another person, rather than to the intended beneficiaries of the payments. Altoh, Sidibe, and others then quickly withdrew a large portion of the funds by way of check deposits, which effectively transferred the funds, concealed their unlawful nature, and prevented them from being clawed back.
For instance, on October 26, 2021, an employee of a victim company was tricked into wiring approximately $3.5 million to Altoh’s account at Wells Fargo. That same day, in a span of less than two hours, Altoh withdrew money from the Wells Fargo account by depositing five checks in five separate transactions at multiple bank branches in the Sacramento area. One transaction included a check for $248,000 that Altoh wrote to himself and deposited into his own Chase bank account. In that one day, Altoh successfully withdrew approximately $1.1 million of the funds out of his Wells Fargo account, which was never recovered. Law enforcement traced Altoh and Sidibe to almost $3.9 million in laundered fraud proceeds.
Sidibe is yet to be apprehended. The charges against Sibide are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Matthew Thuesen prosecuted the case.
Repeat child sex predator sentenced to 25 years for possession of child sexual assault materialRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 63-year-old Alvin resident has been sentenced for distribution and possession of child sexual assault material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Robert Earl Cochran Jr. pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown has now ordered him to serve a total of 300 months in federal prison. Restitution will be determined at a later date. He will also serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“The lengthy sentence imposed today is welcome news” said Ganjei. “The defendant has repeatedly demonstrated that, given the opportunity, he will unrepentantly victimize young children. Every day that he is behind bars, as opposed to walking the streets or accessing the internet, is a win for the community.”
“With today’s sentence we have removed an extremely dangerous child predator from the community who was an immediate threat to every child he encountered,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “After spending time in prison for sexually assaulting a child, he brazenly admits to getting out and actively seeking, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse materials with absolutely no remorse for the physical, psychological and emotional trauma inflicted on the innocent children who were victimized to produce them. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our special agents in Galveston, he is returning to prison and will no longer be free in the local community to harm children.”
The investigation revealed Cochran utilized multiple virtual identities to commit violations concerning child exploitation.
From Feb. 24, 2015, to July 16, 2019, he had distributed, received and possessed CSAM of children approximately three to 12 years of age. He was also discovered to be in possession of child pornography at the time of his arrest.
Cochran admitted he began viewing child pornography in 2015, shortly after his release from prison, and heavily traded it between 2015-2016. He also acknowledged using his three cellphones to download and view the material. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement located nine images and 54 obscene representations of children depicting child pornography on those devices.
He is a registered sex offender after serving a lengthy sentence for aggravated sexual assault of a three-year-old child.
Cochran has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Batarse is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Parkersburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Charles Ray Mackey, 43, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 16, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Mackey in Parkersburg. Officers searched the vehicle following the traffic stop and found a German Sports Guns model Firefly .22-caliber semiautomatic handgun.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Mackey knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for non-aggravated robbery, assault during the commission of a felony upon a person 65 years of age or older, and conspiracy to commit non-aggravated robbery in Wood County Circuit Court on June 12, 2001.
Mackey has a long criminal history that also includes convictions for breaking and entering, escape, domestic battery, fleeing, and obstruction.
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 Parkersburg Police Department.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin and former Assistant United States Attorney Bill Longwell 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.
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. 2:24-cr-128.
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Parkersburg Man Sentenced for Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael McHenry, age 23, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 155 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McHenry is prohibited from having firearms because of a grand larceny conviction in Wood County. McHenry and a second defendant, Garrett DeBerry, carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint and led officers on a high-speed chase through Monongalia County. McHenry used a 9mm pistol during the crime.
McHenry will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
DeBerry, 26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty in June 2024 to the unlawful possession of a firearm. DeBerry is prohibited because of a prior firearms conviction in Monongalia County. He will be sentenced in May 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Pair Convicted at Trial for St. Louis CarjackingsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Jurors in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Wednesday convicted two men of charges related to multiple St. Louis carjackings.
