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Tuesday 30 June 2026
Ute Mountain Ute Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Sex Assault in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
DURANGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced that Bentley Watts Jr., 22, Towaoc, Colorado, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of assault with intent to commit abusive sexual contact in Indian Country and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.
According to the plea agreement, on June 15, 2024, Watts Jr. assaulted his former intimate partner within the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. Watts Jr. dragged the victim to his bedroom, punched her multiple times, placed the victim in a chokehold, sexually assaulted her, and hit her with a crowbar. At the time of the assault, Watts Jr. had a domestic violence protection order from Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Court that prohibited him from contacting the victim.
“This is a just sentence for a terrible crime,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “Seeking justice for victims of violent crimes in our tribal communities is a critical priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado.”
“Violence on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation like that perpetrated by this defendant will always bring a quick response from the FBI,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. “We will continue to hold those responsible for violent crimes on tribal lands accountable.”
United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs-Ute Mountain Ute Agency and the FBI Durango Resident Agency conducted the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Franceware handled the prosecution of the case.
Case Number: 1:24-cr-00230-GPG-JMC
Upstate New York Woman Arrested, Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to the Palestine Islamic JihadRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel.
“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”
“This individual, as alleged in the criminal complaint, provided money to a foreign terrorist organization engaged in acts of violence,” said Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI is committed to cutting off funding to terrorist groups and will continue to work side-by-side with our Justice Department partners to make sure anyone who engages in terrorism or provides assistance to such organizations is held fully accountable in our justice system.”
In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”
Washburn pictured with two hand grenades in front of Hamas flag.An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Multiple Immigration-Related ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced, today, multiple immigration-related prosecutions, including charges against several members of a Baltimore-area drug trafficking organization (DTO). These prosecutions are in connection with the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the prosecutions with Field Office Director Robert Guadian, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division.
On June 24, the Office announced the indictment of six aliens unlawfully in the United States, stemming from a local drug investigation. The illegal aliens, along with a seventh defendant, are charged with several crimes in connection with a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Baltimore metropolitan area. According to the indictment, beginning in March 2025, and continuing into October 2025, the DTO members conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of a cocaine mixture along with 280 grams or more of a cocaine-base mixture.
Additionally, on June 29, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Vanessa Yalixa Munoz-Baque, 31, of Ecuador, to six months in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States after her prior removal. Authorities previously removed Munoz-Baque from the U.S. in August 2023. On November 3, 2023, Munoz-Baque illegally re-entered the U.S. again, and began residing in Frederick, Maryland. Law enforcement discovered her illegally present in the U.S. upon her arrest for attempted murder.
On June 25, Desiderio Eliceo Perez Gonzalez, 37, of Guatemala, pled guilty to illegal entry charges. In 2016, Perez Gonzalez illegally entered the U.S. through Texas. Then on March 23, 2026, law enforcement found and apprehended Perez Gonzalez in Maryland.
In addition, on June 17, Roberto Lopez-Perez, 37, of Honduras, was indicted on illegal re-entry charges. According to court documents, on March 3, 2026, law enforcement encountered Lopez-Perez in Talbot County, Maryland, after a prior removal. Lopez-Perez knowingly and intentionally re-entered the U.S. without examination or inspection by an immigration official.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO and the DEA for their work in these investigations. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys who are prosecuting these federal cases.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Recovery of $19.5 Million for Victims of China-Based Pump-And-Dump SchemesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the Nashville Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Terence G. Reilly, announced today the filing of two civil forfeiture Complaints for more than $19.5 million in cash and stock obtained through pump-and-dump market manipulation schemes involving CTRL Group Limited (“CTRL Group”) and Dreamland Limited (“Dreamland”), Hong Kong-based companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The proceeds were previously seized pursuant to judicially-authorized seizure warrants.
“Today’s action demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting U.S. investors and safeguarding the integrity of our markets,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “These schemes, driven by Asia‑based small‑cap foreign issuers seeking to manipulate share prices and exploit American investors, pose serious risks to those who place their trust in our financial system. Investors should exercise caution when dealing with thinly traded foreign issuers, as these companies can be especially vulnerable to manipulation and can expose investors to significant, often hidden, risks. I want to thank the FBI and our law enforcement partners for their exceptional work and their continued dedication to rooting out this conduct and prioritizing the recovery of funds stolen from victims.”
“Pump-and-dump schemes erode the integrity of our capital markets and cause financial hardship for countless investors,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. “The recovery of $19.5 million is an important first step toward providing relief for victims and should serve as a reminder that the FBI will vigorously investigate and pursue those who seek to manipulate financial systems for personal gain.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaints filed in Manhattan federal court today:(1)
CTRL Group
CTRL Group is a British Virgin Islands-registered company that purports to offer marketing and advertising services in Hong Kong, including mobile game promotions. CTRL Group began trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the symbol MCTR on January 22, 2025.
In late May and early June 2025, various social media accounts on multiple platforms began to post hundreds of identical comments touting MCTR as a stock that was going to increase in value. For instance, these users would make a post saying “$MCTR Here We Go” or “$MCTR New alerts have been posted in the last hours,” followed by a link to a Discord group chat that purported to offer investment advice.
On June 3, 2025, MCTR stock price and trading volume spiked sharply. MCTR opened at $7.12 per share—up more than 50% from the prior day—hit an intra-day high of $33.69 per share, and closed at $32.90 per share, with approximately 44,200,000 shares trading that day, a jump of more than 70,000% compared to the previous day. Similar price surges occurred on June 4 and June 5. The surge in MCTR’s price and volume was accompanied by a surge in social media activity promoting MCTR. After the social media activity stopped, MCTR’s stock price dropped. By the end of June 2025, MCTR’s stock price had declined to $2.82 per share.
Between MCTR’s initial public offering and June 5, 2025, and primarily during the period of social media promotion discussed above, 10 U.S. brokerage accounts engaged in massive, profitable, and anomalous trading in MCTR, selling a combined total of approximately 1,065,313 shares for total proceeds of approximately $11,966,324.44. These 10 accounts were opened by individuals located in China or Hong Kong. Although the accounts were ostensibly owned and controlled by different people, eight of these accounts logged into their brokerage accounts with the same IP address and/or MAC address as at least one of the other accounts, indicating collusion.
On or about June 1, 2026 and June 23, 2026, the Government seized approximately $10.3 million in cash from the 10 brokerage accounts pursuant to seizure warrants issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Dreamland
Dreamland is a Cayman Islands-incorporated company that purports to operate an event management business in Hong Kong. Dreamland began trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the symbol TDIC on July 23, 2025.
Between May 13-14, 2026, the share price of TDIC surged more than ten-fold, apparently driven at least in part by social media campaigns promoting TDIC as a “short squeeze” play. Between January 2, 2026, and May 12, 2026, TDIC’s closing price ranged between $0.57 and $2.36 per share, with an average daily trading volume of approximately 2,600,000 shares. On May 13, 2026, TDIC’s stock price suddenly soared to an intra-day high of $30.00 per share, before closing at $23.05 per share, with approximately 109,000,000 shares trading. The following day, May 14, 2026, TDIC’s share price opened at $21.49 and declined to a closing share price of $0.80. By June 12, 2026, TDIC’s price closed at $0.23 per share.
On or about May 14, 2026, during the sudden surge in TDIC’s share price, a U.S. brokerage firm notified the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) of unauthorized trades as a result of compromised login credentials, resulting in potential stock manipulation of TDIC. The credentials, which belonged to a third-party financial advisor that used the brokerage’s trading platform, were used to attempt to access eight client accounts and successfully accessed three client accounts, which attempted to purchase a combined total of approximately 1,361,488 shares of TDIC for a total of approximately $22,882,550.70 (an average share price of $16.81). All of the purchases appear to have been cancelled by the brokerage.
Around the same time as the social media promotion of TDIC and the compromised account activity, a brokerage account held in the name of Imperial Vision Fund SPC – Series 1 SP (“Imperial Vision”) sold approximately 1,486,841 shares of TDIC for total proceeds of approximately $17,692,745.89. Imperial Vision purports to be a Hong Kong-based investment fund incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and it previously purchased TDIC shares directly from Dreamland.
On June 15, 2026, the Government seized approximately $8.4 million in cash and approximately $850,000 worth of securities from the Imperial Vision brokerage account pursuant to a seizure warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
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Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also expressed appreciation for the assistance of FINRA and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Cross-Border Task Force.
The two cases are being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. DiBattista is in charge of the CTRL Group action. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Li is in charge of the Dreamland action.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards a judgment in favor of the United States.
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As the introductory phrase signifies, the Complaints, and the descriptions of the Complaints set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Two Monroe County Men Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eli Valentine Calero, age 44, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and John Charles Ehrhard, Jr., age 57, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, were found guilty following a five-day jury trial on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, a jury found Calero and Erhard guilty of conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between 2024 and 2025. The jury also found Calero guilty of possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and Ehrhard guilty of five counts of distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Deputy Criminal Chief Jenny P. Roberts and First Assistant John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The defendants are facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
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Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft and Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft and Fraud Conspiracy
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Alexander Jr., age 21, of Syracuse, New York, and Devin Latrell Coleman, age 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, have been sentenced in federal court in Syracuse respectively to 40 months and 36 months in prison for creating and using stolen identities to commit fraud.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
In pleading guilty previously to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, the defendants admitted that Alexander purchased fraudulent identification documents, including driver’s licenses, passport cards, and Social Security cards, from Coleman. Alexander used these fraudulent identification documents, some of which bore his image alongside the personal identifying information of identity theft victims, to commit fraud by obtaining bank loans, lines of credit, and even an apartment lease, among other things. In communicating with Coleman through an encrypted messaging application, Alexander identified himself with the handle, “9-5 will be my last resort.” Coleman coached Alexander on how to use the fraudulent identification documents, which were sophisticated enough to contain security features, to commit fraud.
Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby sentenced Alexander to a total term of 40 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $30,500 in restitution to various victims and to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $15,000, and he sentenced Coleman to a total term of 36 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised released, and ordered him to pay $15,000 in restitution, jointly and severally with Alexander.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “The greed of these defendant’s has landed them in federal prison. With a renewed focus on weeding out fraud in our society, we will pursue all leads and investigate all individuals who attempt to defraud the system. I thank our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigations for their efforts. Together, under the leadership of the Department of Justice Fraud Division, residents in the Northern District can look forward to more successful prosecutions of defendants like Mr. Alexander and Mr. Coleman who seek to defraud the system for their personal gain.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “As Mr. Alexander and Mr. Coleman head to federal prison for their deception and fraud, FBI Albany will continue to work with our partners on the Northern District of New York Healthcare Fraud Task Force to aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone trying to defraud our systems and line their pockets at the expense of hardworking Americans.”
FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry prosecuted the case.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs
Two Memphis Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge sentenced Robert Wells, 54, and Andre Wilson, 54, to federal prison for defrauding the United States Government. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today.
According to information presented in court, Wells and Wilson owned Wells and Wilson Financial, a Memphis-based tax preparation business, from at least 2017 to 2025. During the relevant time period, both men conspired with each other to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) out of more than $250,000 by filing fraudulent tax returns from 2018 through 2022.
Specifically, Wells and Wilson defrauded the IRS by preparing returns for clients that were materially false, including false itemized deductions, false businesses, and false business income and/or expenses. As a result, many of their clients received inflated refunds to which they were not entitled.
United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wilson on June 17, 2026 to 24 months' imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Parker sentenced Wells on June 18, 2026 to 14 months' imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the total amount of $163,762.80. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. Income tax fraud schemes strike at the very heart of our federal government’s financial ability to provide services and protection for our citizens, and we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior.”
"This sentencing sends a clear message that those who knowingly abuse the tax system and violate the public’s trust will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “The defendants ran a scheme deliberately undermining the integrity of our nation’s tax system by filing fraudulent returns and inflating refunds. Our special agents continue to follow the money in financial crimes and work with our federal partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin and Trial Attorney Max Willner-Giwerc of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Tax Section.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Two Arrested and Charged in String of T-Mobile Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Juwan Tyre Hall, 30, and Anthony Burno, 32, of the District of Columbia, were arrested Friday after being indicted on four counts of Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery after allegedly committing a string of armed robberies targeting T-Mobile stores across the District of Columbia and Maryland, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, between November 2025 and March 2026, Hall and Burno allegedly engaged in a series of armed robberies targeting six T-Mobile stores and one pawn shop, where they stole both money and devices out of safes in each location. The two men, dressed in black and wearing masks, entered stores brandishing a handgun, which they used to threaten customers and employees to cooperate. After stealing the contents of the safes, they would then flee the scene, often using a different stolen vehicle. After the robberies, Hall and Burno changed and disposed of their clothing and switched out their stolen vehicles for alternate vehicles.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox and Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Charges in an Indictment are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Twelve Charged in Federal Takedown of Drug Operation Run by Inmate in the Westville Correctional FacilityRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Twelve individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging their participation in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances throughout central Indiana. The charges follow a months-long investigation led by the Crossroads of America Homeland Security Task Force. The defendants and the charges they face are as follows:
Defendant Charge(s)Justin Veal, 37, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesSade Butler, 27, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances (two counts)Adrian Swift, 39, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances (two counts)Shawnlisa Nevels, 44, Fort WayneConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesBobby Young, 51, AndersonConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesDontrell Cole, 24, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesJared Schloerb, 52, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesMegan Daniels, 49, Columbus, INConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesScott Foor, 45, IndianapolisDistribute of 50 Grams of MethamphetamineDaquel Jones, 35, IndianapolisPossession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Methamphetamine Dawud Quarles, 33, IndianapolisUnlawful Use of Communication FacilityLarry Craig, 54, Indianapolis Unlawful Use of Communication FacilityAccording to the indictment, Justin Veal, operating from within the Westville Correctional Facility in Westville, Indiana, led a drug‑trafficking organization responsible for distributing hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics across the Southern District of Indiana. At Veal’s direction, co‑conspirators Sade Butler of Indianapolis and Shawnlisa Nevels of Fort Wayne obtained methamphetamine, cocaine, Suboxone, and fentanyl from various suppliers and distributed the drugs to customers in Anderson, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and several other Indiana communities.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized the following contraband and proceeds of criminal activity:
- 13 firearms, including select-fire weapons with drum magazines
- 130 pounds of methamphetamine
- 550 grams of cocaine
- 241 grams of fentanyl
- 25 Suboxone Strips
- 1750 grams of synthetic cannabinoid (“spice”)
- Several thousand counterfeit fentanyl pills
- Heroin
- Cash
- A pill press with drug residue
- High-value jewelry
- 15 cell phones
- 2 vehicles
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Patrick Gibson, who are prosecuting this case.
This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. Crossroads HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Services, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indiana National Guard, Indiana State Police, HIDTA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Plainfield Police Department, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Topeka man sentenced for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 90 months in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Joseph Donald Dube, 40, Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography.
In December 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dube’s home as part of an investigation into him possibly being in possession of CSAM. Police seized multiple electronic devices which contained images of minors under 12 years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults.
“It is horrifying that Mr. Dube possessed this material and interacted with children routinely in his work as a teacher,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Thankfully, he was brought to justice through the hard work of the KBI and Secret Service.”
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.
Project Safe Childhood
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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.###
Three Philadelphia Men Each Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Violent Carjacking in the NortheastRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Shemar Williams, aka “Five,” 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Monday to 124 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro for his role in a violent armed carjacking in Northeast Philadelphia.
Williams and two co-defendants, Brian Amerman, aka “BD” and “Fat,” 22, and Mustafa Elmitwalli, aka “HR,” 23, were charged by indictment in February 2024 and each pleaded guilty last year to one count of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Elmitwalli was sentenced last month to just over 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Amerman was sentenced in October to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release.
As detailed in court filings, in the early hours of May 12, 2023, Victim 1 parked their Nissan Murano next to a standalone ATM in the parking lot of a shopping plaza located in the 6500 block of Roosevelt Boulevard. Victim 1 got out of the vehicle and began using the ATM. As Victim 1 did so, Williams and Amerman, both carrying firearms, got out of a nearby car driven by Elmitwalli and ambushed Victim 1.
Williams and Amerman forced Victim 1 to Victim 1’s knees at gunpoint, and Amerman struck Victim 1 on the head with a firearm. The carjackers took Victim 1’s car keys and wallet. Williams then drove away in Victim 1’s Nissan Murano. Amerman returned to the vehicle that he had come from, and he and Elmitwalli fled the scene.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan A. Farley and Priya T. De Souza.
Telemedicine Company Owner and Author of Health Care Compliance Books Sentenced for $136M Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The owner of two telemedicine companies was sentenced today to 120 months in prison and ordered to pay $66 million in restitution for her role in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and prescription drugs.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jean Wilson, 54, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, is a licensed nurse practitioner who owned and operated two telemedicine companies between 2017 and 2019. Through these companies, Wilson and others paid illegal kickbacks to medical providers to sign orders for orthotic braces and prescriptions for pharmaceutical drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, even though the beneficiaries did not need the braces or drugs. Wilson signed many of the prescriptions herself.
“The defendant—a nurse practitioner responsible for the care and safety of her patients—exploited our health care system, conspiring to submit over $136 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Today’s lengthy sentence underscores the Fraud Division’s commitment to fighting fraud at every turn to restore public trust in our institutions. We will work tirelessly to hold corrupt medical professionals accountable and recover stolen taxpayer dollars for the American people.”
After acquiring the signed orders and prescriptions, Wilson and others illegally sold them to purported marketing companies for approximately $90 per Medicare beneficiary. The marketing companies often re-sold the orders to brace companies and pharmacies, which in turn submitted claims for medically unnecessary braces and drugs to Medicare. Wilson and her coconspirators at marketing companies pressured Medicare beneficiaries into accepting as many braces as possible, and evidence showed that practitioners working for Wilson signed orders for four or more orthotics per beneficiary for over 3,000 beneficiaries. In fact, over 40 beneficiaries received orders for ten or more orthotics. Wilson attempted to conceal her conduct by using shell accounts and putting in place nominee owners for her companies, including using a member of Wilson’s church to open a bank account in the name of one of her telemedicine companies. During the conspiracy, Wilson and others submitted over $136 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, of which Medicare paid over $66 million. Wilson and her husband Reinaldo Wilson, who was previously sentenced to 7 years for his involvement in the conspiracy, used illicit proceeds from the scheme to purchase luxury vehicles, including multiple Rolls-Royces.
After her arrest and indictment, Wilson held herself out as a “Medical Professional Legal Consultant” and authored multiple books on health care compliance. In her book, “Avoiding Health Care Pitfalls,” Wilson warned, “Some entities and individuals will try to use you as a way to make them millions!”
Wilson pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddie of the FBI Newark Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) New York Regional Office made the announcement.
FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Darren C. Halverson and Nicholas K. Peone of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kelvin Lacen-Roman, age 44, of Syracuse, New York, plead guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.
The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), Matthew M. Modafferi, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Boston Division, Acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley.
As part of his plea, Lacen-Roman admitted that on March 17, 2026, he possessed with intent to distribute over 3 kilograms of cocaine in Onondaga County. He had the cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to Syracuse, New York. After receiving the cocaine Lacen-Roman intended to sell it to numerous customers located in Onondaga County and elsewhere.
“This defendant’s scheme to receive dangerous narcotics through the mail was foiled thanks to the efforts of the USPS-OIG and the USPIS,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “The Department of Justice remains committed to disrupting the flow of deadly drugs into our communities. Through our strong partnership with law enforcement across the Postal Service, Mr. Lacen‑Roman is now facing up to 40 years in federal prison.”
Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the USPS-OIG stated: “The use of the U.S. Mail to traffic dangerous narcotics is a serious federal offense. This guilty plea reflects the coordinated efforts of the USPS OIG, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Central New York Contraband Interdiction Team, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. The USPS OIG values its strong working relationship with its law enforcement partners.”
Acting Inspector in Charge, Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Boston Division stated: “The Postal Service has no interest in being involved in the distribution of illegal drugs. Our objectives are to rid the mail of illicit drug trafficking, preserve the integrity of the mail and, most importantly, provide a safe environment for postal employees and the American public. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our federal law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in pursuing criminals who seek to use the mail stream illegally.”
Sentencing is scheduled for October 28th, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. At sentencing, Lacen-Roman faces a prison term of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by USPS-OIG and the Central New York Contraband Interdiction Team which consists of members of USPIS, the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oswego Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Sturgis Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026.
Luke Basche, 21, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $48,570 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
Basche was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 31, 2026.
Between December 2022, and January 2025, Basche used Mega, an internet-based chat application to search for, download, and view sexually explicit visual depiction of child pornography to his cellular phone. After Basche received and downloaded child pornography to his Apple iPhone, he stored many of the depictions in his Dropbox and Google accounts, which are cloud-based internet storage services. Investigators found over 2,500 images and 445 videos of child pornography on his phone. Basche also stored child pornography on computers and a hard drive. The victims depicted in child pornography he received included infants and toddlers.
