Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
27 February 2025
Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Returns 6 Indictments Charging 13 DefendantsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged 13 Kentucky residents in six indictments involving methamphetamine and firearms offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the first indictment, Johnathan Hankins, 34, and Tremell Smith, 33, both of Louisville, are each charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between March 11, 2024, and May 22, 2024.
According to the second indictment, Shawn Beason, 35, of Louisville, and Justin Cummins, 28, and William Willis, 54, both of Mount Vernon, Kentucky, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on April 5, 2024.
According to the third indictment, Ejai Shanklin, 22, of Louisville, is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime between April 6, 2024, and June 6, 2024. Daryl Horton, 22, of Louisville, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on May 20, 2024.
According to the fourth indictment, Jeffrey Bradley, 33, Britney Calloway, 39, and Curtis Wright, 66, all of Louisville, and Jeffrey Holder, 49, of Ferguson, Kentucky, are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Beginning as early as June 26, 2024, and continuing through August 7, 2024, the defendants conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Bradley is also charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Calloway and Wright are also each charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Holder is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On June 26, 2024, Holder possessed an Inter Ordnance, Hellcat, .38 caliber handgun, an Imperial Metal Products, Model IMP .22 caliber revolver, and a Remington Arms Company, Model 1100, 12-gauge shotgun. Holder was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On March 19, 2008, in Powell Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of flagrant nonsupport.
On March 19, 2008, in Powell Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.
On September 8, 2014, in Powell Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of theft by unlawful taking.
On September 8, 2014, in Powell Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of theft by unlawful taking.
On December 17, 2014, in Powell Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (two counts).
On May 20, 2016, in Powell Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of flagrant nonsupport.
On March 29, 2017, in Pulaski Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of flagrant nonsupport and bail jumping in the first degree.
On November 27, 2019, in Pulaski Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of fleeing or evading police in the first degree, wanton endangerment in the first degree, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree.
On January 7, 2021, in Pulaski Circuit Court, Holder was convicted of fleeing or evading police in the first degree (two counts) and wanton endangerment in the first degree.
According to the fifth indictment, Honesty Davis, 35, of Louisville, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on August 26, 2024.
According to the sixth indictment, Jaquan Tooley, 28, of Louisville, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on September 13, 2024.
Eight of the 13 defendants have been arrested and made their initial court appearances this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. One defendant will make his initial appearance on March 3, 2024. Ejai Shanklin, Daryl Horton, Jeffrey Holder, and William Willis are in state custody and will make initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at a later date.
If convicted, the defendants each face minimum sentences ranging from 10 to 25 years, and all face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The cases are being investigated by the ATF, DEA, HSI, IRS-CI, KSP, and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts is prosecuting the cases.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
February Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the February Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Dylan Ray Alexander. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Alexander, 31, of Bartlesville and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with unlawfully killing Kevin Holden and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Dunn and Tara Heign are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-052
Jeremiah Jacob Drake. Production of Child Pornography; Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Drake, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with coercing a minor child to produce sexually explicit content. He is additionally charged with receiving, possessing, and distributing sexually explicit material that depicts the sexual abuse of a minor child. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-056
Carl Anthony Epps, II. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence in Indian Country (superseding). Epps, 42, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. Further, he is charged with using a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-007
Anthony Wayne Jeremiah. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Malicious Mischief in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Jeremiah, 43, transient and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with assaulting the victim with a dangerous weapon and maliciously destroying the victim's property. He is further charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of felonies. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Dunn and Emily Dewhurst are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-055
Blake Alan Miller. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country. Miller, 41, of Forrest City, Arkansas, and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a child under 12 years old. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-045
Gabriel Urquiza-Urquiza; Daisy Villanueva; Javier Rodarte; Ricardo Plateado-Martinez; Rosa Maria Olmos; Rafael Gonzalez; Joel Rosales Pina. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Firearms Conspiracy (Count 2); Firearms Trafficking (Count 3); Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (Count 4); Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity (Counts 5 & 6); Distribution of Methamphetamine (Count 7); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 8); Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearms (Count 9); Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 10); Illegal Export of Firearms (Count 11); Smuggling Firearms from the United States (Count 12); Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien (Count 13); Conspiracy to Import a Controlled Substance (second superseding). Urquiza-Urquiza, 26, a Mexican National; Villanueva, 24, of Oklahoma City; Rodarte, 26, of Moore; Plateado-Martinez, 34, of Broken Arrow; Olmos, 35, of Broken Arrow; Gonzales, 31, of Beaumont; and Pina, 40, a Mexican National are charged with conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. Urquiza-Urquiza, Villanueva, Rodarte, Plateado-Martinez, Olmos, Gonzalez, and Pina are charged with conspiring to conceal or disguise proceeds from the transactions of methamphetamine distribution. Urquiza-Urquiza is charged with two counts of knowingly engaging in monetary transactions that involved criminally derived property valued at more than $10,000. Villanueva is also charged with intentionally distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Pina is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute drugs. Urquiza-Urquiza, Gonzalez, and Pina are charged with conspiring to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from Mexico. Urquiza-Urquiza is also charged with possessing firearms, knowing he is an illegal alien unlawfully in the United States, and with possessing firearms in the furtherance of drug trafficking. He is additionally charged with willfully exporting and smuggling firearms from the United States to Mexico. The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Arrow Police Department, and Oklahoma City Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-131
Adrian Marquez Rodriguez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodriguez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2005. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-054
Ronald Dewayne Thompson. Possession of Child Pornography; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Commission of Felony Sex Offense Involving a Minor by a Registered Sex Offender. Thompson, 33, of Claremore, is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He knowingly engaged in sexual conduct with a minor under 12 years of age. Additionally, Thompson knowingly is required to register and committed a felony involving a minor child. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-058
Delawnsha Lemar Tiger. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Tiger, 30, transient, is charged with knowingly failing to register as a sex offender in Dec. 2024. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-053
El Paso Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing FentanylRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court to 180 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
According to court documents, Victor Arellano, 40, delivered 1,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent in exchange for $1,500 on or about Nov. 28, 2023. He sold more narcotics, including fentanyl, to agents through controlled purchases on four other occasions. On Jan. 18, 2024, Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted an operation to seize 20 kgs of methamphetamine, resulting in the arrest of Arellano.
Arellano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance on Dec. 5, 2024. Arellano also forfeited a total of $10,225 in drug proceeds seized during the investigation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The DEA investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Watts prosecuted the case.
###
El Paso Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 180 months in prison for possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material depicting a prepubescent minor.
According to court documents, a device belonging to Victor Enrique Artalejo, 60, was identified for downloading more than 3,000 torrent files between June 17, 2022 and Sept. 18, 2023, many of which contained child sexual abuse material. Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Artalejo’s residence on March 29, 2024, seizing a laptop and several other electronic devices. A forensic review revealed that Artalejo had downloaded and possessed 1,434 photos and 111 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The majority of the victims were determined to be under the age of 12.
Artalejo was arrested March 29, 2024 and has remained in federal custody. He pleaded guilty Dec. 4, 2024 to one count of possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receipt of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Micaela Glass prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Drug Kingpin Sentenced to 27 Years as Part of Ongoing Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that United States District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Jason Demyers, 44, a current resident of Arizona with significant ties to Lansing, Michigan, to serve 324 months in prison for his leadership of a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. During sentencing, Judge Beckering described Demyers as a “kingpin” in what she described as a “nationally orchestrated drug trafficking organization” that dealt massive amounts of both cocaine and methamphetamine. Demyers is the seventh defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Demyers was one of the leaders of the drug trafficking conspiracy. His organization distributed kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine in and around Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo between August 2022 and July 2024. Demyers personally coordinated the shipment to Michigan of packages containing approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine. He also worked with couriers who flew from Michigan to California carrying thousands of dollars earned from drug sales and then flew back to Michigan carrying kilograms of illegal drugs.
During the pendency of the case, investigators seized approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine, eight kilograms of cocaine, multiple pieces of real property used to facilitate the drug trafficking conspiracy, and jewelry valued at approximately $325,000.
In total, the United States charged fourteen defendants as part of the organization. Twelve of the defendants have pled guilty, while two have entered into a pretrial diversion program. Of the defendants sentenced to date, the Court has imposed the following prison sentences:
- Franchot Barnes – 324 months
- Jomo Grady – 210 months
- Evette Wallace – 110 months
- Jamar Goins – 78 months
- Lanise Moody – 40 months
- Jonathan Conner – 37 months
The remaining defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in May and June 2025.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lansing Police Department (LPD) began the investigation into Demyers’ drug trafficking organization in October 2022, in partnership with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
“Today’s sentencing of Jason Demyers for his lead role in a national drug trafficking organization is a victory for the American public and a defeat to drug traffickers everywhere. The special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation continue in their mission to disrupt the flow of ill-gotten gains that is the life-blood for these criminals,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to be relentless in our mission to dismantle these drug trafficking organizations and bring the criminals who run them to justice.”
“This case is a prime example of how a seemingly small investigation can evolve into a large-scale operation, thanks to the dedicated collaboration between our local, state, and federal partners,” said Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus. “By working together, we’re able to target and dismantle operations led by some of the most prolific offenders.”
“DEA is committed to protecting communities throughout Michigan from drug traffickers who prey on the vulnerable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division Andrew Lawton. “Mr. Demyers ran a drug trafficking organization that funneled kilogram-quantities of drugs into Michigan along with an untold amount of misery and destruction. Together with our law enforcement partners, DEA will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations that threaten safety and disrupt communities.”
This prosecution, dubbed Operation Cold as Ice, was 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie M. Carowan and Austin J. Hakes prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
###
Dorchester Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) obtained via Zoom chat rooms.
Beau Christopher Benson, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2024, Benson pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography. Benson was charged by criminal complaint in November 2023.
In April 2023, law enforcement was notified that Benson participated in Zoom video chat rooms used to share and view CSAM. Benson recorded his participation in the chat rooms and saved the recordings – which featured videos of CSAM and conversations between Benson and others about the CSAM – to his social media account. Approximately 15 video files depicting CSAM were found saved in his Dropbox. In addition, Benson was identified as an online user who had uploaded two files containing CSAM to a Dropbox account. Specifically, the files depicted children who appear to be approximately two to four years old.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Dominican national, deported six times previously, sentenced to over 15 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl and heroinRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A national of the Dominican Republic was sentenced today to 15 years and eight months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and illegally reentering the United States after a felony conviction.
According to court documents, on Jan. 18, 2024, a Trooper with the Virginia State Police (VSP) pulled over Gregorio Gustavo DeJesus Santos on I-85 in Mecklenburg County. During that traffic stop, a narcotics canine alerted to the odor of narcotics. VSP searched the car and found a hidden compartment under the passenger seat that extended into the back seat area. The compartment was empty. The Trooper released DeJesus Santos.
Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, DeJesus Santos traveled back into Virginia, where law enforcement stopped the vehicle for a traffic infraction and, again, a narcotics canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. While searching the vehicle, law enforcement located two packages in the hidden compartment. One of the packages contained 200 grams of fentanyl and the other contained 293 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.
DeJesus Santos acknowledged as part of his guilty plea that he obtained and redistributed at least three additional kilograms of fentanyl.