Evidence and testimony at trial showed that Quinn Turner and Jaylen Mays stole a 2007 Chevrolet Impala at gunpoint on Nov. 11, 2022, and a 2017 GMC Terrain two days later. A 2015 Malibu was stolen at gunpoint by Mays and others on Nov. 5, 2022, in the downtown business district. Turner drove the Malibu with Mays and a juvenile as passengers to a gas station at the northwest corner of Russell Boulevard and South 7th Street in the Soulard neighborhood, where the GMC was taken. Detectives assigned to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Anti-Crime Task Force utilized spike strips to stop the Malibu as it was leaving the gas station, and found Turner, Mays and the juvenile inside.
Turner, 22, and Mays, 27, both of East St. Louis, Illinois, were each convicted of two counts of carjacking with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm and two charges of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Mays was convicted of an additional carjacking charge.
The trial began Monday. Turner and Mays are scheduled to be sentenced on June 18. The carjacking charges carry a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Martin and Jennifer Szczucinski are prosecuting the case.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Investors in $2 Million Green Energy SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced in federal court on March 11, 2025, to 30 months of prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Kevin Carney, 63.
According to information presented to the Court, Carney and his co-conspirators, Robert Irey (deceased) and Jonathan Freeze, owned and ran a company called Alternative Energy Holdings, LLC (AEH). The co-conspirators informed victims that AEH was going to build a plant that would convert biodegradable waste into green energy and offered the victims an opportunity to invest in AEH. Specifically, the co-conspirators solicited short-term loans that offered high interest rates and, in some cases, an ownership interest in AEH. Carney and his co-conspirators told victims that their funds would be used for costs associated with building the plant and other business expenses. Instead, the co-conspirators often split the victims’ funds three ways and used it for their personal benefit, including for gambling, high-end clothing, and restaurants. Despite the promise of a short-term repayment, the co-conspirators did not repay the victims. From approximately June 2016 until April 2018, the co-conspirators defrauded over 20 victims out of approximately $2 million.
Both Irey and Freeze also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, with Freeze currently scheduled for sentencing in May 2025.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lee J. Karl and Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carney.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Catra Nelson, also known as “Trey,” 48, of Zanesville, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least January 2020 to in or around March 2021, Nelson conspired with co-defendant Steven Reger and others to distribute quantities of methamphetamine in the Parkersburg, West Virginia, area. On March 23, 2021, Nelson aided and abetted in the sale of approximately 428.1 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Parkersburg.
Nelson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine.
Reger, 48, of Morgantown, was sentenced on August 24, 2023, to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Parkersburg Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe, Joshua Hanks, and Negar M. Kordestani are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-196.
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Oakmont Woman Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling Quarter of a Million Dollars from Employer over Five-Year PeriodRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on March 11, 2025, to 34 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on her conviction of bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Christy Myers, 64.
According to information presented to the Court, Myers, through a variety of methods, embezzled approximately $250,400 from her employer between April 2016 and June 2021. Myers had been previously convicted and sentenced to a term in federal prison in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme in 2007.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Myers.
Norfolk payroll manager pleads guilty for embezzling over $400,000 from her employerRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A former payroll manager pled guilty yesterday to wire fraud for embezzling $419,210 from her employer.
According to court documents, from 2022 until 2023, Courtney Johnson-Gregory, 47, was employed by a security services company in Norfolk. Her position gave her access to the company’s bank accounts and permitted her to alter the payment information for employees in the company’s systems.
In February 2023, a review of the payroll system revealed multiple gaps in the sequence of company checks. Through a review of banking records, the company discovered hundreds of additional checks that had not been recorded in the payroll system and that had been paid to inactive former employees of the company.
Further review of the system logs associated with the company’s payroll system reflected that the routing number and account numbers where funds were sent via direct deposit had also been changed for various former employees. Those logs showed that, using the login information assigned to her, Johnson-Gregory had accessed the system, reactivated employee profiles, and, after payments were made to those former employees, deleted the records of the payments.
From February 2022 through February 2023, Johnson-Gregory made over one hundred transfers from the company’s accounts to her own personal bank account, as well as hundreds of other unauthorized automated clearing house (AHC) transfers. In total, $136,145.68 was taken from the company using physical checks and another $283,064.62 was taken from the company’s accounts using unauthorized electronic transfers.