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.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Basche was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Discharging a Firearm in a Local RestaurantRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper of the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Terrell E. Johnson, 31, of St. Croix was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 10 years imprisonment for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence while inside the Cruzian Bayou Bistro Restaurant, located in the King’s Alley Walk in Christiansted.
According to court documents, Johnson, 31, entered the restaurant on February 10, 2024, and sat at the bar. When Johnson began to roll a marijuana cigarette, Johnson was told that smoking in the restaurant was prohibited. Johnson became irate and was asked for a second time to stop rolling the marijuana cigarette.
When told to leave the establishment, Johnson retrieved a Glock .40 caliber firearm from his black fanny pack and threatened to shoot one of the owners of the restaurant. Johnson continued to make threats and ultimately fired the gun into the air. As Johnson walked away from the establishment, he fired three additional shots.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Police Department.
It was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Kyle Payne and Assistant United States Attorney Martin Forrest IV of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
###Sacramento Man Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eric Morgan, 27, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to two years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2025, law enforcement officers located a semi‑automatic handgun in the apartment where Morgan was staying. The firearm was loaded, with a round chambered. Morgan is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his multiple prior felony convictions, including burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Morgan was indicted on July 24, 2025, and pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Harman prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Ripley Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tyrone Nelson, aka “Swag”, 38, of Ripley, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in the summer of 2025, Nelson was identified as a narcotics distributor in the Lauderdale County community. Through the utilization of controlled purchases, physical surveillance, and the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement officers recovered 164.1 grams of methamphetamine packaged for distribution, drug paraphernalia, and fentanyl. Nelson has a history of narcotics distribution and was on probation for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver at the time of the offense.
Following Nelson's guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Nelson to 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Federal law applies in every square inch of this district, and dealers who distribute harmful drugs in our rural communities can no longer hide. ‘Swag’ is now removed from the street for 10 years, and Lauderdale County is safer with him gone.”
Sheriff Brian Kelley, of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, said, “This case is another example of what happens when strong local, state, and federal partnerships work together. Career drug dealers who profit by poisoning our communities should understand one thing. If you bring your business to Lauderdale County, we’re going to do everything we can to help shut it down. As for ‘Swag', there’s nothing stylish about spending the next 10 years in federal prison.”
“Successful investigations like this one help disrupt the distribution of illegal drugs and make our community safer,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “HSI is committed to working with our partners and prosecutors to remove dangerous drugs from our streets and protect the safety and well-being of the public.”
This case was investigated by members of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant United States Attorneys Raven Icaza and Gregory D. Allen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates
Registered sex offender sentenced to 10 years for possession of child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 55-year-old Pearland resident has been ordered to federal prison again for possessing child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Jason Doehring pleaded guilty Oct. 15, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Vincent Brown has now sentenced Doehring to 120 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information detailing how he possessed over 300 images on his laptop. Doehring was further ordered to serve five years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Doehring will also be ordered to again register as a sex offender.
The investigation into Doehring began when authorities discovered a registered sex offender was accessing the social media pages of underage children.
On Feb. 9, 2022, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Doehring’s residence in Pearland. They located and seized 11 electronic devices and found them to contain multiple images of child sexual abuse material.
Doehring has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the future
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ekua Assabill and Kimberly Leo prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Postal carrier sentenced for stealing gift cardsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew Hurlburt, 25, of Pavilion, NY, who was convicted of theft of mail by an officer or employee of the United States Postal Service, was sentenced to serve six months’ probation by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Hurlburt was employed by the United States Postal Service as a city carrier assigned to the Perry Post Office, in Perry, NY. In July 2025, an individual mailed a birthday card that included a $100 Visa gift card to a relative in Perry, but it never arrived. Subsequent investigation by Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service determined that the gift card was utilized multiple times at a gas station and bar by Hurlburt. In August 2025, investigators placed an integrity test envelope containing a $25 Visa gift card in Hurlburt’s assigned mail delivery tray. The envelope was labeled in such a way that it should be returned to the Post Office by Hurlburt at the end of his shift. However, Hurlburt did not return the envelope, instead he stole the envelope from the mail, opened the birthday card inside, and utilized the gift card to buy snacks, alcohol, and gas.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office.
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Placer County Man Sentenced for Stealing Nearly $1.5 million in COVID-Relief Loans to Fund Lavish LifestyleRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jedrek Upton, 45, of Lincoln, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to one year in prison to be followed by 36 months supervised release, of which 12 months are to be spent on home detention, for wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme to steal nearly $1.5 million of COVID-relief loans, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between January 2021 and May 2022, Upton repeatedly submitted fraudulent applications for COVID‑19 disaster relief on behalf of businesses he owned. He falsely inflated the number of employees on payrolls and misrepresented how the funds would be used, claiming that he would spend the money to alleviate economic harm caused by the pandemic. Upton also submitted falsified IRS documents to support the applications.
In reality, several of the businesses had no employees and no payroll, and Upton spent much of the relief money on personal expenses. As a result of his misrepresentations, Upton received nearly $1.5 million in fraudulently obtained loans from the United States, a large portion of which was ultimately forgiven after Upton falsely certified that on the funds were used for payroll and legitimate business expenses. Instead, Upton used the money to support a lavish lifestyle, including paying off personal credit cards, transferring money to others, leasing a Ferrari and a Lamborghini, and making a large down payment on a $2.7 million, 10-acre property.
As part of his sentence, Upton forfeited his interest in the property, and was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 million in restitution to the United States. Upton pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2025.
The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dhruv M. Sharma and Kevin C. Khasigian prosecuted the case.
Philadelphia Man, 20, Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography, Including Videos He Recorded While Sexually Abusing Two Young ChildrenRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Isaiah Smith, 20, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mary Kay Costello to 20 years in prison, the statutory maximum term, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. This sentence is to run consecutively to his state sentence of 10 to 20 years’ incarceration. In addition, Smith is subject to mandatory registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) and Megan’s Law.
Smith was charged by indictment in May of last year and pleaded guilty in January.
As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, Smith possessed visual depictions of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. These visual depictions included videos that the defendant recorded as he sexually abused two different child victims, a five-year-old girl, and a nonverbal three-year-old boy, on multiple occasions, over more than a year.
The child sexual abuse material was discovered after a friend of the defendant walked in on Smith orally raping one of the child victims. He was prosecuted in Philadelphia County for that sexual assault, for which he received the 10-to-20-year prison sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Norwich Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVON MORSE, 30, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 13, 2017, Morse was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking cocaine. He was released from prison in January 2021.
On October 14, 2024, while on federal supervised release, Morse fled from Norwich Police during a traffic stop. After he fled, Morse went to a storage facility where he maintained a storage unit. As Norwich Police again attempted to stop Morse’s vehicle, Morse threw a backpack from the vehicle and sped away. Morse’s vehicle became disabled a short distance away and he was taken into custody. Morse possessed $2,356 in cash at the time of his arrest.
A search of the backpack Morse discarded revealed nearly a kilogram of cocaine, numerous narcotic pills, items used to process and package narcotics, and other items. A search of Morse’s storage unit revealed four handguns, including two “ghost guns;” loaded gun magazines, including high-capacity magazines; ammunition; and other items. A subsequent search of Morse’s vehicle revealed approximately 10 pounds of marijuana, narcotic pills, quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and $4,449 in cash.
Morse has been detained in federal custody since December 12, 2024. On March 19, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Judge Nagala sentenced more to 78 months of imprisonment for the drug and firearm offenses, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This investigation was conducted by the Norwich Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
New Haven Man Admits Trafficking Narcotics from Branford Hotel RoomRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRENCE DAVIS, 41, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to a narcotics trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force developed evidence that David was selling fentanyl and crack cocaine from a hotel in Branford. On October 15, 2025, investigators made a controlled purchase of narcotics from Davis. On October 17, 2025, a court-authorized search of Davis’ hotel room revealed nearly 700 grams of cocaine, more than 70 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, and $13,867 in cash. Davis was arrested on state charges at that time and was subsequently released on bond.
This matter was adopted for federal prosecution and, on January 7, 2026, Davis was charged by indictment. He was arrested federally on January 8, 2026, and, on that date, a search of the same hotel room where Davis was staying revealed approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, 25 grams of crack cocaine, and seven grams of powder cocaine.
Davis pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Sentencing is scheduled for September 30.
Davis has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Guevremont and Christopher Lembo.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Trafficking Multiple High-Powered FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nashua, N.H. man was sentenced on June 25, 2026 in federal court in Boston for trafficking nine firearms, including two semiautomatic rifles, into Massachusetts over a one-month period.
Dennis T. Michaud, Jr., 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2026, Michaud pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in firearms. Michaud was arrested and charged in March 2025.
Beginning in or around February 2025, Michaud was identified as an illegal firearms dealer. From Feb. 7 through Feb. 11, 2025, undercover law enforcement contacted Michaud through Snapchat to arrange for the purchase of a semiautomatic rifle. During those communications, Michaud stated that he was located in New Hampshire and that he could bring the firearm to Massachusetts. On Feb. 11, 2025, in Pepperell, Mass., Michaud met with a confidential source operating at the direction of law enforcement to conduct the transaction. There, Michaud provided the confidential source with a Good Time Outdoors CXV Core 15 .223/5.56 caliber semiautomatic rifle and a 30-round .223/5.56 caliber magazine in exchange for $900.On Feb. 18, 2025, Michaud agreed to sell three additional firearms. Later that day, Michaud met the source at an agreed upon location in Pepperell, Mass. where he provided the following three firearms as well as accompanying ammunition and accessories in exchange for $2,100: a Taurus Raging Hunter .454 Casull Revolver and approximately five rounds of .454 Casull ammunition; a Rossi Interarms M68 .38 Special Revolver and approximately five rounds of .38 Special ammunition; and a Walther PPS 9mm Pistol with approximately six Walther PPS 9mm magazines and various firearm parts and accessories.
In addition, on Feb. 27, 2025, Michaud agreed to sell two more firearms: a Radical Firearms RF-15 .223/5.56 caliber semiautomatic short-barreled rifle along with a 30-round .223/5.56 caliber magazine and a Sig Sauer P227 Equinox .45 caliber pistol along with a 10-round Sig Sauer P227 .45 caliber magazine. During the transaction Michaud provided the confidential source the two agreed-upon firearms and ammunition. Michaud also stated that possessing the semiautomatic short-barreled rifle would constitute “three felonies” due to the stock and 30-round magazine affixed to the firearm.