DeJesus Santos had been found in the United States and removed on six previous occasions, beginning in 1996 and most recently on Oct. 18, 2022, after he had been convicted of a felony drug charge in federal court in the Southern District of New York and released from prison.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Col. Matt Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Mastandrea and Patrick J. McGorman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-88.
Dominican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Jose Manuel Carvajal Gonzalez, 35, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
According to the indictment, Gonzalez was previously deported on Feb. 15, 2022. It is alleged that sometime after this removal, Gonzalez unlawfully reentered the United States.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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 and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes 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.
Dominican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Luis Alberto Arias, a/k/a “Jose Folchrivera,” 32, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
According to the indictment, Arias was previously deported on Feb. 15, 2022. It is alleged that, sometime after this removal, Arias unlawfully reentered the United States.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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 and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes 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.
Dominican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Danny Miguel Tejada Hernandez, 29, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He is currently in custody and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging document, Tejada Hernandez was previously deported in August 2021. It is alleged that sometime after removal, Tejada Hernandez unlawfully reentered the United States.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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 and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Soto of the Major Crimes 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.
Dangerous Firearms and Drugs the Focus of 2 Takedowns in VallejoRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two Vallejo Public Safety Partnership (PSP) investigations have resulted in arrests and federal charges for eight individuals for various gun and drug offenses. The PSP investigations are a part of a larger collaborative effort to address violent crime in the city of Vallejo. Making this announcement are Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, Chief Jason Ta of the Vallejo Police Department, Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani.
“The application process to join the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Partnership Program is competitive, and the United States Attorney’s Office is proud of the Vallejo Police Department’s selection as a participant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “This program is focused on maximizing scarce resources to increase Vallejo’s ability to fight violent crime, especially crime related to gang activity involving gun violence and drug trafficking. Our office is honored to partner with Vallejo through this unique initiative to provide focused, data-driven, and evidence-based resources and expertise to promote public safety in this city. The prosecutions announced today show our commitment to that partnership, as we bring federal resources to bear in the fight make Vallejo safer for all its residents.”
“Every community member deserves to feel safe and secure in their home,” stated Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta. “We are overcoming our resource limitations through law enforcement and community partnerships. We must work together as a team to make Vallejo safer.”
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to collaborative investigations, leveraging the skills and talents of local, state, and federal partners to disrupt violent criminal networks that threaten the success and safety of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Drug and weapons trafficking conducted by criminal networks exploits and slowly erodes communities unless law enforcement and the public stand together against it. Every family should have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in a safe, crime-free community and the FBI remains firmly committed to disrupt and dismantle gangs and criminal networks that endanger neighborhoods and threaten the potential of all citizens.”
“ATF is proud to be a part of a collective effort to prevent and reduce violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The city of Vallejo is a safer community today because of programs like the National Public Safety Partnership or PSP. This investigation serves as a great example of the effectiveness of this program. ATF continues to stay focused on the commitment that we made to the communities we serve, and we hope to continue to have more investigations like this one.”
Super 8
According to court documents, since July 2024 until the present, the ATF’s Oakland Field Office has been investigating members of a loosely affiliated group that was illegally selling dangerous, high-powered weapons in Vallejo using a Super 8 motel on Solano Avenue as the hub of their criminal activity. On Feb. 20, 2025, ATF arrested four Vallejo residents charged with federal firearms offenses. Zuryess Anthony Roberts, 24, was charged with possession and transfer of a machine gun. Taezon Laurece Sanderson, 23, was charged with being felon in possession of a firearm. Divaya James Talley, 18, was charged with transfer and possession of a machine gun. Anderson Thurston, 66, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Brown Brotherhood (BBH)
According to court documents, the Brown Brotherhood gang is a subset of the Sureño gang and has been a frequent target of investigations of the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. The primary criminal activities of this gang have included murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and stolen vehicles. The current investigation began in February 2024 through today’s arrests and takedown. FBI arrested four people today on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Leo Alonso-Medina, 32, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carlos Higuera-Aldana, 23, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Jeremiah Salanoa, 22, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Doroteo Suastegui, 47, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
These cases are the product of investigations by the ATF, the FBI, the Vallejo Police Department, and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, R. Alex Cardenas, Nicole Vanek, Douglas Harman, Charles Campbell, and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting the eight federal cases arising out of this collaborative PSP effort.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Corona Man Who Sold Stan Lee Memorabilia Agrees to Plead Guilty to Tax Fraud of More Than $1.2 Million in IncomeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Riverside County man has agreed to plead guilty to filing false income tax returns after selling Stan Lee-signed memorabilia and receiving more than $1.2 million in proceeds which he never reported to the IRS, the Justice Department announced today.
Mac Martin Anderson, 59, of Corona, has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of willfully subscribing to a false tax return, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each charge.
According to his plea agreement, from 2015 to 2018, Anderson had a personal relationship with Marvel Comics publisher Stan Lee and sold Marvel-related items bearing Lee’s autograph to various dealers, brokers and fans at comic conventions.
In exchange for selling these memorabilia, Anderson received payments from buyers, typically in the form of cash or checks. These payments were considered regular income by the IRS and should have been reported on Anderson’s income tax return each year that he received money.
For tax years 2015 through 2018, income from the sold memorabilia totaled $289,460, $452,269, $414,166, and $80,590, respectively. In total, Anderson admitted to profiting approximately $1,236,485 in reportable income from the memorabilia sales which resulted in him owing the IRS approximately $482,833.
As part of his plea agreement, Anderson agreed to pay restitution to the IRS of approximately $482,833.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis of the Major Frauds Section and Sarah E. Spielberger of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case.
Convicted Sex Offender Is Sentenced to 37 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A convicted sex offender was sentenced today to 37 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Jesse Thomas Cunningham, 30, of Morven, N.C., was also ordered to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, Roger “Chip” Hawley, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and Sheriff Scott Howell of the Anson County Sheriff’s Office, join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making this announcement.
According to court documents and court proceedings, in 2021, Cunningham assumed the identity of a minor on Snapchat to communicate with an 11-year-old female. Court records show that Cunningham induced the minor to send him sexually explicit images and videos of herself via Snapchat. Over the course of his communications with the minor victim, Cunningham gained access to the victim’s Snapchat account and used it to persuade two other minor females to create and send him images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court records, on December 7, 2021, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Cunningham’s phone. A forensic examination of the phone revealed that Cunningham possessed CSAM, including images and videos of the three minor victims he had contacted via Snapchat. During the investigation, law enforcement also found evidence that Cunningham had coerced the minor victims, threatening to expose them publicly online if they did not comply with his demands for additional CSAM. Cunningham has prior criminal convictions of Possessing Obscenity With Intent to Disseminate, Attempting to Extort Another, Felony Secret Peeping, and Indecent Liberties with a Child.
On October 11, 2024, Cunningham pleaded guilty to producing CSAM. Cunningham will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI, HSI, SBI and the Anson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 30 Years of Federal Imprisonment for Illegally Possessing Firearms and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Andre Blue, 37, of Memphis, to 30 years in federal prison for multiple gun and drug offenses. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on July 13, 2022, detectives with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit executed a search warrant on an apartment where Blue was living. There, they discovered a loaded Glock Inc. .45 caliber pistol, a Sig Sauer Inc. 9mm caliber pistol, and a loaded Smith and a Wesson .45 caliber pistol in the primary bedroom. Additionally, detectives found several bags of various narcotics in the primary bathroom toilet bowl, one of which contained 15 grams of pure methamphetamine. An American Tactical Imports Inc. multi-caliber pistol was found in the closet of a child’s bedroom on the top shelf next to a magazine loaded with at least 50 live rounds. Due to his prior felony convictions, Blue is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
After a three-day trial, in November 2024, a jury found Blue guilty of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. On February 26, 2025, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Blue to 30 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the PSN Gun Task Force, the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Eileen Kuo and Regina Brittenum, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
###
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Community Health Care Solutions, LLC and the Estate of Yolanda Burnom Agree to Pay $4.6 Million in Medicaid Fraud LawsuitRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Shreveport counseling service, Community Health Care Solutions, LLC (“Community Health”) and the estate of its deceased owner/operator, Yolanda Burnom, have agreed to pay $4,600,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicaid for reimbursement for services that were not rendered.
Through the investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, law enforcement agents determined that Community Health, through Burnom’s operations, created a scheme to defraud the Medicaid program by offering financial incentives to Medicaid recipients to share their patient information. Burnom and her employees would use that patient information to bill Medicaid for crisis intervention services that did not occur. Instead, counselors working for Community Health were instructed to create generic notes that could be cut and pasted onto patient files, in order to bill for crisis intervention, which carried the maximum reimbursement. In many instances, the counselors never met the patients or provided any services at all.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on September 28, 2022, charging Burnom with one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, six counts of healthcare fraud, and two counts of wire fraud. Four months later, Burnom passed away unexpectedly, and civil litigation was the only remaining avenue for the United States to recover its money.
“This type of fraud will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our federal and state partners to root out corruption and recover money for the taxpayers,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “Providers who take advantage of the Medicaid program deprive other citizens of needed medical services.”
“The Medicaid program depends on the honesty and integrity of providers, particularly when they submit claims for essential behavioral health services,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement underscores HHS-OIG’s commitment to working with our federal and state partners to safeguard taxpayer-funded benefit programs and investigate health care fraud.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated, “People who commit Medicaid fraud will be caught, prosecuted, and demanded to pay restitution. We will continue to combat abuse of the system and bring justice for the hard working taxpayers of Louisiana. Great job by my office and all of our federal partners.”
This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, HHS-OIG, and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot handled the civil litigation, along with HHS-OIG Special Agent Steven Cooper. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg handled the criminal investigation.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
# # #
Clay County Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Jackson Richard Perint (28, Clay County) to two years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Perint was also ordered to forfeit a SCCY Industries 9mm pistol and ammunition traceable to the offense. Perint was arrested on April 3, 2024, and released. He violated the conditions of his release and was ordered detained on August 15, 2024.
According to court documents and proceedings, on August 8, 2023, a detective with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic’s Unit, acting in an online undercover capacity, arranged a drug transaction with Perint. The next day, Perint arrived by car to a predetermined location. Based on a prior suspension of Perint’s driver license, deputies conducted a traffic stop of his car. During a subsequent search of the car, deputies located a 9mm pistol loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition between the driver’s seat and the center console.
At the time of the offense, Perint had nine previous felony convictions, including possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (2021, 2022). As a convicted felon, Perint is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
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.
Citrus Heights Woman Pleads Guilty to Participation in $1 Million Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rochelle Pasley, 34, of Citrus Heights, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, between June and December 2020, Pasley and Deshawn Oshaea Campbell, 36, of Citrus Heights, conspired to defraud by filing fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) seeking Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits under the CARES Act. During the conspiracy, the defendants obtained the identifying information of other individuals and used their identities to submit dozens of fraudulent claims. The claims represented, among other things, that the claimants had recently lost employment or were unable to find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These claims were fraudulent because, for instance, many of the individuals whose identities were used did not reside in California and were thus ineligible for benefits from EDD.
