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4 April 2025
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to more than nine years in federal prison.
Trajuan Laroy West, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 14, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
On January 3, 2024, Iowa State Patrol Troopers stopped a vehicle that West was driving for speeding. During the traffic stop, a Trooper located marijuana and a gun in the vehicle. The slide of the gun had been reported stolen out of Arkansas. West was prohibited from possessing firearms based on three prior felony drug-related convictions as well as a prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.
West was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. West was sentenced to 112 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
West 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 Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, the Waterloo Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-2029.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Arquan Butler aka Easy, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine up to $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that between May 9 and July 5, 2023, Butler conspired with his brother and co-defendant Jahaun Butler to sell fentanyl and crack cocaine. During the course of the conspiracy, they sold approximately 72 grams of fentanyl and approximately two grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement on 10 occasions.
Jahaun Butler was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 41 months in prison.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Buffalo man arrested on gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeremy Hodge, 39, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 4, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Hodge’s Ernst Avenue residence and his vehicle. Investigators seized a loaded 9mm firearm, a loaded magazine, ammunition, quantities of suspected heroin and fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. Hodge was arrested at the scene. He has three prior felony convictions and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Hodge made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Brooklyn Man Charged with Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Cocaine Base and FentanylRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on April 3, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Dontayveus Thomas, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, with conspiracy to manufacture and to distribute cocaine base and to distribute fentanyl, as well as possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl.
Thomas’s arraignment occurred earlier today before United States Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein. He is currently being held pending further proceedings in this matter.
According to court records, on February 25, 2023, members of the Winooski Fire Department responded to a fire alarm and found evidence of narcotics manufacturing in a Winooski apartment. The firefighters called law enforcement, who obtained a warrant to search the residence. Pursuant to the search warrant, police found evidence of narcotics manufacturing in the apartment. They also found approximately 398.3 grams of cocaine, approximately 179.4 grams of cocaine base, and over 130.382 grams of fentanyl. Additional investigation confirmed that Thomas was involved in the manufacturing of cocaine base and the possession of the drugs found in the apartment.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Thomas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Thomas faces up to a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winooski Police Department.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Thomas is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that ONAI KEDAR WILBUR WRIGHT, 25, of Bridgeport, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with child exploitation offenses.
Wright appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 14, 2025.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 14, 2025, an Online Covert Employee (OCE) with the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in Cleveland, Ohio, monitored a live video stream on the internet application “Fambase” and observed Wright engaging in sexually explicit activity with a 16-year-old female (“minor victim”). Analysis of mobile communications and geo-location data, and information from AirBnB, led investigators to a residence located in Norwich, Connecticut, where they took Wright into custody. The minor victim and two adult females were also present in the residence.
The complaint charges Wright with sexual exploitation of children, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of 30 years of imprisonment, and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI in New Haven and Cleveland, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department, the New London State’s Attorney’s Office, the Vermilion (Ohio) Police Department, and the Norwalk (Ohio) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
Acting U.S Attorney also acknowledged the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Beckley Man Sentenced to More than 11 Years in Prison for Key Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Ronald Lavaughn Mason, 46, of Beckley, was sentenced today to 11 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack.” Mason admitted to his major role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Mason participated in the DTO in April and May 2024, working with other individuals to distribute fentanyl and crack in and around Beckley. During phone calls intercepted by law enforcement, Mason arranged transactions for cocaine and fentanyl with as many as 11 other individuals during the time period. As part of his guilty plea, Mason admitted that he supplied other individuals with controlled substances that they would redistribute. Mason further admitted to delivering the controlled substances to these individuals at times, and at other times have them come to his Beckley residence to pick up the drugs.
On April 9, 2024, Mason sold co-defendant Tilford Joe Bradley Jr. a half-ounce of controlled substances while they were in Mason’s vehicle in Beaver. Mason admitted that law enforcement officers conducting surveillance saw him meet Bradley for the transaction, and that he knew Bradley intended to redistribute the controlled substances.
On May 30, 2024, officers executed a search warrant at Mason’s residence and seized approximately 540 grams of cocaine, 324 grams of fentanyl analogue, 228 grams of fentanyl, and $10,293. Mason admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances and intended to distribute them.
Mason has a long criminal history that includes two prior drug trafficking convictions, both in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Mason and Bradley are among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack within the Southern District of West Virginia from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. All 12 have pleaded guilty, including two defendants who pleaded guilty to separate charges in lieu of the offenses alleged in the indictment.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
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. 5:24-cr-90.
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Baltimore County Business Owner Sentenced to 20 Months in Federal Prison for BriberyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Wayne I. Kacher, Jr., 52, of Harford County, Maryland, to 20 months in federal prison for conspiracy, honest services wire fraud, and federal program bribery. A federal jury found Kacher guilty on May 21, 2024, after a seven-day trial.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) – Mid-Atlantic Field Office.
As detailed in trial testimony, the Maryland Broadband Cooperative, Incorporated (MdBC) was a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose was to work with internet-service providers to offer broadband internet service to underserved and unserved areas in Maryland. Public and private entities could join the cooperative and gain access to the broadband infrastructure that MdBC installed for a fee. William Patrick Mitchell served as president and chief executive officer of MdBC, which was located in Salisbury, Maryland.
Kacher was the president and owner of Bel Air Underground, Inc. (BAU), a company that was principally located in Baltimore County, Maryland. BAU frequently acted as a subcontractor on projects for MdBC. From 2014 to 2018, MdBC paid BAU more than $11 million for broadband network-related work. Approximately $7.9 million of the $11 million was for work installing and improving a fiber-optic broadband connection from NASA Wallops Island to Patuxent River Naval Air Station in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, to enhance the communications capacity between those locations.
The trial evidence showed that from at least 2014 to 2018, Kacher provided Mitchell with financial benefits, including cash payments, and payments for an all-terrain vehicle and a John Deere Gator owned by Mitchell. Kacher also paid for renovations and improvements to Mitchell’s residence, including for the construction of a pole building on Mitchell’s property. The defendant gave these items to Mitchell in exchange for the work that MdBC was subcontracting to BAU.
On October 7, 2024, Judge Gallagher sentenced Mitchell to one year and one day for his role in the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DCIS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Phelps and Christine Goo who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Attorney General Pamela Bondi Statement on Supreme Court VictoryRead the Press Release
Following tonight’s ruling in Department of Education v. California, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement:
“Today marks a significant victory for President Trump and the rule of law. This Supreme Court ruling vindicates what the Department of Justice has been arguing for months: local district judges do not have the jurisdiction to seize control of taxpayer dollars, force the government to pay out billions, or unilaterally halt President Trump’s policy agenda. Department of Justice attorneys will continue fighting to protect the executive branch from gross judicial overreach.”
Read the full filing here.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. Appointed as Interim United States Attorney of the Western District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Assistant United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. was appointed as the Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee by the United States Attorney General on March 28, 2025.
Mr. Murphy began his career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Memphis office in 1989. He was appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney by the District Court and served in that position from 2021-2023. He was named as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2018 and served in that role until his appointment as Acting U.S. Attorney. In 2011, Mr. Murphy served as Criminal Chief, where he supervised Assistant U.S. Attorneys who investigated and prosecuted criminal cases. He also served three years as Deputy Chief of the office’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. Prior to becoming Deputy Chief, Mr. Murphy served as a line Assistant U.S. Attorney in both the criminal division and drug task force unit.
During his career with the Department of Justice, Mr. Murphy has tried more than 125 felony cases to verdict in the U.S. District Court. These cases included prosecutions of health care professionals for illegally distributing controlled substances; mail and wire fraud cases; and theft cases involving pension funds and interstate shipments. Mr. Murphy has also represented the government in more than 200 cases litigated before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and argued numerous appeals before the court.
Mr. Murphy is married and has two adult children. He is a native Memphian, a graduate of Lambuth College and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis and is very active in community and legal affairs.
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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.
Asphalt Contractor to Pay Nearly $1.3 Million to Settle Claims that it Falsified Quality Test ResultsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Anderson Brothers Construction Company of Brainerd LLC, a construction and paving company located in Brainerd, Minnesota, has agreed to pay $1,295,610 to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act and the Minnesota False Claims Act from 2017 through 2022 by routinely and knowingly falsifying test results to make its paving material appear to be higher quality than it was and submitting those falsified results to the government in seeking payments for road paving in Minnesota.
The United States and the State of Minnesota alleged that, as a condition of payment for federally funded road paving contracts, Anderson Brothers was required to perform certain quality tests of its paving material and submit the results to the government. The United States and the State of Minnesota further alleged that Anderson Brothers falsified the results and submitted them to the government to receive financial incentives for superior quality paving material and avoid deductions for lower-quality material. As a result of those false test results, the United States and the State of Minnesota alleged that the government funded payments to Anderson Brothers for unearned incentives and Anderson Brothers avoided financial deductions that would have occurred had Anderson Brothers submitted truthful test results. Of the $1,295,610 civil settlement, the United States will receive $660,761 and the State of Minnesota will receive $634,849.
“Protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse is one of our top priorities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “The submission of false claims for federally funded government contracts will not be tolerated. This settlement should serve as proof that we will actively investigate this conduct whenever it occurs and will hold to account any company that fails to bill accurately for the products provided.”
“Today’s settlement reinforces the fact that companies doing business with the government must fully comply with federal regulations and contractual obligations,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Midwestern Region. “When fraudulent conduct like this undermines the integrity of highway paving putting the safety of the travelling public at risk, it’s our job, together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, to put an end to it.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Kacie Dixon, a former Bituminous Mix Technician at Anderson Brothers. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Dixon v. Anderson Brothers Construction Company of Brainerd, LLC., Civil Action No. 22-cv-02078 (D. Minn.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a joint effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota with assistance from the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The U.S. Government also received significant assistance in this matter from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The matter was investigated by Fraud Section Trial Attorney Danielle Rowan and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Fuller and Adam Hoskins for the District of Minnesota.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Arizona Man Convicted of Crimes Arising Out of Plot Targeting Christian ChurchesRead the Press Release
After an 11-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Zimnako Salah, 45, of Phoenix, Arizona, convicting him of strapping a backpack around the toilet of a Christian church in Roseville, California, with the intent to convey a hoax bomb threat and to obstruct the free exercise of religion of the congregants who worshipped there. The jury’s verdict included a special finding Salah targeted the church because of the religion of the people who worshipped there, making the offense a hate crime.
According to the evidence at trial, from September to November of 2023, Salah traveled to four Christian churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado, wearing black backpacks. At two of those churches, Salah planted those backpacks, placing congregants in fear that they contained bombs. At the other two churches, Salah was confronted by security before he got the chance to plant those backpacks.
While Salah had been making bomb threats by planting backpacks in Christian churches, he had been building a bomb capable of fitting in a backpack. During a search of his storage unit, an FBI Bomb Technician seized items that an FBI Bomb Expert testified at trial served as component parts of an improvised explosive device (IED).
A search of Salah’s social media records revealed that he had consumed extremist propaganda online. Specifically, those records showed that Salah had searched for videos of “Infidels dying,” and he had watched videos depicting ISIS terrorists murdering people.
“This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.”
“Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank for this defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement and the attorneys from my office and our DOJ partners in Washington D.C., our communities are safer with yesterday’s verdict. People of all religions should be able to worship freely and exercise their First Amendment rights in this country without fear of violence.”
“The Sacramento Division of the FBI is proud of our collaboration with local partners in bringing Mr. Salah to justice. His deliberate targeting of multiple places of worship and calculated efforts to spread panic were intended to terrorize people of faith and disrupt the peace of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the American people and will continue to work within the confines of the law to hold individuals accountable for acts of terrorism whether those acts are true threats or intended as hoaxes.”
Salah faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Salah is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Roseville (CA) Police Department, the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego Harbor Police Department, and the Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher Perras and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Shea Kenny for the Eastern District of California.
Arizona Man Convicted of Crimes Arising Out of Plot Targeting Christian ChurchesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After an 11-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Zimnako Salah, 45, of Phoenix, Arizona, convicting him of strapping a backpack around the toilet of a Christian church in Roseville with the intent to convey a hoax bomb threat and to obstruct the free exercise of religion of the congregants who worshipped there. The jury’s verdict included a special finding that Salah targeted the church because of the religion of the people who worshipped there, making the offense a hate crime.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from September to November of 2023, Salah traveled to four Christian churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado, wearing black backpacks. At two of those churches, Salah planted those backpacks, placing congregants in fear that they contained bombs. At the other two churches, Salah was confronted by security before he got the chance to plant those backpacks.
While Salah had been making bomb threats by planting backpacks in Christian churches, he had been building a bomb capable of fitting in a backpack. During a search of Salah’s storage unit, an FBI Bomb Technician seized items that an FBI Bomb Expert testified at trial served as component parts of an improvised explosive device (IED):
IED bomb components seized from Salah’s storage unit
A search of Salah’s social media records revealed that he had consumed extremist propaganda online. Specifically, those records showed that Salah had searched for videos of “Infidels dying,” and he had watched videos depicting ISIS terrorists murdering people.
“This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.”
“Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank for this defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement and the attorneys from my office and our DOJ partners in Washington D.C., our communities are safer with yesterday’s verdict. People of all religions should be able to worship freely and exercise their First Amendment rights in this country without fear of violence.”
“The Sacramento Division of the FBI is proud of our collaboration with our local partners in bringing Mr. Salah to justice. His deliberate targeting of multiple places of worship and calculated efforts to spread panic were intended to terrorize people of faith and disrupt the peace of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the American people and will continue to work within the confines of the law to hold individuals accountable for acts of terrorism whether those acts are true threats or intended as hoaxes.”
Salah is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. Salah faces a maximum statutory penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Roseville Police Department, the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego Harbor Police Department, and the Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher Perras and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Kenny for the Eastern District of California.
Airman Stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base Charged with First Degree Murder of Missing WomanRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Rapid City, South Dakota, has returned an indictment charging an airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base with First Degree Murder.
Quinterius Charles Chappelle, age 24, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 28, 2025 on the indictment and pleaded not guilty. The charge carries a mandatory sentence of life in federal imprisonment or death and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The indictment charges Chappelle with killing Sahela Toka Win Sangrait on Ellsworth Air Force Base in August 2024. Sangrait’s body was found last month in a wooded area near Hill City, South Dakota. Chappelle sought release from custody pending trial, and the United States moved for detention. The federal Magistrate Judge hearing the matter ordered Chappelle detained pending trial.
“The federal grand jury in Rapid City recently returned a charge of First Degree Murder against Quinterius Chappelle, alleging he killed the victim with premeditation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota will now proceed with the prosecution of this tragic case and relentlessly pursue justice on behalf of the victim.”
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Benjamin Schroeder are prosecuting the case.
Chappelle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
3 April 2025
U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into an Armed Individual Fatally Shot by PoliceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On January 13, 2025, a 44-year-old District resident, D.W., died after being shot by the police. The officers responded to a call for a man armed with a gun, and encountered D.W., who brandished a handgun at them.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, security camera footage, BWC footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, autopsy results, and reports from MPD.
According to the evidence, at about 4:39 a.m., on January 13, 2025, members of the Metropolitan Police Department were summoned to a building in the 300 block of Florida Avenue, N.E., in response to a 911 call for a man with a gun. Upon their arrival, the police were advised that an occupant of the building was armed with a handgun and that he had fired a shot at an employee of the building. The employee advised the police that the man was still in the building. The police began to canvass the building. They eventually encountered the man – later identified as D.W. – near an elevator bank on the second floor. D.W. brandished a handgun, pointed it at the police, and then retreated into an elevator. D.W. emerged from the elevator a few minutes later at the lobby level with the gun now in his pocket. When officers attempted to stop D.W. as he tried to leave the building, D.W. retrieved the handgun from his pocket and a struggle ensued. The police ultimately discharged their service weapons and fatally wounded D.W.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers willfully violated D.W.’s rights.
Investigations generally
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.
Two Businessmen, a Certified Public Accountant, and Four Puerto Rico-Based Businesses Indicted on Charges of Fraud, Bribery, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced the indictment of two businessmen, a certified public accountant, and four Puerto Rico-based companies for a fraudulent scheme to illegally obtain federal recovery funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, bribe a bank employee, and launder the fraudulent proceeds of the scheme.
According to court documents, beginning no later than in or about May 2020, through at least November 2021, defendants and their co-conspirators submitted and caused the submission of at least 26 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications seeking a total of at least $2,238,747 in EIDL and PPP proceeds from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and Bank 1, a Puerto Rico-based financial institution. The defendants and their co-conspirators also bribed an employee of Bank 1 to influence and reward the employee in connection with the submission and processing of PPP applications and the deposit and disbursement of PPP and EIDL funds into accounts at Bank 1.
“PPP and EIDL loans were intended to help small businesses during the pandemic, not exploit Federal relief programs” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The District of Puerto Rico is committed to protecting government programs from fraud, and we will hold those accountable who steal from the American taxpayers.”
Today, the U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, executed a coordinated operation targeting a sophisticated financial fraud network. “The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our agents and law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the Miami Field Office. “We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system and will continue to pursue those who engage in fraudulent activities.”
“This investigation reflects the SBA Office of Inspector General’s determination to hold accountable those who attempt to defraud pandemic relief programs. We remain committed to working with our partners to uncover fraud and protect these essential funds,” said Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the SBA Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region.
“The individuals involved took advantage of a program meant to help businesses at a time of great need and uncertainty, and instead fraudulently used federal funds to buy properties for themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office. “Let this serve as a warning: those who believe they can exploit government programs for personal gain will face the full weight of the law, with no refuge from accountability.”
According to court documents, Edgardo Navarro Suárez, Ricardo Luis Navarro Suárez, Ramón J. Valentín Montalvo, JCA Development, Inc., JCA Packaging Group, Inc., RVIP Group Corp., and JCA Industrial Supply Corp. knowingly devised a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from the United States Small Business Administration and Bank 1 by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises submitted through applications for EIDL and PPP loans made available to help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic.
The CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including authorizing the SBA to issue EIDL and PPP loans to small businesses and non-profit entities facing revenue losses. The indictment alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications containing materially false and fraudulent information and false documents. The indictment further alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators directed the recipients of the fraudulently obtained PPP and EIDL loans to remit a portion of the proceeds of the loans to the defendants and their co-conspirators and used the loan proceeds to benefit themselves and others, and to pay for expenses prohibited under the requirements of the EIDL and PPP programs.
The court documents also claim that defendants and their co-conspirators corruptly gave, offered, and promised at least $69,500 in payments to an employee of Bank 1 to influence and reward the employee in connection with his assistance with the processing and disbursement of PPP and EIDL funds. In addition, defendants and their co-conspirators would recruit others to fraudulently obtain EIDL and PPP relief.
The defendants will make their initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Giselle López-Soler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
If convicted, the defendants face a up to 30 years in prison for the wire fraud and bank bribery offenses alleged in Counts 1 through 7 of the Indictment, 20 years in prison for the money laundering offense alleged in Counts 8 through 10 of the Indictment, and 10 years in prison for the money laundering offense alleged in Counts 11 and 12 of the Indictment. The Indictment also provides notice of forfeiture of the following assets:
- All right, title, and interest in property located at Carr. 1, Km 29.5, Int Calle Abeto Bo Río Cañas, Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725, together with all improvements and appurtenances;
- All right, title, and interest in property located at 170 Palmas Dr. E, La Jolla de Palmas Condominium I, Apt C16, Humacao, Puerto Rico 00791-6330, together with all improvements and appurtenances; and
- All right, title, and interest in property located at Palmas del Mar Crescent Beach #216 in Humacao, Puerto Rico, 00791, together with all improvements and appurtenances.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Secret Service, through its San Juan Resident Office & Criminal Investigative Division (CID), the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, the Puerto Rico Bureau of Special Investigations, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Guaynabo Municipal Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Olinghouse is prosecuting the case.
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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Tulsan Sentenced for Possessing 100s of Images and Videos Containing the Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced today for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Joseph Gunther Sampson, 31, to 121 months followed by 15 years of supervised release. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Upon release, Sampson will be required to register as a sex offender. Restitution will be heard at a later date.
In a separate child pornography investigation, the FBI discovered messages between another individual and Sampson discussing minor children for sexual purposes. When the FBI interviewed Sampson in August 2024, he allowed law enforcement to search his phone. Even though he stated his phone was new, the FBI discovered multiple images that contained Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). When confronted about the CSAM, Sampson admitted to having viewed child pornography for the past five years. He further admitted to receiving and sharing CSAM through an application on his phone.
When the FBI searched Sampson’s home, they found three more electronic devices. The forensic analysis revealed that between December 2023 and August 2024, Sampson possessed 100s of images and videos containing CSAM. Multiple videos depict minors under the age of 12.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Since its inception in 1998, the NCMEC’s CyberTipline has received more than 195 million reports. The Child Victim Identification Program began in 2002 and has reviewed more than 425 million CSAM images or videos and helped identify more than 30,000 victims.
NCMEC assisted in this case by analyzing the images found by investigators to identify known and unknown child sexual assault victims. The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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.
Transnational Manager for Colombia’s Clan del Golfo Drug Cartel Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Colombian national and lieutenant for Clan del Golfo (CDG) pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute large quantities of cocaine destined for the United States.
According to court documents, Fabian Edilson Torres Caranton, also known as David and Cassius, 53, served as a coordinator, intermediary, and lieutenant for the Bloque Roberto Vargas Gutierrez of CDG — a Colombian paramilitary and multibillion-dollar Transnational Criminal Organization. CDG is one of Colombia’s largest and most powerful drug cartels with its membership in the thousands. CDG’s primary source of income is from cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its paramilitary activities.
According to court documents, in July 2018, Torres Caranton and an individual seeking to broker the purchase of cocaine on behalf of Mexican buyers, attended a meeting with another member of CDG at a ranch in or near Caucasia, Colombia. During the meeting, the other CDG member authorized the production of 500 kilograms of cocaine to be transported from Colombia into and through Central America for delivery to Mexican buyers for final delivery to the United States. Torres Caranton spent several days monitoring the cocaine production at a clandestine laboratory in Coralito, Colombia. Torres Caranton and his co-conspirators made two controlled deliveries of cocaine to an undercover officer: 191 kilograms on Sept. 16, 2018, in Valledupar, Colombia, and 172 kilograms on Oct. 16, 2018, in Cartagena, Colombia. Torres Caranton knew the purported Mexican buyers intended to distribute the cocaine in Houston, Texas.
Torres Caranton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine for unlawful importation into the United States from Colombia. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 4 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota worked with law enforcement partners in Colombia to secure the arrest and December 2023 extradition of Torres Caranton.
Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel and Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Three sentenced to federal prison for roles in tax refund fraud schemeRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a tax refund fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Imafedia Adevokhai, 47, of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to money laundering on February 15, 2023, and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on April 2, 2025. Adevokhai was ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $3500 in forfeiture.
Michael Martin, 52, of Texarkana, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 14, 2023, and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by Judge Schroeder on November 21, 2023. Martin was ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $121,623.41 in forfeiture.
Osazuwa Peter Okunoghae, 46, of Houston, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy on November 12, 2019, and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by Judge Schroeder on January 13, 2022. Okunoghae was ordered to pay $451,117.63 in restitution and $451,117.63 in forfeiture.
“The Eastern District of Texas is committed to prosecuting individuals who participate in schemes to steal personal information, prepare and file fraudulent tax returns, and launder the proceeds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “Crimes like these affect all of us, the individual victims whose identities are stolen and used to file fraudulent tax returns, the taxpayers, who are left with the bill, and our financial institutions, which are manipulated and misused to launder the proceeds.”
“Adevokhai, Martin, and Okunoghae, along with others, created a complex scheme to steal the tax refunds of law-abiding U.S. taxpayers through stolen identity refund fraud,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “The women and men of IRS-CI did an outstanding job of uncovering this fraudulent activity and bringing the individuals to justice. Their sentences should be a warning to anyone who would try to defraud the U.S. Government or prey on law-abiding taxpayers.”
According to information presented in court, Adevokhai, Martin, Okunoghae, and others were involved in a multi-year stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) conspiracy involving the theft of victims’ personal identifying information and the use of the stolen information to file fraudulent tax returns. The total tax refunds claimed by the fraudulent returns was $4,945,886, and the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, suffered at least a $390,220.40 loss. Adevokhai was involved in the preparation and filing of many of the fraudulent tax returns. Okunoghae and Martin were involved in the laundering of the stolen funds. To that end, they worked together and with others who would transfer fraud proceeds through United States financial accounts and ultimately to foreign financial accounts. The investigation connected Adevokhai, Martin, and Okunoghae to dozens of victims whose taxpayer identities were stolen.
In January 2019, individuals from three states and other individuals from Nigeria were charged for their roles in the conspiracy.
One of the Department of Justice Tax Division’s top priorities is prosecuting individuals who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States Treasury by filing fraudulent tax returns. SIRF schemes threaten to disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for law-abiding taxpayers and have cost the United States Treasury billions of dollars.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Sean Taylor.
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Three Defendants Indicted for Trafficking Fentanyl to Bemidji and the Red Lake Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Three individuals have been indicted on conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and firearm charges, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
According to court documents, from April 2024 through September 2024, La’veal O’Neal Allen, 38, of Minneapolis, Marquise Javon Walker, 28, of Lakeville, Minnesota, and Michaela Karon McKinney, 37, of New Hope, Minnesota, knowingly conspired with each other to possess and distribute fentanyl.
The indictment charges Allen, Walker, and McKinney with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Allen is additionally charged with felon in possession of a firearm. As the indictment details, Allen’s criminal history includes multiple felonies, including two convictions for first degree aggravated robbery a conviction for a predatory offender registration violation. Because Allen has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
“Fentanyl continues to flood communities throughout Minnesota, and unfortunately, we see some of the highest rates of overdose and addiction on our Indian reservations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “This trio of defendants has plagued the Red Lake Indian Reservation and the Bemidji area for years. No more. My office will ensure these purveyors of poison see federal justice.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. McBride is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texas Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Oxycodone Conspiracy and Structuring Cash TransactionsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for a drug conspiracy involving the distribution of oxycodone pills across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.
Christan Russell, 33, of Tomball, Texas was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 70 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Russell has also been ordered to pay a fine of $30,000. In October 2024, Russell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone pills and structuring cash transactions. Russell was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023 along with five co-conspirators.
