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Monday 29 June 2026
Three Illegal Alien MS-13 Members Convicted of Nine Murders, Kidnapping, and Racketeering Charges Following Homeland Security Task Force EffortRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — Today, a federal jury in the District of Nevada convicted three men, Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, 30, also known as “Molesto,” of El Salvador; David Arturo Perez-Manchame, 27, also known as “Herbi,” of Honduras; and Joel Vargas-Escobar, 30, also known as “Momia,” of El Salvador, of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise involving murders and attempted murder, as well as murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and related gun offenses.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the defendants were members of La Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, a transnational criminal organization (TCO) composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or other Central American descent. MS-13 members and associates are organized by subsets known as “cliques,” and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.” The defendants were members of the Parkview clique operating in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Prospective MS-13 members ordinarily must participate in the murder of rival gang members, known as “chavalas,” to gain entrance and maintain and increase position within MS-13. According to evidence presented at trial, Vargas-Escobar was the leader of the Parkview clique of MS-13 in Las Vegas up until his arrest on New Year’s Eve of 2017. Reyes-Castillo then became the ranking “Homeboy” of the Parkview clique in Las Vegas. Perez-Manchame was a member of the Parkview clique. Collectively, these three men committed nine murders, over approximately a year, in Nevada and California. Evidence at trial was presented showing that many of the victims were kidnapped by MS-13 members and taken to remote locations in the mountains and desert where those victims were tortured and killed.
“Thanks to the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors, these MS-13 members will be held accountable for the horrific violence they unleashed on U.S. communities during their year-long killing spree,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Justice Department will continue to use every tool available to us to dismantle MS-13 and other deadly transnational criminal organizations.”
“The depravity and complete devaluing of human life of these defendants, who were responsible for killing nine victims and shooting others, is beyond comprehension,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gangs like MS-13 terrorize communities with violence and killing. The Criminal Division will pursue these violent transnational criminal organizations in this exact way – charge these depraved gang members in bunches and try them for their brazen crimes in a way that highlights exactly what they do, which is systemically kill. These defendants will now face a sentencing hearing where, rightly, their liberty for the rest of their lives is at stake.”
“These convictions deliver a clear and uncompromising message: MS 13’s violence will be met with the full power of federal prosecution,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “These defendants carried out a campaign of terror marked by murders, kidnappings, and brutality. Their reign of violence ends today. The Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force is unyielding in its mission — we will hunt down violent gang members, dismantle their networks, and drive transnational criminal organizations out of our communities. Southern Nevada will not be a refuge for predators or the terror they attempt to unleash.”
“This FBI has made wiping out violent gangs in America a top priority – including MS-13 — arresting over 2,500 violent gangs and criminal enterprises since last year, up 322%,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Today’s conviction is just the latest example — with three MS-13 gang members convicted of nine murders, kidnappings, drug trafficking, and more in Las Vegas. These gangs have terrorized our communities for far too long, and under this administration and law enforcement team, they are no longer allowed to operate with impunity in America. This FBI will continue working with our partners across the country to dismantle their presence coast to coast.”
“Today's conviction underscores the unwavering commitment of FBI Las Vegas working alongside our federal and local partners in eradicating gang violence that endangers our communities through senseless crime, murder, and kidnapping,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI has recently initiated Operation Summer Heat 2.0, a nationwide campaign dedicated to combating violent crime during the summer. MS-13 gang members are known for acts of brutality, violence, and intimidation. Despite these threats, the FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities and eliminate this danger.”
“These convictions send a powerful message to violent transnational gangs like MS-13 — your reign of terror will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains at the forefront of the fight against gangs that traffic in violence, fear, and exploitation, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue these criminals to ensure the safety and security of the American people.”
"We are proud of the relationship the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has with our federal partners on the Homeland Security Task Force," said Undersheriff Andrew Walsh for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. "The work we do together ensures our community remains one of the safest in America. We are especially proud of the work of our LVMPD homicide detectives who investigated these cases. The LVMPD Homicide Bureau consistently maintains a solve rate of over 95% annually. Since Sheriff Kevin McMahill took office in 2023, the homicide rate in Las Vegas has dropped 43%."
Photo recovered on cell phone of Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo.
At trial, evidence was presented about the following murders committed by Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame, Vargas-Escobar and other members of MS-13:
In December 2017, the Parkview clique “greenlit” the death of murder victim 1 who was a member of a rival gang. On Dec. 18, Reyes-Castillo and another MS-13 member kidnapped murder victim 1 from downtown Mendota, California, and drove him to a rural area. Reyes-Castillo then took murder victim 1, along with several other MS-13 members, to another location and murdered him with a machete and knives, striking him so brutally that he was left unrecognizable.
On Dec. 31, 2017, Reyes-Castillo, Vargas-Escobar, and another MS-13 member killed murder victim 2 by shooting him multiple times in front of a house in Las Vegas. The MS-13 members saw murder victim 2 outside of an alleged drug house and believed he was dealing marijuana in their territory. They murdered him to reduce competition for MS-13 drug dealers.
On Jan. 9, 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 3, drove him to the desert and killed him by shooting and stabbing him multiple times. The MS-13 members believed murder victim 3 had defected to the rival 18th Street gang and thus targeted him to interrogate him and murder him. The victim’s body was found almost three weeks later, on a mountain near Las Vegas.
On Jan. 21, 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 4 from a nightclub and drove him to the desert. They murdered him by shooting and stabbing him multiple times. Murder victim 4 was targeted by the Parkview MS-13 clique for being a rival 18th Street gang member. They had gotten his name from interrogating a previous victim.
On Feb. 6, 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members were again searching for rival gang members. They killed two victims (murder victims 5 and 6) in a drive-by shooting. A third victim was hit by gunfire and survived. The MS-13 members believed the men were in rival gang territory and could be rival 18th Street gang members.
On Feb. 9, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 7, who they believed was a rival gang member because of the way he was dressed and his tattoo. They drove him to a mountain and murdered him by stabbing him over 200 times; his decomposing body was found in the mountains about three weeks later.
Sometime in February 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 8 as he had been named as an 18th Street gang member by a previous victim. The MS-13 members, including Reyes-Castillo, drove murder victim 8 to the mountains outside of Las Vegas and killed him by shooting him 20 times.
On March 1, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame and another MS-13 member kidnapped murder victim 9 and drove him up to the mountains near Las Vegas. They believed murder victim 9 was a rival gang member because he was in 18th Street gang territory. They murdered him by stabbing him more than 120 times.
The jury convicted Reyes-Castillo of one count of racketeering influenced corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, eight counts of murder in aid of racketeering, seven counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, six counts of causing death through the use of a firearm, five counts of kidnapping in aid of racketeering, and one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
The jury convicted Perez-Manchame of one count of RICO conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and two counts of kidnappings in aid of racketeering.
The jury convicted Vargas-Escobar of one count of RICO conspiracy, one count of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of causing death through the use of a firearm.
Each of these defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in prison without parole. Sentencing has been scheduled for Nov. 10, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, HSI, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Bureau investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California also provided assistance.
Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanee Smith and Steven Rose for the District of Nevada are prosecuting 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 U.S. 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 Las Vegas HSTF comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Charges in this case were supported by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV). JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded at the direction of the Attorney General to target Tren de Aragua (TdA). JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the District of Nevada; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and District of Arizona, as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Criminal Division, and the Office of Judicial Attaché and DEA partners in Bogotá, Colombia. Additionally, the FBI, HSI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
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The Department of Justice Files Complaints Against Massachusetts and Rhode Island Challenging State Laws that Provide In-State Tuition to Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice’s Civil Division filed complaints against Massachusetts and Rhode Island to challenge state laws that provide in-state tuition and financial assistance to illegal aliens. These laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates or scholarships, create incentives for illegal immigration, and reward illegal aliens with benefits that U.S. citizens are not eligible for, all in direct conflict with federal law.