In the applications, the defendants used mailing addresses that were under their control, or under the control of their family and friends. EDD approved more than 50 of the fraudulent claims and authorized Bank of America to mail out EDD debit cards containing benefits. The defendants then obtained these debit cards and used them to withdraw the benefits at ATMs throughout California and to make direct purchases, all for their own benefit. The scheme resulted in EDD paying out over $1 million.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the EDD – Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Delaney and Justin Lee are prosecuting the case.
Pasley is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on June 26, 2025. Pasley faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of conspiracy and mail fraud, and a mandatory, consecutive two-year prison term for aggravated identity theft. 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.
Charges are pending against Campbell. Those charges are only allegations, and Campbell presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Chicago-Area Rap Artist and Celebrity Barber Sentenced for Role in Nationwide Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chicago man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses and individuals across the United States.
Terrence Bender, a/k/a “Blends,” a/k/a “Dopeblends,” 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years of probation. Bender was also ordered to pay $103,000 in both restitution and forfeiture. In November 2024, Bender pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Bender was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong, rap artists Herbert Wright and Joseph Williams, their associate Demario Sorrells and one other co-defendant.
According to court documents, beginning in at least March 2017 through November 2018, Bender, Strong, Williams, Sorrells, Wright and, allegedly, one other co-defendant conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information of real individuals – including the actual cardholders’ names, addresses, security codes and account expiration dates. Generally, because the payment card information was authentic, the defrauded businesses and individuals successfully processed the fraudulent transactions and provided the goods and services to Bender and his co-conspirators. The actual cardholders discovered these transactions on their accounts and disputed the charges with their card companies who then charged back the transactions to the businesses and individuals, who consequently suffered losses in the amounts of the unauthorized transactions.
Strong was a music promoter and Bender was a rap artist and celebrity barber in the area around Chicago. Bender and his co-conspirators used illicit account information to obtain, among other things, a private jet chart flight, a New York City villa rental, designer puppies from a pet boutique and car insurance in Bender’s own name. In total, Bender was responsible for $103,000 in victim losses.
On July 28, 2023, Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official, and on Jan. 11, 2024, was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968 and a $5,500 fine. On Feb. 2, 2024, Sorrells pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and, on Aug. 29, 2024, was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $106,481. On March 8, 2024, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and, on Aug. 13, 2024, was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $155,392. On May 22, 2024, Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud and, on Oct. 29, 2024, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $2,159,874.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and Kyle Crawford of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Brazen Bank Robbery While on Federal Supervision for Previous Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
A man who committed a bank robbery only two months after being placed on supervised release for two previous bank robberies was sentenced February 26, 2025, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Del Evans, Jr., age 40, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a September 4, 2024, guilty plea to bank robbery.
Evidence in the case revealed that on January 22, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Evans walked into the Sanborn Savings Bank, and handed the teller a note demanding money. Evans obtained cash, exited the bank, and fled on foot. Law enforcement officers identified Evans through surveillance footage and located his residence. Law enforcement converged on the residence, conducted “a cordon and call out” a cordon was setup around the house, and Evans was called out. He peacefully surrendered. At the time of the instant bank robbery, Evans was on supervised release for a 2014 bank robbery spree.
Evans admitted to the crime, identified the clothing he wore, and described using a note during the robbery. He took the note back to his home, where he ripped it apart and threw it in the bathroom trash.
During the execution of a search warrant on Evans’ home, the clothing and money were located, as well as the torn-up note in the bathroom trash.
Evans has been convicted of four armed robberies and four more unarmed robberies and an attempted robbery not including the instant offense. In 2008, Evans, at the age of 24, was convicted for bank robbery, and attempted bank robbery. In 2014, at the age of 30, Evans committed a spree of three of bank robberies, as well as an escape.
Evans was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 188 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to make $5,408.00 in restitution. He was also sentenced to serve a consecutive 24-month sentence for the supervised release violation. He must then also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Evans is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by O’Brien County Sheriff’s Department, Sanborn Police Department, Sheldon Police Department, Hartley Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4025.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Consecutive Time in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Nurldon Green, III, 32 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to Failure to Surrender for Service of Sentence, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Green was sentenced to 14 months in prison, consecutive to his sentence of 27 months in the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and two years of supervised release in federal case number 2:22-CR-116.
According to documents in the case, on February 22, 2024, Green was sentenced in his previous federal case for Theft of Mail to a term of 27 months in the BOP, followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to appear to serve his sentence on April 4, 2024, either at the BOP institution to which he was assigned or to the United States Marshals Service in Hammond, Indiana. On April 4, 2024, Green willfully failed to report or surrender at either location. Green was subsequently located and arrested on August 31, 2024, and has remained in custody since that date.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison for Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Trashawn Heard, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund on his plea of guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Heard was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on July 25, 2022, Heard entered a gas station in Hammond, Indiana, and pointed a handgun with an extended magazine at the employees. After demanding and receiving money, Heard attempted to leave but was shot in the shoulder. He dropped the money and the firearm, fled the scene, crashed his car and was taken to a hospital where he was arrested. At the time he committed the robbery, Heard was on parole for three robbery convictions from 2017.
This case was investigated by the FBI/GRIT Task Force with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
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.
Charlotte Man with Prior Criminal Convictions Is Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Alijah Kajuan Rollinson, 23, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for the unlawful possession of a firearm, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 6, 2023, at around 11:00 p.m., CMPD responded to a shooting incident at the parking lot of an apartment complex. Witnesses on the scene told the officers that there had been an argument between Rollinson and another individual prior to the shooting. Court documents show that CMPD officers recovered multiple cartridge casings from the scene, including from the doorway of Rollinson’s apartment. A subsequent search of the apartment yielded two firearms, a rifle and a stolen pistol. The rifle was loaded with ammunition that matched the discharged casings found at the doorway. The pistol was also loaded with a round of ammunition in the chamber. Rollinson is not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition based on his criminal history that includes convictions for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill. and Discharge a Weapon Into Occupied Property.
On March 8, 2024, Rollinson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He is in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Boykin and Regina Pack of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
The 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. For more information about PSN in the Western District, please visit our website.
Casey Patrick Henrietta Sentenced over 24 Years for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On February 27, 2025, Casey Patrick Henrietta, 27, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 292 months by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following Henrietta’s imprisonment, he will be on supervised release for life, and he will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Henrietta agreed to plead guilty to one count of attempted production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251 (a) and (e).
According to court documents, in December 2022, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI)-Knoxville Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, was contacted by the New Castle County Police Department in Delaware regarding online production of child pornography of a nine-year-old minor child. The investigation revealed that the solicitation of child pornography of the minor child began when he was nine years of age. The solicitation of the child pornography continued for four years until recently when the child mother found the child pornography in communications between Henrietta and the child.
The investigation revealed that Henrietta and the child began communicating through a game on the PlayStation Network platform. Later, Henrietta moved the conversations with the child to social networking applications where he continued to entice the minor child to engage in unlawful sexual activity for images/videos.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Rena Saoud of HSI made the announcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources.”
###
Columbus Man Sentenced for COVID FraudRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A Columbus man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining a $200,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ramirez Ivy, of Columbus, Mississippi conspired with Lakeith Faulkner, Norman Beckwood and others to each receive $200,000 from the Small Business Administration (SBA) based on a fraudulent loan application. The loan applications contained fictitious documents and claimed business revenue that did not exist.
In September 2024, after a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills, the jury found Ivy and Smith guilty on all counts.
Judge Mills sentenced Ivy to 18 months to be followed by five years supervised release and ordered him to pay $200,000 in restitution to the SBA.
On January 23, 2025, Felicia L. Smith, Ivy’s co-defendant at the September trial, was sentenced serve six months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Smith was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution to the SBA.
On December 7, 2022, Faulkner, a former SBA employee, entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On May 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Faulkner to serve sixty-two (62) months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Faulkner was also ordered to pay $10,620,452.26 in restitution to the SBA.
On January 17, 2023, Beckwood entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Beckwood to serve 62 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. In addition to prison time, Faulkner was ordered to pay $10,620,452.26 in restitution to the SBA. In connection with his guilty plea, Beckwood also forfeited $700,147.74, a 2018 Mercedez Benz C Class and a 2020 Mercedes Benz G63.
Thirty (30) other individual borrowers have also been charged in connection with the same scheme.
“Ramirez Ivy was a law enforcement officer when he deceptively obtained funds that were intended to provide emergency financial relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he absolutely knew better than to engage in this type of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Today’s sentence should reinforce the fact that the prosecutorial and law enforcement partnership on display in this case will continue until the stolen money is recovered and the perpetrators have been brought to justice.”
“Abusing a federal program designed to assist Americans in a time of need has, and will continue to be, aggressively investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. What makes this crime even more egregious is that Mr. Ivy was a police officer in a position of public trust,” stated Assistant Inspector General Gary Smith for Investigations for the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “This sentencing demonstrates our commitment to investigating and bringing to justice anyone who victimizes the American taxpayer. I want to thank TIGTA’s Special Agents, our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their unwavering dedication to this goal.”
“Today's sentencing of former police officer, Ramirez Ivy, demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating those who defraud the federal government, no matter their position within the community,” remarked Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff for the FBI Jackson Division. “The FBI, alongside our partners, will continue to investigate and hold individuals accountable, like Mr. Ivy, who commit fraudulent crimes against the U.S. Government.”
“The abuse of programs designed to assist small businesses is unacceptable. This sentencing underscore the SBA Office of Inspector General’s unwavering commitment to holding fraudsters accountable and ensuring justice is served,” said Sophia Curtis Acting Special Agent in Charge of the SBA OIG’s Central Region.
This scheme was initially uncovered during a civil investigation, led by the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Harland Webster.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton A. Dabbs, Parker S. King and Samuel D. Wright of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the criminal case.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 160 Months in Prison for Robberies and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JAMES KELLY was sentenced today to 160 months in prison for robbing two delis in the Bronx, New York, and pointing a gun at deli workers during one of the robberies. KELLY’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who also presided over a four-day trial after which KELLY was convicted of two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in connection with one of the robberies.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “James Kelly terrorized workers at local delis in the Bronx by threatening to shoot them, pointing a gun at them, and robbing them at their workplace. As today’s sentence shows, violent offenders who commit these heinous crimes will face harsh penalties. We thank our law enforcement partners for their determination in holding those who commit violent crimes, like Kelly, accountable and for their tireless pursuit of justice for victims.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment, the evidence presented during the trial and court proceedings, court filings, and statements made in court proceedings:
On October 10, 2021, KELLY entered a deli in the Bronx with his hands in his pocket, purporting to have a gun. KELLY approached a deli employee working alone in the store, threatened to shoot him, and demanded cash. After the deli employee gave KELLY cash, KELLY ordered the deli employee to get down on the ground and said that if the employee moved, he would “shoot the shit” out of the employee. 15 months later, on January 15, 2023, KELLY robbed another deli in the Bronx, pointed a gun at two deli employees, again demanded cash and threatened to shoot them, and again ordered them to get on the ground.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, KELLY, 32, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,900 and forfeit $1,900.
Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department Bronx Violent Crimes Squad and the investigators of the Office.
This case is being supervised by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connie L. Dang, Adam Z. Margulies, Georgia V. Kostopoulos, Katherine Cheng, and David R. Felton are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Olivia Sebade.