Between approximately February 2023 and July 2023, Russell supplied oxycodone pills to co-conspirator Kenneth Veiga, who then redistributed those oxycodone pills to Austin Gonsalves and John Campbell. Russell obtained these pills from a variety of sources in the Houston, Texas area. On March 13, 2023 Russell traveled from Houston to Boston to meet with Veiga where they met in a hotel room in Rhode Island that Russell rented. During that meeting, Russell supplied oxycodone pills to Veiga and Veiga provided cash in exchange. On March 14, 2023, Russell engaged in four structured cash deposits at ATMs in the Boston area. For each of these deposits, Russell orchestrated the deposit to be less than $10,000 in an attempt to evade the bank from reporting the deposit to the Internal Revenue Service.
Veiga pleaded guilty and in July 2024, was sentenced to 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gonsalves pleaded guilty and in May 2024 was sentenced to 41 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2025, Campbell was sentenced to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Samuel R. Feldman of the Criminal Division and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Forfeiture Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
Terrebonne Parish Man Guilty of Mailing Large Quantities of Methamphetamine from California to LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TORREZ DRANE (“DRANE”), age 32, a resident of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on March 25, 2025, to possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A).
At his impending June 17, 2025 sentencing, DRANE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court records, DRANE made several trips to California, purchased large amounts of methamphetamine, and shipped the drugs back to the Eastern District of Louisiana by mail, so he could then re-distribute the drugs to individuals in South Louisiana. Agents intercepted one of these packages that contained over 8,800 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Houma Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Offices. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit.
This case 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.
Swain County Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Cold Case Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Ernest D. Pheasant, Sr., 47, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), was sentenced to life in prison today for the 2013 murder of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“For over a decade, Marie’s family has endured the pain of losing their loved one without justice. Today, that changed,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Ernest Pheasant will pay for his heinous crime by spending the rest of his life behind bars. While nothing can undo the family’s loss, I hope this sentence brings them a measure of justice. My Office remains committed to pursuing cases involving missing or murdered indigenous persons no matter how much time has passed.”
“While nothing can undo the pain caused by this tragic crime, we hope that this sentence helps to provide closure to the family and friends of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant,” said Marcelino Toersbijns, Chief of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU). “This case is emblematic of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis impacting tribal communities across the country and highlights the importance of the MMU’s mission of analyzing and solving missing, murdered and human trafficking cases involving American Indians and Alaska Natives.”
According to filed documents and information presented in court, on December 29, 2013, the body of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant was discovered inside a burned-out vehicle parked near Big Cove Road within the Qualla Boundary in the Western District of North Carolina. Investigators determined that the vehicle had been intentionally set on fire. An autopsy revealed that Marie died from stab wounds to the neck and abdomen. DNA retrieved from a baseball cap found near the vehicle was linked to the defendant, who was Marie’s estranged husband.
On April 7, 2022, following a review of unsolved homicides in the region, the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing and Murdered Unit opened a full interagency investigation into the case. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Pheasant killed Marie at their home, then transferred her body to the car, drove it to Big Cove Road, and set it on fire. On August 16, 2024, Pheasant pleaded guilty to first degree murder for killing Marie willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation.
The MMU began as the Cold Case task force, part of Operation Lady Justice, a multi-agency effort established by President Trump’s administration in 2019 to enhance the operation of the criminal justice system and address the staggering number of missing and murdered American Indian and Alaska Natives in tribal communities.
Today’s sentence is the result of the joint investigation conducted by the MMU, the FBI in North Carolina, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, and the EBCI Office of the Tribal Prosecutor.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Operation Not Forgotten
On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced a surge in FBI resources across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons. As part of Operation Not Forgotten, 60 FBI personnel will be sent to Field Offices to support investigations of Indian Country violent crimes. The FBI will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit and will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable. U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.
“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
“Violent crime continues to disproportionately impact communities in Indian Country,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Dedicating additional resources to reduce violent criminal activity in Tribal communities and solve cases of missing or murdered indigenous persons sends a clear message: No victim will be forgotten, and no crime will go unpunished.”
Scott Davis, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Interior, exercising the delegated authority of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, said, “We appreciate the partnership of the Department of Justice and the FBI in addressing these crimes. This announcement reinforces our commitment to Indian Country and our dedication to collaborating with federal, state, and tribal agencies to ensure justice for American Indian and Alaska Native victims while holding offenders accountable.”
Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.
Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years. Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.
Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.
St. Louis County Man Convicted of Charges Related to Five Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Thursday found a St. Louis County man guilty of all nine charges related to five armed robberies in Missouri and Illinois in 2023.
Ronald O. Perkins, 29, of Black Jack, Missouri, was found guilty of four counts of robbery, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony.
According to evidence and testimony at trial, Perkins was armed with a handgun during each of the robberies, and often banged the gun on the counter while demanding money or pointed it at victims, who were left shaken and afraid.
Perkins robbed a gas station and convenience store on Riverview Drive in St. Louis on Sept. 8, 2023. He entered the store, banged a pistol on the countertop and demanded money. He then grabbed money out of the register and fired several shots.
On Nov. 8, 2023, Perkins robbed a gas station on Clayton Road in Richmond Heights, stealing cash and a pack of cigarettes. Less than two hours later, he robbed a 7-Eleven on Hoffmeister Avenue in St. Louis County, stealing cash.
Four days later, he robbed a gas station on Fee Fee Road in St. Louis County of cash.
Five days after that, he robbed a liquor store on St. Louis Road in Collinsville, Illinois, again stealing money from the register.
Investigators obtained surveillance video showing each robbery, and later found clothes matching those worn by the robber in Perkins’ home and in one of the vehicles used by him to commit the robberies, evidence and testimony at trial showed. A distinctive scar on his hand matched the robber’s scar. The vehicles he drove matched those spotted in surveillance video from all five robberies. Officers recovered the gun that was a ballistic match to the firearm used in the first robbery from Perkins’ pants. Finally, Perkins’ left an electronic trail from his home to each robbery.
“Taken together, it is a staggering amount of evidence,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone told jurors during a closing statement Thursday. The trial began Monday.
Perkins is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3. Each robbery charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The discharge of a firearm charge carries a penalty of at least 10 years consecutive to the other charges. The brandishing charge carries a penalty of at least seven years consecutive to any other charge. The transporting charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Altogether, Perkins is facing at least 31 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life.
The St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the Richmond Heights Police Department, the Columbia (Illinois) Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Bluestone and Tiffany Becker are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.
South Dakota and Colorado Men Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine Across the State of South Dakota Including the Crow Creek ReservationRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Christopher Spider, a/k/a “House”, age 45 of South Dakota and Lance Brunsting, age 56, of Colorado, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on March 27, 2025.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in custody and/or a $10,000,000 fine, mandatory minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Christopher Spider was also convicted of Tampering with a Witness. That charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, a possibility of up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Spider and Brunsting were indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023.
Brunsting and Spider, along with numerous other individuals, conspired to distribute hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine throughout the state of South Dakota.
Spider, a resident of Crow Creek, was responsible for distributing approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Crow Creek Indian Reservation during his involvement in the conspiracy. While under Indictment for the offense, Spider sent a letter to another witness attempting to intimidate the witness into changing her testimony at trial. The letter was reported to law enforcement and Spider was subsequently indicted for Witness Tampering.
Brunsting, a resident of Denver, Colorado, was responsible for assisting in the weighing, packaging, and ultimate distribution of approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Brunsting made a trip to South Dakota alongside another co-conspirator where he assisted in selling approximately 41 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the state of South Dakota and into Minnesota.
“Christopher Spider and Lance Brunsting were involved in one of the largest methamphetamine conspiracies in South Dakota history,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “Our office was able to successfully prosecute the large-scale drug conspiracy thanks to the exceptional collaborative and investigative efforts of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners. Last week’s convictions represent a crucial step toward bringing these individuals to justice for the roles they played in bringing hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics into our South Dakota communities.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration provided the following statement: “The two individuals convicted last week are responsible for inflicting immeasurable harm on members of our South Dakota communities,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “Their arrest and conviction should serve as a warning to drug traffickers that the combined efforts of state, local and federal law enforcement will bring those pushing these dangerous substances to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Rocky Mountain Field Division, Omaha Field Division, Mexico City Country Office, Los Angeles Field Division, Special Operations Division), as well as South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, FBI, South Dakota Highway Patrol, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation team, El Paso Intelligence Center, and collaboration received from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, Mitchell Police Department, Denver Police Department, Las Vegas Metro Police Department, Worthington Police Department, Brookings Police Department, Brookings Sherriff’s Department, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force, Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force, and the Colorado Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for June 16, 2025. The defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island man who was previously incarcerated for robbing seven banks was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison for robbing four banks within a three-day span, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Vaughn Watrous, 48, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 108 months of incarceration to be followed by one year of federal supervised release. Additionally, he is ordered to pay restitution to victim banks totaling $4,775.
Watrous pleaded guilty on April 24, 2024, to bank robbery. At the time of his guilty plea, Watrous admitted to robbing three banks in Providence and Cranston on January 19, 20, and 21, 2021; and attempting to rob a fourth bank in North Providence on January 21, 2021.