“The Department of Justice is committed to fulfilling President Trump’s promise that illegal aliens will not receive taxpayer benefits or preferential treatment over America’s own citizens,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “As our Nation marks 250 years of freedom, we will continue to challenge state laws that place aliens over citizens in clear defiance of Congress’s commands.
“This is a simple matter of federal law: colleges cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate American students being treated like second-class citizens in their own country.”
In the complaints, the federal government seeks to enjoin enforcement of Massachusetts and Rhode Island laws that require colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all aliens who maintain in-state residency, regardless of whether those aliens are lawfully present in the United States. Additionally, the complaint seeks to enjoin Massachusetts and Rhode Island from enforcing state laws that afford financial assistance and scholarships to illegal aliens.
Today's filings mark three lawsuits in the past week challenging in-state tuition for illegal aliens, bringing the Department’s total in this series of actions to 12.
The Department’s efforts have already delivered several victories for the American people, as four similar lawsuits in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Nebraska have resulted in favorable orders permanently enjoining and declaring unconstitutional analogous laws that gave reduced tuition to illegal aliens. Lawsuits against other states that similarly place illegal aliens ahead of U.S. citizens are pending across the country in Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia, California, New Jersey, and Kansas.
Southern District of Iowa Announces Cases Related to the 2026 National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa announced a civil complaint and a civil settlement, as part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
The charges are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters:
- one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme;
- two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and
- in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme.
The Takedown involves: the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
The coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The following cases from the Southern District of Iowa were part of these efforts:
- Eugene J. Cherny, 70, of Des Moines, Iowa, and his plastic surgery practice, Heartland Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, P.C., were named as defendants in a civil False Claims Act complaint in connection with false representations made to a Medicare contractor. As alleged in the complaint, Cherny obtained two invoices for each skin substitute product he received from a distributor: one showing the price Cherny actually paid and another showing an artificially-inflated “list price.” When a Medicare contractor asked Cherny to send invoices documenting what he had paid so Medicare could reimburse him, Cherny provided only the invoice containing the artificially-inflated price. The complaint alleges that federal health insurance programs paid Cherny and Heartland more than $2 million based on the false information he provided. The case is being handled jointly by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa.
- Genesis Health System, Mercy Health Network, Inc., and Trinity Health Corporation located in Davenport, Iowa, agreed to pay $4,643,128 following a voluntary self-disclosure concerning Genesis’s overuse and resulting over-billing of the Impella heart pump device between April 2016 and March 2022. The case was settled by the United States Southern District of Iowa.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation.
Descriptions of each case involved in the Takedown are available on the Department’s website here.
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.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Westbrook BankRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A South Carolina man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to bank robbery.
According to court records, Jean Pierre Gendron, 61, handed a note demanding money to a teller at a Westbrook bank. Gendron then fled the bank with over $6,300 in a blue bank bag. The Westbrook Police Department identified Gendron as the robber and determined that he boarded a bus to Londonderry, New Hampshire, shortly after the robbery. The Londonderry Police Department arrested Gendron when he exited the bus. When he was apprehended, Gendron had over $6,300 in cash and a blue bank bag on his person. Gendron admitted to robbing the bank.
Gendron faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and the Westbrook Police Department investigated the case.
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Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 1 Year in Federal Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on June 22, 2026.
Harold White Hat, age 42, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Hat was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025. He pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026.
White Hat was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in United States District Court, District of South Dakota, in May 2022. As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and regularly update his registration. In September 2025, White Hat updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at a residence in Sioux Falls. Later, however, White Hat left that residence and did not update his registration. An arrest warrant was issued, and on November 17, 2025, White Hat was arrested in Sioux Falls.
This case was brought as a 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. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit 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 United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
White Hat was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Shasta County Man Admits to $476,000 Vehicle Financing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — James Raymond Hanes, 61, of Anderson, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in a vehicle financing scam that used stolen identities, fake driver’s licenses, and fraudulent loans to obtain and resell cars, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between June 2022 and December 2023, Hanes obtained personally identifiable information of multiple individuals and used it to create at least 16 counterfeit driver’s licenses bearing his photo but someone else’s identity. He then secured more than $47,000 in vehicle loans in those victims’ names, purchased cars from dealerships across Northern California, registered them with the DMV, obtained insurance, and resold the vehicles to associates and unsuspecting buyers.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Redding Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney is prosecuting the case.
Hanes is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Oct. 13, 2026. Hanes faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the crime of bank fraud, with a mandatory consecutive statutory penalty of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Rocky Mount Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to pay $3,097,568 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Jessica Latoya Staten, 41, to 2 years in federal prison and one year of supervised release for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. The Court also ordered Staten to pay $3,097,568 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
“What a shocking abuse of trust for a tax return preparer to file hundreds of fraudulent federal income tax returns. No longer will we tolerate the petty misery of the destruction of society by vicious selfishness. Let this sentence serve as a warning to others considering the same dirty deeds: We will find you and prosecute you. Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
“Dishonest tax return preparers use various schemes to defraud the government,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office. “Today’s sentencing serves as a warning to anyone considering filing false tax returns. Both IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to actively pursuing individuals who try to defraud the U.S. tax system.”
Staten engaged in a scheme to prepare and file hundreds of false and fraudulent federal income tax returns (Forms 1040) for others between approximately 2018 and 2025, resulting in more than $3 million in tax losses. Staten owned and operated “Luckie Ones Tax Professionals,” a tax return preparation based in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. During the offense period, Staten prepared false tax returns for clients in eastern North Carolina that artificially increased certain credits to which her clients were not entitled to inflate the tax refund amounts, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Lifetime Learning Credit. As part of the scheme, Staten also reported false self-employment income and expenses for non-existent businesses that she attributed to her clients.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the Honorable James C. Dever III pronounced the sentence. IRS-CI investigated the case.
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. 4:26-CR-00008-D.
Robeson County Man Who Stole over $170,000 in Fraudulent Covid Loans Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Robeson County man Phillip Collins, 47, stole from the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by submitting false loan applications which resulted in the disbursement of $170,833 in loan proceeds. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum term of 30 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine when sentenced later this year. He will also be ordered to pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $170,833.
“Although the government may have stopped doling out Covid money, our government continues to hand out billions in other loans, subsidies, and programs. This office will continue to hold accountable anyone who defrauds any of our taxpayer funded programs. Crime Doesn’t Pay! Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Collins submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications for a business located in Robeson County. Collins made false representations of the number of employees and gross revenues. He also submitted false and fraudulent tax forms and bank statements. Following approval of each of the loan applications, funds were disbursed into a personal account controlled by Collins.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Jones accepted the guilty plea from the defendant. The FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case.
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. 7:26-CR-24-FL.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempting to Meet A 13-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Trevor Hedge (57, Ocala) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to life in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. A federal jury found Hedge guilty on March 3, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in May 2025, the Ocala Police Department hosted an undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals using the internet to exploit children. During the operation, a detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (UC) posed online as a neglected 13-year-old child. Hedge messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. During this conversation, Hedge described his “addiction” to sexual activity with minors and told the UC that he was “grooming” her. On May 22, 2025, Hedge arranged to meet the UC to engage in sexual activity. The Ocala Police Department arrested Hedge when he arrived to pick up the UC at a predetermined location.
Hedge is a registered sex offender. He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault of a minor in 1993.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to One Year and One Day in Federal Prison Following Conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on June 26, 2026.
A’Aliyah LeClaire, 30, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
LeClaire was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in March 2025. She pleaded guilty on April 17, 2026.
LeClaire was involved with moving money generated from a cocaine conspiracy that spanned from Texas to Rapid City. A source in Texas supplied cocaine through the mail to an individual in Rapid City. LeClaire assisted that individual with moving the money by helping make deposits and by allowing her accounts to be utilized to transfer the money to help hide the nature and ownership of the money.
“Whether you’re moving the drugs or moving the drug money, you can expect to hear from us sooner or later,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small a person’s role is when it comes to assisting drug traffickers, IRS-CI will be relentless in pursuing those who bring drugs into our communities. Our special agents will follow the money to a criminal’s door,” said IRS-CI St. Louis Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “Every prison sentence is a result of the incredible coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement and it’s a victory for the people of South Dakota.”
