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4 March 2025
Former Tampa Banker Sentenced for Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Igor Shushpanov (39, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison for bank fraud. The court ordered Shushpanov to pay $407,398 in restitution, which represents the loss amount. The court also ordered Shushpanov to forfeit $303,093.26 in proceeds he obtained through his criminal activity. Shushpanov pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024.
According to court documents, from as early as February 2017, until approximately July 30, 2022, Shushpanov opened checking accounts at multiple credit unions that were members of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. Shushpanov then obtained credit cards or personal lines of credit from the credit unions. Upon receipt of the credit cards or personal lines of credit, Shushpanov made purchases or cash advances up to the credit limit. Shushpanov would then purportedly pay off the entire balance by sending worthless checks from accounts under his custody and control.
Between the time that the financial institutions credited Shushpanov’s credit account balances, and the worthless checks were returned for insufficient funds, he would again max-out his credit cards and personal lines of credit resulting in higher negative credit account balances. Shushpanov continued perpetrating this scheme by repeatedly depositing worthless checks and making subsequent credit card or personal line of credit purchases. He then filed a bankruptcy petition to avoid paying the credit unions he defrauded.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the United States Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, also provided substantial investigative assistance. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing InmatesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – A Hawaii man pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual abuse of inmates under his custody or control.
According to court documents, Mikael Rivera, 47, of Kapolei, was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from approximately 2014 to 2018. While on duty as a correctional officer, Rivera committed multiple sexual acts with one inmate who did not consent and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision.
Rivera pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii, Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Western Region made the announcement.
DOJ-OIG is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Ayabe for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from former PIN Deputy Chiefs Jennifer Clarke and Marco Palmieri.
Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing InmatesRead the Press Release
A Hawaii man pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual abuse of inmates under his custody or control.
According to court documents, Mikael Rivera, 47, of Kapolei, was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from approximately 2014 to 2018. While on duty as a correctional officer, Rivera committed multiple sexual acts with one inmate who did not consent and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision.
Rivera pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii, and Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Western Region made the announcement.
DOJ-OIG is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI.
Trial Attorney Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Ayabe for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from former PIN Deputy Chiefs Jennifer Clarke and Marco Palmieri.
- Former Jackson Police Department Officer Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Making a False Statement in the Acquisition of a Firearm
Former Honolulu City Officials Admit They Conspired to Secretly Pay Corrupt Former Chief of Honolulu Police Department $250,000Read the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Former Honolulu City Attorney Donna Leong and former Honolulu Police Commission Chair Max Sword pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that they conspired to illegally pay then-Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha $250,000 from city coffers without the approval of the Honolulu City Council while he was under federal investigation for corruption.
Additionally, former Honolulu City Manager Roy Amemiya entered a deferred prosecution agreement for his role in the same conspiracy.
The defendants were immediately sentenced to time served and were ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution to the city.
The resolution of these cases marks the end of a decade-long series of public corruption prosecutions in Honolulu, which began with the investigation and conviction of Chief Kealoha and former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha.
According to court documents, Leong, Sword, and Amemiya admitted that they conspired in their official capacities as Honolulu city officials to reach a settlement agreement for the retirement of then-Police Chief Kealoha while he was under federal investigation for corruption. The defendants also paid Kealoha $250,000 from the city’s purse without first seeking and obtaining the approval of the Honolulu City Council, which was required by city laws. Leong, Sword, and Amemiya admitted that their decision not to seek and obtain City Council approval violated the law and deprived the citizens of Honolulu of their due process rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of a hearing before, and approval by, their elected City Council for the use of city funds.
Following their guilty pleas, Leong and Sword were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to time served and one year of supervised release. During today’s hearing, Judge Kobayashi characterized Leong and Sword’s actions as “truly misguided” and reprimanded them for exercising a “complete disregard for the separation of powers” by not presenting the settlement agreement to City Council. She further stated that their actions caused “serious harm” to the community of Honolulu.
As part of a deferred prosecution agreement, in addition to admitting his involvement in the criminal conspiracy, Amemiya’s agreement requires him to comply with certain conditions for a period of two years, including completion of 200 hours of community service and restriction from holding public office. Per the terms of his deferred prosecution agreement, if he complies in full for two years, the charges against Amemiya will be dismissed.
Importantly, all three defendants agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $250,000 to the City and County of Honolulu—the exact amount of taxpayer money paid to then-Chief Kealoha as part of the unlawful settlement agreement.
The conclusion of the criminal case against Leong, Sword, and Amemiya is the last in a decade-long series of public corruption prosecutions in Hawaii conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, which prosecuted these cases after the District of Hawaii was recused. These prosecutions have charged and convicted over a dozen individuals, most of whom were public officials or persons of prominence in Honolulu, including the Kealohas, Honolulu police officers, and anesthesiologist Rudy Puana, Katherine Kealoha’s brother. The resolution of the charges against Leong, Sword, and Amemiya marks a historic end to this journey of seeking justice for the citizens of Honolulu.
“After a decade-long battle against public corruption in Hawaii, we have successfully brought numerous cases to a close. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement partners, the prosecutors, our legal support staff, and the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden. “Together, we have demonstrated that no one is above the law. Hopefully, our efforts have also restored some faith in law enforcement and local government for the Hawaiian community. But let these cases also be a reminder, the fight against corruption must never end. The Department of Justice has a proud history and stands ready to fight for the principles of justice and fairness for all.”
“The cases against these three defendants are the last among a decade-long series of public corruption prosecutions in Hawaii,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “I am proud of the agents and prosecutors who devoted years to these investigations—their tireless efforts reflect our continued commitment to root out corruption in our communities.”
This case and the series of public corruption cases brought over the last decade were led by Special Attorneys Michael G. Wheat, Joseph J.M. Orabona, Janaki G. Chopra, Colin M. McDonald and Andrew Y. Chiang.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr00142-LEK
Donna Yuk Lan Leong Age: 69 Honolulu, HI
Max John Sword Age: 73 Honolulu, HI
Roy Keiji Amemiya, Jr. Age: 69 Honolulu, HI
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Deprive Rights under Color of Law – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 371 and 242
Maximum penalty: One year in prison and $100,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Honolulu Division
Former Gow School administrator pleads guilty to production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew Fisher, 51, of South Wales, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2022, and November 2023, Fisher was employed as the Associate Director of Enrollment and Management at the Gow School, a private boarding school in South Wales, NY. Fisher resided on the Gow School campus. He utilized hidden cameras in his residence to create and attempt to create videos of at least five minor males engaged in sexually explicit conduct. During the investigation, several of Fisher’s electronic devices were seized and found to contain child pornography depicting the five victims and several yet to be identified minor individuals.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Transit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson, and the East Aurora Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick Welch.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Former Credit Union Employee Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Defrauding His Employer, Clients, of More Than $772,000Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., announced that Kevin Spratt, 36, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Anita B. Brody to 27 months in prison and five years of supervised release for defrauding a credit union and multiple credit union members of approximately $772,155.84 through a combination of fraudulent loans and unauthorized withdrawals. Spratt was also ordered to pay $822,155.84 in restitution.
Spratt was charged by information in September of last year with one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He pleaded guilty to the information in October.
The defendant had worked as a senior branch sales representative at a federally insured credit union (FCU) located in South Philadelphia. His duties included opening accounts, processing loan applications, and any branch duty other than depositing and withdrawing customer monies.
As detailed in court filings, beginning on or about October 1, 2018, and continuing through on or about September 15, 2022, he stole money from the FCU by, unbeknownst to 10 credit union members, taking out a total of approximately 32 loans in their names and converting the loan proceeds to his own use.
Further, beginning on or about February 14, 2020, through on or about September 28, 2022, he stole money from 12 FCU members by routinely withdrawing funds from their accounts without the members’ authorization. Six of these FCU members’ names had been used in the aforementioned fraudulent loan scheme.