Johnson-Gregory is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5, 2025. She faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-14.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Producing, Distributing, and Receiving Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Michael Taylor, Jr. (27, New Jersey) has pleaded guilty to producing, distributing, and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Taylor faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for the production offense, and a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years’ imprisonment, for each of the distribution and receipt offenses. Taylor’s co-defendant, Alexandria Stevens (20, New Jersey), pleaded guilty to producing, distributing, and receiving CSAM on February 28, 2025. A sentencing date has not yet been set for Taylor or Stevens. Both remain in federal custody pending the resolution of this case.
According to court documents, while visiting Florida in November 2023, Taylor and Stevens produced CSAM with an 8-year-old child. They also received and distributed images of CSAM over the internet.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Montgomery County Man Charged with Distribution and Attempted Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Douglas Penglase, 37, of Hatboro, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.
The defendant was arrested this morning and made his initial appearance before the Honorable Lynne A. Sitarski.
As detailed in the criminal complaint, on May 27, 2024, the social media platform Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that one of its users was transmitting files depicting child pornography (hereafter referred to as Child Sex Abuse Material or CSAM). NCMEC flagged 50 files as CSAM, specifically, depictions of prepubescent female minor children between the approximate ages of 8-12 years engaged in sexual activities with adults.
The contents of the Kik account were obtained by law enforcement via a search warrant, and review of the contents revealed almost 300 files containing CSAM. The search warrant return also included more than 1,100 messages between that target and other Kik users.
The criminal complaint alleges that the defendant was one of the other users involved in chatting about, and trading, CSAM, with the original Kik user and the defendant distributing nine CSAM videos each.
The complaint further alleges that law enforcement also obtained the contents of the Kik account belonging to the defendant. A review of the account revealed approximately 780 files containing CSAM.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Carissimi.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Michael Lee Moody Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Role in the Murder of Rosenda StrongRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Michael Lee Moody, 44, to 87 months in federal prison on one count of Accessory After the Fact for his role in the October 2018 murder of Rosenda Strong.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Jedidah Iesha Moreno shot and killed Rosenda Strong on or about October 5, 2018, following an argument at a residence, known as the House of Souls in Wapato, Washington. Following the murder, Moreno asked for help disposing of Strong’s body. A tarp was placed over Strong’ body and Andrew Norris Zack and Jamaal Pimms rolled her body into a freezer. The freezer, and other appliances, were loaded onto the back of a truck. The body, still inside the freezer, was then dumped near M&R Towing, which is off Highway 97 in Toppenish, Washington.
The following day, Moreno and Zack traveled to a residence known as the Estrada Ranch located in Wapato, Washington. An argument ensued between Moreno and Zack. Zack entered a garage to urinate. Moreno took out a gun and fired multiple shots into the garage. One of the rounds struck Zack’s hand causing minor damage. As all of this occurred, Uriel Balentin Badillo was at Legends Casino. Badillo received a call that Zack was in trouble. Badillo drove out to the residence and found Moreno standing in a field. Badillo asked Moreno about Zack but Moreno was unresponsive. Badillo then drove Moreno to the House of Souls to look for Zack. Presumably, by this time, Zack had called someone at the House of Souls and told them that Moreno had just shot him. A female exited the House of Souls and said “gag the bitch up.” A sock was placed into Moreno’s mouth. Badillo and the female transported Moreno back to the Estrada Ranch. After her arrival, Moreno was physically restrained, bound with a cargo strap and duct tape, and forced into a Chevrolet Impala. Badillo shot into the truck several times with a .45 caliber pistol, striking Moreno. Later that day, a male juvenile and a female juvenile moved the body to another location on the Yakama Nation. One of the juveniles also fired additional rounds into Moreno’s body.
The following day, Joshawa Max Estrada and the male juvenile located and again moved Moreno’s body – taking it to a more secluded location near White Swan, Washington, in an attempt to conceal the crime. Estrada and Michael Moody attempted to hide the Chevrolet Impala by submerging it in a pond; however, law enforcement later recovered the Impala. Moreno’s body also was later found, when a concerned citizen located Moreno’s remains on November 28, 2018.