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Division of Criminal Investigation. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
LeClaire has been ordered to self-surrender.Rapid City Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for His Role in a Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 15, 2026.
Lucius Muldrow, 40, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Muldrow was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 16, 2026.
Between November 2021 and September 2025, Muldrow was part of a conspiracy to distribute at least 200 grams of methamphetamine in Western South Dakota. Muldrow routinely received methamphetamine from co-conspirators within the community and sold it from his home and other areas throughout the community.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Muldrow was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pryor Couple Who Fled to Montana Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing a 15-Year-OldRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury convicted a Pryor couple who fled to Montana to avoid prosecution for sexually
abusing a 15-year-old.The federal jury unanimously decided that Larry Keith Tennison, 67, and Gretchen Francie Tennison, 48, a member of the Cherokee Nation, were both found guilty of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the minor victim disclosed to a family member in 2019 that the Tennisons would get her drunk and sexually abuse her. The family met with the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office and disclosed the abuse. Deputies served a search warrant at the Tennisons' home in September 2020. They were charged with child sexual abuse in State court, quickly sold some of their possessions, and moved to Montana. Law enforcement discovered that Gretchen and the minor victim were tribal. Federal prosecutors indicted the Tennisons under seal in May 2021, and the court issued federal
arrest warrants.More than five years later, law enforcement received a tip that Gretchen and Larry had been spotted in Columbus, Montana, using the aliases “Fran Smith” and “Keith Smith.” The deputies with the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office in Montana confirmed they were, in fact, Larry and Gretchen Tennison. Agents with the FBI arrested them.
When the victim testified before the jury, she described being groomed by the Tennisons and the things they would buy her. Eventually, they started offering her grape or apple flavored alcohol when she was 15 years old. She testified to being intoxicated and drinking to the point of stumbling or throwing up. During one incident, she testified that she was the only person invited by the Tennisons to celebrate Larry’s 60th birthday. She went on describing in detail how the Tennisons both sexually abused her.
A deputy with the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office testified and described what was found in the Tennisons’ home after the search. When deputies searched the home, they found various sex toys and a jar of purple and green beer bottle caps that the Tennisons saved, matching the victim's description. An FBI agent testified about the meeting with the victim and how she described the events that took place when she was 15 years old.
The federal jury then heard Larry’s interview with FBI agents after he was arrested. Larry described quickly selling their property and planning to drive to Florida to buy a boat to live on, but then tropical storms hit. He described dumping their cellphones, living in their van in the desert, and in various parks before eventually going to Montana. When they got to Montana, Larry said they came up with alias names, and he started working as a handyman.
When agents asked how he knew about the warrants, Larry described going home after the search warrant and discovering that Gretchen was arrested for keying a car. He met with an attorney to help secure Gretchen's bond and showed the attorney the search warrant. Larry claimed he didn’t know what the search warrant was for. When agents asked if he knew what the warrant was for now, Larry said they “were accused of doing something to a girl.” Without being told who the victim was, Larry began describing how he knew the minor victim. He explained how the minor victim started staying the night with them, and that he felt like “they didn’t have a chance…because of her side of the story…” The jury heard Larry describing multiple details that were not in public court documents.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The FBI and the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office
in Montana.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Christopher Kelly prosecuted the case.
Prewitt Woman Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Prewitt woman pleaded guilty to stabbing a man during a dispute.
According to court documents, on January 6, 2026, Naomi Martinez, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, kicked and stabbed John Doe in the face, head and neck with a kitchen knife, causing serious bodily harm.
Martinez pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
Pace Man Charged with Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Hunter Drake Lovett, 30, of Pace, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with theft of government property. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.
Lovett appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Lovett faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service with assistance from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, Eufala Alabama Police Department, and Florida Forestry Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brooke A. Lindsay is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to Prison for Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Jersey man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that was used to transmit funds derived from criminal offenses and which were intended to be used to promote and support unlawful activity.
Shadrach Anapalum, 36, of Newark, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Anapalum was also ordered to pay $304,000 in restitution. In March 2026, Anapalum pleaded guilty to one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Between May and December 2022, Anapalum received approximately $375,000 from at least four victims of online scams. Anapalum generally kept approximately 10 percent of the funds for himself, before transmitting the money elsewhere, including to bank accounts in China and Turkey. In a consensually recorded call with a cooperating witness, Anapalum said he lied to a bank about the nature of the checks he was depositing and agreed that what he was doing was not legitimate.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
New Iberia Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – On June 16, 2026, Isaiah Robinson, 27, of New Iberia, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for Enticement of a Minor. Robinson also received a 10-year term of supervised release to follow his imprisonment.
“This case reflects our commitment to protect children and seek justice for the most vulnerable among us and, more importantly, the importance of parents remaining vigilant and reporting this criminal activity to law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue offenders who exploit minors, including by investigating tips provided by parents and others who see something suspicious, and bring these predators to justice.”
According to court documents, Robinson was engaged in an online conversation with a minor on Snapchat whom Robinson knew to be a female child approximately 12 years old in January 2024. During the conversation, Robinson requested that the child send explicit photos of herself to him. The minor child’s father discovered the conversation on the child’s phone and alerted law enforcement, who were able to confirm Robinson’s identity as the user of that Snapchat account.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon II with assistance from Legal Administrative Specialist Tanya Broussard.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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. The case number for this matter is 6:25-CR-00015-1.
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CONTACT: Public Affairs [email protected]
United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLNavajo Nation Man Charged with MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo Nation man is facing a federal murder charge for killing his father with a baseball bat.
According to court documents, between December 28, 2024, and January 14, 2025, David Barney, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, killed John Doe by hitting him in the head with a baseball bat. After hitting Doe, Barney wrapped Doe in blankets, placed him in a wheelbarrow, and rolled him to a nearby location, where he left Doe’s body until it was discovered by Doe’s family on February 1, 2025.
Barney is charged with second-degree murder. He will remain in federal custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of this charge, Barney faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Moline Man Sent Back to Federal Prison for Third Federal Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Moline man was sentenced on June 16, 2026, to 15 years in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine, and two additional years in federal prison for violating his terms of supervised release.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Donell Jamar Hines, 37, distributed approximately three and a half ounces of crack cocaine between March and April 2025. At Hines’ Moline residence, law enforcement found distribution quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Lab testing showed that some of the crack cocaine attributed to Hines contained fentanyl.
Hines has two prior drug convictions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. In 2016, Hines was convicted possessing distribution quantities of crack cocaine and heroin and distributing heroin and sentenced to four years in federal prison. Hines was released from prison in December 2018. In September 2019, Hines was arrested in possession of distribution quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine, and heroin. In 2021, Hines was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison. Hines was released from prison in July 2024. Hines was on federal supervised release when he was arrested in 2025. The Court sentenced Hines to a 24-month consecutive sentence.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Hines will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
Mexican National Sentenced to 21 months in Prison for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Rodolfo Perez, 40 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien with a prior felony conviction, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Rodolfo Perez was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term would go into effect should the Defendant remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.