According to the filings, Spratt deceived credit union tellers into facilitating the withdrawal of money from member accounts by, among other things, providing photocopies of the members’ driver’s licenses to the tellers as evidence that the absent members were in the credit union at the time of each withdrawal. The teller would enter the information provided by Spratt into a computer, which would allow Spratt to retrieve the member funds he sought from a cash machine. After receiving that money, he converted the funds to his own use.
Spratt was both familiar with, and personally interacted with, the large majority of the FCU members that he victimized. To hide his fraud from his victims, court documents state, Spratt routinely limited the victims’ access to banking services by cutting off their receipt of paper bank statements. By doing so, Spratt controlled the flow of financial information to his victims and forced many of them to personally interact with him to address any issues related to their FCU accounts. This allowed Spratt to manipulate the outcome of any member inquiry.
“While Spratt’s theft from his employer was inexcusable, his theft from clients who knew and trusted him was especially odious,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thayer. “When crooks like this defraud businesses and steal other people’s hard-earned money, we and our law enforcement partners stand ready to investigate, prosecute, and hold them responsible for their crimes.”
“This case highlights the importance of safeguarding our financial institutions and protecting the community from those who seek to exploit their positions of trust. Kevin Spratt's actions not only defrauded the credit union and its members but also betrayed the very principles of integrity and honesty that are essential in the financial sector,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “HSI remains committed to collaborating with our partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who engage in financial crimes. We will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and ensure the security of our community's financial systems.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linwood C. Wright, Jr.
Former Bank Teller Agrees to Plead Guilty to Stealing More Than $180,000Read the Press Release
BOSTON – A Saugus man, formerly of Revere, has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to embezzling bank funds while working as a teller at a Boston branch of a national bank.
Derek Aut, 28, was charged by Information with embezzlement by a bank employee and aggravated identity theft. He was previously charged by criminal complaint on Dec. 18, 2024.
According to the charging documents, while working as a teller at a bank branch in Boston, Aut stole from the bank accounts of two customers by forging the victims’ names on withdrawal slips, among other things. When one of the victims noticed money missing from her account, Aut allegedly attempted to cover his theft by taking money from the other victim’s account and depositing it into the first victim’s account. In total, Aut is alleged to have taken more than $180,000 from the victims’ accounts.
The charge of embezzlement by a bank employee provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Telegram-based Bank Fraud Scheme that Targeted Alabama BusinessesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Florida man has been sentenced for his role in a Telegram-based check fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Haikala sentenced Gabriel Samuel Odiot, 21, of Kissimmee, Florida, to 60 months in prison and ordered him to forfeit $84,000. In December 2024, Odiot pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, from August 2022 to March 2023, Odiot served as an administrator of “RICH OFF PLAYS,” a Telegram channel dedicated to the negotiation of fraudulent checks. Odiot used the channel to recruit mail carriers, to advertise the services of bank insiders, and to collaborate with others to commit bank fraud. He frequently posted pictures and videos of himself committing bank fraud on the channel. These included pictures and videos depicting stolen checks, transaction receipts, and large amounts of cash. In many cases, the pictures and videos were branded with Odiot’s nickname “Motion.”
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Heflin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Canter prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Marcas Cory Anglin, 30, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 2, 2020, law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Anglin in the Pool area of Nicholas County. Anglin fled from officers in his vehicle and later on foot before engaging in a standoff with officers while armed with a loaded Glock model 27 .40-caliber pistol. Officers arrested Anglin and seized the firearm.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Anglin knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for armed burglary of a dwelling in Hillsborough County, Florida, Circuit Court on June 19, 2014.
Anglin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police.
Senior United States District Judge David A Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-153.
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Federal grand jury indicts two men for their roles in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ernest Brown, a/k/a Wayne Perry, a/k/a Wayne Brown, 42, Buffalo, NY, and James Jackson, a/k/a Bookah 38, of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy. Brown faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life, while Jackson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Brown and Jackson conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell fentanyl in the Buffalo and Jamestown areas. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Brown and Jackson were arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.
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.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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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Federal grand jury indicts Rochester man for role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Quentin L. Yancey a/k/ a Q, 38, of Rochester, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Yancey conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Yancey was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.
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.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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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Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Indicts One Former and Two Current Kentucky State Police Troopers for Federal Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on March 4, 2025, charging one former and two current Kentucky State Police Troopers with violating individuals’ civil rights while acting as troopers with the Kentucky State Police.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment, former Kentucky State Police Trooper Thomas Czartorski, 34, was charged with two counts of using unreasonable force in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. Kentucky State Police Trooper Jarrod Lewis, 29, was charged with one count of using unreasonable force. Kentucky State Police Trooper James Cameron Wright, 30, was charged with two counts of using unreasonable force and one count of perjury related to false declarations made under oath in connection with a federal civil case involving allegations of civil rights violations.
Czartorski, Lewis, and Wright will make initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on April 3, 2025. If convicted, Thomas Czartorski faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. If convicted, Jarrod Lewis faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. If convicted, James Cameron Wright faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Louisville Public Corruption Civil Rights Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tieke and Stephanie Zimdahl for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys Anita Channapati and Katherine DeVar of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Indicts 2 Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned indictments on March 4, 2025, charging 2 illegal aliens with federal criminal offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement.
According to the indictments:
Vidal Ricardo Murillo-Zuniga, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about January 22, 2025, Murillo-Zuniga was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 29, 2013. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI and ICE/ERO.
Roberto Diaz-Jarquin, age 35, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On or about November 10, 2023, Diaz-Jarquin possessed 6 firearms in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI and ICE/ERO.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Ansari and Josh Porter are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Introduction of Contraband into PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Samuel Brandon Smith (37, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Smith faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the bribery offense and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for the contraband offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, Smith was a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) working at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between December 18, 2023, and September 4, 2024, Smith received bribes to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman for inmates. In total, Smith received $43,901 in bribes.
On September 4, 2024, BOP staff stopped Smith when he reported to work at FCC Coleman. They found 668.1 grams of marijuana and other substances containing approximately 90 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Smith’s person, hidden within his duty vest. Smith was smuggling this contraband into the facility with the intent to distribute it to federal prisoners in exchange for monetary payments.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Federal Correctional Officer Arrested for Bribery and Introduction of Contraband into PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the arrest of Michael Jason Brooks (37, Citra) on an indictment charging him with one count of receiving a bribe by a public official and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. If convicted, Brooks faces up to 15 years in federal prison on the bribery count and up to 6 months’ imprisonment for the contraband offense.
According to court documents, on June 12, 2024, Brooks was employed by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. Brooks knowingly agreed to receive and accept money in return for being influenced to introduce contraband into the federal prison for an inmate. On June 12, 2024, Brooks provided contraband in the form of tobacco to an inmate at the prison.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Fayette County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Nicholas D. Plumb, 25, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 23, 2023, law enforcement officers apprehended Plumb at an apartment in Prosperity and found 45 grams of fentanyl, 144 grams of methamphetamine and a Glock model 43X 9mm handgun in Plumb’s possession. Plumb admitted that he possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them.
On July 31, 2024, officers arrested Plumb and searched his residence. Plumb admitted that he possessed 557 grams of methamphetamine found by officers during the search and that he intended to distribute the controlled substance.
Plumb is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-109.
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Ex-Girlfriend of Crypto ‘Godfather’ Agrees to Plead Guilty to Tax Charge for Failing to Report More Than $2.6 Million in Illicit IncomeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The former girlfriend of a cryptocurrency fraudster who dubbed himself “The Godfather” has agreed to plead guilty to a federal criminal tax charge for failing to report more than $2.6 million in ill-gotten gains she obtained via her then-boyfriend’s criminal activities, the Justice Department announced today.
Iris Ramaya Au, 35, of Irvine, is charged in a single-count information with subscribing to a false tax return.
Au has agreed to plead guilty to the felony charge and is expected to make her initial appearance in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming days.