On July 4, 2019, approximately nine months after Strong’s tragic death, a citizen discovered human remains, which later were identified through dental records as belonging to Strong.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and Yakama Nation Tribal Police worked for years to bring to justice those responsible for Rosenda Strong’s tragic death and the subsequent coverup,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker. “While we could not publicly comment on the investigation while it was ongoing, the Assistant United States Attorneys, FBI agents, and Tribal Police officers were working tirelessly to seek justice for those responsible and obtain some measure of closure for the surviving members of the Strong family. For more than five years, Cissy Strong and the Strong family have been resolute in their pursuit of justice for Rosenda. I am grateful for the dedication of Assistant United States Attorneys Tom Hanlon and Michael Murphy, who devoted countless hours to seeking justice on behalf of Rosenda and her family.”
“Together with our partners, FBI Seattle is committed to investigating crimes on tribal lands no matter how long it takes,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “We know each victim's loss leaves a painful gap in their community and that community wants answers. We hope this case serves as a reminder that even if the investigation takes years, we will never give up on seeking justice for victims and their loved ones.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Yakama Nation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.
Defendants Andrew Norris Zack, Jamaal Antwan Pimms, Kevin Todd Brehm, Joshawa Max Estrada and Uriel Balentin Badillo have all pleaded guilty to charges in this case.
1:23-cr-02037-SAB
Mexican National Indicted for Series of Armed Robberies with Privately Made FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national residing in Las Vegas made his initial court appearance today for allegedly robbing four taco vendors while brandishing an unserialized privately made firearm.
“The defendant is accused of committing a spree of violent armed robberies over a one-week period,” said Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada. “Violent crime has no place in our community. We are grateful for our federal and local law enforcement partners and their commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safer.”
“Today’s indictment should send a clear message that the FBI and our partners will not tolerate this type of violent activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “The suspect, who was in the country illegally, committed brazen acts and instilled fear in our community and put our citizens at risk. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to keep firearms out of the hands of those prohibited from being able to possess them.”
According to allegations contained in the indictment and statements made during court proceedings, Jose Manuel Arce-Martinez, 38, is a national of Mexico unlawfully residing in the United States.
As alleged, from January 21, 2025 to January 26, 2025, Arce-Martinez committed four armed robberies of restaurants and food trucks in Las Vegas. In each robbery, he brandished a privately made subcompact .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, made in part with a Polymer80 PF940SC grip, and threatened employees. Arce-Martinez stole money from the businesses and items belonging to the employees including two cell phones, a gold necklace, a jacket, and a wallet containing debit cards, a driver’s license, and a social security card.
Arce-Martinez is charged with four counts of interference with commerce by robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler scheduled a jury trial before Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to begin on May 19, 2025.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.
Submit a tip about a federal crime or report a threat to the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.
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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Metro East fentanyl trafficker sentenced to 19 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a California man to 228 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to trafficking fentanyl to the Metro East.
Nefer Ojeda-Elenes, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance: fentanyl and one count of distribution of a controlled substance: fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is a ruthless killer—devastating families, shattering communities and leaving a trail of grief in its wake,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This defendant conspired to bring seven kilograms of fentanyl into the Metro East region, when as few as two milligrams is lethal to most adults. With this 19-year sentence, the system has delivered certain justice to a drug dealer who prioritized money over the value of human lives.”
According to court documents, Ojeda-Elenes worked within a conspiracy to deliver two kilograms of fentanyl to the Metro East in April 2020. In May 2020, he agreed to deliver five more kilograms of fentanyl, but law enforcement intercepted the drugs prior to their arrival in Illinois.
“Nefer Ojeda-Elenes attempted to introduce more than half-a-million lethal doses of fentanyl into our Southern Illinois communities in just a short, three-month span,” DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said. “That number is astonishing when you think of how many families would be impacted and missing a loved one at the dinner table each night. The lethality of fentanyl can’t be understated. A mere two milligrams is enough to take a life. The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our efforts to stop this poison from taking the lives of those we love.”
Co-conspirator Mariano A. Perez, 39, of California, is also facing one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance: fentanyl and one count of distribution of a controlled substance: fentanyl. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 20.
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.
DEA St. Louis is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Carraway is prosecuting the case.