“Violating a nation’s borders is violating that nation’s laws and defying its sovereignty. The Defendant was an illegal alien with a long history of violating our nation’s laws, borders, and sovereignty, and did it again. He had previously been removed and sent home to Mexico. At the time of his arrest in this case, Perez was displaying erratic behavior and was in possession of cocaine. Further, his criminal history includes felony convictions for attempted burglary, aggravated DUI, and burglary, and misdemeanor convictions for criminal trespass to a vehicle and battery causing bodily harm. Thanks to the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and AUSA Emily Morgan, the Defendant has been prosecuted and sentenced,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Hammond Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
Mexican National Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Meet a 13-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Cain Matias Godinez (42, Mexico) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. A federal jury found Matias Godinez guilty on March 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in May 2025, the Ocala Police Department hosted an undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals using the internet to exploit children. During the operation, a detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (UC) posed online as a 13-year-old prostitute. Matias Godinez messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. During the conversation, Matias Godinez described the sexual activity in which he wanted to engage and discussed ways to ensure that he and the UC would not get caught. On May 27, 2025, Matias Godinez traveled from Gainesville to Marion County to meet the UC to engage in sexual activity. Matias Godinez was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office when he arrived at the meeting location.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Metairie Man Indicted for Possessing Materials Involving Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL DUHE, JR. (“DUHE”), age 21, of Metairie, Louisiana was charged on June 18, 2026, in a two count indictment for Transportation of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1), (b)(1), and Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B), (b)(2), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. If convicted, DUHE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five (5) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years and up to life, after his release from prison. He also faces payment of a mandatory $200 special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, beginning on or about December 4, 2024, DUHE did knowingly transport, and attempt to transport, in interstate and foreign commerce, a visual depiction involving the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Also, beginning at an unknown time, and continuing until or about January 16, 2026, DUHE knowingly possessed images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors.
Through a partnership between state and federal authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopted the state charges and is now prosecuting DUHE in federal court.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to Almost 3 Years in Prison for Attempted Assault on Memphis Safe Task Force OfficerRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Courtney Richardson, 36, was sentenced to 34 months in prison for attempting to hit a federal agent with his vehicle. D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 5, 2025, law enforcement officers and agents on the Memphis Safe Task Force attempted to execute an arrest warrant on Richardson at the Waterford Place Apartments in Memphis when Richardson got into his vehicle and drove toward the exit of the apartment complex. Multiple officers and agents in marked and unmarked units with lights and sirens activated attempted to block Richardson’s exit. Richardson drove through the parking lot, refusing to stop for law enforcement.
Richardson drove his vehicle up onto the curb and drove through the lawn between the road and buildings where an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) pursued Richardson on foot. Richardson then accelerated his vehicle towards the ATF agent, causing the agent to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by Richardson’s vehicle. The agent did not sustain any injuries. Richardson continued to drive through the parking lot and crashed into multiple vehicles before he was ultimately arrested.
Richardson was charged with one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 111, which provides that, “Whoever forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with any person designated as an officer or employee of the United States while engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties,” commits a federal offense.
On June 24, 2026, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Richardson to 34 months of federal imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "We take all threats against law enforcement very seriously and will impose real consequences for any violence against those who are working to protect us every day. During the MSTF Operation and every day, we urge anyone who encounters a law enforcement officer to comply first, and, if warranted, complain later. If you threaten, endanger, or assault any law enforcement officer, we will come after you."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant United States Attorney Regina Brittenum prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States 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.
Memphis Man Charged with Violating U.S. Coast Guard Boating OrderRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Marico Washington, 55, of Memphis, has been charged with operating a boat for commercial gain in violation of a Captain of the Port Order. United States Attorney, D. Michael Dunavant, announced the charges today.
According to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month, a Captain of the Port Order was hand-delivered to Washington on September 16, 2023. The order directed Washington “to cease all commercial operations until he was fully compliant with applicable laws for carrying passengers for hire.”
The indictment alleges that on September 27, 2025, Washington violated the terms of the order by operating his boat, “Bottoms Up”, on the Mississippi River while carrying commercial passengers for hire without possessing the appropriate license required by Coast Guard regulations. The indictment also alleges that Washington made two false statements to the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
The maximum penalty for violating the Captain of the Port Order is six years' imprisonment. The maximum penalty for making false statements is five years' imprisonment. Each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000, a supervised release period of up to three years, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “We are a full-service office and will charge all violations of federal law wherever they occur in the Western District of Tennessee to promote public safety and uphold the rule of law. We are proud to partner with the CGIS and MPD and commend their outstanding investigation in this case.”
“This case demonstrates our commitment to working with law enforcement partners to enforce safety regulations and pursue illegal charter operators who put the public at risk,” said Capt. Daniel Kilcullen, Sector Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River. “We will continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local officials and take decisive action to stop this type of illegal operation on the Mississippi River and protect the public from unsafe and unlawful practices.”
"This investigation reflects the strength of our law-enforcement partnerships, and our shared commitment to public safety on our nation’s waterways. CGIS is proud to work alongside USCG Sector Lower Mississippi, Memphis Police Department Harbor patrol unit and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure individuals who knowingly violate federal maritime laws are held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Damon J. Youmans, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service.
Deputy Chief Samuel Hines, of the Memphis Police Department, stated, "Public safety extends beyond our streets and into our waterways. Through the investigative work of the Memphis Police Department’s Harbor Patrol Unit, with assistance from the Organized Crime Unit and in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, critical evidence was developed that supported this federal indictment. Our commitment to addressing dangerous and reckless behavior on the Mississippi River is part of our ongoing work to build a Stronger, Safer Memphis and protect everyone utilizing our waterways."
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) Harbor Patrol Unit.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carroll L. André III 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
Member of Vast International Alien Smuggling Organization Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A Mexican man extradited from Mexico pleaded guilty today for conspiring to smuggle thousands of aliens from multiple countries into the United States for financial gain.
According to court documents, beginning in November 2020 and continuing through September 2023, Efrain Zuniga-Garcia, 38, of Mexico, and others were part of a vast international alien smuggling organization (ASO) that illegally brought thousands of aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador into the United States across the border with Mexico. The ASO operated stash houses in Monterrey, Mexico and Piedras Negras, Mexico. A Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil originally contracted with aliens to enter the smuggling venture. In turn, this Brazilian-based smuggler worked with a San Antonio, Texas, based smuggler and an illegal alien from Honduras, Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations, as well as paid armed foot guides (“coyotes”), load drivers, and stash house operators, including Zuniga-Garcia. According to court documents, Mejia-Zuniga admitted that the ASO smuggled between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. Mejia-Zuniga stated the organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien, totaling approximately $16 to $30 million in financial gain. Mejia-Zuniga was sentenced to 10 years in prison in July 2025. Co-defendant Monica Hernandez-Palma, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced to 41 months in prison in May 2026.
Zuniga-Garcia operated the stash house in Monterrey and coordinated with other members of the ASO to transport aliens to the stash house and then illegally into the United States. Zuniga-Garcia worked with others to house aliens for a period, after which the aliens would be turned over to the “coyotes,” who led them across the U.S.-Mexico border by crossing the Rio Grande River.
Zuniga-Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain, and aiding and abetting. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Zuniga Garcia faces a mandatory minimum penalty of three years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas; and Acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio made the announcement.
HSI Del Rio led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force and U.S. Border Patrol (BP). The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Zuniga-Garcia.
Trial Attorney Bethany Allen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Duarte II for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 464 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 414 U.S. convictions; and more than 360 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Meat Distributor Required to Pay $120,500 Civil Penalty for Violating Food Safety Consent DecreeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA-FSIS”)’s Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit, William Griffin, announced today that U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos has imposed civil penalties on defendants FIRST GOLD COAST CORPORATION d/b/a GOLD COAST TRADING COMPANY (“First Gold”), KWABENA ASAMOAH ADJEI, CHRISTOPHER AHENKORA, and MICHAEL AHENKORA for violating a previously entered judicial consent decree requiring the defendants to comply with food safety laws at their meat and poultry business. The order imposes a $120,500 civil penalty on the defendants for continuing to sell uninspected and misbranded poultry products and for failing to complete mandatory food safety training.
“This Office has no tolerance for parties who continue in their unlawful ways after they commit to come into compliance,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This conduct is all the worse where, as here, it endangers the safety of the food that families put on their tables. The imposed financial penalty should serve as notice to all parties that they must live up to their legal commitments and comply with the law.”
“As the USDA agency responsible for ensuring that America’s meat, poultry, and egg products remain the safest in the world, FSIS is committed to taking swift action to protect consumers and carry out our public health mission,” said FSIS Assistant Administrator for the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit William Griffin. “The work of our inspection personnel and investigators to enforce Federal regulations, along with our partnerships with state and local governments, will continue to ensure the safety of our food supply.”