According to Au’s plea agreement, from 2020 to 2024, Iza committed a series of crimes, including fraudulently obtaining access to advertising accounts and lines of credit provided by Facebook Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. and selling access to those accounts. Iza obtained millions of dollars of unreported income as a result of these schemes.
Separately, Iza engaged active Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies to provide private security for him and caused the deputies, among other things, to obtain court-authorized search warrants and confidential law enforcement information targeting people with whom Iza had financial and personal disputes.
At Iza’s direction, Au created shell corporations and opened bank accounts in the names of those entities. She then used the illicit funds placed into those accounts to pay approximately $1 million to the deputies, mostly in cash, purchase or lease luxury real estate, cars, jewelry, and clothing, pay for recreational activity for Iza and herself valued at nearly $10 million, and acquire approximately $16 million in cryptocurrency for Iza.
Au admitted in her plea agreement that she transferred more than $2.6 million from these various accounts to her personal bank accounts during the period 2020 through 2023, income that she willfully failed to report to the IRS on her federal tax returns.
After pleading guilty, Au will face up to three years in federal prison.
On January 30, Iza appeared before a federal judge and pleaded guilty to a first superseding information charging him with conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 16, at which time he will face up to 35 years in federal prison. Iza has been in federal custody since September 2024.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. O’Brien and J. Jamari Buxton of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell K. Coll of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Elk Mound Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Deena M. Hintz, 53, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to a year in federal prison for willful failure to pay employment taxes. Hintz pleaded guilty to this offense on December 17, 2024.
Hintz owned and operated Jade Excavation and Trucking in Elk Mound, Wisconsin for nearly ten years. At times, Jade had up to fifteen employees who provided excavation, earth moving, and snow plowing services. Between 2017 and 2021, Hintz deducted over $400,000 in federal employment taxes from her employees’ payroll and instead of paying those taxes to the government, she kept the money for herself.
Judge Conley noted that a prison sentence was necessary to reflect the scope and gravity of the amount of money withheld and then used by Hintz and her business partner for their own benefit. Judge Conley also ordered Hintz to pay restitution for tax losses in the amount of $482,185.46.
The charge against Hintz was the result of an investigation conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Dominican Man Who Illegally Entered the U.S. After Multiple Prior Deportations Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., announced that Jesus Del Orbe, aka “Angel Cabrera-Santiago” and “Jesus Valdez-Del Orbe,” 55, a Dominican citizen who had been residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., to 21 months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Del Orbe was charged by indictment in August of last year, and in November, pleaded guilty to the charge against him. He had previously been convicted of illegal reentry in 2017, in the District of Puerto Rico, and 2019, in the Southern District of Texas.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers located the defendant working at a Philadelphia tire shop, where he was arrested in July 2024. According to immigration records, the defendant previously had been removed from the United States on three prior occasions — on or about March 1, 2016, February 20, 2018, and November 17, 2020 — and had not sought permission to reenter.
“If you’re going to keep breaking the law, we’re going to keep prosecuting you,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thayer. “Mr. Del Orbe has repeatedly and deliberately entered the United States illegally, in contravention of our immigration laws. We will continue to work to hold such serial lawbreakers accountable.”
“The repeated illegal reentry by Jesus Del Orbe demonstrates a flagrant disregard for our nation’s immigration laws. This sentence underscores our commitment to upholding the rule of law and integrity of our immigration system,” said ERO Philadelphia Acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to collaborate with federal authorities to ensure that those who violate our laws are held accountable. Our focus will always be on maintaining the safety and security of our communities.”
The case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Boscia.
Delaware Man Convicted in 16-Kilogram Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that on February 24, 2025, a federal jury convicted Dwayne Fountain, 54, of Middletown, on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and two counts of distribution of controlled substances. The defendant was acquitted on three related charges. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly presided over the trial.
The government’s evidence at trial identified a network of co-conspirators stretching from Scranton, PA to Seaford, DE. Three other defendants, Martin Fountain, Durell Patton, and William Warren, who were indicted along with the defendant, pled guilty and are pending sentencing. The amount of fentanyl seized from this organization, over ten kilograms, represents the largest known fentanyl seizure in Delaware history.
This matter was the result of a long-term investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Delaware State Police, and Dover Police Department. The evidence at trial showed that Dwayne Fountain bought kilograms of drugs from his suppliers and added ingredients like xylazine, also known as “tranq,” to make the drugs more potent and profitable. Agents found a kilogram press in a home he owned in Middletown, which was used to put the drugs back into “brick” form after they were adulterated. The defendant also rented an apartment in Bear, Delaware, where he stored his inventory of drugs. Search warrants executed in the case led to the seizure of over 10.5 kilograms of fentanyl, over 200 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, over 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, and nearly 3 kilograms of heroin. On a recorded call, the defendant admitted that he knew the drugs he was selling could kill people.
Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson commented on the case, “The defendant was a savvy drug trafficker who worked with others, including those from other states, to bring kilograms of fentanyl and other drugs to Delaware. The DEA’s investigation led to the seizure of over 16 kilograms of illegal substances, just under $100,000 in cash, and the conviction of a major drug trafficker. Dwayne Fountain profited from addiction, and indeed actively sought stronger and more dangerous drugs. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who distribute dangerous drugs within our state.”
“The Dover Police Department remains committed to addressing the organized drug crime plaguing our communities” offered Chief Thomas Johnson. “Working together with our State and Federal partners continues to be an effective strategy to remove dangerous individuals who threaten the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. This is just another example of great police work, followed by skillful prosecution, leading to meaningful solutions to problems that threaten our neighborhoods and institutions. Congratulations to the Officers and Attorneys connected to this case.”
“This drug seizure demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to holding traffickers accountable and protecting our communities,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “Fentanyl and other dangerous substances continue to affect too many lives. However, through strong partnerships and relentless investigative efforts, we are making significant strides in this fight. The Delaware State Police continues to collaborate with our federal and local allies to disrupt the flow of these lethal drugs and prevent them from reaching our streets.”
“Individuals, such as Dwayne Fountain, who distribute Fentanyl are poisoning our communities. The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and convict those who are responsible for distributing deadly drugs," stated Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Hodnett.
Fountain faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison when sentenced. Chief Judge Connolly will determine the defendant’s sentence, after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting the case. This case was investigated by the DEA Dover Post of Duty, Delaware State Police and Dover Police Department, with assistance from the DEA Scranton Resident Office, Delaware National Guard, Smyrna Police Department, Ocean View Police Department, and Delmar Police Department.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-CR-49-CFC.
Dauphin County Woman Indicted for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Latika Rainey, age 35, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 19, 2025, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Rainey for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana between February 26, 2023 and March 1, 2023. The indictment further charges Rainey for distributing cocaine, as well as possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana on March 1, 2023.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police – Organized Crime Vice Control Unit, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police – Street Crimes Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalties under federal law for the indicted offenses are 100 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Dauphin County Man Indicted for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Myzere Hill, age 21, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury for firearm offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about January 31, 2024, Hill possessed a Glock firearm with a machinegun-conversion device. It is also alleged that Hill possessed the firearm while he was an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Lower Paxton Township Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalties under federal law for the indicted offenses are 25 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Convicted Mexican Felon Arrested for Alleged Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national was arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry.
According to court documents, Jaime Perez Salinas was allegedly located in El Paso without immigration documents allowing him to be or remain in the country legally. Salinas has been removed from the U.S. twice before, the most recent removal being Dec. 27, 2024. He was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to 60 months in prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Salinas is charged with one count of illegal re-entry. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The U.S. Border Patrol is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Aguayo is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint 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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Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.