According to court records, Watrous was previously convicted of multiple bank robberies in 1997, 2003, and 2013. In 1997 Watrous was convicted in the U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah, on a charge of bank robbery and sentenced to 51 months in federal prison. In 2003 he was convicted in the U.S. District Court in Providence on two counts of bank robbery and sentenced to 76 months of incarceration. In October 2015 he was convicted in U.S. District Court in Providence on four counts of bank robbery and sentenced in February 2016 to a term of incarceration of 92 months.
The most recent case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julianne Klein and John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the Providence, Cranston, and North Providence Police Departments.
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Sentences Imposed in Northeast Kingdom Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 31, 2025, Nathaniel “JJ” Jones, 39, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 135 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Jones previously pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and cocaine.
Three codefendants had previously been sentenced in the case. Jermaine “Bear” Douchette, 44, of Springfield, Massachusetts also received a sentence of 135 months’ imprisonment on December 16, 2024. Michelle Provencher, 26, of Irasburg, Vermont received a sentence of 37 months’ imprisonment on February 10, 2025. Daniel Peters, 29, of Newport, Vermont received a sentence of 45 months’ imprisonment on February 24, 2025. Three additional codefendants—Tyler Norris, Erica Desormeaux, and Jeremy Young—are awaiting sentencing.
According to court records, “JJ” Jones and co-defendant “Bear” Douchette stayed at multiple short-term rental units and residences in Orleans County in 2022 while distributing fentanyl and cocaine they periodically acquired in Massachusetts. Between August and October 2022, they used the residence of Desormeaux and Young in Barton, Vermont, to prepare, store, and distribute the drugs to customers in the Northeast Kingdom. Provencher assisted Jones and Douchette in finding customers and willing hosts. Many of the conspirators carried firearms as part of their activities, and the group took firearms from some customers in exchange for drugs. Some of the group, including Jones and Douchette, made threats and engaged in acts of violence in furtherance of the conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Northern Vermont Drug Task Force (NVDTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in this case. He also noted the assistance NVDTF and ATF received from the Vermont State Police, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, the Newport Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, and Homeland Security Investigations throughout the investigation and prosecution.
“This case underscores the relentless commitment of ATF and our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities through the distribution of deadly narcotics and illegal firearms,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “The sentences handed down as a result of this investigation send a clear message: we will not tolerate violent criminal activity in the Northeast Kingdom or anywhere else in Vermont.”
"Our commitment to community safety remains unwavering”, said Sheriff Jennifer L. Harlow of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking organizations that distribute deadly narcotics and illegal firearms. We thank our federal partners for their dedication to ensuring these individuals are held responsible."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Jones was represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.; Douchette was represented by Gregory Mertz, Esq; Provencher was represented by Robert Sussman, Esq.; and Peters was represented by Heather Ross, Esq. Tyler Norris is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.; Erica Desormeaux is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq.; and Jeremy Young is represented by Allan Sullivan, Esq.
San Fernando Valley Man Arrested for Allegedly Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material Tied to Online Violent Network Known as ‘764’Read the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he targeted children for sexual exploitation online as part of his role in an online violent network that seeks to accelerate social unrest and the downfall of the current world order.
Jose Henry Ayala Casamiro, 28, was arrested by the FBI on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography. He made his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond and an April 22 arraignment date was scheduled in Los Angeles federal court.
“The facts alleged in this complaint are disturbing,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Criminals lurk in the internet’s dark corners to prey on and do lasting damage to children. Let this arrest serve as notice to all online predators. We will find you and arrest you if you hurt children.”
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Ayala caused minors to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) as well as other video content depicting themselves engaging in self-harm as part of his participation in an online network known broadly as “764”, a network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in criminal conduct, particularly targeting children for sexual exploitation online, to further the network’s goals of accelerating the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government. Members of 764 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.
As part of the 764 network, Ayala allegedly was involved with an online group that blackmailed underage girls into creating child pornography videos depicting themselves engaging in degrading sadistic sexual acts, torture sessions, and carving their abusers’ initials or names on their bodies. The group also encouraged the female minors to commit suicide. As one example, the criminal complaint details a March 2020 photo in which an individual had cut the defendant’s name “Henry” into their right forearm. The complaint also outlines four videos that allegedly depict Ayala directing teen girls to engage in specific sexual acts. In February and March 2025, the complaint also alleges that Ayala participated in a new server created as a “grooming pool” targeting underage girls.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Elbogen, of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section, and David Ryan, Chief of the National Security Division, are prosecuting this case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
San Antonio Used Car Dealer Employee Sentenced for Odometer TamperingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A used car dealership manager in San Antonio was sentenced in a federal court to six months in prison and ordered to pay more than $260,000 in restitution for odometer tampering.
According to court documents, Felipe Alcibar, 62, was the primary party responsible for the day-to-day operations of Autotex Financial, a used car dealership. Beginning no later than October 2020 and continuing until at least November 2023, Alcibar knowingly and intentionally disconnected, reset or altered the odometers on multiple vehicles that had been purchased by Autotex and that were advertised for sale to the general public.
Alcibar was charged in a one-count information filed Oct. 8, 2024. He pleaded guilty Oct. 30, 2024. In addition to a six month prison sentence, Alcibar was ordered to pay a restitution of $264,747.05.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Department of Transportation Office of Odometer Fraud investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung prosecuted the case.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry on Thursday sentenced a registered sex offender who sold child pornography online to 17 years in prison.
Patrick Mayberry, now 46, of High Ridge, told investigators that he’d received over $2,000 by selling child pornography that he’d obtained on the dark web. Mayberry had multiple videos containing child sexual abuse material in his MEGA cloud-storage account.
The investigation began with a CyberTipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Mayberry had uploaded child sexual abuse material to his Google account.
Mayberry pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November to one count of possession of child pornography as a prior offender.
Mayberry is a registered sex offender and was on probation at the time of the offense. He was convicted of one count of failure to register as a sex offender in 2021 in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Missouri. In 2008, he was convicted of one count of attempting to procure child pornography for seeking nude photographs of a nine-year-old. In 2003, he was convicted of second-degree rape of a victim under age 16 in Oklahoma.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Quincy Woman Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Crystal Gesumaria, 41, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal to three years of probation and ordered to pay $93,603 in restitution. Earlier in the hearing, Gesumaria pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor theft of government money. Gesumaria was charged in October 2024.
From July 2013 to August 2022, Gesumaria stole $93,603 in Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits by failing to report her 2013 marriage and making multiple misleading statements to SSA regarding her marital status. Gesumaria had been receiving disabled adult child (DAC) benefits since March 2005. Married individuals, with limited exceptions, are ineligible for DAC benefits. SSA informed Gesumaria of this eligibility criteria when she began receiving DAC benefits and sent several written reminders of her obligation to report any change in her marital status. During a continuing disability review in 2016, Gesumaria submitted to SSA several forms as well as an affidavit from her husband that contained misleading information about their relationship with references to him as a “friend” or “roommate.” When she was confronted by an SSA employee in May 2022 about an allegation that she was married and reminded again of the potential impact on her DAC benefits, Gesumaria denied knowing anything about the marriage.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Portage Man Sentenced to 12 Years as Organizer of Statewide Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Angel Flores, 31, Portage, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for attempting to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine for distribution. Flores pleaded guilty to this charge on December 18, 2024. Juan Ojeda, 31, West Allis, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Peterson to one year in federal prison for possessing cocaine intended for distribution. Ojeda pleaded guilty to this charge on December 16, 2024.
In late 2022, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a large cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in the Western District of Wisconsin. During the investigation, agents intercepted communications between Flores and his California supplier of cocaine and methamphetamine. Investigators determined that Flores was obtaining multiple kilograms of cocaine and large amounts of methamphetamine and selling it throughout the Western District of Wisconsin, including Madison, Portage, and La Crosse.
In January 2023, co-defendant Juan Ojeda travelled to Chicago at the direction of Flores to meet with a courier sent by the California supplier. Ojeda received 12 kilograms of cocaine in that meeting and transported it back to Wisconsin. In February 2023, intercepted phone communications resulted in the interception of a load of cocaine as it travelled through Arizona on its way to Illinois, where Flores arranged to receive three kilograms from the shipment.
In sentencing Flores, Judge Peterson expressed concern about the large quantity and geographic scope of the trafficking organization led by Flores, observing that he brought multiple kilograms of cocaine into Wisconsin on a continuing basis over a long period of time, with distribution spanning nearly two-thirds of the state. Judge Peterson indicated that the 12-year sentence for Flores’s leadership role in “some of the highest level of dealing in this district” was intended to convey that drug trafficking in this volume will not be tolerated.
In sentencing Ojeda, Judge Peterson imposed a one-year sentence after observing that Ojeda had a limited role in the trafficking organization, no significant criminal history, and withdrawn from participation in the organization before police intervened.
In March 2025, Judge Peterson sentenced four other defendants for their roles in aiding Flores’s drug trafficking organization. Judge Peterson sentenced Braulio Martinez-Salazar to 3 years; Luis Angel Rios to 9 years; David Junius to 7 years; and Justin Purdy to 8 years.
The charges in this case were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Anderson and William M. Levins prosecuted this case.