The Federal Meat Inspection Act (“FMIA”) and Poultry Products Inspection Act (“PPIA”) protect public health by ensuring the nation’s commercial supply of meat and poultry is safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled and packaged. These requirements allow consumers to have confidence in the safety of their meat and poultry products and permit public health officials to trace problems to their source.
This Office first sued First Gold and its then-owner, Daniel Ahenkora, in October 2015, alleging that they had violated the FMIA and the PPIA by selling uninspected and misbranded meat and poultry products. The Court promptly entered a consent decree enjoining First Gold, Daniel Ahenkora, and affiliated parties from further violations. In December 2024, First Gold and three of Daniel Ahenkora’s sons—KWABENA ASAMOAH ADJEI, CHRISTOPHER AHENKORA, and MICHAEL AHENKORA, who had taken over the business around May 2023—signed an amended consent decree, which was approved by the Court on December 3, 2024. Among other things, the amended consent decree prohibited the defendants from selling, offering for sale, or receiving in commerce any uninspected or misbranded meat or poultry and required them to complete mandatory training on the FMIA and PPIA.
The defendants, however, proceeded to violate the amended consent decree. Specifically, on or about June 26, 2025, First Gold sold approximately 120 pounds of uninspected, misbranded poultry products—namely, 30 pounds of smoked turkey drums, 30 pounds of smoked turkey wings, 30 pounds of fresh turkey wings, and 30 pounds of fresh turkey drums—to a New Jersey retailer. First Gold used a bandsaw in the store to slice the turkey products without the benefit of federal inspection and then misbranded the products by repackaging them into the original manufacturer boxes that bore the marks of federal inspection, in violation of the amended consent decree. The defendants also failed to complete the training required by the amended consent decree.
The Court’s June 26, 2026, order requires the defendants to pay a total civil penalty of $120,500—comprising $60,000 for the sale of 120 pounds of misbranded, uninspected turkey products and $60,500 for the defendants’ failure to complete the amended consent decree’s training requirements. The order also requires the defendants to present a plan for coming into compliance with the amended consent decree's training requirements.
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Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the USDA.
This case is being handled by the Environmental Protection Unit of the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Osmond is in charge of the case.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making Online ThreatsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court, today, for making online threats.
U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced Raymond Pumphrey, 47, of Brooklyn, to 15 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for making threats transmitted by interstate communication in connection with the cybercrime.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division; Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Brian McDonough, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to the guilty plea, Pumphrey made a series of threatening posts on the social media platform YouTube, and other social media sites, to spread hateful rhetoric – particularly toward Black and Muslim communities. Commenting primarily on news stories, he advocated for and threatened to participate in the killing of black people in multiple large cities throughout the country. He further threatened to kill multiple politicians and members of their families.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and USSS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Malibu Woman Pleads Guilty to Helping Her Fraudster Boyfriend Escape Incarceration and Sentencing in His U.S. Criminal CaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Malibu woman pleaded guilty today to helping her convicted fraudster boyfriend hide from federal law enforcement, hide out in Mexico, and then later flee to his native Germany to avoid incarceration and sentencing in his U.S. criminal case.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, 63, a.k.a. “Lucy Weist,” pleaded guilty to one felony count of being an accessory after the fact.
According to her plea agreement, in April 2025, a federal jury found Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, 64, then of Malibu, guilty of one count of wire fraud.
From 2014 to 2017, Fritsch defrauded investors out of more than $20 million by lying to them about his technology company’s financial performance related to a software application designed to help celebrities and social media influencers monetize their brand endorsements, according to evidence presented at a nine-day trial.
Manera was present in the courtroom when the guilty verdict against Fritsch was read. Fritsch was free on bond at the time. A hearing related to Fritsch’s potential remand into federal custody was scheduled for June 2, 2025, and he was to be sentenced at a later date.
On June 2, 2025, Fritsch fled the United States by car and crossed the international border into Mexico to avoid being taken into custody at the June 2 hearing and avoid serving any prison sentence related to his fraud conviction.
From June 2025 to September 2025, Manera assisted Fritsch with the purpose of hindering and preventing Fritsch’s apprehension and punishment, including by lying to FBI special agents that she hadn’t spoken to Fritsch within a day of his scheduled June 2 hearing.
Manera also made at least 10 payments from June 2025 to September 2025 totaling approximately $7,475 to a third party, knowing that Fritsch was hiding out at that third party’s home. She also authorized a $534 charge to her bank account for Fritsch to stay at a hotel in Mexico.
In September 2025, she searched the internet on Fritsch’s behalf for information on how he could leave Mexico and travel to his native Germany. Germany generally prohibits the extradition of its citizens.
In October 2025, Fritsch was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in federal prison, fined $35,000, and ordered to pay $26,806,901 in restitution. In April 2026, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Fritsch’s appeal due to his fugitive status, because a fugitive criminal defendant is generally not entitled to a decision on the merits of his claims. If Fritsch surrenders to authorities by August 21, 2026, he may move to reinstate the appeal.
United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer scheduled an October 5 sentencing hearing, at which time Manera will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica E. Tait of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.
Los Angeles Director and Writer Sentenced to Prison for $11 Million Production FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that CARL ERIK RINSCH, a Los Angeles-based director and writer, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff to 30 months in prison for fraudulently stealing $11 million from a subscription video-on-demand streaming service (“Streaming Company-1”) in connection with a planned science-fiction television show called “White Horse,” and then laundering that money. RINSCH was convicted following a week-long trial in December 2025 before Judge Rakoff.
“Carl Erik Rinsch orchestrated a scheme to steal millions by seeking $11 million from a subscription streaming service, falsely claiming that money would be used to finance a television show that he was creating,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Instead of using the money to make the show, Rinsch made risky bets on highly speculative stock options and cryptocurrency, and spent millions of dollars on luxury goods for himself. Today’s sentence sends a deterrent message: fraud will not be tolerated.”
As reflected in the Indictment, public filings, and the evidence presented at trial:
RINSCH is a film and television writer and director who partially completed a science-fiction television show called “White Horse.” In 2018, RINSCH reached an agreement with Streaming Company-1 in which Streaming Company-1 would both pay RINSCH for the existing episodes of White Horse and also fund completion of the rest of the show. Between 2018 and 2019, Streaming Company-1 paid approximately $44 million for White Horse.
Between late 2019 and early 2020, RINSCH demanded even more money from Streaming Company-1 to complete White Horse. Streaming Company-1 ultimately agreed to pay another $11 million, and transferred those funds to a company RINSCH controlled on or about March 6, 2020. The entirety of those funds was to be spent on the completion of White Horse.
But RINSCH did not use those funds to make the show. Instead, within days, RINSCH began transferring the funds through numerous bank accounts before consolidating them in a personal brokerage account. RINSCH then used those funds to speculate on stock options. His trading was unsuccessful, and in less than two months after receiving $11 million from Streaming Company-1, RINSCH had lost more than half of that money.
Even after losing most of the $11 million, RINSCH still did not spend the remaining funds he had stolen on White Horse. Instead, he used the money to speculate on cryptocurrency, and on personal expenses and luxury items, including at least $1.7 million on credit card bills; at least $3.3 million on furniture, antiques, and mattresses; at least $387,000 on a Swiss watch; and at least $2.4 million on five Rolls Royces and a red Ferrari.
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In addition to the prison term, RINSCH, 48, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, $11 million in forfeiture, and $700 in mandatory special assessments.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy V. Capozzi, Jackie Delligatti, David A. Markewitz, Kevin Mead, and Adam Sowlati are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Maria Larracuente and William Coleman.
Kentucky Man Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling Assets of a Labor UnionRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – James Burke, 56, of Greenup, Kentucky, was sentenced today to three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $40,011.46 in restitution for embezzlement of assets of a labor union.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about July 2022 through in or about October 2023, Burke was the financial secretary of a labor organization located in Huntington. Burke admitted that he issued nine unauthorized or altered checks payable to himself and improperly withheld portions of checks payable to the labor organization as cash when he deposited them. Burke also admitted that he diverted six dues checks payable to the labor organization for his personal use. The total amount of money stolen by Burke from the labor organization was $40,011.46.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Department of Labor-Office of Labor-Management Standards.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-5.