British National Indicted in Organized Multi-state Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A British national from Northern Ireland illegally in the United States has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island for participating in a multi-state construction and money laundering fraud scheme, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The indictment charges Elijah Gavin a/k/a Timothy O’Reilly a/ka/ Elijah Thomas, 29, with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Court documents allege as follows:
- Gavin and other co-conspirators are purported to be associated with the so-called Traveling Conmen Fraud Group (Conmen Travelers), a group recognized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Terrorist Screen Center as a Transnational Organized Crime (TCO) group.
- According to the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, Conmen Travelers are groups of Irish or U.K. nationals who entered the United States on pleasure or tourist visas and overstayed their visits or, more commonly, entered the United States illegally. Once in the United States, they go to different cities and states, soliciting construction work. The members often quote a low price, and then, after further inspection, demand much more money and/or convince the homeowner that their homes or business are in need of major repairs. Conmen Travelers often hire day laborers; do not have work authorization documents or pull permits; and do low quality, unnecessary, or incomplete work, sometimes damaging homeowners’ residences.
- Gavin and his co-conspirators defrauded property owners in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York of over one million dollars. They did this by, among other things, misrepresenting to property owners who they are, the qualifications of their construction businesses, and construction needs or repairs required on properties.
- Gavin and his co-conspirators formed and used multiple construction businesses and falsely represented the business’ status, experience, and quality of work; falsely represented their identities and skills to homeowners; and made false representations to property owners regarding the condition of their properties, work they would perform, and the machinery, materials, and equipment needed to perform work.
- As part of this conspiracy, Gavin and his co-conspirators collected funds for work that was not needed, was incomplete, and in some instances when no work was performed.
- Additionally, these co-conspirators billed property owners and collected funds for equipment that was not needed or used.
- Monies collected through this conspiracy were deposited into bank accounts controlled by co-conspirators or transferred to other individuals who laundered the fraudulently obtained monies.
- The victims of this scheme included a 78-year-old Rhode Island woman who was fraudulently induced to pay over $850,000 for unnecessary foundation and basement repairs, including in checks written to Gavin and others.
Gavin has been detained in federal custody since his arrest in New Jersey on January 29, 2025. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment in U.S. District Court in Providence on March 10, 2025. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Taylor A. Dean.
The matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Rhode Island State Police, and U.S Diplomatic Security Service.
###
elijah_gavin_indictment.pdf criminal_complaint.pdfBvi Man and Four Haitian Nationals Charged in Illegal Alien Smuggling CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jose Miguel Hodge, 31, of the British Virgin Islands, was charged with alien smuggling. Also charged were Junia Orelus, 32, Clawens Destin, 18, and Jean Louis Martellus, 27, all of Haiti, and Eudys Santana Santos, 33, of the Dominican Republic, with unlawful entry into the United States.
According to court records, on February 7, 2025, Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations agents observed Hodge operating a vessel traveling from BVI waters and later arriving at Annaberg Bay, St. John, without navigational lights. The agents intercepted and boarded Hodge’s vessel and found Orelus, Destin and Metellus, all illegal aliens, onboard. Santana Santos, also an illegal alien, was found at Annaberg Bay waiting to provide transportation to at least one of the illegal migrant onboard Hodge’s vessel.
This case is being investigated by Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that 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.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein FilesRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declassified and publicly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida, among other locations. The first phase of declassified files largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government.
“This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.”
“The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned — and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued. If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be. The oath we take is to the Constitution, and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.”
Attorney General Bondi requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In response, the Department received approximately 200 pages of documents, however, the Attorney General was later informed of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein that were not previously disclosed. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver the remaining documents to the Department by 8:00 AM on February 28 and has tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the request for all documents was not followed.
The Department remains committed to transparency and intends to release the remaining documents upon review and redaction to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.
A copy of Attorney General Bondi’s letter can be downloaded here.
Links to released documents below:
- A. Evidence List
- B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell
- B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part1
- B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part2
- B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part3
- B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part4
- B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part5
- B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part6
- C. Contact Book_Redacted
- D. Masseuse List_Redacted
Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces 29 Wanted Defendants from Mexico Taken into U.S. CustodyRead the Press Release
Today, the United States secured custody of 29 defendants from Mexico who are facing charges in districts around the country relating to racketeering, drug-trafficking, murder, illegal use of firearms, money laundering, and other crimes. The defendants taken into U.S. custody today include leaders and managers of drug cartels recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas), La Nueva Familia Michoacana, and Cártel de Golfo (Gulf Cartel). These defendants are collectively alleged to have been responsible for the importation into the United States of massive quantities of poison, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as associated acts of violence.
“As President Trump has made clear, cartels are terrorist groups, and this Department of Justice is devoted to destroying cartels and transnational gangs,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will prosecute these criminals to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels. We will not rest until we secure justice for the American people.”
“The FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The era of harming Americans and walking free is over.”
“Today’s actions are a consequence of a White House that negotiates from a position of strength, and an Attorney General who is willing to lead the Department with courage and ferocity,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. “By prosecuting these defendants to the maximum extent allowable under the law, we honor the memory of Special Agent Camarena, Deputy Sherrif Byrd, and other victims who are far too numerous, as well as decades of hard work in the trenches by our law enforcement partners.”
“Today, 29 fugitive cartel members have arrived in the United States from Mexico, including one name that stands above the rest for the men and women of the DEA — Rafael Caro Quintero. Caro Quintero, a cartel kingpin who unleashed violence, destruction, and death across the United States and Mexico, has spent four decades atop DEA’s most wanted fugitives list, and today we can proudly say he has arrived in the United States where justice will be served,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz. “This moment is extremely personal for the men and women of DEA who believe Caro Quintero is responsible for the brutal torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. It is also a victory for the Camarena family. Today sends a message to every cartel leader, every trafficker, every criminal poisoning our communities: You will be held accountable. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far you run, justice will find you.”
Many of the defendants were subject to longstanding U.S. extradition requests that were not honored during the prior Administration, but that the Mexican government elected to transfer to the current U.S. government in response to the Justice Department’s efforts pursuant to President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14157, entitled Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, to pursue total elimination of these Cartels. Federal prosecutors will evaluate whether additional terrorism and violence charges are appropriate based on the policy set forth in Executive Order 14157, and whether capital punishment is available based on Executive Order 14164, entitled Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety, as well as the Attorney General’s Feb. 5 guidance regarding the death penalty.
- Rafael Caro Quintero, who is alleged to have been among those responsible for the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and others.
- Martin Sotelo, who is alleged to have participated in the 2022 murder of Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd.
- Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, who allegedly helped lead CJNG and is reportedly the brother of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
- Ramiro Perez Moreno and Lucio Hernandez Lechuga, who are alleged to be high-ranking members of Los Zetas.
A complete list of defendants, as well as districts where they are charged and will appear in federal court in the coming days:
Mexico Defendants
NameArraignment
Jurisdiction
Statutory Maximum1CANOBBIO-INZUNZA, Jose AngelNorthern District IllinoisUp to life imprisonment2.VALENCIA GONZALEZ, NorbertoNorthern District of IllinoisUp to life imprisonment3.MARIN SOTELO, Alder, also known as “Alder Marin-Sotelo” and “Alder Alfonso Marin”Middle District of North Carolina
North Carolina State Court
Federal: Maximum 10 years imprisonment
State: Maximum of life imprisonment or death
4.CRUZ SANCHEZ, EvaristoSouthern District of TexasUp to life imprisonment5.GARCIA VILLANO, also known as “La Kena,” “19,” and “Ciclone 19”Southern District of TexasUp to life imprisonment6.HERNANDEZ LECHUGA, LucioEastern District of TexasUp to life imprisonment7.PEREZ MORENO, RamiroEastern District of TexasUp to life imprisonment8.RODRIGUEZ DIAZ, Miguel Angel, also known as "Metro"Eastern District of TexasUp to life imprisonment9.VILLARREAL HERNANDEZ, Jose RodolfoNorthern District of TexasDeath or life imprisonment10.CARO QUINTERO, RafaelEastern District of New YorkDeath or life imprisonment11.CARRILLO FUENTES, VicenteEastern District of New YorkDeath or life imprisonment12.CABRERA CABRERA, Jose BibianoDistrict of ArizonaUp to life imprisonment13.CLARK, AndrewCentral District of CaliforniaDeath or life imprisonment14.INFANTE, Hector EduardoCentral District of CaliforniaUp to life imprisonment15.LIMON LOPEZ, Jesus HumbertoDistrict of ArizonaUp to life imprisonment16.TAPIA QUINTERO, Jose GuadalupeDistrict of ArizonaUp to life imprisonment17.TORRES ACOSTA, Inez EnriqueSouthern District of CaliforniaUp to life imprisonment18.GALAVIZ VEGA, JesusWestern District of TexasUp to life imprisonment19.MENDEZ ESTEVANE, Luis GeraldoWestern District of TexasDeath or life imprisonment20.MONSIVAIS TREVINO, Carlos AlbertoWestern District of TexasUp to life imprisonment21.ALGREDO VAZQUEZ, CarlosDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment22.LOPEZ IBARRA, RodolfoDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment23.OSEGUERA CERVANTES, AntonioDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment24.RANGEL BUENDIA, AlfredoDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment25.TREVINO MORALES, Miguel Angel, also known as "Z-40"District of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment26.TREVINO MORALES, Omar, also known as "Z-42")District of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment27.VALENCIA SALAZAR, ErickDistrict of ColumbiaUp to life imprisonment28.MENDEZ VARGAS, JesusSouthern District of New YorkUp to life imprisonment29.PALACIOS GARCIA, ItielSouthern District of New YorkUp to life imprisonmentAttorney General Pamela Bondi thanked the law enforcement officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for their valuable contributions to these investigations.
The Attorney General also thanked the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and its Office of International Affairs, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, the District of Columbia, Middle District of North Carolina, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Northern District of Texas, Eastern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas for handling the prosecutions of these cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Armed Drug Trafficker Is Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bryan Torres, 24, of Cherryville, N.C., was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and four years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court documents and court proceedings, between October 2022 to January 2023, Torres engaged in drug trafficking in Gaston County. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine, over 250 fentanyl pills, powder fentanyl, heroin, and other substances from the defendant. Torres was armed during at least one drug transaction. On February 2, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Torres’s residence. Investigators seized from the residence five firearms and ammunition, and additional amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
On February 29, 2024, Torres pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The investigation was jointly conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Cherryville Police Department, and the Gaston County Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about PSN in the Western District, please visit our website.
Ansonia Man Arrested in Stamford Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that DAQWON GRAHAM, also known as “Seagull” and “Energy,” 30, of Ansonia, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with fentanyl trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Graham as a large-scale fentanyl distributor in and around Fairfield County. Investigators also connected Graham’s drug trafficking activities to an overdose death of a male victim in Branford in March 2023, and an overdose death of a female victim in Shelton in October 2024. In January and February 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Graham.
On February 26, 2025, Graham was arrested on High Ridge Road in Stamford. It is alleged that Graham possessed approximately 400 grams of fentanyl at the time of his arrest.