The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition and Supervised Release ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 2, 2025, to 46 months’ imprisonment for violating federal firearms laws and an additional 8 consecutive months of imprisonment for violating conditions of his federal supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Keith Harris, 25, and also ordered Harris to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
Harris previously pleaded guilty in this case to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon on June 11, 2024. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Additionally, Harris admitted to violating several conditions of his supervised release following a 2022 conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harris.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine into ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISRAEL MENDOZA, also known as “D-Nice” and “Israel Mandosa,” 45, formerly of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and cocaine into Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force began investigating a Hartford area narcotics trafficking operation that involved the use of the U.S. Mail to ship parcels of drugs and drug proceeds. Investigators determined that Mendoza supplied Michael Copeland, of Bloomfield, with large quantities of cocaine, and that Copeland, at Mendoza’s direction, mailed parcels containing cash to individuals in California. In September and October, U.S. Postal Inspectors in California intercepted and seized two parcels, each containing approximately $13,000 in cash, that Copeland mailed in Connecticut to addresses in the Fresno area. Investigators analyzed postal records and identified dozens of additional parcels connected to this drug trafficking network that are suspected to have contained narcotics or drug proceeds.
In February 2019, investigators seized a parcel containing nearly 500 grams of cocaine that had been mailed from California to a Bloomfield residence that was connected to Copeland.
Mendoza worked with others, including Neliobet DeJesus and Danny Rhodes, in the Hartford area to distribute heroin and cocaine. During the investigation, after DeJesus had moved to Orlando, Florida, investigators identified a mail parcel that was destined for a residence in Orlando that was linked to DeJesus. A court authorized search of the parcel revealed approximately 500 grams of cocaine and approximately five grams of fentanyl.
On October 31, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Mendoza, Copeland, DeJesus, and Rhodes with narcotics trafficking offenses. Mendoza remained a fugitive until his arrest on August 14, 2023, in California.
On October 1, 2024, Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and cocaine. He has been detained since his arrest.
Copeland, DeJesus and Rhodes previously pleaded guilty. On December 8, 2021, Rhodes was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment; on December 16, 2021, Copeland was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment; and on March 7, 2022, DeJesus was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, including members from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, and Hartford Police Department assisted the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Passenger charged with sexual assault during flight from Montana to TexasRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A New Jersey man accused of sexual assault while flying from Bozeman, Montana to Dallas, Texas was charged this week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla, 36, of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count indictment with abusive sexual contact in special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, Shukla faces two years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.
Shukla is scheduled to appear on April 17, 2025, for an arraignment.
The indictment alleges that on January 26, 2025, on board an American Airlines flight from Bozeman to Dallas, Shukla engaged in sexual contact with another person without that other person’s permission.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, ICE and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Police conducted the investigation.
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 25-08.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Owner of Halo Home Healthcare sentenced to 4 years in prison for health care fraud, tax crimesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Sharon Romaine Ward, 53, formerly of West Chester, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 48 months in prison for fraudulently billing more than $8.5 million to Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Affairs health care programs between 2015 and 2021.
When Ward started Halo Home Healthcare in 2015, she concealed her ownership of the company because she had a prior felony conviction in 2013 for passing forged and fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and hydrocodone while serving as a nurse practitioner in Warren County. As a result of her conviction, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General excluded her from participating in federal health care programs for a minimum period of ten years.
According to court documents, Halo Home Healthcare routinely overbilled federal healthcare programs, charging them for services it did not perform. In one example cited in court documents, Halo continued to bill Medicaid for home health services while the patient was hospitalized. In addition, between 2017 and 2020, Halo hired over 50 employees with significant criminal histories which ordinarily should have excluded them from providing home health services, including one individual who was charged with a quadruple murder while ostensibly working for Halo.
Ward submitted at least 92,770 claims to Medicaid seeking $8,556,776.58, receiving $8,403,299.24 between 2016 and 2021. Court documents say she also failed to provide accurate information to her business tax return preparer causing false tax returns to be prepared and filed.
Ward pleaded guilty in June 2024 to health care fraud and making or subscribing a false income tax return.
As part of her sentence, Ward will pay $8,403,299.24 in restitution to the Ohio Department of Medicaid and $195,5668.00 to the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Healthcare Administration. Ward will also prepare and file corrected business tax returns with the IRS and pay restitution in the amount of $81,617 to the IRS.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Health Care Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo is representing the United States in this case.
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Owner of E-Card Lending Charged with Operating a Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The owner and founder of E-Card Lending LLC or E-Card Merchant LLC (E-Card) was charged with running an investment Ponzi scheme disguised as a merchant cash advance (MCA) business.
Pablo Silverio Rebollido, 47, of Miami, Fla., was charged by an information with wire fraud on March 26.
According to the allegations in the information, E-Card was purportedly engaged in the business of providing MCAs, a type of short-term financing typically used by small and medium-sized businesses. E-Card allegedly loaned money at high interest rates to its clients in the form of lump-sum cash advances in exchange for a percentage of future E-Card’s credit card sales or daily bank deposits.
Court documents state that from August 2019 to February 2024, Rebollido fraudulently solicited money from investors purportedly to fund E-Card’s MCAs in exchange for regular monthly investment returns from E-Card’s profits. It is alleged that in reality, E-Card had no clients and Rebollido fraudulently used the investment funds to pay off earlier investors and finance his extravagant lifestyle. It is alleged that over 70 investors invested in E-Card and the scheme resulted in more than $40 million dollars in losses.
Rebollido’s initial appearance hearing is scheduled for April 11 at 2:00 p.m. in Miami. If convicted, Rebollido faces up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office made the announcement.
FBI Miami is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Moore and Jon Juenger are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.
The charges contained in an information are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Miami Division is seeking to identify potential victims of “E Card Merchant LLC” or “E Card Lending LLC." The FBI believes E Card Merchant primarily targeted victims between the timeframe of January 2019 to January 2024.
If you and/or your minor dependent(s) were victimized by E Card Merchant or have information relevant to this investigation, please complete the short form located on the FBI’s Seeking Victims webpage.
If you know of someone else who has possibly been victimized by E Card Merchant, please encourage them to complete the form themselves.
The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law. Your responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. All identities of victims will be kept confidential.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20127.
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Orlando Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing over Nine Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Desean Williams (38, Orlando) to 14 years in federal prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Williams entered a guilty plea on December 20, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, on January 31, 2024, Williams distributed 4,459 grams of methamphetamine to another individual, Stephen Godbolt. Godbolt then sold 1,331 grams of that methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The remaining methamphetamine provided by Williams was recovered from Godbolt’s vehicle.
On September 13, 2024, Godbolt was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for his involvement in this offense.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 198 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Kortney Moore, 27 years old, of West Akron, Ohio, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Moore was sentenced to 198 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in February 2024, Moore, who was on federal supervised release, used the Indiana Toll Road to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl. Moore had been traveling from Ohio to North Dakota when law enforcement stopped him in Indiana and recovered over 700 grams of pure methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl from his vehicle. Moore has prior felony convictions for attempted possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and possession of a loaded illegal machinegun as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory with assistance from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, and the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Falvey and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.
Nurse Anesthetist Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Diversion at Dubuque HospitalRead the Press Release
A nurse anesthetist who diverted fentanyl for his own use was sentenced on April 2, 2025, to three months in federal prison. Ian Lindsey, age 42, from Mineral Point, Wisconsin, received the prison term after November 13, 2024, guilty pleas to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge, and one count of false statement relating to health care matters.
In a plea agreement, and at his sentencing hearing, Lindsey admitted, and the evidence showed that, no later than 2017, he was diverting significant amounts of fentanyl and other drugs from a hospital in Platteville, Wisconsin. The hospital was purchasing fentanyl above monthly limits, yet its supply was still consistently out. Lindsey also illegally accessed patient records and made false statements in patient records at the Platteville hospital. Lindsey was “shaky” and “falling asleep at surgery bedside.” The Platteville hospital fired Lindsey in 2017.
Lindsey’s criminal conduct later resumed at a hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. From October 2022 to at least January 25, 2023, Lindsey diverted fentanyl from nearly 50 patients at the Dubuque hospital. Lindsey also again illegally accessed the medical records of six patients and made false statements in the medical records of another, making it appear that he had given that patient fentanyl for her pain when he had not done so.
Lindsey has a serious criminal history dating back to 2004. Most significantly, Lindsey has four convictions in Wisconsin for drunk driving, including a 2024 conviction for fourth offense operating with prohibited alcohol content. In three of the convictions, Lindsey’s blood alcohol content was .240% or higher.
Lindsey was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Lindsey was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, 6 months of home confinement, and fined $5,000. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lindsey maintains valid nursing licenses in multiple states despite his criminal history and conduct. At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Williams found Lindsey had committed a “gross abuse of trust,” encouraged Lindsey to stay out of the medical profession, and indicated the relevant licensing boards had done a disservice to the public and Lindsey by not taking any action against his nursing licenses over the years.
Lindsey was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-1035-CJW.