On March 20, 2025, Michaud sold three more firearms, two magazines and ammunition to the confidential source in exchange for $2,250: a Century Arms 7.62x39mm YSKA AK Rifle; a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Pistol; and a Taurus PT-22 .22 caliber Pistol. The defendant was immediately taken into custody following the transaction.
Michaud does not possess a federal firearms license.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Nashua (N.H.), Worcester and Pepperell Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Gonzalez Sanchez of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Nigerian National Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Admitted to the United States Under a Non-Immigrant VisaRead the Press Release
Godson Oghenebrume, age 23, a Nigerian national residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick following his conviction for possession of a firearm by an alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa, announced United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence.
According to admissions made during his plea, on February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume possessed a Glock model 43X, 9mm pistol, while he was admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant F-1 student visa.
Based on the complaint that preceded the indictment, on the night of February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume was in his apartment when an ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his infant child, arrived at the apartment with the baby. Oghenebrume, who had been in the apartment with another young woman, went outside, and an argument ensued between him and the mother of his child. During this argument, and while the baby was present, Oghenebrume discharged the firearm.
Oghenebrume went back into his apartment. Sometime thereafter, Oghenebrume’s ex-girlfriend opened his apartment door and observed Oghenebrume and the other young woman in the living room, and she and Oghenebrume began to argue. That argument spilled out of the apartment, and Oghenebrume discharged the firearm more times as the mother of his child fled. Multiple bullet strikes were observed in the walls of the apartment complex.
Oghenebrume smashed his ex-girlfriend’s phone and took the baby, who had been present throughout the incident. Oghenebrume’s ex-girlfriend then approached the other woman, who was attempting to leave, and asked her for help getting the baby. She agreed to help and was able to get the child from Oghenebrume.
When East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the apartment complex, Oghenebrume walked away from them, ignoring their commands, and discarded the Glock model 43X, 9mm pistol into some shrubs. Oghenebrume was detained soon thereafter. Deputies spoke to Oghenebrume’s neighbor, who confirmed hearing shots and stated his ears had been ringing.
In a post Miranda interview, EBRSO detectives asked Oghenebrume why he had shot the firearm in the apartment complex. He claimed that he had wanted his ex-girlfriend to go home and that he had shot the gun to scare her away.
U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy S. Johnson and Lyman E. Thornton III led the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Miles Guo Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Leading Billion-Dollar FraudRead the Press Release
Attorney for the United States, Sean S. Buckley, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, announced that MILES GUO, a/k/a “Ho Wan Kwok,” a/k/a “Guo Wengui,” a/k/a “Brother Seven,” a/k/a “The Principal,” a/k/a “Boss,” was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres to 30 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering, among other charges, for leading an expansive and complex scheme to solicit more than $1 billion of investments in various entities and programs through false statements and misrepresentations to thousands of GUO’s online followers. On July 16, 2024, GUO was convicted following a seven-week jury trial.
“Miles Guo led a massive scheme to steal more than $1 billion through lies and deception from thousands of Americans and victims around the world,” said Attorney for the United States Sean S. Buckley. “After immigrating to this country, rather than being satisfied with the many legitimate opportunities afforded to him, Guo exploited the trust that thousands had placed in him for his own greed. This sentence shows that fame and wealth do not place you above the law, and that fraudsters who victimize families to enrich themselves will be met with significant consequences.”
According to the charging documents, public court filings, statements made in court, and evidence admitted at GUO’s trial:
GUO’s schemes began when he announced the founding in 2018 of purported charitable organizations—the Rule of Law Foundation and Rule of Law Society—by falsely promising potential donors that he was contributing the first $100 million to their cause. Trading on the Rule of Law groups’ purported charitable works, GUO launched an unregistered offering of stock in his media venture, GTV.
When the GTV stock offering came under scrutiny by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, GUO and his co-conspirators turned to other schemes. GUO obtained another $100 million through a program in which victims were told they could lend money to networks of GUO’s supporters and receive GTV stock in addition to interest payments. At around the same time, GUO raised at least approximately $240 million by selling memberships in G|CLUBS, a purported membership club that promised GTV stock in exchange for members’ dues and offered little to no other material benefits. In a 2021 broadcast on GTV, GUO launched the Himalaya Exchange, a purported cryptocurrency ecosystem where people could trade “H Coin” and “H Dollar,” which were phony digital assets that were fraudulently described as blockchain-native cryptocurrencies but were in fact little more than made-up figures on an internal company spreadsheet.
GUO perpetuated these interrelated fraud schemes over approximately five years by installing figurehead executives at companies that GUO actually controlled, promising investors that he would personally guarantee their funds against loss, and broadcasting serial lies about everything from the benefits available to G|CLUBS members to the made-up gold reserve that he claimed stood behind the value of his phony digital assets. Along the way, GUO and his family spent victims’ stolen funds on a $26.5 million mansion in New Jersey, an $832,000 Lamborghini, two multimillion-dollar sports cars for GUO’s son, and a $2 million yacht, among many other extravagant purchases. Between 2022 and 2023, the United States seized more than $630 million of GUO’s criminal proceeds in addition to luxurious items such as sports cars, a mansion, and expensive furniture, some of which are pictured below:
If you believe you are a victim of GUO’s fraud, please find more information here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/united-states-v-ho-wan-kwok-aka-miles-guo-and-kin-ming-je-aka-william-je.
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In addition to the prison term, GUO, 55, originally from the People’s Republic of China, was ordered to pay a $900 special assessment. GUO was ordered to forfeit $889 million in proceeds from his illegal schemes, as well as his interest in specific property including a $26.5 million mansion in New Jersey, a Lamborghini, a Rolls Royce Phantom, and a Bugatti sports car.
Mr. Buckley praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Buckley further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a parallel civil action against GUO.
The case is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the Office’s Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah F. Fergenson, Ryan B. Finkel, Justin Horton, and Juliana N. Murray are in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National with Prior Drug Trafficking Conviction SentencedRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Mexican national was sentenced today for unlawfully residing in the United States and possessing a loaded firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Bryan Abisai Costeira Hernandez, 28, for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition and Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Costeira Hernandez was ordered to serve 41 months' imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. Upon release, Costeira Hernandez is expected to face removal proceedings.
According to court documents, in January 2026, Costeira Hernandez was pulled over for a traffic violation. Unable to verify the identification that Costeira Hernandez provided to officers, he was detained. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded firearm and drugs. After officers placed him in handcuffs, Costeira Hernandez attempted to run away from the officers. While transporting Costeira Hernandez to jail, he told officers that he provided a false name and admitted that he was previously deported for unlawfully being in the United States.
State court records show that Costeira Hernandez has several pending charges, including possessing a stolen vehicle, obstruction, and possession of a controlled substance. Costeira Hernandez previously pleaded guilty in two separate felony cases for possessing a stolen vehicle, trafficking illegal drugs, resisting, obstruction, among other charges. In both cases, he received suspended sentences and was removed from the United States in 2022.
Costeira Hernandez will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster prosecuted the case.
Mexican Drug Supplier Pleads Guilty to Trafficking More than 170 Pounds of Cocaine in Metro AtlantaRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Orfael Macedo Bustos, a high-level drug trafficker who was extradited to the United States from Mexico late last year, has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in connection with the importation of large quantities of cocaine from Mexico to metro Atlanta.
“Macedo Bustos introduced massive amounts of cocaine into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of strong agency partnerships through the Homeland Security Task Force and valuable international coordination, Macedo Bustos now faces a significant sentence in federal prison and millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine have been taken off the street.”
“International drug traffickers often believe they can operate beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Today’s guilty plea proves otherwise. By working alongside our law enforcement partners, DEA will continue targeting the organizations responsible for transporting massive quantities of cocaine into our communities and ensuring those who profit from this criminal activity are held accountable.”
“The guilty plea of Macedo Bustos is a direct result of the collaborative efforts of the Homeland Security Task Force. By leveraging the unique authorities and capabilities of our federal, state, and local partners, HSI remains committed to dismantling the transnational criminal organizations that attempt to flood our streets with illicit drugs,” said HSI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge, Ellen Johnson. “We will continue to utilize every tool at our disposal to investigate and bring these offenders to justice, ensuring the safety of our communities in metro Atlanta and across the nation.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Beginning in 2017, federal law enforcement identified a drug trafficking organization that was importing large quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the United States. Macedo Bustos, one of the organization’s leaders and primary drug suppliers, coordinated with others to transport cocaine, usually via tractor trailers, to the metro Atlanta area for distribution.
During the investigation, federal authorities seized at least five large shipments of cocaine from tractor trailers, including:
- 44 pounds of cocaine in October 2017 in Fulton County, Georgia;
- 30 pounds of cocaine in November 2017 in Fulton County, Georgia;
- 44 pounds of cocaine in February 2018 in Fulton County, Georgia;
- 33 pounds of cocaine in April 2018 in Cobb County, Georgia; and
- 22 pounds of cocaine in November 2018 in Fulton County, Georgia.
Today, Orfael Macedo Bustos, 52, of Guerrero, Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine after a federal grand jury indicted him in December 2018. In November 2025, Macedo Bustos was extradited from Mexico to the Northern District of Georgia, and he has been in federal custody since that time.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 1:30 pm before U.S. District Judge William M. Ray II. Macedo Bustos faces at least ten years of imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia State Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown Jr. and former Assistant United States Attorney Tyler A. Mann prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Members and Associates of Two Minnesota Drug Trafficking Organizations Indicted and ArrestedRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today the unsealing of an indictment and superseding indictment charging members and associates of two Minnesota-based drug trafficking organizations with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, firearms offenses, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and causing death through use of a firearm. As a result of these investigations, 25 members and associates of these gangs have been charged. Agents and officers, including multiple S.W.A.T. Teams, executed several arrest and search warrants this morning, resulting in the arrest of 12 of the defendants.
“Violent drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Minnesota,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “When individuals flood our streets with dangerous narcotics and arm themselves to protect their illicit activity, they put everyone at risk. Through our strong partnerships across federal, state, and local law enforcement, we are committed to disrupting these networks and holding offenders accountable.”
“The indictments announced today are the result of a shoulder-to-shoulder partnership between the FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and the DEA,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Together, our message to every violent gang member and drug dealer is clear—our streets are not your ‘territory,’ they are a part of our communities. These streets belong to the families and residents that make up our neighborhoods. The FBI and our partners will ensure the safety of our streets by bringing anyone spreading poison and violence in our neighborhoods to justice.”