U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Keundre Levelle Brown, 25, of Birmingham, to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on October 11, 2023, a Birmingham Police Officer responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at a motel in Birmingham. Brown was found alone inside of a motel room that showed evidence of gunfire, with the shots appearing to have been fired from within the room. The officer searched Brown and found a loaded Taurus G2C pistol in his waistband. The pistol had been reported stolen about a year earlier in Birmingham. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, Bessemer Division, for Theft of Property, Burglary and Robbery.
ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted the case.
Chinese citizen who attacked Bellevue, Washington immigrant sentenced to 7 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle– A 33-year-old citizen of China, who was residing in Los Angeles, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to seven years in prison for kidnapping, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Ji Wang was arrested on May 13, 2024, in the Los Angeles area. Wang was identified as one of the kidnappers linked to the May 27, 2023, abduction and assault of a worker at a hot pot restaurant in Bellevue, Washington. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robert said, “They not only kidnapped the victim, but brutally assaulted him… It did serious injuries and permanent damage…. It’s about as callous a set of circumstances and as malicious an assault short of actually killing someone.”
According to records filed in the case, Ji Wang was connected to a ring smuggling people across the southern border into the U.S. for a fee. Wang had been illegally smuggled into the U.S. less than two weeks before the kidnapping. The investigation revealed that the victim referred people from China who wanted to cross into the U.S., for the smuggling services. The victim was supposed to collect and transfer smuggling fees from those who used the smuggling services. The victim did not collect as high a fee as the smuggling group anticipated. Wang and a co-schemer traveled to Bellevue in May and physically removed the victim from his work and forced him into a sedan.
The men beat the victim and smashed his face into the cement and dragged him down a set of stairs. Witnesses quickly alerted Bellevue Police. Officers worked with the victim’s girlfriend who placed a video call to the victim’s cellphone. Wang answered the call and showed his face. Police recorded the call and were able to identify Wang.
Wang and his associate dropped the victim at a service station in Bellevue. The victim was critically injured and needed emergency surgery for swelling of the brain. The victim was in a coma for six weeks. He has had four skull surgeries. He spent five months in Overlake hospital. He has lasting physical and cognitive damage from the assault. The medical bills from the assault are more than $1 million.
In asking for the 8-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “the sentence should also be long enough to deter similarly situated defendants from engaging in such brazen and violent conduct to collect illegal smuggling debts.”
Wang was not legally present in the United States and will likely be deported following his prison term.
The case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), and the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force.
Cape Girardeau Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man who admitted recording his sexual activity with a child to 30 years in prison.
Steven Lee Brown, 33, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in December to one count of producing child pornography.
According to court documents, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Brown had sexually abused a 10-year-old child last May. The child was interviewed and confirmed the abuse. Officers immediately responded to Brown’s residence. During an interview, Brown admitted that he engaged in various sexual acts with the child. Brown further admitted that he used his cell phone to record some of the sexual activity. Officers seized Brown’s phone and discovered sexually explicit images of the minor child on the device. At his guilty plea hearing, Brown admitted that he used his cell phone to produce the sexually explicit material. After serving his 30-year sentence, Brown will be subject to lifetime supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the Government.
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.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a drug distribution offense involving fentanyl. Defendant is currently awaiting trial on murder charges in Massachusetts state court.
Csean Skerritt, a/k/a “Shizz Grimmy,” a/k/a “Black,” 36, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2025. In March 2023, Skerritt was indicted by a federal grand jury.
As part of a drug trafficking investigation, on Feb. 1, 2023, Skerritt agreed to sell 50 grams of fentanyl to an individual in exchange for $1,500. Following a series of communications, Skerritt met the individual at a pre-arranged location. There, Skerritt entered the individual’s car and provided approximately 52.3 grams of fentanyl in exchange for the agreed-upon amount.
On March 9, 2023, Skerritt was indicted for murder in the Massachusetts Superior Court and is awaiting trial.
The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Baltimore County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Elder Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has sentenced Ambrose A. Obinna Warrior, 44, of Milford Mill, Maryland, to 42 months in federal prison. Warrior served as an unlicensed money transmitter in connection with various romance, business email compromise, and investment schemes.
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; Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office; and Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in March 2018, and continuing through at least August 2021, Warrior received victims’ funds and transferred them to other scheme participants through federally insured financial institutions in exchange for a percentage. Warrior opened personal and business bank accounts and formed the limited liability company, The Golden Voice of Orientals, to conduct, control, manage, and direct his unlicensed money transmitting business.
Additionally, Warrior used WhatsApp to communicate bank account information to other scheme participants and his fee for receiving and transmitting funds from victims, which was usually 20 percent or more. After depositing the funds, Warrior retained a portion of the money as a fee and ensured others received a portion of the fraudulent funds. Warrior also transferred victims’ funds to scheme participants overseas.
In total, Warrior transmitted or attempted to transfer more than $700,000 in proceeds from various schemes. Victims lost at least $467,912.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older, and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available. Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers through assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. Learn more about the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at www.elderjustice.gov. Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and United States Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Adeyemi Adenrele who prosecuted the federal case. The FBI's Baltimore and Salt Lake City Field Offices, along with the St. George Resident Agency, investigated this case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Bakery owners indicted for harboring illegal aliensRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The two owners of a Los Fresnos establishment have been charged with harboring illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Leonardo Baez, 55, and Alicia Avila-Guel, 46, both legal permanent residents of the United States, were originally charged by criminal complaint following a lawful enforcement action Feb. 12. A federal grand jury has now returned a three-count indictment against them. They are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III March 13.
Baez and Avila-Guel have owned and operated Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café in Los Fresnos since 2012, according to the charges.
The investigation began after authorities allegedly discovered the pair were potentially employing and housing illegal aliens within their restaurant.
The charges allege that law enforcement conducted a consensual worksite enforcement action at Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café. There, they allegedly identified several employees and others who were in the United States illegally or in the country under B1/B2 visas without having the right to work.
The charges allege both Baez and Avila-Guel illegally hired these individuals to work in their restaurant while harboring them.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified a room provided for employees in the same shopping plaza as the restaurant. According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified a room provided for employees in the same shopping plaza as the restaurant. It was allegedly housing two employees at the time of inspection who were unauthorized to work in the United States. It was a rectangular room with six mattresses on the floor, according to the charges.
The worksite enforcement action allegedly resulted in the discovery of two illegal aliens unlawfully present in the United States and six B1/B2 Visa holders who did not have the right to work in the United States. Another individual was allegedly taken into custody on an outstanding warrant unrelated to the current enforcement action.
Authorities executed arrest warrants Feb. 19 for Baez and Avila-Guel. At that time, no one else was taken into custody or detained.
If convicted, both face up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a fine up to $250,000.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi Intervenes in Lawsuit Against Illinois for Unlawfully Requiring Nonprofits to Publicly Post Race Based DataRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi moved to intervene in American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Bennett. The lawsuit challenges Illinois’ first in the nation law that requires nonprofits to publicly disclose demographic information, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity, of its officers and directors.
The intent of the statute is to encourage nonprofits to discriminate under the guise of making nonprofit boards more “diverse.” President Trump and Attorney General Bondi are dedicated to ending DEI and restoring merit-based opportunity nationwide, and in all sectors.
Today’s intervention is an early step toward eradicating illegal race and sex preferences across the government. “The United States cannot and will not sit idly while a state denies its citizens equal protection under the guise of diversity,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Discrimination in all its forms is abhorrent and must be eliminated. The Department of Justice will continue to exercise its statutory right to intervene in cases whenever a state encourages DEI instead of merit.”
“This is a case of immense public importance because, as the Supreme Court recognized, ending ‘discrimination means eliminating all of it,’” said Acting Associate Attorney General Chad Mizelle. “This intervention seeks to eliminate discrimination via DEI and ensure the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection is enforced.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi Appoints John A. Sarcone III as U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Attorney General Pamela Bondi has appointed John A. Sarcone III as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. Mr. Sarcone will start on March 17.