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New York Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Money Laundering Connected to Stolen Federal FundsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Xing Zheng, 35, of Queens, New York, was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to launder approximately $2.98 million of fraud proceeds from various sources, including more than $426,000 in stolen Social Security retirement funds and COVID-19 funds from the state workforce agencies of Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Arizona, and Ohio. Zheng was also ordered to pay $426,044 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and the various state workforce agencies, and a forfeiture judgment of $745,000.
In December of last year, Zheng pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering.
As stated in the information and admitted to by Zheng, he and an unidentified coconspirator, who operated under the pseudonyms “Christian Dasilva” and “Christian Hernandez,” agreed to launder fraud proceeds. In furtherance of the conspiracy, fraudulent applications were filed online for SSA Retirement Insurance Benefit (RIB) and COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Act (PUA) funds, using the stolen identities and personal information of eligible retirees and other individuals, and those benefit payments were directed to bank accounts controlled by the conspirators.
“Christian” also conspired with a related defendant, Myrna Ortiz, 46, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whom “Christian” met through an online dating website. The two started a relationship via digital messaging, and Ortiz began helping her online paramour execute the fraud scheme, filing fraudulent claims for SSA RIB payments. The scheme targeted high wage earners over the age of 62 who had not yet filed for Social Security retirement benefits and impacted at least 23 victims.
Ortiz admitted opening 10 bank accounts at “Christian’s” direction, in order to receive the fraudulently issued government funds, and then withdrawing the funds, purchasing gift cards with the cash, and laundering the funds back to her coconspirator through the gift cards, by providing him with the account number and unique four-digit personal identification number (“PIN”) for each gift card.
Beginning in or about May 2020, “Christian” instructed Ortiz to provide him with the debit cards for the bank accounts into which the stolen funds were electronically deposited. Using various encrypted communications platforms, “Christian” and Zheng then conspired to further launder these funds.
They agreed that “Christian” would sell debit cards and gift cards to Zheng in exchange for cryptocurrency, both knowing that the funds were the proceeds of unlawful activity and that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds.
During the course of the conspiracy, Zheng purchased approximately 1,565 debit cards and/or gift cards from “Christian,” valued at approximately $2.98 million, which he laundered and exchanged for cryptocurrency for “Christian.” In all, Zheng retained approximately 25% of the value of the debit and gift cards that he exchanged.
Of the approximately $2.98 million laundered, approximately $96,500 worth of fraud proceeds were traceable to Myrna Ortiz’s bank accounts, which contained the stolen SSA RIB and PUA fraud proceeds. All told, through these schemes, Ortiz conspired to defraud the government and to launder stolen government funds totaling almost $600,000. She was sentenced in January to one day in prison, two years of supervised release, and restitution of $688,049.
“While Zheng did not personally participate in the fraud against the government, he knew that the money he was laundering was criminally derived,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Nonetheless, he was happy to participate, launder funds on a near-daily basis, and take his 25% cut, even as his crimes helped perpetuate the underlying fraud. My office will continue to target crooks who steal from the government — and those who enable them — dismantle their schemes, and bring them to justice.”
“The millions of dollars fraudulently obtained in this case were intended to support struggling Americans during a time of unprecedented crisis — not to line the pockets of those driven by greed,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of these vital relief programs, and we’re grateful for the continued collaboration of our partners as we hold accountable those who exploit them through egregious and complex financial schemes.”
“This 28-month prison sentence holds Mr. Zheng accountable for stealing money from rightful beneficiaries who rely on these funds to survive,” said Colleen Lawlor, Special Agent in Charge, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division. “I thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this complex case.”
“Xing Zheng and his co-conspirators defrauded multiple state workforce agencies by filing for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in the names of identity theft victims who were not entitled to such benefits. As a result, Zheng enriched himself by stealing taxpayer resources intended for unemployed American workers. This sentencing affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI system from those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program," stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.
New York Business Owner Sentenced for Illegally Transporting and Selling Probable CarcinogenRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Idrissa Bagayoko, 59, of New York, New York, to one year of supervised release with three months of home confinement and restitution in the amount of $5,640, for illegally transporting and selling an unregistered toxic pesticide, SNIPER DDVP.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Special Agent in Charge Greg Thompson, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region; and Chief Carolyn Rogers, Elkton Police Department (EPD).
In November 2024, after a four-day trial, a federal jury found Bagayoko guilty of recklessly transporting a dangerous probable carcinogen, the unregistered pesticide known as SNIPER DDVP, without proper documentation and knowingly selling SNIPER DDVP in Maryland. Bagayoko was convicted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Hazardous Material Transportation Act.
According to evidence presented at trial, on September 29, 2021, Bagayoko drove from New York to Maryland and sold two boxes of the unregistered pesticide SNIPER DDVP to an individual. He was later stopped by police in Elkton, Maryland, with 18 additional boxes of SNIPER DDVP. Bagayoko, who owns and operates Maliba Trading LLC, procured a total of 1,920 bottles of SNIPER DDVP and drove from New York to Maryland to sell the illegal pesticide.
Laboratory testing revealed Bagayoko was transporting SNIPER DDVP containing the chemical dichlorvos, which has been classified by the federal government as a probable human carcinogen. The defendant transported more than 330 pounds of dichlorvos, without requisite shipping papers, which are required to alert first responders that they are dealing with a toxic chemical compound and probable carcinogen, in the event of an accident. He subsequently sold two boxes of this unregistered pesticide to a distributor in Takoma Park, Maryland.
“Illegally transporting and selling an illegal pesticide that is a known probable carcinogen puts public health at serious risk,” Hayes said. “The District of Maryland is committed to rooting out criminal actors that brazenly violate federal transportation and environmental laws while simultaneously putting Maryland’s first responders and residents in harm’s way.”
“The defendant illegally distributed, sold and transported a toxic pesticide across state lines and lied to local police, claiming he was only transporting tea,” Landsman said. “Today’s sentencing reflects the dangerous nature of illegal pesticides being transported and sold in the United States and the serious consequences that flagrant offenders face for this egregious conduct.”
“Recklessly transporting hazardous materials without proper documentation as required by federal regulations is illegal and poses a danger to the traveling public,” Thompson said. “Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to pursue individuals and companies that circumvent laws designed to safely move goods and products throughout the United States.”
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the EPA, DOT-OIG, and EPD for their help with the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Phillips and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kertisha Dixon and David Lastra who prosecuted the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md.
New Hampshire Man Charged with Discharging a Firearm During Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on April 3, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging Douglas Reynolds, 37, of New Hampshire, with using a firearm to assault a federal officer and discharging the firearm during the assault. Reynolds was previously charged with other firearm-related charges and those charges remain pending.
Reynolds’s arraignment on the second superseding indictment has not yet been scheduled. He is being held in custody during these proceedings.
According to court records, on October 24, 2024, Reynolds led law enforcement on a car chase that started in New Hampshire and ended near Ryegate, Vermont. The pursuit reached speeds of at least 100 miles per hour. At the end of the chase, Reynolds pointed a firearm out of his car and fired a shot. Law enforcement returned fire and then apprehended Reynolds.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Reynolds is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Reynolds faces up to a lifetime of imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and the Vermont State Police.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Reynolds is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Carmen Brooks.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case 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.
New Britain Woman Admits Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VICTORIA KATES, 34, of New Britain, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to offenses related to her fraudulent receipt of COVID-19 relief funds.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One program created by the CARES Act was a temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”). Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who were not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status. The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI. The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.
From March 2020 through May 2021, Kates defrauded the CT-DOL of $217,056 by filing fraudulent unemployment applications with the CT-DOL on behalf of her family, acquaintances, and others. Kates prepared and submitted the original applications and, in certain instances, submitted required weekly recertifications of the applicant’s purported continued unemployment status. Kates took a portion of the payouts as a fee.
As an example, in August 2020, Kates submitted an online unemployment application to the CT-DOL for a friend that made several false representations, including that the applicant was a self-employed driver who worked 40 hours per week, when, in fact, the applicant was neither self-employed nor worked the hours represented. Kates also used her home address as the applicant’s address. Based on the original application and weekly certifications, the CT-DOL made $27,993 in payments, with Kates taking at least $1,000 to $1,500 as a fee. When the CT-DOL demanded proof of legal wages and proof of address, Kates created and provided to the CT-DOL a fraudulent IRS form showing the applicant’s purported gross wages for 2019, and a cropped photograph of a business envelope to make it appear that the applicant had lived at the represented address.
Another source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding. The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds were to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.
The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans. Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.
In 2021, Kates applied for and received $16,250 through the PPP loan program by making false representations, including overstating her yearly gross income. Kates also provided a false IRS filing to support the income figure on the application. She subsequently provided additional fraudulent information to obtain forgiveness of the loan.
Kates pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for September 2. Kates is released on a $40,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Multiple Defendants Indicted on Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Asheville has returned multiple indictments, charging several individuals with criminal charges that include unlawful firearm possession, straw purchasing of firearms, and trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Protecting our communities from drugs and guns is one of the Justice Department’s core missions,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Through Operation Take Back America we are stepping up our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our communities, eliminate drugs in our neighborhoods, and make sure our streets are safer for everyone.”