“The Family Mob and those who associate with this violent organization are responsible for staining our streets with bloodshed and drug use,” said DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie. “Over a span of five months, the individuals indicted today attempted to traffic no less than 333,000 deadly doses of fentanyl into our Minneapolis communities. There is no room for this type of behavior in Minnesota and today’s indictments are not the end of the story. Our agents and law enforcement partners will continue working to dismantle this organization, if necessary, one person at a time.”
“Today's arrests represent another significant step in our shared effort to dismantle the criminal organizations responsible for trafficking illegal narcotics, fueling gun violence, and terrorizing our neighborhoods. These results demonstrate the power of strong law enforcement partnerships,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Bill Peterson.
“My Office is committed to combatting violent crime. This investigation demonstrates what is possible when law enforcement agencies from all levels work together with a shared commitment to public safety. Drug trafficking organizations and drug dealers bring violence, addiction, and fear into our communities. By combining our resources and expertise, we are disrupting criminal networks and holding those responsible for causing harm to our community accountable,” said Dawanna Witt, Sheriff of Hennepin County.
The Family Mob Drug Trafficking Organization
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment and court documents the defendants were members or associates of the Family Mob gang, which is based in south Minneapolis and originated in approximately the late 1990’s to early 2000’s. The Family Mob conspires to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances. In the past year, the area in the Family Mob’s territory has seen an increased prevalence of open-air drug trafficking, weapons violations, shootings, and homicides.
The members of this fentanyl trafficking conspiracy maintained an open‑air drug market near Lake Street and Park Avenue. They enforced their territory with violence, including a murder in September 2025. The defendants distributed large quantities of fentanyl and carried out shootings that endangered the community. Members and associates of the Family Mob gang collectively distributed kilograms of fentanyl every month during the course of the conspiracy. Suppliers within the drug trafficking organization procured fentanyl in kilogram-level quantities before passing it to street-level dealers.
The superseding indictment also charges multiple acts of violence related to a September 14, 2025 shooting near Lake Street and 15th Avenue.
The following individuals are charged in the superseding indictment:
- Kiron Jamoll Williams, aka “Killer,” 44, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
- Silk Lamond Davis, aka “Do Good,” 48, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
- Lakendrick Darnell Gilliam, aka “Bay Bay,” 38, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Rashshon Jamahl Taggett, aka “Dread,” aka “Lay Low,” 45, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.
- Trevon Harris, aka “Tracy,” aka “Tray,” 28, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Maricus Antonio Leroy Moore, aka “Slug,” 45, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Larnell Douglas Wren, aka “LA,” 51, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Emmett Duane Williams, aka “FuFu,” 45, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Garyegus Lealexandra Cooper, aka “Pig,” 47, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Deangelo Martez Davenport, aka “Rock” or “Kenny Davenport,” 50, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and with murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Mortez Crumble, 34, is charged in two counts with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and in a separate count with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Eddie Dersaill Brown, aka “Mike Mike,” 34, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Richard Payton, III, aka “Poison,” 52, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Amani Hudson Drug Trafficking Organization
The members in this drug trafficking organization—some members of whom are associated with the G Block and Bogus Boys gangs—base their operations near 19th and Nicollet in Minneapolis. The organization distributes large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine throughout South Minneapolis and across the Twin Cities. The flow of narcotics contributed to an escalation of violence and shootings in the area of 19th and Nicollet.
The following individuals are charged and have been held in custody:
- Amani Xavier Hudson, Sr., aka “Doughboy,” 35, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Kelley Christine Hudson, 24, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Jerry Wayne Jones, 70, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Fronta Lontrell Miller, aka “Bam,” 50, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Tanell Kinte Prempeh, 32, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Ryan Andrew Boston, aka “Marquese,” 41, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Hezekiah Micah Fields, 26, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Tawaun Lewis, Sr., aka “T-Lane,” 46, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Darquel Markease Rockymore, aka “Sleepy,” 35, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Malcolm Dashuan Peoples, 33, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Daren Leemont Rutledge, 53, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Fronta Lontrell Miller remains at large for his alleged involvement in drug activities in Minneapolis.
These cases were investigated by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Minneapolis Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and other local partners.
Assistant United States Attorneys William C. Mattessich, Garrett S. Fields, Raphael B. Coburn, and Jack R. Leon are prosecuting the cases.
The investigation leading to today's announcement is part of Operation Summer Heat, 2026. For the second year in a row, the FBI is deploying Summer Heat to target violent crime on a nationwide scale. By surging resources alongside federal, state, and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, the FBI is aggressively seeking to restore safety in communities across the country.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Member of violent home invasion robbery crew sentenced to 25 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – One of the members of an armed robbery crew that carried out a series of home invasion robberies in 2022, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 25 years in prison for racketeering and conspiracy to commit RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Christopher Joseph Johnson, 24, aided and abetted the murder of Irah Marcello Sok who was fatally shot in midst of a Snohomish County home invasion robbery in August 2022. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Lauren King said, “You used violence, fear, and intimidation… The victims face unthinkable trauma due to you and your coconspirators insatiable greed.”
“This crime ring terrorized people up and down the I-5 corridor – women, children, families – anyone they thought had valuables they could steal,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “This lengthy sentence keeps this defendant off the streets until he is well into his 40’s, protecting the public and hopefully making a change in his behavior.”
“Throughout the summer of 2022, Mr. Johnson and his co-conspirators conducted a series of terrifying and destructive home invasions, stopping at nothing in pursuit of their ill-gotten gains, including murder, kidnapping, and other violence,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “It is heartbreaking that these victims endured these horrific experiences, and no sentence will ever undo the harm or bring back a loved one. Today, however, justice has been served thanks to the hard work of multiple agencies joining together on this case. FBI Seattle and our partners will continue to work relentlessly to hold those responsible for these violent crimes to account.”
Johnson pleaded guilty in February 2026, admitting he was involved in a pattern of violent crimes allegedly committed by codefendant Kevin Thissel, 29, and their co-conspirators. In the summer of 2022, Johnson and his coconspirators targeted certain families for robberies. To create a climate of fear, the robbery crew burst into homes in the middle of the night, dressed in black with guns drawn, often claiming to be police. They wore masks and used zip-ties to restrain the victims – including children as young as nine. They would steal any valuables they could ransack from these homes.
Each member of the robbery crew had a certain job: identifying potential victims based on social media posts about their wealth or collections; surveilling the target homes; serving as a driver; kicking in the door; corralling the family; holding the victims at gunpoint; and ransacking the homes for valuables. Some of those participating in this violent robbery scheme were juveniles.
The crimes Johnson committed include:
- May 24, 2022, the armed robbery of a family in Mount Vernon, Washington, and the kidnapping of a young boy in connection with the Mount Vernon robbery.
- May 24, 2022, attempted burglary on Mercer Island – one robber fired a gun but did not hit one of three victims inside the house.
- May 27, 2022, burglary of an unoccupied Kent, Washington, residence.
- June 19, 2022, the attempted burglary of an occupied residence in Kent. One of the residents fired at the robbery crew causing them to flee.
- July 14, 2022, the armed robbery of a couple in Burien, Washington.
- July 28, 2022, the armed robbery of a woman in Kent, Washington, and her kidnapping to force her to obtain cash from ATMs.
- August 12, 2022, the robbery of two Kent residents who were locked in a closet while their home was ransacked.
- August 19, 2022, the Snohomish County armed robbery of a couple and their child and the murder of one of the Snohomish County robbery victims.
Some of the criminal acts described in the plea agreement were not formally charged. They were considered by Judge King to determine the sentence. Restitution for the victims will be set at a hearing on September 22, 2026.
As anticipated with the plea agreement, Johnson pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Snohomish County Superior Court for the August 19, 2022, fatal shooting of Irah Marcello Sok. He was sentenced to 25 years for that crime which will run concurrent with the federal sentence. Judge King agreed to Johnson’s request and recommended that he serve his sentence in the Washington State Prison system.
In recommending the 25-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “…(D)uring the course of approximately six months, Johnson and others committed a series of violent offenses across Western Washington, including home invasion robberies, kidnappings, and murder. Johnson willingly involved himself in the enterprise and actively participated in the efforts of the enterprise, which used violence and the threat of violence to coerce victims into yielding to their demands.”
Johnson will be on five years of supervised release following his prison term.
The case is being investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Kent Police Department, and the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Brian Wynne are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Hobbs and Michael Lang worked closely with the Snohomish County Prosecutors Office on investigating and charging this case.
Man who fraudulently received $32 million business tax refund check sentenced to 3 years in prisonRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – An Atlanta-area man who was found guilty of wire fraud and theft of public funds following a March bench trial was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 36 months in prison.
Christopher Dowtin, 49, of Jonesboro, Georgia, fraudulently converted two businesses’ IRS accounts to his name and address. The defendant received tax refund checks – including one for more than $32 million – that were to be paid out to these two businesses. He was sentenced on June 26.
Today in federal court in Dayton, Bondary McCall, 64, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for filing a false, retaliatory lien against the federal judge originally assigned to Dowtin’s case.
Two months after Dowtin’s arrest on the tax crimes, McCall filed a false lien in the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation claiming that Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose owed Dowtin $32 million. Judge Rose was originally presiding over Dowtin’s fraud case.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Dowtin fraudulently submitted IRS forms claiming to be the responsible party for two separate companies.
In December 2024, the IRS processed eight Change of Address or Responsible Party-Business forms associated with Dowtin. Dowtin’s requests for changes were completed and accepted. He ultimately received two tax refund checks for those companies: one in the amount of $32,495,888.58 and one in the amount of $26,156.50.
Dowtin traveled from Georgia to Ohio with the two checks to open an account in the Southern District of Ohio.
On Feb. 13, 2025, Dowtin took the checks to a Morgan Stanley office in Beavercreek, Ohio, and attempted to negotiate the funds into a brokerage account in a trust in his name. Dowtin told the Morgan Stanley financial advisor that the two companies were paying him for illegally using his “personhood.” He said the payments owed to him had been transferred to him from the IRS. The financial advisor verified that the checks were valid U.S. Treasury checks.