Memphis Man Sentenced to over Eight Years for Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Actavious Ellis, 31, of Memphis, to 87 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun. Reagan Taylor Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on August 17, 2023, detectives with the Memphis Police Department executed search warrants at two locations and discovered that Ellis was in possession of multiple stolen firearms, including a 9mm Glock pistol with a conversion device (“switch”) attached, making the firearm fully automatic. He was also in possession of multiple large-capacity magazines and pill presses used to manufacture pills containing illegal substances. Following Ellis’s arrest, he attempted to bribe a person to commit perjury by claiming ownership of the illegal substances found in the homes.
In November 2024, Ellis pled guilty to unlawful possession of a machine gun. On March 11, 2025, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Ellis to 87 months of federal imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by detectives with the Memphis Police Department Drug Response Team and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Gun Task Force.
Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Musselwhite, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Massachusetts Attorney Admits to Participating in a Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband Inside a Federal Detention CenterRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts attorney admitted to a federal judge in Rhode Island today that she participated in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband to a detainee housed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Theresa Marie DiJoseph, 51, pleaded guilty today to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and providing a prohibited object to an inmate. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
DiJoseph admitted that in late 2023, she conspired with three other individuals to smuggle ten papers soaked with K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the Wyatt Detention Center.
According to information presented to the court, DiJospeh used her status as an attorney to meet multiple times with detainee Shawn D. Hart, 47, with whom she had a personal relationship, in a visiting room used for attorney visits to conduct legal work.
On December 1, 2023, during an attempt to visit with Hart, Wyatt correctional officers seized from DiJoseph 10 sheets of paper that appeared discolored, thicker than normal, and to have been wet and dried. The papers were seized and later sent to an FBI testing lab that confirmed the presence of Schedule I controlled substances.
In her appearance in court today, DiJoseph also admitted that she later made false statements to the FBI during their investigation into the source of the contraband that she attempted to bring into the detention center.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by FBI and the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.
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Maryland Woman Convicted in $20M Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury has convicted a Maryland woman for conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and related charges for wire fraud, money laundering, and filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Maureen Wilson, 77, of Owings Mills, conspired with her husband James Wilson to defraud insurance companies by obtaining more than 40 life insurance policies for applicants by mispresenting their health, wealth, and existing life insurance coverage. The total death benefits from these policies exceeded $20 million. Wilson also conspired to defraud individual investors to obtain funds that she used to pay premiums on fraudulently obtained life insurance policies.
After obtaining the policies, Maureen and James Wilson used forged signatures to make themselves, and other nominees they controlled, the owners and beneficiaries of the life insurance policies. Maureen Wilson also impersonated other people when speaking with the life insurance companies.
Maureen Wilson and her husband concealed the fraud by transferring the money they made from the fraud through multiple bank accounts, including accounts in the name of trusts. She also filed false individual income tax returns for 2018 and 2019, which did not report as income the approximately $5.7 million and $2 million, respectively she made from her fraud.
She was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of money laundering and two counts of filing a false return. Maureen Wilson was acquitted of one count of mail fraud.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 20. Maureen Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering; and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, made the announcement with Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Washington, D.C. Field Office.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys (District of Maryland) Matthew Phelps and Philip Motsay, and Trial Attorneys Shawn Noud and Richard Kelley, Justice Department Tax Division, are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Maryland Woman Convicted in $20M Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Maryland woman yesterday for conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and related charges for wire fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Maureen Wilson, of Owings Mills, conspired with her husband James Wilson to defraud insurance companies by obtaining over 40 life insurance policies for applicants by mispresenting their health, wealth and existing life insurance coverage. The total death benefits from these policies exceeded $20 million. Wilson also conspired to defraud individual investors to obtain funds that she used to pay premiums on fraudulently obtained life insurance policies.
To conceal the fraud, Wilson and her husband transferred the money they made from the fraud through multiple bank accounts, including accounts in the name of trusts. Wilson filed false individual income tax returns for 2018 and 2019, which did not report as income the approximately $5.7 million and $2 million, respectively she made from her fraud.
Wilson was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of money laundering and two counts of filing a false return. She was acquitted of one count of mail fraud.
Maureen Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering; and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Washington, D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.
Trial Attorneys Shawn Noud and Richard Kelley of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Phelps and Philip Motsay for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
Maryland Man Admits to Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Ryan Zajac, age 30, of Parkville, Maryland, has admitted to cocaine and firearms charges.
Zajac pled guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court documents, Zajac had a firearm and cocaine in Berkeley County.