As United States Attorney, Mr. Sarcone will serve as the Northern District of New York’s chief federal law enforcement officer, supervising an office of 49 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 4 Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 41 support staff members, and 9 contract support staff members. He will be responsible for prosecuting federal criminal offenses and representing the United States in civil litigation in the Northern District of New York and in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Mr. Sarcone stated: “Coming from a humble, blue-collar background – growing up in Croton-on-Hudson, having the same teachers at Croton High School as my parents had, and with my grandmother and children also graduating from that school, and having worked full-time while going at night to the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University– I am deeply humbled and honored to have been named U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York.
“I shall carry out my duties faithfully and with steadfast dedication to our nation, community, and the citizens of the Northern District of New York.
“Thank you, Attorney General Bondi, for trusting me to carry out this important mission and most importantly thank you President Trump for once again having faith and confidence in me to do my part to accomplish one of your most important tasks – to restore public confidence and trust in our government and the Department of Justice.”
Mr. Sarcone, who will be based in Albany, has been a dedicated public servant and lawyer for many years. From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Sarcone served as Northeast and Caribbean Regional Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, overseeing a large team responsible for federal buildings and facilities, procurement, and IT initiatives, and working with dozens of federal agencies and courthouses, including in the Northern District of New York. Earlier in his career, he served as Town Attorney in Eastchester, New York, and General Counsel to the United Federation of Special Police Officers, Inc. and to the Association of Commuter Rail Employees.
Mr. Sarcone also founded and built a general practice law firm, providing advice to small businesses and family-owned corporations, handling large real estate transactions, and litigating and arbitrating in areas including business and construction disputes, insurance defense, and toxic torts.
Armed Carjacking Spree and Shooting at Police Officers Nets District Man 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tywan J. Cummings, 44, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 204 months in federal prison for an armed carjacking spree in May 2020 that led to a car chase with police, his firing shots on police officers, and his burglarizing an occupied residence where he was eventually caught hiding.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., for the District of Columbia, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Cummings pleaded guilty August 18, 2023, in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to carjacking; using, possessing, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer with a dangerous weapon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Cummings to serve five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of May 17, 2020, in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C., Cummings pointed an AR-style rifle at a man who was putting air into his tire of his BMW 325i on the 1200 block of Raum Street. Cummings took the vehicle at gunpoint. Cummings then drove the BMW, with the valve of the pump still attached to the tire, into Maryland and, minutes later, carjacked a nurse of her Hyundai Tucson at gunpoint outside a hospital in Prince George’s County. In the early morning hours of May 18, 2023, multiple Maryland law enforcement agencies from the Bowie, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County Police Departments pursued Cummings—who was by this time driving a stolen Honda Ridgeline—into Southeast Washington, D.C. MPD officers were also on scene to assist.
At the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Alabama Avenue SE, Cummings crashed the Honda into another car near a gas station. On foot with police in pursuit, Cummings fired multiple shots on Maryland and MPD police officers with a handgun. Shortly after 2 a.m., Cummings broke into an occupied residence on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and hid in an upstairs bedroom. Police declared a barricade at 2:28 a.m.
Members of the MPD’s Emergency Response Team responded and apprehended Cummings. Officers recovered a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun, the AR-style rifle from the stolen vehicle, and over 100 rounds of ammunition. No victim sustained physical injuries during the spree. Cummings has been in custody since his arrest.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department with valuable assistance provided by the Bowie Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emory V. Cole and Paul V. Courtney.
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25 Canadian Nationals Charged in Vermont in Connection with Nationwide Multimillion-Dollar “Grandparent Scam”Read the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the following 25 Canadian nationals with participation in a “Grandparent Scam” that defrauded elderly individuals in Vermont and more than 40 other states:
Gareth West, a.k.a. “Buddy” and “Muscles,” (38 – Burlington, Ontario)
Usman Khalid, a.k.a. “Paul” and “Pauly,” (36 – Les Coteaux, Québec)
Andrew Tatto, a.k.a. “Chevy” and “Truck,” (43 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
Stephan Moskwyn, a.k.a. “HK,” (42 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
Ricky Ylimaki, a.k.a. “Ruffles,” (31 – Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Québec)
Richard Frischman, a.k.a. “Styx,” (31 – Montréal, Québec)
Adam Lawrence, a.k.a. “Carter,” (41 – Lasalle, Québec)
Michael Filion, a.k.a. “Elvis,” (45 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
Jimmy Ylimaki, a.k.a. “Coop,” (35 – Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Québec)
Nicolas Gonzalez, a.k.a. “Brady,” (27 – Kirkland, Québec)
Ryan Melanson, a.k.a. “Parker,” (27 – Montréal, Québec)
Joy Kalafatidis, a.k.a. “Blondie,” (31 – Pointe-Claire, Québec)
David Arcobelli, a.k.a. “Phil,” (36 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
Jonathan Massouras, a.k.a. “Borze,” (35 - Dollard-Des Ormeaux, Québec)
Nicholas Shiomi, a.k.a. “Keanu,” (42 – Montréal, Québec)
Antonio Iannacci, a.k.a. “DJ,” (33 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
Jonathan Ouellet, a.k.a. “Sunny,” (29 - Saint-Eustache, Québec)
Kassey-Lee Lankford, a.k.a. “Lex,” (28 – Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec)
Sara Burns, a.k.a. “Ginger,” (31 – Dollard-Des Ormeaux, Québec)
Justin Polenz, a.k.a. “Happy,” (34 – Montréal, Québec)
Ryan Thibert, a.k.a. “Toast,” (37 – Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec)
Michael Farella, a.k.a. “Honda,” (29 - Sainte-Geneviève, Québec)
Sebastian Guenole, a.k.a. “Tweeter,” (30 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
Ryan Bridgman, a.k.a. “Clint,” (37 - Deux-Montagnes, Québec)
Stephanie-Marie Samaras, a.k.a. “North” (29 – Laval, Québec)All but two of the above-named individuals were arrested in Canada on March 4, 2025. West and Jimmy Ylimaki remain at large.
According to the Indictment, which was unsealed on March 4, 2025, between the summer of 2021 and June 4, 2024, the defendants engaged in a “Grandparent Scam” involving phone calls made from call centers in and around Montreal, Québec. During these phone calls, defendants falsely claimed to be an elderly victim’s relative, typically a grandchild, who had been arrested following a car crash and needed money for “bail.” Other defendants posed as an “attorney” representing the elderly victim’s relative. Elderly victims were often told that there was a “gag order” in place to prevent the elderly victim from telling anyone about their family member’s supposed arrest. Elderly victims were convinced to provide bail money to an individual falsely posing as a bail bondsman, who would come to the elderly victim’s home to collect the money. This money was later transmitted to Canada following cash deliveries and financial transactions, sometimes involving cryptocurrency, which, the Indictment alleges, obscured the source of the money and the identities of defendants.
On June 4, 2024, when law enforcement in Canada executed search warrants at several call centers, many of the defendants were found in the act of placing phone calls to elderly victims in Virginia. The Indictment alleges the call centers were managed by West, Khalid, Tatto, Moskwyn, and Ricky Ylimaki, and also charges these five defendants with conspiring to commit money laundering. The conspiracy defrauded elderly Americans out of more than $21 million.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. West, Khalid, Tatto, Moskwyn and Ricky Ylimaki face up to 40 years of imprisonment if convicted, and the remaining defendants face up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentences, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
An additional nine individuals have previously been charged in the District of Vermont in connection with this grandparent scam, including Otmane Khalladi (32 – Miami, Florida), Jean Richard Audate (39 – New York, New York), Philippe Alvarez (34 – Montréal, Québec), Paul Conneh (37 – Guangzhou, China), Dave Leblanc (37 – Greenacres, Florida), Zavier Buchanan (27 – Wellington, Florida), William Comfort (29 – Los Angeles, California), Alejandro Garcia (34 – Miami, Florida), and Enmanuel Castillo (31 – Miami, Florida).