On Feb. 19, 2025, an executive director at Morgan Stanley contacted the United States Secret Service and IRS Criminal Investigation regarding the suspicious nature of the checks and Dowtin’s supporting paperwork. The checks were seized by law enforcement.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Robert Kuszynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; announced the sentences imposed by Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman are representing the United States in the cases.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Madison Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Medicare Kickback ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Madison man was sentenced on June 30th to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and to offer, pay, solicit, and receive kickbacks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Auzie Phillip Smith, Jr., 68, of Madison, Mississippi worked as a marketer for various diagnostic laboratories, acting as a middleman between the laboratories and the medical providers. Smith solicited and received kickbacks from the laboratories in exchange for referrals of biological specimens and orders for molecular diagnostic testing of toenails, and in turn, induced providers to refer biological specimens and orders for unnecessary molecular diagnostic testing of toenails in exchange for kickbacks. In total, the diagnostic laboratories submitted over $1.4 million in claims to Medicare that were procured by the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes, medically unnecessary, and ineligible for reimbursement, and that laboratories were reimbursed over $500,000 for these claims.
Smith was also ordered to pay $544,822.68 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; Acting Health Care Fraud Chief Jacob Foster; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Acting Assistant Chief Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
MS-13 Inmate Sentenced for Assault on Prison StaffRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A federal judge sentenced Bryan Galicia-Barillas, 29, a Guatemalan national and former inmate at Yazoo Correctional Complex on June 30, 2026, to 18 months of incarceration for assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees of the United States. Galicia-Barillas had previously pleaded guilty and was serving a sentence from 2018 for conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, involving his participation in the MS-13 gang-related murders.
Galicia-Barillas was convicted at trial on March 16, 2026, where he was found guilty of having struck a senior Bureau of Prisons official in the head with his fists during lunch on or about May 28, 2025. Galicia-Barillas will be required to serve today’s sentence consecutive to his previous sentence in the Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
Lead Defendant and 10 Others Plead Guilty in $65 Million Multinational Fraud Ring Targeting Thousands of SeniorsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Hua Wang pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting his involvement in a $65 million multinational fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly victims across the United States, including in San Diego. Videos by YouTubers from Scammer Payback and Trilogy Media helped law enforcement identify multiple defendants and uncover the structure of the fraud conspiracy.
Wang, shown below, is the lead defendant charged in the scheme. In April 2025, Wang was arrested at his residence in Flushing, New York just days after his co-defendant, Weining Su, aka “Ning Ma,” was arrested at JFK International Airport attempting to board a one-way flight to China.
Following Wang’s arrest, in August 2025, federal agents coordinated a sweeping nationwide takedown of the investigation, including arrests in Southern California, Texas, Michigan and New York. To date, more than 30 defendants have been publicly charged in related indictments.
In addition to Wang, over the past two months, nine co-conspirators, Xiao Lei Xu, Wen Chang Wang, aka “Cookies,” Jiawen Cai, aka “Johnny Cai,” Zhuhan Yin, Wenzhi Chen, Yuhui Sun, Jiaxin Jiang, Bing Shen and Chongchong Li, have also pleaded guilty in federal court and admitted their roles in the same scheme. Other defendants are scheduled to plead guilty later this month. Defendants Wen Chang Wang, Jiawen Cai, Zhuhan Yin, Yuhui Sun, Bing Shen and Chongchong Li are Chinese nationals.
Operating since at least 2019 and rooted in Southern California, the criminal network—primarily composed of Chinese nationals, many in the U.S. illegally—worked closely with India-based scam call centers. Fraudsters who took the calls posed as technical support agents, government officials, or bank employees, according to court records. Once a victim had been defrauded, victims were instructed to withdraw bulk cash, to conceal the cash in packages, and to send cash-laden packages via express mail carriers to names and addresses provided by the conspirators. The recipient names were fictitious names corresponding with fake IDs. The recipient addresses were for the short-term rental locations.
In their respective plea agreements, each defendant admitted that to facilitate receipt of victim packages, members of the conspiracy booked short-term rentals in a hub-and-spoke pattern: a hub would be booked for approximately one week; spoke locations would be booked nearby for shorter stays. After some time, members of the conspiracy would relocate to a new location and continue the pattern.
The investigation started in December 2020 after an elderly victim contacted an express mail carrier after being defrauded into sending bulk cash in the mail. That led to the discovery of 11 total packages, containing approximately $135,000 in cash. Each of the packages was addressed to a fake name and a short-term rental in the San Diego area.
The investigation also led to the discovery of several YouTube videos posted in 2020 and 2021 that helped identify other members of the conspiracy. YouTuber Pierogi from “Scammer Payback”— which is known for exposing scammers—documented his interaction with the India-based scam call centers. In a series of videos, Pierogi from Scammer Payback teamed up with two other YouTubers from “Trilogy Media” to publish videos on their respective YouTube channels.
In coordinated sting operations, Scammer Payback and Trilogy Media baited fraudsters, confronted them on camera, and published those videos to their respective YouTube channels. Videos posted in 2020 and 2021 helped law enforcement identify Zhiyi Zhang, Dudu Chen and Huajian Chen. All three are named in the indictments. The videos also helped shed light on how the conspiracy operated and led to the identification of high-level members of the organization.
After defrauding victims, members of the conspiracy laundered the proceeds of the fraud scheme. For example, in March 2021, several members of the conspiracy, including Hua Wang and Xiao Lei Xu, were operating in Las Vegas, Nevada. On March 4, 2021, co-conspirator Xiao Lei Xu was stopped by law enforcement on the way to the Los Angeles area carrying $70,000 in bulk cash that were proceeds of the scheme. Just eight days later, on March 12, 2021, Hua Wang, Xiao Lei Xu and a third co-conspirator were stopped traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles again. This time, law enforcement seized $120,860 in fraud proceeds.
In total, Hua Wang admitted that he participated from 2019 through 2023 and was responsible for over 2,000 cash packages, each sent by an elderly victim, and $64 million in victim loss.
Sentencing hearings for each of the defendants are scheduled before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson as set forth below.
DefendantNext EventDate/Time25-cr-1097-TWR Hua WangSentencing HearingSeptember 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Weining SuChange of PleaJuly 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. 25-cr-1762-TWR Hongsen CaoChange of PleaJuly 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. 25-cr-1765-TWR Xiao Lei XuSentencing HearingJuly 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Wen Chang WangSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Jiawen CaiSentencing HearingSeptember 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Zhuhan YinSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Ziyue ZhaoSentencing HearingSeptember 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Wenzhi ChenSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Jiaxin WangSentencing HearingSeptember 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Yuhui SunSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Jiaxin JiangSentencing HearingAugust 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Bing ShenSentencing HearingJuly 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Chongchong LiSentencing HearingJuly 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Rookard.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 25-cr-1097-TWR
Hua Wang Age: 48 Flushing, NY
Weining Su, aka “Ning Ma” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Case Number 25-cr-1762-TWR
Hongsen Cao, aka “Shawn Cao,” Age: 24 Los Angeles, CA
Case Number 25-cr-1765-TWR
Xiao Lei Xu, aka “Xiaolei Xu” Age: 39 Flushing, NY
Wen Chang Wang, Age: 26 Detroit, MI
Jiawen Cai, aka “Johnny Cai” Age: 28 Flushing, NY
Xinyu Shao Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Zhuhan Yin, aka “Iron Yin” Age: 30 Flushing, NY
[Redacted]
Ziyue Zhao, aka “Chris Zhao” Age: 30 Flushing, NY
Guangli Lin Age: 30 Flushing, NY
Wenzhi Chen Age: 23 Austin, TX
[Redacted]
Jiaxin Wang Age: 24 Flushing, NY
[Redacted]
Haotian Zhang, aka “Kevin Z” Age: 28 Flushing, NY
Dudu Chen, aka “Norris Chen” Age: 31 In Custody
Yuhui Sun, aka “Ian Sun” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Jiaxin Jiang, aka “YiYi” Age: 26 In Custody
Dexiao Lin, aka “Prozac” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Zhiyi Zhang, aka “Cream Pablo” Age: 29 Los Angeles, CA
Zhiwei Chen Age: 30 Levittown, NY
Bing Shen Age: 41 Flushing, NY
Zetian Zhang Age: 29 Flushing, NY
Huajian Chen, aka “Marco Chen” Age: 24 Austin, TX
Chongchong Li Age: 29 Los Angeles, CA
Jianhao Gao, aka “Gh Ghao” Age: 31 Flushing, NY
Case Number 25-cr-2208-TWR
Cheng Li Age: 28 In Custody
Case Number 25-cr-3371-TWR
Kaiwen Zhang Age: 32 Irvine, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 – Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud - Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1349, 2326
Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison; a maximum $1 million fine
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison; a maximum $500,000 fine or twice the amount of monetary instruments involved in the offense, whichever is greatest
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD)
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Mountain View (CA) Police Department
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FLDE)
Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT)
Irvine (CA) Police Department
La Verne (CA) Police Department
Mesa (AZ) Police Department
Sarpy County (NE) Sheriff’s Department
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
For further information, see previous press release.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Lamar Woman Sentenced and Ordered to Pay over $1.4M for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that Patricia Jones, 44, of Lamar, Benton County, Mississippi was sentenced by Senior District Judge Sharion Aycock. After pleading guilty on an earlier date, Jones was sentenced to 50 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay $1,422,022 to her victims.
According to court documents, Patricia Jones submitted false and fraudulent IRS forms in order to obtain Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funds. ERC was designed to encourage employers to continue to pay employees during the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant submitted these forms on behalf of herself and others, attempting to claim over $3.8 Million in fraudulent refunds and generating over $1.4 Million in fraudulent payments by the IRS to Jones and others.
U.S. Attorney Leary stated, “On April 7th, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. Its core mission is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The initiative is working thanks to the hard work of federal investigators and prosecutors who devote themselves to these often-complex cases. I congratulate these men and woman who seek to ensure that taxpayer funded benefits go to where they are intended.”
“Today’s sentencing of Patricia Jones reaffirms our commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s tax system,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office. “Individuals who cheat the American taxpayer undermine public trust and siphon resources intended to support our communities. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are highly trained financial investigators, skilled at following the money, uncovering complex fraud schemes, and ensuring that individuals who attempt to cheat the American taxpayer are held fully accountable. We remain committed to protecting public trust by taking action against those who misuse federal relief programs.”
This case was investigated by the IRS and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Dabbs.
The National Fraud Enforcement Division efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Kyle Man Pleads Guilty in $3.2 Million Corporate Embezzlement CaseRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Kyle man pleaded guilty in a federal court in Austin to embezzling more than $3.2 million from his former employer, Austin Freight Systems (AFS), announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents, Mitchell David Slentz, 34, was in charge of accounting operations at AFS, overseeing all accounting activities, financial reporting and internal controls, including submitting requests to JP Morgan Chase Bank to make payments to AFS’s vendors. Beginning no later than October 2023 and continuing at least until about March 2025, Slentz fraudulently misappropriated money from AFS through 147 payments, and deposited approximately $3,277,937.35 into his personal bank accounts through the use of interstate wire communications.