Following his arrest, Graham appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.
The complaint charges Graham with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and with use of a communications device to facilitate a drug trafficking felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
26 February 2025
Woman Who Distributed Fentanyl Resulting in Two Deaths Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who sold purported heroin containing fentanyl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison. Alysha Michelle Dittmar, age 28, of Denver, Colorado, received the prison term after a September 11, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death.
On July 1, 2023, Dittmar was text messaging with A.G. by phone about distributing purported heroin. Dittmar had previously distributed purported heroin to A.G. The purported heroin distributed by Dittmar contained a mixture or substance of heroin and fentanyl. A.G. and T.G. used the fentanyl mixture provided by Dittmar and died in their home. The couple’s children found them in their bedroom and called 911. Two days after the overdose deaths, law enforcement conducted a controlled buy of purported heroin from Dittmar. The substance distributed by Dittmar to law enforcement contained heroin, fentanyl, and xylazine.
Dittmar was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Dittmar was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Dittmar is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion Police Department, at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-CR-00048-001.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Woman Previously Convicted of Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Violating Supervised Release ConditionsRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESSICA STUART, 42, last residing in Thomaston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of her supervised release that followed convictions and prison term for health care fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stuart does not have a college degree, was not a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or licensed medical practitioner, and did not have any formal training in applied behavior analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Between approximately May 2019 and September 2020, Helping Hands Academy, LLC, a Bridgeport-based provider of applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with ASD, paid Stuart at least $146,0000 and submitted to Medicaid numerous fraudulent claims for applied behavioral analysis services that Stuart performed but was not qualified to provide. Stuart stole the professional identity of a legitimate BCBA so she could impersonate a BCBA and make a BCBA’s salary. Stuart caused Medicaid to pay out on over 1,900 fraudulent claims related to 12 children with ASD. Medicaid suffered a loss of approximately $369,439 as a result of Stuart’s conduct.
Stuart pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of using false identification in connection with health care fraud and, on October 15, 2021, was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay full restitution. She was released from federal prison in April 2023.
In January 2025, Stuart was arrested by Bristol Police for offenses related to her alleged misuse of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits card that belonged to a resident of the Bristol Adult Resource Center (BARC) where Stuart had been employed. BARC is an organization that provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that require full-time care. The investigation further revealed that Stuart had submitted weekly certifications for, and subsequently received, state unemployment benefits for nearly a month after she began working at BARC in June 2024. Stuart also failed to timely notify the U.S. Probation Office of her contact with Bristol Police.
Stuart has been detained in federal custody since January 23, 2025.
The original investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Wausau Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Leading Methamphetamine and Cocaine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tommie L. Haney, 44, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced February 20 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 14 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of both methamphetamine and cocaine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Haney pleaded guilty to this charge on December 2, 2024.
In February 2022, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force officers began investigating a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking organization operating in Wausau, Wisconsin. The multi-year investigation involved the seizure of drug-laden packages from the mail, controlled purchases of narcotics, and seizures of firearms and large quantities of drugs from residence searches. From the investigation, officers believe the drug trafficking organization was distributing kilograms quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Haney was identified as a local leader of the drug trafficking organization. He worked closely with sources of supply, he arranged bulk purchases, and he accompanied others traveling to obtain drugs. He also helped set drug prices and recruited additional members to the organization. Haney supplied and directed the activities of several regional drug distributors. He also distributed drugs himself. He sold 226 grams of methamphetamine on February 24, 2022, 29 grams of cocaine on January 19, 2023, and 115 grams of methamphetamine on March 16, 2023.
At sentencing, Judge Conley said Haney was part of a substantial drug conspiracy that caused harm to the Wausau community. Judge Conley also said that the quantity of drugs involved in the case warranted a lengthy sentence.
Eight others were also charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Teala L. Kumbera was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and sentenced to 54 months in federal prison. Shandel L. Mohr was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison. Quo Vadis Lewis was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of both methamphetamine and cocaine and possessing firearms as a felon and was sentenced to 12 ½ years in federal prison. Shelby Gutch pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine on January 7, 2025, and entered into a 24-month diversion agreement. Troy C. Olsen was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison. Craig C. Gates was convicted of possessing cocaine intended for distribution and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 106 months in federal prison. Edwin Lewis and Samuel A. Teague have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months.
The charges against Haney and the others in his organization were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
This case has also been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
In addition, this operation 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.
Waterbury Man Charged with Cocaine Distribution, Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a three-count indictment charging FELIX NARVAEZ, 53, of Waterbury, with cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on February 12, 2025. Narvaez appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 7, 2024.
The indictment alleges that, on November 7, 2024, Narvaez possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and a loaded silver Ruger P90 .45 A.C.P handgun.
The indictment further alleges that Narvaez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, assault, and controlled substances offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Narvaez with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Washington State Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Coercing and Sexually Exploiting a Minor OnlineRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.--A Tacoma, Washington man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for using social media to coerce a minor into sending him sexually explicit materials and engage in self-harm.
Brandon Kuper, 22, was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison and ten years' supervised release.
According to court documents, in November 2022, Kuper messaged a minor through Discord and Snapchat, two social media messaging applications, in attempts to develop a relationship. Kuper coerced the victim into producing and sending him sexually explicit photos and videos, including sadistic and masochistic conduct. When the victim denied some of Kuper's requests, he threatened to harm the victim and victim's family if his demands were not met. Kuper continued to make threats and demands until the victim bravely reported Kuper to their parents and then law enforcement.
Investigators learned that Kuper used Discord and Snapchat to find and convince minors to produce and send him sexually explicit material. In several instances, Kuper asked his victims to cut his social media username "Merqzs" into their skin, photograph it, and send him the photos. Investigators also found revenge pornography that Kuper created and posted of at least one other victim that did not comply with his demands. On November 10, 2022, Kuper was arrested in Tacoma and remains in custody.
On November 17, 2022, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Kuper with production of child pornography and enticing a minor.
On November 20, 2024, Kuper pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) with assistance from the Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Digital Forensics Laboratory. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact ICE HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims' exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI and SSA OIG Charge Decades-Long Fugitive with Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A fugitive wanted for over four decades on attempted first-degree murder charges was apprehended in Weed, New Mexico, on February 19, 2025, following an investigation that uncovered his decades-long use of a deceased man's identity to evade authorities and fraudulently obtain government benefits.
According to court documents, Stephen Craig Campbell, 76, allegedly assumed the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, who died in 1975 at the age of 22. Coffman had graduated from the University of Arkansas just two months before his death. University records showed Campbell attended the same institution during that period, where both he and Coffman pursued engineering degrees, suggesting a likely connection between the two.
It is alleged that Campbell first applied for a passport under Coffman's name in 1984 and renewed it multiple times, always providing a photograph of himself and his current address.
Campbell also obtained a replacement Social Security card in Coffman's name in 1995, using an Oklahoma driver’s license in Coffman’s name.
In approximately 2003, Campbell relocated to Weed, New Mexico where he allegedly purchased property in Coffman’s name. Campbell continued renewing the fraudulent passport under Coffman’s name in 2005 and 2015. Each time, he submitted an updated photograph and listed his current address in Weed, New Mexico.
The scheme began to unravel when, in September 2019, Campbell visited the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department in Cloudcroft, presenting fraudulent documents to renew his driver's license. He submitted a previously issued New Mexico driver's license with his photograph bearing the name "Walter L Coffman," Coffman's birthdate, and a Weed, New Mexico address. Campbell also provided a Social Security card and a U.S. passport, both in Coffman's name.
After a renewed New Mexico license was issued to Campbell under Coffman's name, agents from the National Passport Center's Fraud Prevention Unit discovered Coffman's death and the suspected decades-long fraudulent use of his identity.
The resulting investigation revealed that Campbell allegedly applied for and was awarded Social Security Title II Retirement Insurance Benefits under Coffman's identity. As a result of the alleged scheme, Campbell is suspected of receiving approximately $140,000 in U.S. government funds administered by the Social Security Administration in Coffman's name.
Investigators uncovered that Campbell was arrested in Wyoming in 1982 for attempted first degree murder. He allegedly planted an explosive device at the doorstep of his estranged wife's boyfriend. When his wife opened the toolbox containing the bomb, it exploded, causing her to lose a finger and suffer other injuries. The blast also set fire to the residence and a neighboring unit. Campbell was reportedly released on bond in 1983 but failed to appear in court, resulting in an active warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder.
On February 14, 2025, authorities obtained warrants to arrest Campbell for and search the 44-acre property in Weed, New Mexico registered under Coffman's name. The arrest operation involved a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies.
During the arrest, Campbell allegedly greeted law enforcement armed with a scoped rifle, positioning himself in an elevated, partially concealed spot.
After repeated orders and the deployment of flashbangs, Campbell emerged from the wood line and was detained. When recovered, the rifle was loaded with high-powered ammunition capable of piercing standard body armor and ready to fire, with the scope caps flipped open, the selector lever set to fire, and a round chambered.
After Campbell's arrest, agents fingerprinted him, confirming his true identity and fugitive status, including the active attempted first-degree murder warrant from Wyoming. Prior to his arrest, Campbell had remained on the United States Marshals Most Wanted List for over four decades.
A subsequent search of the property yielded 57 firearms and large quantities of ammunition. As a fugitive, Campbell is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Campbell was charged by criminal complaint with misuse of a passport and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charge, Campbell faces up to 10 years in prison.
Law enforcement officials are conducting a thorough review of evidence collected during the execution of a search warrant at the subject's residence. Based on these findings, investigators are evaluating the possibility of additional charges.
Following Campbell’s arrest, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office in Green River, Wyoming, notified the U.S. Marshals and requested a detainer be placed on him in connection with the pending attempted first-degree murder charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin, Special Agent in Charge of the SSA OIG Jason Albers and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
This case was co-investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office and the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. It was originally initiated by the Diplomatic Security’s El Paso Resident Office and the National Passport Center’s Fraud Prevention Unit. Enforcement assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, as well as the Otero County Sheriff's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Clara Nevarez Cobos.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $20 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024Read the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina collected over $20 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, over $14 million was collected in criminal actions and over $6 million was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Eastern District of North Carolina worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $27,680.71 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
The Eastern District of North Carolina’s successful collection efforts included the identification and recovery of over $800,000.00 transferred and concealed by criminal defendant Shephard Spruill, who participated in fraudulent billings to Medicaid by abusing his access to patient information. In another example of successful enforcement, the Eastern District of North Carolina recovered over $500,000 from civil defendant Michael Robinson for amounts fraudulently obtained from farm assistance programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The recovery of funds fraudulently obtained from such government programs is vital for ensuring the preservation of important public resources.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The Eastern District of North Carolina also aggressively pursued criminal and civil asset forfeiture remedies to disgorge criminals of their ill-gotten gains and recover funds that can subsequently be remitted to the victims of financial crime. Working with partner agencies and divisions, this office collected over two million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
In addition to those deposits, during Fiscal Year 2024, the Eastern District of North Carolina, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seized and processed for forfeiture nearly $5 million in Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency that is alleged to be proceeds of cryptocurrency confidence investment schemes, a type of fraud scheme in which fraudsters develop romantic or other personal online relationships with a victim and then convince them to invest substantial sums of money through fake apps that are designed to look like legitimate cryptocurrency exchange apps, but instead deceive the victim into believing that they are earning high rates of return on their investments while really funneling the cryptocurrency directly to the fraudsters’ personal wallets. Even larger cryptocurrency seizures and forfeitures are anticipated and in progress in the coming year as law enforcement works aggressively to combat this devastating form of criminal activity.