Zajac is facing up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug charge and faces up to 15 years for the firearms charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Man Twice Convicted of Federal Firearms Offense Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A two-time federally convicted felon who unlawfully possessed a firearm and resisted law enforcement officers when being arrested was sentenced on March 11, 2025, to nearly four years in federal prison.
Codie Lee Allen Fisher, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 25, 2024, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Information from the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on June 8, 2024, officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department arrested Fisher after multiple reports of disturbances involving firearms at an apartment complex. While being arrested, Fisher fought and resisted officers. Officers found marijuana, a knife, and a loaded handgun in Fisher’s possession.
Fisher has 18 prior criminal convictions, including seven convictions involving violence. In 2017, Fisher was convicted in federal court of making a false statement when purchasing a firearm. He received a sentence of 21 months in prison as a result of that conviction.
Fisher was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Fisher was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fisher is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-00068.
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Madison County Man Sentenced to More Than 15 years in Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Huntsville man was sentenced yesterday on two felony charges for his involvement in crimes against children, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Haikala sentenced David Edward Sanford, 55, of Huntsville, to 190 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In December 2024, Sanford pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. These convictions will require Sanford to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents, between September and November 2023, Sanford was actively involved in the online distribution of child pornography in groups dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children. During a federal search warrant for Sanford’s residence executed in November 2023, Sanford admitted to federal agents that he used various file sharing applications to trade videos and images of child pornography with others and expressed his particular preference for videos and images involving children under the age of 11. Sanford’s devices were seized during the execution of the warrant, and forensic analysis of the devices revealed more than 9,600 videos and 500 images of child pornography.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Huntsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.
If you suspect or become aware of the possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Long Island Tax Preparer Indicted for Tax and Covid Loan Fraud Schemes Resulting in Losses of $12 MillionRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, a 42-count indictment was unsealed charging Damaris Beltre, formerly a tax preparer in Freeport, New York, with wire fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, money laundering and aggravated identity theft, for her role in allegedly preparing hundreds of false individual tax returns that caused a total of approximately $12 million in losses to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beltre was arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI) announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant’s fraudulent work as a tax preparer and in furtherance of a COVID-19 loan scheme cost the government millions of dollars, all while she generated a stream of illicit revenue for herself that she used to purchase, among other things, a home in the Dominican Republic, a car and jewelry,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “My Office will vigorously prosecute individuals like the defendant who think the United States government is an easy target for financial crimes.”
Mr. Durham also expressed his appreciation to the United States Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office and the Freeport Police Department for their assistance on the case.
“Beltre is charged with defrauding the government of millions of dollars to fatten her pockets, using stolen identities, fraudulent tax submissions and bogus COVID-19 benefits claims. While she may have been viewed as a respected tax preparer, Beltre did not respect federal law, nor did she care about the victims of her fraud—the American people. This IRS-CI investigation has brought her scheming to an end, and she will now be prosecuted for her actions,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis.
As set forth in the indictment, Beltre owned and operated three corporate entities, Botanica El Poder De San Miguel (Botanica), L&D Tax & Multi Service Corp. (L&D) and D&L Tax Service (D&L). Beltre was also associated with a fourth company, Apollo Global Improvements LLC (Apollo).
Between approximately January 2021 and April 2024, Beltre engaged in a scheme in which she prepared and caused to be prepared false and fraudulent Forms 1040 and associated schedules and forms for client-taxpayers for submission to the IRS. From approximately January 2021 through December 2023, Beltre was the tax preparer for tax returns prepared by L&D; from January 2024 through April 2024, Beltre was the tax preparer for tax returns prepared by D&L.
In those roles, Beltre engaged in massive tax fraud scheme utilizing false dependents as well as tens of millions of dollars of COVID-19 sick leave credits and fuel tax credits that there was no basis to claim. Clients paid over $1 million for Beltre’s fees for her work preparing the false returns which included a percentage of any refund issued. For example, in one instance, an undercover agent went to Beltre to have his tax return prepared. If prepared accurately, the agent would have owed the IRS approximately $205. Instead, Beltre prepared a return which claimed a refund of over $14,243. Beltre charged the undercover agent $2,200 in fees to prepare the fraudulent tax return. In other instances, Beltre filed tax returns claiming refunds on behalf of former clients without their knowledge. As a result of her fraudulent tax scheme, Beltre submitted false and fraudulent Forms 1040 and associated schedules and forms to the IRS, that resulted in approximately $11 million in reduced tax liabilities.