Bryan Austin Herron, 23, of Marshall, N.C., was indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2024, Herron unlawfully possessed a RugerEC9S 9mm handgun knowing he had prior felony convictions, including attempt to traffic methamphetamine.
John Quentin London, 39, of Hendersonville, N.C., is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of two firearms: a Smith and Wesson, model 649, .38 caliber revolver, and a Smith and Wesson, model SD9, 9mm pistol.
Jason Mills, 46, of Hendersonville, is charged with multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Mills trafficked fentanyl and methamphetamine in Henderson and Buncombe Counties between January and February 2024.
Christopher O’Brien Moore, 30, of Shelby, North Carolina, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that, on June 6, 2024, Moore, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a federal racketeering conspiracy and multiple state felonies, unlawfully possessed a Glock, model 22, .40 caliber pistol and ammunition.
Dontavis Raheem Pressley, 36, of Shelby, N.C., is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that, on August 13, 2024, Pressley possessed a Glock model 43, 9mm caliber pistol, knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Tia Marche Ray, 33, of Asheville, is charged with five counts of straw purchasing firearms. The indictment alleges that between July 12, 2020, and August 3, 2022, Ray acquired six firearms from multiple dealers in Buncombe County, by making false statements in connection with the acquisition of the firearms, falsely representing that she was the actual buyer of the firearms.
The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office; the Burke County Sheriff’s Office; the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office; the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; and the Asheville Police Department for their respective investigations that led to the charges.
The cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.
The indictments are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Minneapolis Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Stolen Firearms That He Attempted to SellRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Howard Ozell Crenshaw, a Minneapolis man, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing stolen firearms that he then attempted to sell, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2022, an undercover (UC) law enforcement officer called Howard Ozell Crenshaw, 34, to express interest in purchasing firearms. Crenshaw informed the undercover law enforcement officer that he had an AR-15 rifle and two Berretta handguns available for sale, which the UC officer agreed to purchase for $2,600. The pair agreed to meet on December 13, 2022, to complete the transaction.
On the day of their meeting, the UC officer agreed to purchase an addition shotgun from Crenshaw for $500. They met as planned on December 13, 2022, and Crenshaw entered the UC officer’s vehicle, abruptly exited and called the UC officer, directing him to drive to a different location one block away. Crenshaw explained that he had placed the firearms in a residential trash can in a nearby alley. The UC officer retrieved the four firearms and tossed Crenshaw a roll of cash totaling $2,600. Shortly thereafter, the UC agent called Crenshaw and explained that he had placed the additional $500 in the same trash can the defendant had used for the firearms. Crenshaw later returned to the trash can and collected the additional $500.
According to court documents, Crenshaw sold the UC agent a Benelli M1 Super 90 12-guage shotgun; an Armalite .223 AR-15 rifle; a Beretta model M9 nine-millimeter handgun; and a Beretta model M9 nine-millimeter handgun from Crenshaw. A subsequent record check on the firearms revealed that they had been reported stolen following the November 19, 2022, burglary of a home in St. Paul.
Because Crenshaw has four prior felony convictions, including for Drug Sale – 1st Degree, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
“Crenshaw is a four-time convicted felon and drug dealer who decided to sell stolen firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “I am proud of the excellent work of our federal partners at ATF to take yet another dangerous criminal off the streets.”
Crenshaw pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court before Judge Susan R. Nelson to one count of illegal possession of firearms as felon. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 5, 2025.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting the case.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of announced today that James Poole (age 19) was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for his role in armed carjackings in Milwaukee.
According to court records, Poole participated in two armed carjackings in late January 2024. In each of the carjackings, Poole brandished a firearm. On January 29, 2024, at approximately 7:45 pm, Poole committed a carjacking on the 2400 block of N. Farwell Avenue on the East Side of Milwaukee. The following day, at approximately 5:00 pm, Poole engaged in a carjacking in a parking lot in downtown Milwaukee, near 2nd Street and Plankinton Avenue. Shortly after the second carjacking, while driving the stolen vehicle, Poole led members of the Milwaukee Police Department on a high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods and reaching speeds of 90 mph. Poole ultimately crashed the stolen car into a tree near 82nd and Burleigh Streets, causing life-threatening injuries to all passengers inside the stolen vehicle. Following his term of imprisonment, Poole also will spend three years on supervised release. He also was ordered to pay restitution.
Poole’s co-defendant, Jabari Griffin (age 21), was sentenced on February 27, 2025, for his role in aiding and abetting Poole in the January 30, 2024, carjacking. Griffin was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
“Individuals who engage in violent crimes – like these armed carjackings – not only endanger the lives and well-being of their victims but also can shatter the confidence of all residents that our cities are safe places in which to live and work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with all of its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to hold these individuals accountable for their actions and to pursue justice for all impacted victims.”
“Armed carjackings and the dangerous actions of those who committed the offenses in this case endangered the public and impacted the victims of this crime. This sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes committed by James Poole,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI remains steadfastly committed to working with our partners to investigate violent crime matters—to include armed carjackings—in our ongoing efforts to positively impact public safety within our community.”
“The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is proud of the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in holding violent individuals accountable for their actions. Armed carjackings are violent acts that cause great harm to our community. Those that bring harm to our community must be held accountable.” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “MPD values our collaboration with the community, federal, state and local law enforcement partners to build a safer city for everyone to live, work and play.”
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force, including the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abbey M. Marzick and Michael C. Schindhelm.
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Mexican woman arrested for falsely claiming to be U.S. citizenRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A Mexican citizen illegally residing in San Benito has been indicted on charges related to using someone else’s identity to pose as an American citizen, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Authorities have now taken Cristina Amezcua Valencia, 53, into custody. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker at 9 a.m. April 4.
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment April 1. The charges include one count of false statement in application of a U.S. passport, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of false claim to citizenship.
The charges allege that on Sept. 25, 2018, Amezcua applied for a U.S. passport, claiming the identity of another individual. On May 18, 2023, she allegedly utilized the passport containing the individual’s name, and date and place of birth so she could enter the U.S. from Mexico.
If convicted, Amezcua faces up to 10 years for the false statement in application of a U.S. passport and up to three years for false claim to U.S. citizenship. She will also be ordered to serve a mandatory two years for identity theft, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. She could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.
Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarina S. DiPiazza and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Delcolle are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Mexican national sentenced for illegal reentry in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Valentin Hernandez-Yanez, 38, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a deported alien and was sentenced to time served by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on April 2, 2025. Hernandez-Yanez has been imprisoned since July of 2024. He is currently being held on an immigration detainer and will be processed by Homeland Security before being deported to Mexico.
According to information presented in court, on April 30, 2024, Hernandez-Yanez was observed by federal immigration agents in Vidor, Texas. Agents were familiar with Hernandez-Yanez from past dealings. An immigration database check revealed Hernandez-Yanez to be a national of Mexico having been previously deported to Mexico in June of 2011. Hernandez-Yanez has not since applied for permission to reenter the United States since he was last removed.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Mexican National Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics, Firearm, and Immigration ChargesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Juan Carlos Espinoza Lopez, 49, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 151 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and illegal reentry. Espinoza Lopez pled guilty to these charges on December 17, 2024.
In his plea agreement, Espinoza Lopez admitted that he was a native and citizen of Mexico and had been removed from the United States on four occasions, mostly recently in 2022. He reentered the United States and traveled to Hawaii where he was apprehended in April 2024, while in Ocean View, Hawaii, at which time he possessed with the intent to distribute 176 grams of methamphetamine and 184 grams of heroin, as well as a Colt AR-15 rifle loaded with twenty-seven rounds of ammunition.
At sentencing, Judge Watson explained that Espinoza Lopez’s drug dealing, which was poisoning the community, was aggravated by the defendant’s possession of a loaded firearm as well as his illegal presence in the United States. Judge Watson further noted Espinoza Lopez’s two prior felony convictions made it “difficult” to accept his statement of remorse.
“This prosecution and today’s lengthy sentence deliver the clear message that when you come to Hawaii as an illegal alien for the purpose of brazenly and repeatedly violating our nation’s laws, you will be federally prosecuted and sentenced to a long period of imprisonment,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will not tolerate those who exploit our borders, endanger our citizens, and profit from the addiction, misery, and violence that accompany the trafficking of drugs in our communities.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hawaii Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Armando Bravo-Coyote (43) to 14 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien. Bravo-Coyote pleaded guilty on October 31, 2024.
According to court documents, on August 19, 2024, Bravo-Coyote, a citizen and national of Mexico, was found to be voluntarily in the United States. Bravo-Coyote was physically removed from the United States to Mexico on four occasions, April 29, 2009, March 22, 2010, August 7, 2013, and May 2, 2019. Bravo-Coyote has never applied to the Attorney General of the United States and/or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for permission to re-enter the United States after being removed/deported from the United States. Bravo-Coyote had previously been convicted of a felony offense.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.