###
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collected More Than $100 Million in Civil, Criminal, and Asset Forfeiture Actions in Fiscal Year 2024Read the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois collected more than $100 million in criminal, civil, and asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2024, Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced today.
The 2024 collections included approximately $23.9 million in criminal actions, $6.4 million in civil actions, and $70.4 million in asset forfeiture actions. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice components across the country to collect another $62.2 million in cases pursued jointly with those offices.
“Our attorneys and staff place a high priority on recovering funds for the federal treasury and victims of federal crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “Our office will continue to responsibly safeguard taxpayer resources while delivering a valuable return to the citizens of our district.”
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. Federal law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department of Justice’s Crime Victims Fund, which then distributes the money to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Two previously deported Honduran nationals arrested for illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –Acting U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti announced today that Javier Antonio Cruz, 27, and Junior Eduardo Garcia Castro, 28, both citizens of Honduras, were arrested and charged in separate complaints with illegal re-entry after deportation, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Rudroff and Andrew J. Henning, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the evening of February 18, 2025, the North Tonawanda Police Department stopped a vehicle on Niagara Falls Boulevard for a traffic violation. Both defendants were passengers in the vehicle.
A records check determined that in 2020, defendant Cruz was convicted in Irving, Texas, of a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Further investigation also determined that Cruz was ordered removed multiple times by an immigration judge, and deported in 2018 and 2024. A second records check determined that defendant Castro faces multiple charges for Driving Without a License in the state of Georgia. And further investigation determined that he also was ordered removed multiple times by an immigration judge and was also deported from the United States in 2018, and on two occasions in April 2022.
Cruz and Castro made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
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.
# # # #
Two Men Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Double Murder and Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer on the Colville ReservationRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on February 26, 2025, Zachary L. Holt, age 24, and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley (a/k/a “Privilege”), age 36, were sentenced on seventeen counts including Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, as well as several firearm offenses. Holt also was sentenced for First-Degree Murder in Indian Country and Murder Resulting from Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Holt and Tenzsley were convicted of these crimes on November 25, 2024, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced both men to life in prison, which was the mandatory sentence for Holt and Tenzsley’s crimes.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and numerous federal agencies came together to secure some measure of justice on behalf of the victims in this case,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker, who served as a lead counsel on the case from the start. “This was a complicated investigation and trial, involving nearly sixty witnesses. The U.S. Attorneys Office would not have been able to present this case without the sacrifices of our incredible law enforcement team.”
According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, Holt and Tenzsley went on a six-week crime spree that began in September 2022 in Northern Idaho and continued until the Defendants’ arrests in Eastern Washington on October 21, 2022. Over these six weeks, Defendants Holt and Tenzsley committed home invasions as well as a robbery in Northern Idaho, and then took their firearms and much of the stolen property into Eastern Washington, where they shot and killed Gale and Jeremy Neal at roughly 4:21 p.m. on October 20, 2022, in Keller, Washington. Gale and Jeremy Neal were shot twice inside their trailer during a failed robbery. Eyewitnesses described three armed men wearing masks, who arrived at the trailer in a red sedan. Surveillance video presented at trial showed the red sedan arrive at about 4:19 p.m. and depart two minutes and ten seconds later, at 4:21 p.m., just moments after the murder.
Approximately 30 minutes before the murders, Holt and Tenzsley were driving on a dirt road in the Keller area. Holt, who was speeding, swerved to miss a school bus, causing Holt’s vehicle to roll over into a ditch. Minutes later, Holt’s brother, Curry Pinkham, pulled up in the red sedan to give both Holt and Tenzsley a ride. Just before getting into the car, Holt and Tenzsley moved several firearms – including the murder weapon – and thousands of rounds of ammunition out of the crashed car and into the red sedan – a 2007 Toyota Camry.
Testimony at trial established that Holt was upset about wrecking his car and demanded that Pinkham take them to a location where they could get more drugs and find someone to rob. Pinkham agreed to drive Holt to the home of a known drug dealer in the Keller area.
When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham arrived at the residence of the known drug dealer, Holt and Tenzsley put on rubber gloves and masks. Holt, Tenzsley and Pinkham then grabbed firearms out of the red sedan. Rather than go to the main residence, where the purported drug dealer lived, Holt and Tenzsley walked to the back of the property, where Gale Neal’s trailer was located. As Holt and Tenzsley approached, Jeremy Neal came to the door of the trailer. Holt immediately began demanding Neal’s money and property. Moments later, Holt fired two shots, killing Jeremy Neal. Holt then turned to Gale Neal, who leaned back into the couch in fear, and fired two more shots, killing Gale. Throughout, Tenzsley was standing guard, armed with a shotgun and his face covered by a mask.
After the robbery and murder, and while law enforcement was responding to the scene, Tenzsley, Holt, and Pinkham drove towards Nespelem, Washington. As Pinkham was driving the getaway car, Holt fired several additional shots – this time at law enforcement, who was attempting stop the red Camry. During the chase, a Colville Tribal Police Sergeant, who was cross-deputized as a federal officer, was hit in the forearm. Several additional bullets hit the Sergeant’s patrol vehicle. After shooting the first officer, Holt opened fire at a second Colville Tribal Police Officer, who also had attempted to stop the red sedan. Evidence at trial established that Tenzsley reloaded firearm magazines as Holt continued to fire at law enforcement to evade apprehension after murdering the Neals.
When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham later arrived in the Nespelem area, the three men tried to hide the getaway car under a tarp and fled on foot. They also hid their firearms and ammunition throughout the Nespelem area. When Holt and Tenzsley were finally apprehended the next day, Tenzsley gave a false name. Holt got into fist fight with a concerned citizen, who had called the police just prior to Holt’s arrest.
During the investigation into the murders of Jeremy and Gale Neal, Tribal and federal law enforcement identified a series of other crimes that Holt and Tenzsley committed as part of their six-week crime spree and conspiracy. On September 3, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley robbed and severely assaulted a man at gunpoint inside his trailer in Latah County, Idaho. The pair stole ammunition, gun parts, the victim’s car keys, and a safe containing the title to the victim’s camper trailer. As Holt and Tenzsley were fleeing the robbery scene, they exchanged fire with the robbery victim.
Additional evidence established that on October 12, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley, who again were both armed, invaded two homes and assaulted multiple victims on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. The evidence at trial showed that Holt and Tenzsley were again looking for someone to rob when they committed these assaults. During the second home invasion that evening, Holt and Tenzsley shot a dog in the face on the Nez Perce Reservation. Fortunately, the dog survived the gunshot.
In the days immediately after the Lapwai, Idaho assaults, Holt and Tenzsley traveled to Keller, Washington – leading to the tragic deaths of Gale and Jeremy Neal, as well as the attempted murder of one federal officer and the assault of another. The firearm used in the shooting on the Nez Perce Reservation was the same gun Holt and Tenzsley used during the Neal murders, as well as the attempted murder and assault of the two federal officers.
“On October 20, 2022, these defendants tragically destroyed too many lives to count. They killed two innocent members of the Colville Tribe, permanently injured a dedicated Tribal officer, and opened fire at another officer,” Acting United States Attorney Barker added. “On the day of these senseless crimes, the entire Nespelem community was in lock down, while Tribal and federal police sought to apprehend Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley. The community then rallied in typical Colville fashion to support the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Similarly, the Nez Perce Reservation’s Tribal Police Department was instrumental in bringing the Defendants to justice for the criminal conspiracy that began in Northern Idaho.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Barker continued, “The subsequent investigation involved numerous witness interviews across three Tribal communities in two states, dozens of search warrants, extensive forensic testing by the Washington State Patrol, voluminous legal filings, and numerous meetings with victims and their families. In the end, our entire district came together to seek justice for the Neal family and the officers, who were shot and nearly killed. Without our state, local, and Tribal partnerships, as well as every member of my office, the outcome of this case and investigation could have gone much differently. I am particularly grateful for the incredible team of victim advocates, litigation technology specialists, legal support staff, and Assistant United States Attorneys, who worked tirelessly on this case. Our team shows up every day to help keep our communities, neighborhoods, and reservations safe, and this case is just one example of the amazing things our office is able to accomplish.”The Chairman of the Colville Tribes, Jarred Michael Erickson, said, “These events were incredibly disruptive to the Colville community. People died and their neighbors had to grapple with shock, grief, and fear as these despicable crimes unfolded. It is extremely gratifying to see justice done today as these murderers will spend the rest of their lives in prison. Criminals everywhere must understand that if they commit their crimes on the Colville Reservation, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Chairman Erickson continued, “Our Colville Tribal Police reacted to this crisis with incredible bravery and professionalism. The murderers shot at two Colville officers as the officers attempted to apprehend them, and seriously injured one officer when they shot him in the forearm. As the Colville police continued to work with other law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and eventual arrest of these felons, Det. McNulty and Chief Brown distinguished themselves with their efforts to bring these killers to justice. The Colville Tribes is grateful for the efforts of every individual and non-tribal agency that assisted in this case, but we especially want to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker, who worked as lead counsel on this case through trial. Richard and his office have been friends and partners to the Colville Tribes for many years now. It is an understatement to say we greatly appreciate the effort and skill the U.S. Attorney's office devoted to prosecuting this case, and for the work they do every day to keep our community safe.”
“The ruthless violence Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley displayed will not be tolerated and demonstrates that prison is where they belong. Communities across Idaho and Eastern Washington will be safer with them there.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “It is fortunate more people were not injured or worse by these two dangerous criminals. I am grateful to the courageous officers who were able to apprehend them and to the investigators who put an end to their crime spree and held them accountable for their violent actions.”
“This case is a prime example of how interagency cooperation between state, city, county, tribal, and federal partners can lead to communities being kept safe and take criminals off the street,” stated Latah County Sheriff Richard Skiles. “I would personally like to thank our Detective Corporal Ryan Weaver for his exemplary work on this case. I would also like to thank the United States Department of Justice for their relentless prosecution of this case and keeping all local law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Justice has been served.”
This case was investigated by the Colville Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the FBI’s Salish Safe Trails Task Force, Latah County Sherif’s Office, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Idaho State Patrol, Spokane Tribal Police Department, Kalispel Tribal Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Washington State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker, Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis, and Contractor Echo D. Fatsis.
2:22-cr-00157-TOR
Three Tulsa Men Sentenced for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Raul M Arias-Marxuach sentenced three Tulsa men for armed robberies in Catoosa and Owasso, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
"These three defendants were sentenced for violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “They robbed the victim in an occupied hotel and shot at others recklessly in a neighborhood. They were violent and dangerous. The Northern District of Oklahoma is safer with them behind bars.”
Yonaton Perez, 20, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
Anthony Gabriel Calvillo-Rodriguez, 20, to 190 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying and Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Anthony Alexander Bernal-Perez, 23, to 121 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.