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Justice Department to Rename Division as Energy and Natural Resources DivisionRead the Press Release
The Justice Department will rename one of its divisions the Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). The announcement was originally made yesterday by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of ENRD in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal.
“Energy security is national security. Iran’s recent stranglehold on the global oil market shows that domestic energy production is critical to preserving our way of life and securing our prosperity,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gustafson of ENRD. “Over the past two decades, the division has played a central role in the responsible production and use of energy, driven by technological advances from the shale revolution to AI. To recognize this evolution, we will now rename it the Energy and Natural Resources Division.”
ENRD’s recent victories in support of domestic energy include the successful defense of President Trump’s executive orders on unleashing American energy, reinvigorating the clean coal industry, and declaring an energy emergency. ENRD also recently won dismissal of a lawsuit that threatened oil production in the Gulf of America.
ENRD continues to defend several key Administration priorities aimed at domestic energy production, including:
- Emergency orders by the Energy Department that have kept power plants running;
- The Energy Department order restarting the Sable pipeline in California pursuant to Defense Production Act; and
- The temporary power source for an artificial intelligence platform with critical military applications.
ENRD’s efforts to unleash American energy also include affirmative litigation against state anti-energy policies that are preempted by federal law, including:
- Climate superfund acts passed by New York and Vermont to expropriate billions of dollars from global energy producers;
- Climate tort suits by Hawaii, Michigan, and Minnesota against energy producers;
- California’s SB 1137, which prohibits oil and gas production within certain zones, even on federal leased land; and
- Hawaii’s “Green Fee” climate tax on cruise ships.
ENRD’s work to unleash American energy does not diminish its defense of the environment, which Gustafson called “our nation’s greatest natural resource.” ENRD’s environmental enforcement protects public health and ensures a level playing field for companies that play by the rules. The Division’s recent enforcement actions include:
- Major civil settlements with a “forever chemical” manufacturer for water pollution, a grocery chain for coolant leaks, and a steel mill for hazardous waste;
- A $100 million air pollution penalty won at trial against a coke plant near Detroit;
- An 18-month prison sentence for biofuel fraud;
- A $500,000 criminal penalty for asbestos violations;
- Guilty pleas to environmental crimes by waste water pretreatment managers, a yacht manufacturer, a wood product importer, and a builder; and
- Indictments of a commercial incinerator, a wildlife trafficker, and the companies whose ship crashed into Baltimore’s Key Bridge.
Jacksonville Robbery Crew Sentenced to Federal Prison for Series of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Tresonda Benefield (26), Nathanial Carter (25), Jakeithiyan Daniel (25), and Jackeri Lewis (28), all residents of Jacksonville, have been sentenced by United States Judge Jordan E. Pratt to federal prison terms for their involvement in a series of armed robberies of retail stores in Jacksonville. Benefield, Carter, and Lewis were each sentenced to 16 years and 1 month in federal prison and Daniel was sentenced to 14 years and 6 months in federal prison. In addition to their prison sentences, they were also ordered to pay restitution for the money they stole. Benefield, Carter, and Daniel pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, and Lewis pleaded guilty on June 9, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between April 9 and May 1, 2024, the crew robbed four stores in Jacksonville. Benefield, Carter, and Lewis participated in all four robberies, while Daniel was involved in the last two. Benefield surveilled each of the stores prior to the robberies and drove the rest of the participants to the stores a few minutes prior to closing. Once the store employees began to lock up the store at night, the crew approached the employees wearing masks and brandishing firearms, demanding that they go back inside the store to unlock the safe. The store employees were then forced to hand over the money inside the safe. The group collectively stole more than $11,000 from the four stores.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.
Illegal aliens face immediate deportation for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple defendants illegally inside the United States were sentenced in federal court in the Southern District of Georgia and transferred to immigration authorities for immediate deportation.
The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker, and announced by Margaret E. ‘Meg’ Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
- Aguelio Lemos Hernandez, 35, of Honduras, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Hernandez was identified as an illegal alien in January 2026 during a traffic stop in Chatham County and transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Henry Marin-Hernandez, 41, of Guatemala, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Marin-Hernandez was identified as an illegal alien in February 2026 during a traffic stop in Chatham County and transferred to ICE custody.
- Luis Angel Velasquez-Montes, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Hernandez was identified as an illegal alien in April 2026 during a traffic stop in Chatham County and transferred to ICE custody.
- Miguel Aparicio-Ortiz, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Aparicio-Ortiz was identified as an illegal alien in January 2026 during a traffic stop in Chatham County and transferred to ICE custody.
- Moises Valenzuela-Mendez, 42, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Valenzuela-Mendez was identified as an illegal alien in March 2026 during a traffic stop in Atkinson County and transferred to ICE custody.
Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation is a charge applied to an illegal alien present in the United States after at least one prior removal.
“These defendants have previously been removed from the U.S., only to return and violate the law again and again,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We will continue to support our local law enforcement agencies’ efforts to identify and capture these illegal aliens; And they can rest assured that our office will prosecute and remove them.”
These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys John P. Harper III, Lauren C. Olsen, Makeia R. Jonese, and Matthew A. Breedon.
Illegal Alien with Multiple Deportations and Felony Convictions Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced Friday by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware to 36 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after having been removed from the country on three prior occasions. The government recommended 36 months’ imprisonment.
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on October 19, 2024, Jose Luis Ruiz-Gutierrez was found in the United States after he was previously deported to Mexico on February 15, 2011, May 3, 2011, and December 24, 2013.
Ruiz-Gutierrez has two prior felony convictions out of the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada; Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and Coercion with Physical Force or Immediate Threat of Physical Force Sexually Motivated. Ruiz-Gutierrez was also previously convicted of illegally reentering the United States after being deported out of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. This is his second conviction for illegally reentering the United States.
Ruiz-Gutierrez pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. After serving his prison sentence, he will be deported to Mexico for a fourth time.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida made the announcement.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
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.
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Idaho Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rigby, Idaho man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for cyberstalking a Massachusetts professor over the course of nearly six months.
Edward John Kay, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Kay was also ordered to pay $16,586.31 in restitution. In January 2026, Kay pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking. In July 2025, Kay was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.
Kay met the victim in January 2025 when he enrolled in the victim’s online course, which the victim taught at a university’s extension school. After one Zoom meeting with the victim and one virtual class session, Kay became fixated on the victim, dropped the course, and proceeded to harass and intimidate the victim over email and LinkedIn.
Between January and July of 2025, Kay sent the victim over 80 harassing communications via LinkedIn and email and also posted about her publicly on LinkedIn. In the communications, Kay oscillated between expressing his love and admiration for the victim, to threatening her safety and livelihood. Some of the communications also mentioned the victim’s minor child by name. The communications included:
- A LinkedIn message, in which Kay stated: “I miss you-truly, deeply- with all of my heart and soul. That day I saw you on Zoom…You were the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Not just appearance. Everything. Your presence. Your mind. Your light. To gain you…and then to lose you like that? It devastated me;”
- An email sent to several of the university’s offices with the victim copied, in which Kay threatened to file a licensing board complaint against the victim unless the university complied with his demands and stated: “Dr. [victim’s last name] has been copied on all communications. She knows what is coming.” He added that this was only the “VERY BEGINNING” because “Every day, starting today, will mark a **new action of serious consequence**, taken by me in accordance with divine alignment and institutional justice;”
- An anonymous email sent to the victim from the email address [victim’s name][email protected], in which Kay professed his love for the victim, encouraged the victim to leave the university and stated, “You are still free. But you are not unreachable.”; and
- A poem posted publicly to his LinkedIn profile in which he described the victim as a mouse living in a maze that needed to be set on fire.