“While the transnational criminal conspiracy described in the Indictment preyed on vulnerable victims throughout the United States, these charges are the result of painstaking investigatory work by Vermont-based agents from Homeland Security Investigations, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation,” observed Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. “In addition, we recognize the extensive investigative assistance provided by Sûreté du Québec and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.” Drescher also stressed the contributions of numerous other local, state, and federal investigators and agencies across the United States who assisted the investigation, and commended the contributions of the United States Department of Justice Office of International Affairs as well as the International Assistance Group at Justice Canada.
“These individuals are accused of an elaborate scheme using fear to extort millions of dollars from victims who believed they were helping loved ones in trouble. Today’s arrests are the result of domestic collaboration as well as our critical international partnerships with our colleagues in Canada, Sûreté du Québec and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Tackling transnational crime is one of our greatest priorities and we’re working hand-in-hand with our neighbors to dismantle organized criminal groups that threaten our safety and security,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
“Today’s arrests demonstrate IRS-CI’s commitment to protecting the American people from bad actors, no matter where they are hiding.” said Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “West and his associates led a transnational criminal enterprise with the sole intent of defrauding hundreds of retirees of their life savings by preying on their emotions and deceiving them into thinking that their loved ones were in peril. IRS-CI is committed to continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners, both at home and abroad, to stop and deter anyone who seeks to profit off the hard work of U.S. citizens.”
The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Nate Burris and Michelle Arra.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-FRAUD-11). This hotline is a free resource created by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older.
A link to the Indictment can be found here.
10 Chinese Nationals Charged with Large-Scale Hacking of U.S. and International Victims on Behalf of the Chinese GovernmentRead the Press Release
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Sue J. Bai, the Head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division; and Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a two-count criminal Indictment charging 10 defendants with a years-long hacking scheme committed through the Chinese company i-Soon. At the direction of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) government, i-Soon employees hacked and attempted to hack victims across the globe, including a large religious organization in the U.S., critics and dissidents of the PRC government, a state legislative body, U.S. government agencies, the ministries of foreign affairs of multiple governments in Asia, and news organizations. i-Soon’s victims were of interest to the PRC government because, among other reasons, they were prominent overseas critics of the PRC government or because the PRC government considered them threatening to the rule of the Chinese Communist Party. The 10 defendants remain at large.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “State-sponsored hacking is an acute threat to our community and national security. For years, these 10 defendants—two of whom we allege are PRC officials—used sophisticated hacking techniques to target religious organizations, journalists, and Government agencies, all to gather sensitive information for the use of the PRC. These charges will help stop these state-sponsored hackers and protect our national security. The career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to uncover alleged state-sponsored hacking schemes, disrupt them, and bring those responsible to justice.”
National Security Division Head Sue J. Bai said: “The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue those who threaten our cybersecurity by stealing from our government and our people. Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide, as well as the enabling companies and individual hackers that they have unleashed. We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security.”
Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “The charges announced today expose the PRC’s continued attempts to spy on and silence anyone it deems threatening to the Chinese Communist Party. As alleged in the indictment, the Chinese government tried to conceal its efforts by working through a private company, but their actions amount to years of state-sponsored hacking of religious and media organizations, numerous government agencies in multiple countries, and dissidents around the world who dared criticize the regime. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt our adversaries’ use of emerging technology to silence dissent and undermine the rule of law across the globe.”
As alleged in the Indictment:[1]
The PRC’s Ministry of State Security (“MSS”) had responsibility for the PRC’s domestic counterintelligence, non-military foreign intelligence, and aspects of the PRC’s political and domestic security. The PRC’s Ministry of Public Security (“MPS”) had responsibility for the PRC’s public and political security, including responsibility for law enforcement. To acquire information of interest to the PRC government in a manner that obscured their involvement, the PRC’s MSS and MPS used an extensive network of private companies and contractors in China to conduct unauthorized computer intrusions (“hacks”) in the U.S. and elsewhere.
One of those private companies was i-Soon. From approximately 2016 through 2023, i-Soon and its personnel engaged in the numerous and widespread hacking of email accounts, cell phones, servers, and websites at the direction of, and in close coordination with, the PRC’s MSS and MPS. i-Soon generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue and at times had over 100 employees.
i-Soon’s primary customers were PRC government agencies. It worked with at least 43 different MSS or MPS bureaus and charged the MSS and MPS between approximately $10,000 and $75,000 for each email inbox it successfully hacked.
The victims of i-Soon’s hacking included:
- A newspaper based in New York, New York, that publishes news related to China and is opposed to the Chinese Communist Party.
- An additional newspaper based in New York, New York.
- The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, an agency within the Department of Defense that specializes in defense and military intelligence.
- The U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration, an agency within the Department of Commerce that promotes U.S. exports and defends against unfair trade practices.
- A religious organization based in the U.S. that has thousands of churches and congregations and millions of members.
- A Texas-based organization founded by a prominent critic of the PRC government focused on promoting human rights and religious freedom in China.
- A news service funded by the U.S. government that delivers uncensored domestic news to audiences in Asian countries, including China, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
- A state research university in the U.S.
- The New York State Assembly, a part of the legislature of the state of New York.
- A religious leader who lived outside of China and the U.S.
- A newspaper based in Hong Kong, China, that has actively covered the politics of Hong Kong and continues to do so today.
- The foreign ministry of Taiwan.
- The foreign ministry of India.
- The foreign ministry of South Korea.
- The foreign ministry of Indonesia.
In many instances, the PRC government was particularly interested in these victims because they had criticized the PRC government. In other instances, the PRC government was particularly interested in foreign ministries because those foreign ministries were in communication with the U.S.
In some instances, i-Soon conducted its hacking at the direct request of the MSS or MPS. In other instances, i-Soon conducted hacks on its own initiative and then sold, or attempted to sell, the stolen data to different bureaus of the MSS or MPS.
i-Soon also trained MPS employees how to hack independently of i-Soon and offered a variety of hacking methods for sale to its customers. i-Soon touted what it called a “industry-leading offensive and defensive technology” and a “zero-day vulnerability arsenal” used to successfully hack computer systems. One of i-Soon’s products was software called the “Automated Penetration Testing Platform.” i-Soon advertised the platform’s ability to send email phishing attacks, to create files with malware that could provide access to victims’ computers if opened, and to clone websites of victims in order to induce them to submit personal information. An image of the interface for the Automated Penetration Testing Platform is below:
Another of i-Soon’s products was software that allowed the user to gain unauthorized access to online accounts or computer systems by deciphering passwords—also called “password cracking.” This platform was called the “Divine Mathematician Password Cracking Platform.” An image of the interface for the Divine Mathematician Password Cracking Platform is below:
i-Soon also sold software specifically designed to target victim accounts on a variety of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Outlook; Gmail, the email service provided by Google LLC; the social media network X, formerly known as Twitter; the cellphone operating system Android; and the computer operating systems Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. i-Soon advertised its bespoke software as being able to overcome the unique defenses of these systems.
For example, with respect to Twitter, i-Soon sold software with the capability to send a victim a spear phishing link and then to obtain access to and control over the victim’s Twitter account. The software had the ability to access Twitter even without the victim’s password and to bypass multi-factor authentication. After a victim’s Twitter was compromised, the software could send tweets, delete tweets, forward tweets, make comments, and like tweets. The purpose of this software was to help i-Soon’s customers, including the PRC government, use hacked Twitter accounts to understand public opinion outside of China. For example, the software could be set to keep track of keywords appearing in tweets or messages. i-Soon referred to this software as its “Public Opinion Guidance and Control Platform (Overseas).” An image from the “Public Opinion Guidance and Control Platform (Overseas)” is below:
The 10 defendants charged are WU HAIBO, a/k/a “shutd0wn,” a/k/a “Boss Wu,” a/k/a “吴海波,” the Chief Executive Officer, and leader, of i-Soon; CHEN CHENG, a/k/a “lengmo,” a/k/a “Chief C,” a/k/a “Jesse Chen,” a/k/a “陈诚,” the Chief Operating Officer of i-Soon; WANG YAN, a/k/a “crysolo,” a/k/a “王堰,” the leader of one of i-Soon’s “penetration testing” teams; WANG ZHE, a/k/a “ken73224,” a/k/a “王哲,” the Sales Director of i-Soon; ZHOU WEIWEI, a/k/a “nullroot,” a/k/a “周伟伟,” the leader of i-Soon’s “Technology Research and Development Center”; WANG LIYU, a/k/a “PICNIC350116,” a/k/a “王立宇,” an MPS officer based in Chengdu, China; and SHENG JING, a/k/a “sjbible,” “盛晶,” the defendant, an MPS officer based in Shenzhen, China.