Court records show that on April 7, 2023, Perez was parked in a private parking lot behind a bar in Tulsa. Tulsa Police officers approached the vehicle. During the investigation, officers found that Perez possessed more than 660 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to sell.
In September 2023, Perez directed another person to get a hotel room in Catoosa with the intent of robbing the victim. While the victim was in the hotel room, Perez, Calvillo-Rodriguez, and Bernal-Perez robbed the victim. The victim was targeted because he was a drug dealer, wore flashy jewelry, and routinely carried drug proceeds on him. The defendants robbed the victim of more than $100k in jewelry and cash.
In a third incident in October 2023, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez were waiting in a parking lot in Owasso when four juveniles pulled up to their vehicle and robbed Calvillo-Rodriguez. When the juvenile robbers drove off, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez followed the robbers and blocked their vehicle. Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez opened fire on the juvenile robbers in a neighborhood, striking several homes and vehicles.
All three men will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, the Owasso Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and John Brasher prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Three Newport News men sentenced to life in prison for a series of six robberies and five murdersRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Three Newport News men have been sentenced after they were convicted by a federal jury on charges relating to a series of violent crimes that included five murders and two additional shootings.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least Jan. 16, 2017, through November 2017, Ronzel Monte Dixie, aka Bone or Bizzy, 31; Kwaimain Shy’de Redmon, aka Kwa, 30; and Meko Montez Brown Jr., aka Gangsta or 9-Ball, 26, along with others, carried out at least seven shootings, including five murders, four commercial robberies, three drug robberies, and three car thefts and engaged in two high-speed chases from police. During these robberies, the men were armed with various firearms including a .22 caliber Uzi-style firearm, a 1911 handgun, a Ruger P95 9mm pistol, and a stolen P9 Kahr 9mm pistol. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants stole at least two cars. Victims included cellphone stores, drug dealers, gas stations/convenience stores, a correctional officer, and others. During most of the robberies, the men brandished and sometimes discharged their firearms.
On Oct. 1, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and another person robbed a drug dealer during a home invasion of her apartment. The group brandished two firearms and took drugs, currency, and the victim’s Lexus sedan.
On Oct. 12, 2017, Dixie and another person robbed a different drug dealer for bail money to secure a bond for Redmon, who had been arrested on Oct. 11, 2017, while fleeing on foot from the Lexus automobile they had stolen during the robbery on Oct. 1, 2017.
On Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie and Redmon summoned another individual to the Hoss’s Deli in Newport News because they had a problem with someone at the bar. They followed their target, who left Hoss’s Deli on a motorcycle, and Dixie fired a Ruger P95 from the passenger window of their vehicle, resulting in the victim’s death. Dixie executed the victim by firing again as he lay in the roadway. Following the shooting, Dixie and Redmon rummaged through the victim’s pockets and took his wallet.
Later on Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and the other individual approached the Happy Shopper convenience store in Hampton as it was closing. While demanding money, the third individual shot the store owner in the face. They proceeded to look through the store owner’s van for money and anything of value. During the robbery, Dixie executed a store employee by twice shooting him in the back of the head while he lay face down in the parking lot.
On Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another drug dealer, taking his P9 Kahr firearm. Approximately an hour later on Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and the other individual robbed an authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Hampton by brandishing the stolen firearm.
On Nov. 8, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual shot and killed a man at 9:20 p.m., and then shot a correctional officer at 9:31 p.m. during an attempted robbery. Dixie boasted that he killed the first man because his nickname was “Wavy 10” and he wanted 10 bodies to his name.
On Nov. 9, 2017, Brown and another individual robbed a Miller Mart convenience store in Chesapeake. Brown brandished the P9 Kahr firearm and stole money from the business.
On Nov. 10, 2017, Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and another individual stole a Cadillac in Newport News. As Brown attempted to drive the Cadillac from the parking lot, he hit another vehicle. When the driver of that vehicle followed the Cadillac, Brown shot and killed him. An hour later, Brown attempted to rob a victim who was just getting home to his apartment. During the robbery, Brown fired the P9 Kahr at the victim, but missed. The gun jammed, however, and the victim returned fire. After Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and the other individual fled the scene, Dixie used the firearm to shoot and kill a homeless person, firing multiple rounds at the victim while exclaiming, “My gun does not jam.”
On Nov. 11, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Newport News. A family with two young children was present at the time of the robbery. Dixie, Brown, and the other individual brandished the firearm and stole money from the business.
Dixie was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death. Dixie was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences plus a consecutive 30 years.
Redmon was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death. Redmon was sentenced to life in prison plus a consecutive 57 years.
Brown was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of obstruction of justice. Brown was sentenced to life in prison plus a consecutive 54 years.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. The Newport News Police Department and Hampton Police Division assisted in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel and Mack Coleman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-cr-74.
Thirteen Individuals Charged as Part of International Ring Targeting Cell Phone Shipments for TheftRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Thirteen members of an international network that stole thousands of shipments of iPhones and other electronic devices around the United States were charged today, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna, District of New Jersey, announced.
Demetrio Reyes Martinez, a/k/a “CookieNerd,” 37, of the Dominican Republic, Andrickson Jerez, 28, of Bronx, NY, Edickson Lora Castillo, 24, of New York, NY, Raimond Cabrera De Leon, 31, of New York, NY, Luis Marte Tavares, 33, of Brooklyn, NY, Frederick Duverge Guzman, 26, of New York, NY, rgJulio Vasquez Sanchez, a/k/a “BotTrack,” 30, of Brooklyn, NY, Alejandro Then Castillo, 45, of Paterson, NJ, Wilson Peralta Tavarez, 28, of Belleville, NJ, Ecker Montero Hernandez, 25, of Paterson, NJ, Jean Luis Diaz Dominguez, a/k/a “Botija,” 24, of Paterson, NJ, Luis Nunez, 23, of Paterson, NJ, and Joel Suriel, a/k/a “La Melma,” 31, of Brooklyn, NY, were each charged in Count One of the Criminal Complaint unsealed today with conspiracy to transport and receive stolen property.
In addition, Then Castillo and Peralta Tavares were charged in Count Two of the Criminal Complaint with wire fraud conspiracy. Finally, Jerez and Then Castillo (Count Three) and Lora Castillo (Count Four) were each charged with one count transportation of stolen property.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The defendants were part of an international and nationwide ring involved in the widespread theft of electronic device shipments from FedEx and other carriers. The ring identified valuable packages to steal through two primary means: (1) the creation and use of automated computer scripts, developed by Reyes Martinez and others, to scrape data from the public and customer-facing tracking systems of FedEx and Victim-1, a major U.S. cellular provider; and (2) bribing corrupt Victim-1 employees such as Then Castillo and Peralta Tavares to provide confidential information about Victim-1 customers, including orders, names, tracking numbers, and delivery addresses.
This criminal network operated in layers with some members, referred to as “dispatchers,” obtaining and selling the delivery information and others, referred to as “runners,” purchasing this delivery information and stealing the packages.
Jerez, Cabrera De Leon, and Marte Tavares operated a major “fence” location out of a residential building in the Bronx, where an almost constant stream of people brought stolen devices for sale. Suriel ran a fence location in Brooklyn where he received bulk deliveries of devices stolen across the country, including by Ecker Montero, Nunez, and Diaz Dominguez, who traveled around the country stealing iPhones, iPads, Samsung phones and other electronic devices. On one occasion where FedEx security seized stolen iPhones from a shipment sent by Nunez and Diaz Dominguez, Nunez complained to FedEx customer service that his iPhones had been stolen.
Then Castillo and Peralta Tavarez were Victim-1 retail store employees who accepted bribe payments in exchange for providing confidential customer information from Victim-1’s order tracking system.
Lora Castillo, Duverge Guzman, and Vasquez Sanchez were dispatchers who sold and provided runners with delivery addresses, tracking numbers and customer names. They also directed runners to fence locations to sell the stolen devices.
Count One carries a maximum prison sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense. Count Two carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense. Counts Three and Four each carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense.
“These defendants are alleged to have worked together as part of an international ring to steal thousands of expensive electronic devices, which caused millions of dollars of losses to the victims. They are alleged to have done so by harnessing technology through the use of computer scripts which gave them access to shipping information, including individuals’ names and their home addresses. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these types of criminals no matter where in the world they are and seek justice for their victims.”
Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna
“As alleged, the defendants, both here and abroad, victimized American customers and businesses alike by targeting, tracking, and stealing their valuable electronic shipments. The new-age ‘porch pirates,’ these accused criminals tailored their alleged scheme to the modern times, but were stopped short of doing so successfully. HSI New York and our law enforcement partners continue to adapt as brazen bad actors relentlessly try — and fail — to find new illicit money-making methods. I thank HSI Newark, the NYPD, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the FBI, and our many counterparts for their unified and unwavering support,” stated Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), New York Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso.
“These alleged members of this international crime ring traveled the country stealing goods, for monetary profit; compromising customers’ privacy and hijacking the cellular providers’ business flow.” FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly warns that “No matter how elaborate or invasive a criminal ring may be, we will break the chain of criminality and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office, under the direction Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, the New York City Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor William Daniel and Chief Harvey Barnwell with the investigation leading to these charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna also thanked the Dominican Republic’s Procuraduría Especializada Contra los Crímenes y Delitos de Alta Tecnología (PEDATEC), (Specialized Prosecutor's Office for High Technology Crimes and Offenses) and HSI’s Newark Field Office for their collaboration in this matter.
In 2024 New Jersey experienced a surge of over 400 identified package thefts targeting cellular devices. To combat this threat, Union County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ) partnered with New Jersey State Police Real Time Crime Center North and FBI Newark to spearhead a task force of investigators from impacted jurisdictions along with federal, state, and county agencies to collaborate on emerging intelligence. Through private sector partnerships, collusive employees were identified. Prospective delivery information was also shared amongst the task force to proactively identify, surveil, and arrest individuals involved in package theft within New Jersey. The following agencies are credited with contributing:
Cranford Police Department, Sparta Police Department, Moorestown Police Department, Barnegat Police Department, Paterson Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Department of Homeland Security-U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, Port Authority Police Department, Edison Police Department, Woodbridge Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Kenilworth Police Department, Plainfield Police Department, Westfield Police Department, Summit Police Department, Linden Police Department, Scotch Plains Police Department, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Union County Police Department, Mountainside Police Department, Hillside Police Department, Fanwood Police Department, Clark Police Department, New Providence Police Department, Roselle Police Department, Roselle Park Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Union Police Department, Wayne Police Department, South Amboy Police Department, Brick Police Department, Wyckoff Police Department, Rutherford Police Department, Carlstadt Police Department, Oakland Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Wallington Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Leonia Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Fair Lawn Police Department, Closter Police Department, Verona Police Department, Elmwood Park Police Department, Clifton Police Department, Woodcliff Lakes Police Department, Cresskill Police Department, Palisades Park Police Department, Hillsdale Police Department, Franklin Lakes Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Fairview Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Bergenfield Police Department, Branchburg Police Department, Wayne Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Jersey City Police Department, Secaucus Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Teaneck Police Department, Middlesex Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Riverdale Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Dover Police Department, Roxbury Police Department, Montville Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Denville Police Department, Chatham Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, North Brunswick Police Department, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
Defendants Andrickson Jerez, Edickson Lora Castillo, Luis Marte Tavares, Raimond Cabrera De Leon, Alejandro Then Castillo, Wilson Peralta Tavares, Ecker Montero Hernandez, and Joel Suriel, a/k/a “La Melma,” are scheduled to appear before Hon. José R. Almonte, U.S.M.J. this afternoon at the U.S. District Court in Newark.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Malagold of the Cybercrime Unit and Trevor A. Chenoweth of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
martinez.complaint.pdfTexas Woman Pleads Guilty to Student Loan Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shelbra Long, age 58, of Edinburg, Texas, pled guilty today to conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Acting Special Agent in Charge Isabel Douroupis, of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (ED OIG) – Eastern Regional Office, made the announcement.