In addition, Kay told another university professor about his obsession with the victim and his desire to separate the victim from her husband. After his arrest, Kay’s partner told law enforcement that Kay believed he was going to build a compound in Wyoming and live there with the victim and her minor child.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by FBI Salt Lake City and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Joseph Moore, 47, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 11, 2025, Moore sold a mixture containing approximately 2.9 grams of heroin with the presence of fentanyl at his residence to a confidential informant in exchange for $150. As part of his guilty plea, Moore admitted that he conducted the transaction.
Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-21.
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Guilty Plea for New York Man in National Fraud Enforcement Division ProsecutionRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Dustin Lemmon Carpio, 33, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, use of a false passport, and aggravated identity theft. This prosecution was part of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud launched by President Donald J. Trump, a whole-of-government effort to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The theft and exploitation of personal identifying information by fraudsters can have a devastating effect on the innocent victims whose finances are imperiled by scammers, like this defendant, who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of others. With the support of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, my office is striking back against those fraudsters to hold them accountable and deliver justice for their victims.”
Court documents reflect that the defendant conspired with others to steal and use other people’s identities to fraudulently obtain money and property. The defendant’s co-conspirators provided him the personal identifying information of real individuals without their knowledge or authorization, which the defendant used to obtain or attempt to obtain thousands of dollars of high-value electronic devices, such as Apple products, and related accessories and services that would be charged to accounts at national wireless communication provider chain locations. The defendant was arrested in March 2024 in Okaloosa County, Florida, while attempting to conduct such fraudulent transactions against real customer accounts using a counterfeit United States passport card. At the time of his arrest, the defendant possessed the personal identifying information of over 80 people, including social security numbers and account numbers.
On April 7, 2026, 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.
Carpio faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud count; up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and use of a false passport counts; and a mandatory two years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence on the aggravated identity theft count. As part of his plea agreement, Carpio agreed to forfeit any forfeitable assets and to pay restitution.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service with assistance from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Former Postal Worker Among Trio Charged with Stealing $255k in Prepaid Debit CardsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three individuals in a significant mail theft and fraud scheme targeting at least 3,000 victims.
Former United States Postal Service employee Janea Reaves, 38, has been charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and illegal transactions with an access device. Her co-defendants, Jermaine Reaves, 22, and Dejon Fox, 39, have also been charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, as well as two counts of mail theft.
According to the indictment, between May 2023 and March 2025, the trio conspired to use and possess unauthorized access devices and to engage in transactions using unauthorized access devices. The indictment alleges that the defendants stole mail containing prepaid debit cards issued to real individuals. Using her position at the USPS Indianapolis Processing and Distribution Center, Janea Reaves identified and stole mail containing the prepaid debit cards. Jermaine Reaves and Dejon Fox, who were not USPS employees, also entered the facility and stole the mail.
The defendants activated the stolen cards and used them to pay for phone bills, DoorDash orders, and other personal expenses. The total loss is alleged to be at least approximately $255,851.
While investigators believe all victims have been identified, efforts to locate them have been unsuccessful. If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office via email at [email protected] or online here.
The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated this case. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Wood, who is prosecuting this case.
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.
Former National Basketball Association Players, Current Player Agent, and Three Other Individuals Charged in Sports Bribery, Illegal Betting and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging six defendants — former National Basketball Association (NBA) players Malik Beasley and Edward Davis, and co-conspirators William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, Ernesto Plascencia, and current NBA player agent Paolo Zamorano—with wire fraud conspiracy, bribery in sporting contests, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy for their alleged roles in a scheme to bribe Beasley to manipulate his performance in NBA games and use inside information about Beasley’s intended performance to profit via illegal betting activity. Several of the defendants were arrested today at locations across the country and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and indictment.“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, bribing then-NBA player Malik Beasley to fix his performance in multiple games in order to place fraudulent wagers, enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Bribery and insider betting schemes like this one involving former NBA players and a current NBA player agent who exploited inside NBA information for profit erode the integrity of American sports and victimize the sports-watching public. Our Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt sports through illegal means.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the FBI Field Offices in Charlotte, North Carolina; Los Angeles, California; Omaha, Nebraska; Chicago, Illinois; and Las Vegas, Nevada, for their valuable assistance.
“These defendants allegedly operated an illegal betting ring in an attempt to unlawfully earn hundreds of thousands of dollars. As alleged, Malik Beasley allowed himself to be bought and altered his gametime performance to line pockets of Ed Davis and his other co-conspirators. The FBI continues to dismantle fraudulent schemes that erode the integrity of any institution, including our nation's professional sports leagues,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As alleged, Beasley, then a player for the Milwaukee Bucks, agreed with his former NBA teammate Davis (known to the other co-defendants as Beasley’s “gatekeeper”) in advance of NBA games that Beasley would underperform, and at times overperform, relative to one or more of his betting statistics in those games. Davis, Brown, Gorodetsky, Plascencia, Zamorano and other co-conspirators subsequently used this non-public information relating to Beasley’s intended performance to place fraudulent wagers conditioned on Beasley’s performance in the games at issue, all with the intention of profiting off the scheme. As further alleged, in return for performance fixing, Beasley received bribes from the co-conspirators, typically by having Beasley’s gambling debts to Davis reduced or paid off.
Examples of some of the influenced games are described below.January 26, 2024 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
As alleged, prior to the Bucks game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 26, 2024, Beasley informed Davis that he intended to underperform with respect to rebounding in the game. Beasley provided this information to Davis to obtain a promised bribe payment and for the purpose of enabling Davis and other co-conspirators to place wagers based on this non-public information. Davis subsequently disseminated the non-public information regarding Beasley to multiple co-conspirators, including Gorodetskty, Plascencia and Zamorano, to enable them to place fraudulent wagers. Plascencia then provided this same non-public information to Brown to enable him to place fraudulent wagers. Many of the fraudulent wagers were successful.
February 27, 2024 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Charlotte Hornets Game
As alleged, prior to the Bucks game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 27, 2024, Beasley informed Davis that Beasley intended to underperform with respect to points and overperform with respect to rebounding in the game. Beasley provided this information to Davis to obtain a promised bribe payment and for the purpose of enabling Davis and other co-conspirators to place wagers based on this non-public information. Davis subsequently disseminated the non-public information regarding Beasley to multiple co-conspirators, including Gorodetskty, Plascencia and Zamorano, to enable them to place fraudulent wagers. Plascencia then provided this same non-public information to Brown to enable him to place fraudulent wagers. Many of the fraudulent wagers were successful.
March 10, 2024 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Clippers
As alleged, prior to the Bucks game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10, 2024, Beasley informed Davis that Beasley intended to overperform with respect to rebounding in the game. Beasley provided this information to Davis to obtain a promised bribe payment and for the purpose of enabling Davis and other co-conspirators to place wagers based on this non-public information. Davis subsequently disseminated the non-public information regarding Beasley to multiple co-conspirators, including Gorodetskty, Plascencia and Zamorano, to enable them to place fraudulent wagers. Plascencia then provided this same non-public information to Brown to enable him to place fraudulent wagers. Many of the fraudulent wagers were successful.
In total, the defendants and their co-conspirators placed fraudulent wagers totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars conditioned on Beasley’s fixed performance in the influenced games at issue via multiple betting operators.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on the wire fraud conspiracy counts, 20 years’ imprisonment on the money laundering conspiracy count and five years’ imprisonment on the bribery in sporting contests count.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Kaitlin T. Farrell, Benjamin Weintraub and David I. Berman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Erika Ellis; former Paralegal Specialist Liam McNett previously worked on the case.
The Defendants:
MALIK BEASLEY (also known as “Beas,” “Bease,” “MB” and “5”)
Age: 29
GeorgiaWILLIAM BROWN (also known as “Willo”)
Age: 39
NebraskaEDWARD DAVIS (also known as “as “Ed,” “ED” and “E Davis”)
Age: 37
North CarolinaROBERT GORODETSKY (also known as “Rob”)
Age: 34
IllinoisERNESTO PLASCENCIA (also known as “Ernie,” “Erny,” “Ernie P” and “Erny P”)
Age: 39
CaliforniaPAOLO ZAMORANO (also known as “PZ”)
Age: 39
CaliforniaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-190 (LDH)
malik_beasley_et_al_indictment.pdfFederal Judge Sentences Man to Eight Years in Prison for Robbing U.S. Postal Service Carrier in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a man to eight years in prison for robbing a U.S. Postal Service carrier in Chicago.