In a separate PPP fraud scheme, Beltre filed false payroll reports and tax returns with the IRS on behalf of companies to fraudulently obtain PPP loan proceeds totaling approximately $1 million which she used to pay personal expenses. For example, in June 2020, Beltre used approximately $22,500 in fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds to make a payment on a house in the Dominican Republic. In May 2021, Beltre used approximately $16,000 in fraudulently obtained PPP funds to pay for the purchase of a Honda CRV. Between November 2021 and February 2022, Beltre and members of her family spent tens of thousands of dollars of fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds at jewelry stores, and Beltre withdrew approximately $226,160 of the fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds as cash from accounts for Botanica, L&D, Apollo, and various other accounts she controlled.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section. Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroeder.
The Defendant:
DAMARIS BELTRE
Age: 57
Freeport, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-81 (SJB)
Lewiston Man Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining $20,833 PPP Loan During PandemicRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Lewiston man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for filing a fraudulent application for a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Shahied Golden, 30, to 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $24,090.82 in restitution. Golden pleaded guilty on September 27, 2024. The sentence will be served consecutively to Golden’s 27-month state prison sentence for illegal possession of a firearm and a state probation violation.
According to court records, in April 2021, Golden filed a fraudulent PPP loan application and received approximately $20,833 in PPP funds. The application listed a false gross income for 2020 and falsely stated the loan proceeds were needed to make payroll payments for his alleged business. He also submitted a fraudulent document in support of his application, which falsely stated his gross income, among other things. Further, Golden caused the funds to be deposited into his own personal bank account, quickly withdrew the funds, and did not use the PPP proceeds for approved expenses.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.
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Las Vegas Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – The operator of a Las Vegas tax return preparation business pleaded guilty today to preparing false income tax returns on behalf of her clients causing at least $550,000 in tax loss.
According to court documents and statements made in court, since at least 2007, Keisy Altagracia Sosa has operated National Tax Service, a tax return preparation business in Las Vegas, Nevada. From 2016 to 2021, Sosa prepared and filed with the IRS false tax returns on behalf of clients. These tax returns included falsely claiming dependents; claiming fictitious Schedule A expenses, such as sales taxes paid and unreimbursed employee expenses; and claiming fictitious Schedule C expenses purportedly associated with a business operated by the taxpayer. Sosa continued to prepare false returns even after the IRS sent multiple letters notifying her that returns she filed appeared inaccurate, informing her that she may not be meeting her due diligence requirements, reminding her of those obligations, and directing her to resources with more information about those obligations. Sosa caused at least $550,000 in tax loss to the IRS.
Sosa pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return. Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2025. The maximum statutory penalty is three years in prison as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick for the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Tony Lopez and Benjamin Shiver are prosecuting the case.
Taxpayers should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. Tax preparers that promise larger refunds than their competition may place taxpayers at risk of being part of a criminal scheme. The IRS urges all taxpayers to verify the information on their tax return is correct before filing.
For more tips on how to safeguard yourself against unscrupulous tax preparers, and for information on how to find a preparer, visit the IRS website. The IRS also offers tips on choosing a tax professional as a small business taxpayer. Additionally, the IRS has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers to help taxpayers find professional, credentialed prepares recognized by the agency or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion.
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Lakeland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Ammunition as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Solomon Smith (22, Lakeland) to 30 months in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Smith entered a guilty plea on November 7, 2024.
According to court documents, on July 2, 2024, officers with the Lakeland Police Department were surveilling a residence to serve an outstanding arrest warrant for Smith. The officers observed Smith with a handgun, equipped with an extended magazine, tucked in his waistband. After Smith was arrested on the warrant, officers obtained a warrant and searched the residence. Officers located the handgun hidden in an air vent. The firearm was not marked with a serial number and was loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition. Photographs of Smith in possession of the same handgun were posted on social media.
At the time, Smith had been convicted of prior felony offenses, including carrying a concealed firearm and possession of cannabis resin. As a convicted felon, Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.