Using the criminally derived money, Slentz paid $25,000 on July 24, 2024, and $33,887.83 on Sept. 3, 2024, for student loan debt. Additional fraudulent activities were revealed through financial analyses of several of Slentz’s accounts. Furthermore, Slentz gambled extensively on an online gambling platform, depositing and/or winning more than $1 million through online gambling.
Slentz was charged via information on May 14 and made his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin M. Howell on June 8. On June 29, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived proceeds. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Austin White Collar Crime Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Somers is prosecuting the case.
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Keene Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearms While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Keene Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession
of Firearms While on Federal Supervised Release
CONCORD – Christian Torruellas of Keene, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 14, 2026.
According to the record, Torruellas was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including two prior federal convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm. On October 16, 2024, a confidential informant working with law enforcement negotiated with Torruellas to purchase a .38 caliber Taurus revolver and ammunition for $1,700. The sale occurred at Torruellas’ home in Keene, where Torruellas showed the informant multiple additional firearms. Torruellas then offered to sell the informant a .22 Ruger pistol and ammunition for $2,300. The informant left Torruellas’ home to get money from law enforcement and returned to purchase the .22 Ruger and ammunition. Torruellas was then on supervised release for his most recent federal conviction.
The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The ATF led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Requires Egg Producers to End Coordinated Benchmark Manipulation that Artificially Inflated Prices Across the CountryRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, together with 17 State Attorneys General, filed a civil lawsuit against Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (Cal-Maine); Hickman’s Egg Ranch Inc. (Hickman’s); and Centrum Valley Holdings LLC, Versova Holdings LLC, and Versova Management Cooperative (Versova) for unlawful coordinated manipulation of egg prices. At the same time, the Department filed proposed settlements that will, if approved by the court, prevent these companies from engaging in such coordinated manipulation in the future.
“No product more quintessentially represents affordability than the price Americans pay for eggs,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “These actions prove this Department’s continued commitment to protecting competition and providing real relief for everyday Americans’ pocketbooks.”
“Food affordability is a top priority of the Antitrust Division,” said Former Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “These settlements resolve years of conduct that dragged on Americans’ finances and their everyday lives. I thank and recognize the dedicated work of the Division’s talented staff and state partners.”
“The Antitrust Division is steadfast in our work to protect our nation’s citizens from illegal conduct that makes daily life less affordable,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Sarrine of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We are proud that these settlements will keep egg prices competitive and keep money in the hands of consumers across the country.”
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, the complaint alleges that Cal-Maine, Hickman’s, and Versova coordinated to artificially inflate the daily quotations of Urner Barry Publications, a market reporting company whose publications affect prices that grocery stores, restaurants, and others pay for eggs nationwide.
Defendants produce and sell eggs to grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses that ultimately sell or provide eggs to American consumers. Defendants and other egg producers also bid to acquire eggs on spot markets, including the Egg Clearinghouse. Urner Barry considers this bidding information when it issues daily price quotations that influence wholesale egg prices. Every year, billions of eggs are sold with prices based on Urner Barry’s price quotations.
As the complaint alleges, Defendants conspired to inflate Urner Barry’s price quotations by agreeing to: (1) submit a large number of bids; (2) cause multiple Defendants to bid in order to signal to Urner Barry that a diverse set of market participants needed to buy eggs; (3) submit a large number of bids in the hours leading up to the publication of Urner Barry’s price quotations; (4) submit bids that were unlikely to lead to executed trades; and (5) execute trades at premium prices.
As the complaint also alleges, egg price quotations dropped significantly from their peak after Defendants learned of the Department’s investigation and were instructed to preserve documents in March 2025.
The proposed settlements result from the Department’s focus on anticompetitive practices that lead to higher food prices. If approved by the court, these settlements will prohibit Defendants from:
- Communicating with competitors regarding bidding strategies and the prices, timing, and number of bids;
- Communicating with competitors regarding certain information about bids, prices, supply, and demand that they may share with a benchmark publication;
- Agreeing with competitors on the number, pricing, or other terms of bids or transactions;
- Communicating with competitors regarding bids or transactions that are not based on legitimate business needs;
- Communicating with competitors regarding bids or transactions that are intended to affect a benchmark publication.
Additionally, the proposed settlements will require that Defendants adopt antitrust compliance programs, appoint antitrust compliance officers, monitor meetings of cooperatives and joint ventures, and report potential violations of the proposed settlements.
The Attorneys General of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin joined the Department in the complaint and proposed settlements.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlements, along with competitive impact statements, will be published in the Federal Register. Any interested person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlements within 60 days following the publication to Zachary Trotter and John Thornburgh, Acting Chief and Assistant Chief, Chicago Office, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Rookery Building, 209 S. LaSalle St., Ste. 600, Chicago, Illinois 60604. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa may enter the final judgments upon finding they are in the public interest.
Anyone with information about anticompetitive conduct in agricultural industries or any other violations of the antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or [email protected].
Cal-Maine is headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi; Hickman’s is headquartered in Buckeye, Arizona; and Versova is headquartered in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Note: See the Complaint here, the Proposed Final Judgments for Cal-Maine here, Hickman’s here, and Versova here, and the Stipulation and Order for Cal-Maine here, Hickman’s here, and Versova here.
Irondequoit woman arrested, charged with attempting to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic JihadRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Justice Department announced today that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel.
“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”
“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Providing financial support to a designated foreign terrorist organization is a serious federal crime that directly fuels violence and puts innocent lives at risk,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “This arrest reflects the FBI’s relentless focus on identifying and stopping individuals who seek to finance terrorism, glorify violence, or support extremist organizations. FBI Buffalo’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will aggressively pursue anyone who seeks to promote extremism or provide financial support to terrorist organizations that threaten the safety and security of the American people.”
In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”
An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji.
Washburn pictured with two hand grenades in front of Hamas flag.
Washburn made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.
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.
# # # #
Illegal Alien from El Salvador Charged with Possession of 70 Machinegun Conversion Devices in Hudson CountyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An illegal alien from El Salvador was charged with possessing machineguns in North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Erick Marquez Cruz, age 21, of North Bergen, New Jersey was charged by criminal complaint with possession of machineguns. Cruz had his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was ordered detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 25, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cruz’s residence in North Bergen, New Jersey. Among other items, law enforcement found inside Cruz’s bedroom a 3D printer used to manufacture firearm components and various firearm components, including approximately 17 3D-printed frames, multiple 3D-printed magazines, and approximately 70 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs).
An image of some of the firearm components and MCDs seized from Cruz’s residence is depicted below.
MCDs, which themselves are classified as machineguns by statute, are capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons that release multiple rounds of ammunition with the single pull of a trigger.
The charge of possession of a machinegun carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant as a result of the offense, or twice the gross loss to a person other than the defendant as a result of the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka, and officers of the North Bergen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert J. Farley, Jr., with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shriram Harid of the General Crimes 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.
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Defense counsel: Laura Sayler, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender.
cruz.complaint.pdfIllegal Alien Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
William Alexander Ruiz-Ponce, age 28, of Honduras, who is present in the United States without authorization, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson further sentenced Ruiz-Ponce to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, in February 2025, Ruiz-Ponce used social media applications and text messages to convince someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl in Denham Springs, Louisiana, to have an illegal sexual relationship with him. Ruiz-Ponce traveled to Denham Springs to meet the supposed 14-year-old girl and engage in sexual acts. An undercover law enforcement officer posed as the 14-year-old girl, and officers arrested Ruiz-Ponce when he arrived at the agreed-upon location. During their conversation, Ruiz-Ponce sent the undercover officer sexually explicit images of himself, including photos of his genitals. Ruiz-Ponce also asked for the undercover officer’s location and expressed his desire to engage in illegal sex acts in person.
U.S. Attorney Wall stated, “Make no mistake, our office will aggressively prosecute those despicable individuals who continue to attempt to solicit our children. This conviction is further proof of that effort.” He praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Ross lead the prosecution.
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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Human Smuggler Who Assaulted Aliens Sentenced to 72 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Miguel Martinez-Meraz, 56, of Rancho San Felipe, Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States Chief District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 72 months in prison. Martinez-Meraz previously pleaded guilty to Transportation of an Illegal Alien for Profit and Reentry of a Removed Alien.
On January 16, 2025, Martinez-Meraz was apprehended by United States Border Patrol agents in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. At the time of his arrest, Martinez-Meraz was with a Chinese national who was unlawfully present in the United States. During the investigation, agents located the Chinese national’s brother who had been left behind in the desert. Martinez-Meraz admitted that he served as a foot guide for the two migrants through the desert near Ajo, Arizona. One of the migrants told agents that Martinez-Meraz beat his brother and held him at knifepoint to force him to continue moving.
Martinez-Meraz committed these offenses while under supervised release for a previous conviction.
Agents from United States Border Patrol-Ajo Station conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arturo Aguilar, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00975-TUC-JGZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-114_Martinez-Meraz# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Houston businesswoman admits to under-reporting millions in incomeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The owner of a high-end flower business has entered a guilty plea to making and subscribing a false tax return, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Le Hao Tran owned and operated a flower business in Houston called Blooming Gallery LLC. She also owned HTX Rental and Delivery Service LLC. Both companies provided goods or services for high-end events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. At times, her clients paid via checks - sometimes exceeding tens of thousands of dollars. In one instance, a corporate client paid her over $2.7 million for floral services at a corporate gathering.
Tran admitted she failed to report to the IRS all the income she received from these businesses for the 2019 through 2022 tax years. Often, she would divert money and hide income from the IRS by taking customer checks to check-cashing businesses. She would also at times deposit checks in her bank account without accounting for those checks in her business books and records.
Tran pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return for the 2022 tax year. In that year alone, she earned over $9 million in gross income yet reported approximately only $7 million. By under-reporting this income, she paid to the IRS less than she actually owed.
In total, Tran admitted her conduct resulted in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,391,167 and has paid this amount in restitution.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing Sept. 11. At that time, Tran faces up to three years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 possible fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Houma Man Sentenced for Possessing over 7 Pounds of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – VAN VESSEL, (“VESSEL”), age 50, of Houma, Louisiana was sentenced on June 24, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Lance Africk to 262 months imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court records, during the early morning hours of May 18, 2025, Houma Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by VESSEL for not having operating headlights and taillights. VESSEL fled from officers at a high rate of speed, but ultimately crashed his vehicle, and was arrested. A search of the vehicle VESSEL crashed revealed over seven (7) pounds of methamphetamine packaged in a large, vacuum sealed bag, located on the passenger floorboard. VESSEL later admitted to law enforcement that he knew the methamphetamine was in the vehicle, and that he possessed this methamphetamine for distribution purposes.