If you have information leading to the identification or location of these 10 defendants, please reach out to the Department of State at rewardsforjustice.net.
* * *
HAIBO, 43; CHENG, 40; GUODONG, 32; LI, 31; YAN, 35; ZHE, 44; WEIWEI, 37; LIANG, 28; LIYU, 36; and JING, 36, all nationals of China, are charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan B. Finkel, Steven J. Kochevar, and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution. Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia Jr. of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section provided valuable assistance.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
u.s._v._wolf_indictment.pdf[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
3 March 2025
“Redbull Guy” Sentenced to 40 Months of Incarceration for String of CVS TheftsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darryl Quander, 58, of Washington, DC, was sentenced on February 28, 2025 to 40 months incarceration, for one count of first-degree theft and three counts of felony enhanced second degree theft, for a string of retail thefts at CVS stores over a span of two months, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Quander pleaded guilty on December 17, 2024, in D.C. Superior Court to one count of first-degree theft and three counts of felony enhanced second-degree theft. The Honorable Judge Errol Arthur sentenced Quander to 12 months suspended to all but four months in prison on the first-degree theft charge and 16 months with all suspended except for 12 months on each felony enhanced second-degree theft charge. All four counts were ordered to run consecutive to one another and Quander’s incarceration is to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, between February 26, 2024, and April 24, 2024, Quander committed a string of thefts, mostly at the same CVS stores located in the 1000 block of 16th Street, N.W and the 1400 block of P Street NW. During that period, Quander committed 24 retail thefts over the course of 58 days. In each instance, Quander was seen on surveillance camera entering the stores, taking merchandise, specifically Red Bull and other merchandise, from the shelves, and leaving the stores without paying for the merchandise. Quander stole over $3,500 in merchandise during his crime spree.
Quander was arrested for these offenses on June 10, 2024.
In announcing the indictments and the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Wanted South Carolina Fugitive Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm at Evansville Bus StopRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Argelius C. Croft, 37, of Greenville, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on January 27, 2023, Evansville Police Department officers questioned Croft at the Evansville Greyhound Bus Station after learning that he had an active arrest warrant out of South Carolina for a pending criminal charge. When confronted, Croft provided false information about his identity to the officers and ran away from the bus station on foot carrying his backpack. After a brief foot chase, Croft fell and was arrested by EPD officers.
During a search of his person, officers found a Ruger.22 Charger rifle with a partially obliterated serial number and a Ruger BX- 25 double-stack magazine loaded with 47 rounds inside of Croft’s backpack. When the officers found the firearm, Croft asked them to forget about it and just throw the gun in the river.
At the time of his arrest, Croft had been convicted of numerous felonies including burglary, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and domestic violence. These prior felony convictions prohibit Croft from ever legally possessing a firearm again.
“Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals fuel the shootings and deaths that have devastating impacts on our families,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence should send a clear message to those who ignore their prohibition- if you choose to pick up a gun, you face a serious term in federal prison.”
“ATF’s core mission is to identify, pursue, and perfect criminal cases against individuals who unlawfully possess or use firearms in furtherance of criminal activity,” stated Acting ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco. “We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who commits violence in our communities is held accountable for their actions.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
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Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Stolen MoneyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Joshua Sneed, 35, of Bluefield, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to possession of stolen money.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2024, Sneed was employed as a title clerk for an automotive sales and service business in Bluefield, West Virginia, when a customer purchased a 2008 Bentley Continental for $37,761. The cash was deposited in the business’s safe. On March 27, 2024, Sneed used his access to the business’ computer system to change the transaction from a cash purchase to a credit card purchase. Sneed admitted that he changed the purchase details to conceal the fact that he did not deposit the $37,761 into the business’s bank account. Sneed further admitted that he took the $37,761 in cash from the business to his residence in Bluefield, Virginia.
On March 27, 2024, Sneed prepared a bank deposit slip for the business for $60,100 and prepared a second deposit slip on April 9, 2024, for $60,222.10. Sneed admitted that he never made either deposit with the bank. Sneed further admitted that he prepared the deposit slips to conceal his theft of money from the business over several months.
On April 9, 2024, Sneed attempted to change the record of the Bentley Continental sale back to a cash purchase from a credit card purchase in the business’s computer system. Sneed found the computer system did not allow him to edit transaction histories for March 2024. On April 15, 2024, Sneed was fired from his position.
Sneed is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sneed also owes at least $120,322.10 in restitution.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-14.
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Vermont Man Sentenced to 132 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gabriel Charron, age 53, of Milton, Vermont, was sentenced today to 132 months in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for the attempted online enticement of a minor.
Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Charron admitted that between May 2022 and March 4, 2023, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with people he believed were a mother and an 11-year old girl, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Charron also admitted that on March 4, 2023, he traveled from Vermont to a hotel in Albany County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 11-year old girl. Charron was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location.
Charron will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
FBI Albany investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Venezuelan National Arrested in El Paso for Alleged Misuse of DocumentsRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Venezuelan national was arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents.
According to court documents, Alcides Jose Urrivari-Arape, was pulled over by an El Paso County Sherriff’s Office deputy Feb. 24. After the deputy requested U.S. Border Patrol assistance, Urrivari-Arape allegedly presented a fraudulent U.S. Social Security card to the USBP agent, claiming that the ID allowed him to remain in the country legally. He allegedly admitted to paying $690 for the false document.
If convicted, Urrivari-Arape faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The U.S. Border Patrol and El Paso County Sherriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Wang is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint 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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Validated Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jamari Tyrek Ishman, age 24, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ishman pled guilty to the charge on November 20, 2024.
According to court records and evidence presented at sentencing, Ishman was stopped by the Edenton Police Department for an expired registration violation on March 16, 2024. The officer detected an odor of marijuana and saw an open bottle of wine in the passenger seat. The officer also saw that Ishman had a juvenile passenger in the car. Based on the odor and open container, the officer asked Ishman and his juvenile passenger to exit the car. Once out of the car, the officer noticed Ishman had a red bandana in his back pocket, believed to reflect Ishman’s validated status as a member of the Bloods street gang. The officer searched Ishman and found a firearm magazine in his pants pocket. Ishman initially denied that there was a gun in the vehicle that matched the magazine, however, he ultimately admitted that there was a gun under the seat. The officer searched the vehicle and found a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine under the seat. The officer also found a pill bottle with a small amount of marijuana inside.
Ishman is a previously convicted felon prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. His felony convictions include assault inflicting serious bodily injury on a detention employee in 2021 as well as multiple convictions in 2019 for breaking and entering.
The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Edenton Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Dixon is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number: 2:24-cr-00024-M-BM.
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Two Colombian Nationals Charged with Drug-Trafficking on Alabama InterstateRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury indicted two Colombian nationals for drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Cristian Yesid Lugo-Beltran, 24, and Johan Leandro Zapata-Valencia, 23, with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the indictment, on February 6, 2024, Lugo-Beltran and Zapata-Valencia possessed with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The traffic stop of both men occurred on Interstate 65 in Shelby County.