Long admitted to engaging in a decade-long scheme to apply for admission and financial aid to online colleges in the names of purported students who had their identities stolen. After the Department of Education disbursed the financial aid to a school, Long and her coconspirators withdrew the purported student from enrollment. The schools refunded the balance of the financial aid that had not been used to bank accounts controlled by the conspirators. The Department of Education awarded $466,430 in aid based on the scheme, of which it disbursed $211,820.
Long faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, when she is sentenced on June 26, 2025. Long has agreed to pay $211,820 in restitution to the Department of Education and to forfeit an additional $52,304. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
ED OIG investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.
Terre Haute Man Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY - A Terre Haute, Indiana, man was sentenced yesterday to two years and six months in federal prison for illegally transferring a firearm to a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Sheriff Derek Polston of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Shawn Michael Kays, 42, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally transferring a firearm to a convicted felon. According to the plea agreement, between November of 2023 and January of 2024, Kays transported and transferred a Smith & Wesson, Model SD9VE, nine-millimeter pistol to a convicted felon. A criminal complaint filed on September 19, 2024, alleged that firearm was later used to kill a Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy on September 16, 2024. Kays is not charged with or alleged to have been involved in the shooting.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Branch Office and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the ATF Columbus Field Division, the ATF Indianapolis Field Division Office, and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted this 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.
###
Ten Time Convicted Felon and Sureno “Mexican Pride” Gang Member Indicted for Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition After High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that on February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment for Victor Amezcua-Garcia with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Amezcua-Garcia was arraigned on February 25, 2025, at the U.S. District Court in Richland, Washington.
According to Pasco Police, Amezcua-Garcia was on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision with an active felony warrant for escape and the Pasco Police Department had probable cause to arrest Amezcua-Garcia for a series of armed robberies and shootings in Pasco.
Knowing Amezcua-Garcia to be an active Sureno gang member with the set “Mexican Pride”, on January 24, 2025, Detectives with the Pasco Police Department contacted Amezcua-Garcia by phone pretending to be a rival gang member and arranged a time and location to meet up that day to “fight”. Amezcua-Garcia and another Sureno gang member arrived at the agreed location in a stolen vehicle. They were both seated low in the vehicle and their faces covered by bandanas.
After Amezcua-Garcia was positively identified, a traffic stop was attempted; however, Amezcua-Garcia fled, attempting to elude law enforcement, and traveling at very high rates of speed through several Pasco residential neighborhoods before Pasco Police were able to safely perform a “pit” maneuver, bringing Amezcua-Garcia’s vehicle to a stop. Amezcua-Garcia and his passenger attempted to flee on foot; however, Pasco Police were able to block in the vehicle to prevent the escape. In plain view in the vehicle, Pasco Police observed a loaded, and chambered, firearm which had Sureno gang indica carved into it. A search of Amezcua-Garcia’s person revealed the same caliber ammunition in his pocket.
“I am honored to work with such brave federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement officers, who frequently are called upon to put themselves in harm’s way to protect Eastern Washington communities,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. “I also am honored to lead an office with such talented attorneys and support staff. I stand in awe of their professionalism and dedication to ensuring justice in Eastern Washington.”
This case is being investigated by the ATF, Washington Department of Corrections, and Pasco Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard is prosecuting the case.
4:25-cr-06006-MKD
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Mansuri Manuchekhri with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States and immigration fraud. Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy who ordered the defendant detained.
United States Attorney General Pam Bondi, John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and charges.
“Under no circumstances will my Department of Justice tolerate terrorism,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “We stand ready to find, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to harm American citizens with the full force of the law. I stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who work to keep Americans safe and evil off our streets.”
“As alleged, the defendant, who was in the United States illegally, not only facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to ISIS extremists overseas, but trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in the United States and declared his readiness to ISIS,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “Protecting the homeland and prosecuting evildoers who assist terrorist organizations by funding their violent and hateful agenda, here and abroad, will always be a priority of this Office.”
Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies.
“The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those who fund and support terrorists,” stated Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will not allow our immigration or financial systems to be exploited. Our country will not be a safe haven for those who try to harm Americans.”
“Today’s arrest demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American people from the threat of terrorism,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “As alleged in the complaint, the defendant not only violated our immigration laws, but while unlawfully in the United States also provided substantial financial support to violent extremists affiliated with a designated foreign terrorist organization. In his promotion of violence and praise for terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, the defendant made clear his desire to support violent extremism, and I am grateful to all our folks on the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their vigilance and dedication to disrupting this threat and putting him behind bars.”
“The NYPD will stop at nothing to protect New Yorkers from those who support and pledge loyalty to violent ISIS extremists,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “I commend the NYPD investigators and all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for identifying and arresting this gun-toting fraudster, and for thwarting the dangerous domestic threat he posed to our communities.”As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016. In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States. However, he failed to provide certain supporting documentation that was requested by the government and his petition was never granted.
From approximately December 2021 through April 2023, while residing in Brooklyn, Manuchekhri facilitated approximately $70,000 in payments to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey and Syria, including to an individual who was later arrested by Turkish authorities for his alleged involvement in a January 2024 terrorist attack on a church in Istanbul for which ISIS-K publicly claimed responsibility. Manuchekhri expressed his support for ISIS to others by praising past ISIS attacks in the United States and by collecting jihadi propaganda videos promoting violence and martyrdom.
The complaint further alleges that Manuchekhri possessed and used firearms and made frequent visits to shooting ranges even though he was prohibited from doing so as an alien unlawfully in the United States. In February 2022, Manuchekhri recorded himself firing an assault rifle at a shooting range in New Jersey and sent the video to one of the ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey with the message, “Thank God, I am ready, brother.”
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Manuchekhri faces a maximum sentence of 45 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Pollack and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorneys John Cella and Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colón.
The Defendant:
MANSURI MANUCHEKHRI
Age: 33
Sheepshead Bay, BrooklynE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-64
manuchekhri_complaint.pdfTajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Mansuri Manuchekhri, 33, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, was arrested today for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States, and immigration fraud. Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of New York.
“Under no circumstances will my Department of Justice tolerate terrorism,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We stand ready to find, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to harm American citizens with the full force of the law. I stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who work to keep Americans safe and evil off our streets.”
“The defendant allegedly supported ISIS and sent thousands of dollars overseas to individuals connected to ISIS,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI is focused on preventing acts of terrorism and ISIS has a long and violent record of harming U.S. citizens. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to find and hold accountable those who assist terrorists and endanger the safety of Americans at home or abroad.”
“The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those who fund and support terrorists,” said Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will not allow our immigration or financial systems to be exploited. Our country will not be a safe haven for those who try to harm Americans.”
“As alleged, the defendant, who was in the United States illegally, not only facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to ISIS extremists overseas, but trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in the United States and declared his readiness to ISIS,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “Protecting the homeland and prosecuting evildoers who assist terrorist organizations by funding their violent and hateful agenda, here and abroad, will always be a priority of this office.”
As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016. In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States. However, he failed to provide supporting documentation that was requested of him and his petition was never granted.
As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016. In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States. However, he failed to provide supporting documentation that was requested of him and his petition was never granted.
From approximately December 2021 through April 2023, while residing in Brooklyn, Manuchekhri facilitated more than $50,000 in payments to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey and Syria, including to an individual who was later arrested by Turkish authorities for his alleged involvement in a January 2024 terrorist attack on a church in Istanbul for which ISIS-K publicly claimed responsibility. Manuchekhri expressed his support for ISIS to others by praising past ISIS attacks in the United States and by collecting jihadi propaganda videos promoting violence and martyrdom.
The complaint further alleges that Manuchekhri possessed and used firearms and made frequent visits to shooting ranges even though he was prohibited from doing so as an alien unlawfully in the United States. In February 2022, Manuchekhri recorded himself firing an assault rifle at a shooting range in New Jersey and sent the video to one of the ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey with the message, “Praise God, I am ready, brother.”
U.S. v. Manuchekhri, Eastern District of New York, Case #: 1:25-mj-00064-RML-1If convicted, Manuchekhri faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Pollack and Andrew D. Reich for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorneys John Cella, Andrea Broach, George Kraehe, and Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colón.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
25-mj-64_justice.gov_.pdfSocial Security employee heads to prison for creating fake children’s profiles to steal public fundsRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 40-year-old Harlingen resident and former claims specialist with the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been ordered to federal prison for theft of government property and for failure to appear for sentencing, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Lee Marvin Nichols pleaded guilty to the theft charge Oct. 3, 2023. He was originally set for sentencing Feb. 14, 2024, but failed to appear and fled to Mexico. He returned to the United States in September 2024 and later pleaded guilty to the subsequent charge Dec. 2, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Nichols to serve 18 months in federal prison for the underlying theft charge as well as another six months for his failure to appear. The sentences will run consecutively for a total of 24 months in prison. He must also serve three years of supervised release following completion of his sentence.
At the hearing, the court heard evidence describing how Nichols intentionally misused the identities of vulnerable individuals—including a man who originally applied for benefits after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Nichols waited until this man died before creating the fraudulent application and then withdrew the benefits using a debit card at drive-thru ATMs where he concealed his identity using masks and other coverings. The court also heard how Nichols’ flight from justice wasted government and court resources and how, by taking his luxury pickup truck to Mexico, Nichols prevented the truck from being sold for restitution.
“The defendant not only stole from the American taxpayer, but he also abused the trust given him as a public servant,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will continue to safeguard the public fisc by rooting out fraudsters like Mr. Nichols.”
Nichols originally admitted to creating fictitious profiles for two children that did not exist. He linked the profiles to a recently deceased man and disabled woman living in Mexico in an attempt to create a survivor benefits application.
Nichols also ensured that the debit cards for the children’s benefits were sent to the address of someone with whom he was associated. He would then use the debit cards to make regular withdrawals at ATMs. When making those withdrawals, he attempted to disguise himself by using hats pulled down over his face, sunglasses, balaclavas and other clothing to conceal his appearance.
In addition, the IRS issued economic stimulus payments of $1,400 to each fictitious child pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
As part of his plea, Nichols took responsibility for over $75,000 in loss to the federal government. He also agreed to pay $82,516 in restitution to the SSA and $2,800 in restitution to the IRS.
Nichols will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The SSA-Office of Inspection General, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray, Andrew Swartz and Jose Esquivel prosecuted the case.