United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Goliath Ventures CEO Pleads Guilty to Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Christopher Alexander Delgado (34, Apopka) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each fraud count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the money laundering count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 8,2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
“Delgado provided fraudulent information to solicit investor funds and then spent his ill-gotten gains on his extravagant lifestyle,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt fraud schemes and prosecute fraudsters who steal investors’ hard-earned savings. We will also continue to work with investigators to locate and seize assets traceable to Delgado’s scheme.”
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Delgado was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Goliath Ventures (“Goliath”), formerly known as Gen-Z Venture Firm. From at least January 2023 through at least January 2026, Delgado and his co-conspirators operated Goliath as a “Ponzi scheme,” which is a form of investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Delgado’s scheme involved soliciting victims to invest substantial sums of money under false and fraudulent promises of monthly returns generated through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Victims were induced to give money to Goliath through personal referrals, professional marketing materials, luxury events, charitable sponsorships, and some monthly payments of purported returns, all of which were designed to establish Goliath’s bona fides with investors. As reflected in a companion civil asset forfeiture action, the United States has identified at least $400 million paid by investors to Goliath.
Although Goliath represented that it would place the victim investors’ funds in cryptocurrency liquidity pools, in reality, the funds were primarily used to pay purported returns to earlier investors, to return principal to investors who requested it, and for Goliath’s extravagant business gatherings, holiday parties, luxury travel accommodations, and to fund Delgado’s and other Goliath employees’ luxury lifestyles. With victim investors’ funds, Delgado purchased at least six residential properties, each worth between $1.15 million and $8.5 million, and millions of dollars’ worth of high-end vehicles, watches, and jewelry, including Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Rolex watches, several dozen Louis Vuitton bags, wallets, luggage, and custom Tiffany jewelry. In the plea agreement, Delgado has admitted to causing a minimum of $250 million in losses to investors.
Delgado has agreed to forfeit 8 real properties, 11 vehicles, 30 watches, more than 50 luxury bags and wallets, and at least 29 pieces of high-end jewelry which were purchased with or are traceable to proceeds of the offense. He has also agreed to forfeit several bank and cryptocurrency accounts which were seized by the United States.
If you believe you are a victim of these offenses and have not already completed the IRS’s online questionnaire, please consider visiting this link. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire, please email [email protected]. Information about victims’ rights and upcoming hearings is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/goliath_ventures.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Hannah Nowalk Watson. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Cream.
Plea AgreementGhanaian National Extradited to U.S. Pleads Guilty in Romance and Inheritance Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as, “Dada Joe Remix,” a citizen of Ghana, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a felony. Boateng was arrested in Ghana on an extradition warrant on May 27, 2025. In June 2025, Boateng was extradited to the United States, and he has remained in custody since his arrest.
In his plea agreement, Boateng admitted that he and his co-conspirators engaged in a romance and inheritance fraud scheme from 2013 through March 2023, targeting the elderly from Arizona and around the United States. The co-conspirators pretended to be romantically involved with the victims through online dating sites, text, or other electronic communications. The co-conspirators also falsely represented that they had received an “inheritance” of gold and jewels and that to release such items to the victims, taxes and other fees would be required.
In addition to pleading guilty, Boateng agreed to pay restitution totaling approximately $4.4 million dollars, which was the direct loss caused by his involvement in the scheme. Boateng’s sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2026, before United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Sierra Vista office conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Tucson is handling the prosecution. The following partners provided essential support for the extradition: FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana; the Office of Attorney General and Ministry of Justice; the Republic of Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, Ghana Police Services – INTERPOL, and the Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs.
CASE NUMBER: 23-CR-00695-TUC-AMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-113_Boateng# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Georgia Thief Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Sampson County Identity Theft and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Roderick Michael Bates, 56, to over 4 years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from a local farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg.
“This Georgia criminal chose poorly coming up here to steal from a local business in Sampson County,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let this be a message to out-of-state criminals who think they can swindle the good people of the Eastern District of NC. We will find you, no matter where you are, and put you behind bars. Cheaters.Never.Win.”
Bates used stolen identities with fake driver’s licenses to secure financing for farm machinery and equipment from a local Sampson County business. Using these identities, he fraudulently purchased high-value items totaling more than $65,000, including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and 12-foot and 16-foot dump trailers. He then had the business ship the items to him hundreds of miles away, outside the state of North Carolina. The law enforcement officers arrested him during the delivery and recovered the stolen equipment.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI collaborated on this investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D.
Fresno Man sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm After a Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — David Richard Garcia Jr., 34, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 11 years and five months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 23, 2025, Garcia was found to be in possession of a Glock 22 .40‑caliber handgun. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County including, robbery, assault, and evading a peace office with willful disregard for safety.
According to court documents, Garcia possessed a firearm during a violent crime spree that created extreme danger to the community. He came to law enforcement’s attention as a suspect in a series of catalytic converter thefts, and evidence later tied him to multiple thefts and the tools used to commit them. According to the Garcia, he was gambling thousands of dollars a day using proceeds from the thefts. During one incident, he threatened a vehicle owner with a firearm after being interrupted mid‑theft. Leading up to his arrest, Garcia led officers on a nearly 50‑minute high‑speed chase through city streets, running red lights, colliding with another vehicle, driving into oncoming traffic, and continuing to flee even after crashing into a boulder that obstructed his windshield. The pursuit ended only after he crashed into a power pole, trash cans, and the fence of a middle school.
Garcia pleaded guilty on Feb. 23, 2026.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Four Former Oakdale-Area Law Enforcement Leaders and One Business Owner Plead Guilty to Falsifying Police Reports and Bribery to Perpetrate Decade-Long Visa Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA – On June 30, 2026, Glynn Dixon, 62, of Forest Hill, pled guilty in federal court for his role in a decade-long scheme involving bribery and a conspiracy to commit visa fraud and mail fraud after his four co-conspirators, Chandrakant Patel, 40, of Oakdale, Chad Doyle, 55, of Oakdale, Michael Slaney, 64, of Oakdale, and Tebo Onishea, 38, of Glenmora, each pled guilty to the same in recent weeks. The defendants were originally indicted on July 2, 2025. Dixon, Doyle, Onishea, and Slaney each face up to 5 years in prison. Patel faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
At the time of the offenses, four of the defendants were serving in high-profile law enforcement positions: Doyle as Oakdale Chief of Police; Slaney as Oakdale Marshal for Ward 5; Dixon as Forest Hill Chief of Police; and Onishea as Glenmora Chief of Police. Patel was a business owner.
“These defendants’ disgraceful fraud endangered our community and undermined the public trust in the immigration system solely to line their own pockets,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “These guilty pleas confirm the depth of corruption uncovered here and the strength of the evidence developed during an incredible investigation by our law enforcement partners working together, and our Office looks forward to advocating for prison time for each defendant that reflects the seriousness of the crimes they committed.”
“HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of our immigration system and lawful immigration benefits,” said Matt Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans. “When anyone, including public officials, exploits immigration relief programs or commits fraud against the government, HSI and our law enforcement partners will investigate, dismantle these schemes, and work to bring those responsible to justice.”
"These guilty pleas demonstrate accountability for officials who breach public trust and misuse federal systems," said Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, of the IRS-CI Atlanta field office. "This case shows how IRS Criminal Investigation special agents tracked the funds, uncovered irregularities, and dismantled a network."
“Mr. Patel and his law enforcement co-conspirators corrupted the process that helps actual victims of violent crime to allow people to remain in our country under an alleged fraud." said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI's New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI will continue to work with our federal partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure people who engage in this type of corrupt criminal activity are brought to justice.”
The case involves the abuse of U nonimmigrant status, or “U-Visas.” Congress created the U-Visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crime while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of that criminal activity. Foreign nationals are eligible for a U-Visa if they meet certain criteria, including but not limited to, if they were a victim of qualifying criminal activity that occurred in or violated laws of the United States, or possessed information about the criminal activity.
According to court documents, the defendants engaged in U-Visa fraud from December 2015 through July 2025 by fabricating police reports that falsely documented armed robberies that never occurred and then providing these fictitious reports to noncitizens who used them to support fraudulent U-Visa applications. The foreign nationals pursuing U-Visas would pay Patel thousands of dollars to be named as “victims” in these fabricated incidents, and Patel then secured false police reports by coordinating with defendants Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea, each of whom used their positions in law enforcement to certify the fraudulent reports. Court records also show that Patel attempted to bribe an agent of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office with $5,000 in February 2025 to obtain such a report. In addition, the defendants submitted falsified documents via the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers, constituting additional mail fraud charges.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Fraud Detection and National Security Division, as part of the Homeland Security Task Force under Operation Take Back America. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Danny Siefker, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Joanne Henry-Mills and Denise Duhon.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (“TCOs”), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETFs”) and Project Safe Neighborhood (“PSN”).
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 1:25 cr 00173.
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Four Contractors Indicted for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Related to Parts Provided to the US MilitaryRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - A federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a 19 count indictment on June 17, 2026 against David Turner, 59, of Walkertown, North Carolina, Roger Wolfgram, 56, of Augusta, Georgia, Adam Boudet, 39, of Augusta, Georgia, and Alex Bath, 50, of Maryville, Tennessee, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and charging Turner and Wolfgram with money laundering. The defendants appeared in court on June 30, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment. They were released pending trial, which has been set before the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, on September 8, 2026, in the United States District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that Turner, Wolfgram, Boudet, and Bath conspired together to obtain contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to provide to the military certain original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, such as fuel injectors, turbochargers, and generators, but instead provided unapproved aftermarket parts. The indictment alleges that the defendants fraudulently concealed the true source of certain parts by, among other things, creating fake labels, creating false documents, and altering documents to make it appear as though the parts were OEM parts when in fact, they were not. The indictment also alleges that Turner and Wolfgram entered into a kickback agreement whereby Turner would receive a portion of the profits that resulted from the sale of the aftermarket parts at OEM prices. The indictment also alleges that Turner and Wolfgram conspired to commit money laundering by concealing the proceeds of the fraud when Wolfgram paid Turner’s kickbacks to a company Turner created.
If convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, the defendants face a term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release of up to three years. If convicted of money laundering, Turner and Wolfgram face a term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and supervised release of up to three years.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge Jason Sargenski of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
This indictment is the result of an investigation by DCIS and IRS-CI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Dykes will represent the United States.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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