HSI investigated the case, along with Calera Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and Olivia C. Brame are prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Brothers from Youngstown, Ohio, Each Sentenced to at Least a Decade in Prison for Participation in Interstate Cocaine Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Two Youngstown, Ohio, residents were sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh on February 26, 2025, for their convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and related firearms and drug trafficking charges, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendants were among 17 individuals from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; and Youngstown, Ohio, indicted in March 2024 for violating federal narcotics, firearms, and racketeering laws by conspiring to distribute cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown (read the Indictment news release here).
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentences on brothers Ruben Noel Sanchez, 29, and Rubel Sanchez, 22. Ruben was sentenced to a total of 13 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, with the latter two charges having been filed by Information in the Northern District of Ohio. Rubel was sentenced to 10 years of prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to information presented to the Court, the Sanchez brothers were part of an organized drug trafficking group that shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico, often mailing drug parcels through the U.S. Postal Service to co-conspirators responsible for selling the cocaine in Western Pennsylvania; Youngstown, Ohio; and elsewhere. This included the Sanchez brothers receiving kilograms of cocaine directly through the mail as well as receiving and paying for cocaine that was shipped to Philadelphia and then transported across Pennsylvania to Youngstown, Ohio. Upon receipt of the cocaine, the brothers and their co-conspirators distributed the drugs to customers and multiple other co-conspirators, who then distributed the cocaine in Youngstown, Ohio, and throughout Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.
In March 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant at a Youngstown residence utilized by the brothers in connection with their drug distribution operations, where investigators seized three Glock pistols—including one equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a Glock switch and another loaded with ammunition; three unattached Glock switches; assorted ammunition; baggies of powder and pills that included separate mixtures and substances containing 1) fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine, 2) fentanyl and xylazine, 3) cocaine, 4) fentanyl, 5) methamphetamine, and 6) heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine; a kilo press plate used in connection with the packaging and distribution of large quantities of powdered controlled substances; and the brothers’ cell phones. Evidence, including from these cell phones and other surveillance, established that the brothers knowingly possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them and possessed the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking. The brothers each were responsible for distributing and/or possessing with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Task Force, and United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as the New Castle Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and United States Department of Agriculture for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sanchez brothers.
Lawrence County is one of six Western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Timothy Courchaine Appointed Interim United States Attorney for the District of ArizonaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Timothy Courchaine was sworn in today as the Interim United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine was appointed to the position by Attorney General Pam Bondi on February 28, 2025.
As Interim United States Attorney, Mr. Courchaine supervises the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters in the District of Arizona in which the United States has an interest. He leads a staff of approximately 350 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel across Arizona. The District of Arizona serves over seven million residents.
Mr. Courchaine began his service to the District of Arizona in 2020 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. During his time with the office, Mr. Courchaine has handled numerous criminal cases related to border crimes and the predatory actions of Mexican-based cartels in the Southwest Border and OCDETF sections.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Courchaine served in the United States Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate and left the service as a Captain. He then served as a law clerk to the Honorable William G. Montgomery on the Arizona Supreme Court from 2019 to 2020.
Mr. Courchaine received his J.D., from the University of Alabama in 2014 and his B.A. from California State University, Long Beach, in 2011.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-028_Timothy Courchaine
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Stockton Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in Large-Scale Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jose Manuel Ontiveros Verdugo, 39, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, between July 2019 and December 2019, Verdugo conspired with his co-defendants and others to distribute methamphetamine both in Stockton and throughout the country. During the investigation, an undercover source bought a total of 11 pounds of methamphetamine and a half pound of heroin from this drug trafficking organization. Law enforcement interdicted the group’s shipments of 50 pounds of methamphetamine destined for Nebraska, as well as a 21‑pound shipment destined for Pennsylvania.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, San Joaquin County Probation, the Stockton Police Department, and the Tracy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.
Charges are pending against co-defendants Jorge Omar Arredondo Garcia, 46, of Lodi; Gregorio Ontiveros Verdugo, 41, of Morada; Alberto Navarro Zapata, 50, of Stockton; and Wilfredo Reyes, 48, of Manteca. The charges against them are only allegations; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Verdugo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on June 16, 2025. Verdugo faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million 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.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Shannon Ivory, 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on February 27, 2025, to 125 months’ imprisonment. Ivory pled guilty July 31, 2024, in federal court, to four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that on March 20, 2023, Ivory was arrested by federal agents as a fugitive on State of Iowa charges. During the arrest, multiple types of illegal drugs in separate packaging for distribution were found on Ivory, including over 26 grams of pure methamphetamine; over 15 grams of crack cocaine; over 4 grams of powder cocaine; and 25 morphine pills. Ivory admitted to possessing the drugs and his intent to distribute them to other persons.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ivory was sentenced to 125 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Ivory 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 Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service, the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4038. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Shelton Man 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 on February 28, 2025, VINCENZO MINUTOLO, 38, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to offenses related to his 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 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.
Minutolo claimed an ownership interest or representative relationship with City Sounds Productions LLC (“City Sounds”). Between March and September 2021, Minutolo defrauded the PPP loan program of more than $145,000 by providing false information on loan applications for City Sounds, including overstating the yearly gross income for City Sounds; misrepresenting that similar PPP loans had not been or would not be sought when he had, in fact, sought and obtained, and intended to seek and obtain, such loans; and providing fraudulent IRS tax filings and tax payment vouchers for City Sounds that had, in fact, never been filed with the IRS. Similarly, on the forgiveness applications he submitted, Minutolo materially misrepresented having complied with all the requirements of the PPP rules.
In addition, the CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”). Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who are 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.
Between March 2020 and April 2021, Minutolo defrauded the CT-DOL of at least $86,000, and as much as approximately $273,000, by providing the CT-DOL with fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applications seeking unemployment insurance payments in others’ names, including individuals who had died, and individuals who did not know that their name and sometimes other personal information was being used. One fraudulent application was for Minutolo’s grandfather, who died in 2014, and included a telephone number associated with Minutolo. Minutolo continued to make online weekly certifications to the CT-DOL attesting that the information contained in his grandfather’s application, and other applications, were true in order to receive continued unemployment insurance benefits.
Minutolo pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 23. Minutolo is released on a $50,000 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.
Scranton Man Sentenced to 41 Months’ Imprisonment for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James G. Miller, Jr., age 53, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 28, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for wire fraud.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between February of 2020 and January of 2022, Miller assisted coconspirators in transferring $1,582,179 in fraudulently obtained Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Lost Wage Assistance Payments (LWAPs), and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits through various bank accounts, Bitcoin transactions, and mailings. Miller acted as a money mule, receiving small sums of money in exchange for the use of his mailing address and bank accounts to transfer the fraudulently obtained funds to counterparts overseas.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Office of Inspector General Departments of Labor (OIG-DOL) and Homeland Security (OIG-DHS), and the Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration (OIG-SSA). The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
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Pulled over for a Suspended Driver’s License, Convicted Felon Faces up to 15 Years for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Millinocket man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in March 2023, an officer with the East Millinocket Police Department ran a registration check on a vehicle and discovered that it was registered to someone with a suspended driver’s permit. The officer stopped the vehicle, and a confrontation ensued between the officer and the driver, Jeffrey Barnard, 61. Barnard was arrested with the assistance of a second officer and a private citizen. As he was searched, a .22 caliber revolver was found in his jacket pocket. Barnard is precluded from possessing a firearm due an extensive criminal history, which includes a 2017 conviction in the U.S. District Court for being a felon in possession of a firearm in a case that stemmed from an armed standoff with police in Ellsworth.
Barnard faces up to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine to be followed by up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the East Millinocket Police Department.
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Parkersburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – David Eric West II, 43, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to seven years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to deliver quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 8, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by West near Parkersburg. Officers found quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the vehicle and a Taurus G3C 9mm pistol on West’s person. West admitted that he possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them in and around the Southern District of West Virginia.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Parkersburg Police Department.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-135.
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