The robbery occurred on March 18, 2022, in the 700 block of South Claremont Avenue in Chicago. The carrier was delivering mail when HENRY L. MOORER approached on foot and demanded postal property from the carrier. Moorer then pulled a semiautomatic handgun from the pocket of his sweatshirt and displayed the butt of the firearm. The carrier raised his arms in the air as Moorer grabbed the postal property from the carrier and walked away. Moorer then fled the area in his vehicle.
At the time of the robbery, Moorer was on electronic monitoring for an unrelated criminal case in the Circuit Cook of Cook County. He was arrested in March 2024 and has remained detained in law enforcement custody since then.
Moorer, 33, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to a federal robbery charge. On June 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. sentenced Moorer to eight years in federal prison, to be served concurrently with a criminal sentence Moorer is serving for an unrelated state court conviction.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
“Robbery is a serious, dangerous crime that threatens public safety,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Schwartz argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The danger attendant to all robberies is heightened in cases where—like defendant—the robber possesses a firearm. This traumatized the victim Postal worker and could have escalated into a situation posing serious physical harm to the Postal worker and the public.”
Drug Trafficking Organization Leader SentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg man will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for leading a drug operation that sold fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced today.
Thomas Charles Goodwine, 32, was sentenced to 188 months. Goodwine directed others to sell fentanyl, p-Fluorofentanyl, and methamphetamine from a home in Clarksburg. During a search of the stash house, investigators seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, a firearm, multiple cell phones, and drug paraphernalia. In total, Goodwine was responsible for nearly 33 grams of fentanyl, 4.42 grams of p‑Fluorofentanyl, and more than 11 grams of methamphetamine.
Goodwine is a career offender with prior drug, firearms, and other convictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case.
The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated the case.
Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Dominican Republic Resident Illegally in U.S. Sentenced for Transporting Stolen Money from Skilled Gaming MachinesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of the Dominican Republic illegally residing in The Bronx, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to time served of approximately 35 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution totaling more than $896,000 to dozens of victims on his convictions for conspiracy to transport stolen money in interstate commerce and interstate transportation of stolen money, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Stalin Acosta Paulino, 45. Paulino is expected to be deported to the Dominican Republic.
According to information presented to the Court, Paulino participated in a complex fraud with numerous other individuals then living in New York in which they traveled to various states, including Pennsylvania and Virginia, and stole cash from skilled gaming machines they had broken into. Paulino and his conspirators then transported the stolen money to the New York area.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Secret Service and United States Postal Inspection Service, who worked in conjunction with numerous police departments in Pennsylvania and Virginia, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Paulino.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Leading Role in Huntington-Area Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Joshua Willie McCarver, also known as “TJ,” 28, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. McCarver admitted to a leading role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 5, 2025, McCarver sold approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $650 at a Huntington residence. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted that he conducted the transaction, arranged it beforehand by phone with the confidential informant, and directed the confidential informant to the residence where the transaction took place.
McCarver further admitted that between January 2025 and August 2025, he answered phone calls and text message for himself and co-conspirators from drug buyers whom he directed to different co-conspirators to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl depending on the customers’ prior transactions and location. McCarver also admitted that he received 28 calls during the time period from a confidential informant and completed the sale of drugs to this individual on six occasions in Huntington.
On March 17, 2025, McCarver was traveling in a vehicle from Huntington to Detroit when Ohio law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found $27,951. Ohio law enforcement officers conducted a separate traffic stop on July 9, 2025, of a vehicle in which McCarver was traveling from Huntington to Detroit and seized approximately $23,453 during a subsequent search of the vehicle. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted that the cash seized during both traffic stops was proceeds from the distribution of fentanyl.
On September 10, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Huntington address and seized approximately 4.29 kilograms of methamphetamine, 337 grams of fentanyl, a loaded .38-caliber pistol, .38-caliber ammunition, and a digital scale. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted that he and other individuals involved in the conspiracy jointly possessed and intended to distribute the seized methamphetamine and fentanyl for money.
McCarver is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted to an aggravating role in the drug trafficking conspiracy for sentencing purposes as an organizer, leader, manager, or supervisor of criminal activity.
McCarver is among six defendants who pleaded guilty following their indictment on charges alleging they participated in the DTO while it operated from in or about January 2025 to in or about August 2025. The indictment remains pending against three other defendants. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
McCarver has a criminal history that includes his prior conviction for distribution of fentanyl in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on December 17, 2018.
“This defendant wasn’t a street-level dealer — he was a leader in a drug trafficking organization that flooded Huntington with methamphetamine while profiting from the addiction and misery of others,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “Huntington has already endured more than its share of devastation from the opioid epidemic, and this office will aggressively pursue anyone who thinks they can exploit our communities for a paycheck. We will dismantle drug trafficking organizations from the top down, hold their leaders accountable, and work every day to make our neighborhoods safer.”
Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-154.
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D.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Chinatown Murder, Shooting at PoliceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jaykell Mason, 26, of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty last week in connection with a February 2020 deadly shooting and subsequent police chase that occurred in Northwest Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Mason pleaded guilty June 26, 2026, to second-degree murder while armed and assault on a police officer while armed. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2026, before Judge Jason Park.
The government’s evidence indicates that on the evening of Feb. 13, 2020, the defendant, Jaykell Mason, approached Terence Dantzler, in the 700 block of 8th Street NW. The two spoke briefly and then Mason raised a firearm to Dantzler’s head and fired once, striking Dantzler, who then fell to the ground. Mason then fired two more rounds into the Dantzler's body before fleeing on foot.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department intercepted Mason in the 1000 block of H Street NW. Mason fired upon the officers, who then returned fire, striking Mason in the hand. He was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Dantzler was transported to a nearby hospital where he died of his injuries.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wes Faulkner, Jr. and Peter Roman.
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D.C. Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Role in Kidnapping that Led to Two DeathsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Malik Terrell, 24, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison in connection with a 2023 kidnapping in which two people were killed, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Malik Terrell and his co-conspirators kidnapped two people at gunpoint, beat them, and set off a chain of events that ended with two men dead,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This was brutal, deliberate violence, and it cost lives. Today’s sentence makes clear that anyone who takes part in deadly conduct will face serious and lasting consequences.”
Terrell pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2026, to kidnapping and aiding and abetting. In addition to the 87-month prison sentence, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Terrell to serve five years of supervised release.
According to court papers, in the early morning hours of June 9, 2023, Terrell and nine co-conspirators returned to the 4400 block of F Street SE after attending a birthday celebration at a nightclub on Connecticut Avenue NW. Two other men, identified in court papers as Victim-1 and Victim-2, arrived back at the area shortly afterward.
At about 3:45 a.m., the group set upon Victim-1 as he sat in the driver's seat of his Mercedes SUV. Co-conspirators lunged at Victim-1 from the driver's-side doorway, confined him, and began stripping clothing from his body. Terrell assisted in preventing both victims from fleeing while the co-conspirators pulled Victim-1 from the vehicle. The purpose of the kidnapping was to steal Victim-1's clothing, money, vehicle, and other belongings.
The co-conspirators drove away in Victim-1's Mercedes SUV with both victims inside. Terrell and three others fled in a white Nissan Altima. The victims were transported to a nearby location where they were threatened, assaulted at gunpoint, and sustained serious injuries.
The group then transported Victim-1 across state lines into Maryland, stopping first at an apartment complex in Suitland and then at a second location in Waldorf. About 5:45 a.m. in Waldorf, a shootout erupted in a parking lot. Victim-1 and another individual were struck by gunfire and were later pronounced dead. About 6:45 a.m., first responders found the victim’s Mercedes engulfed in flames in Capitol Heights, Maryland.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force and Safe Streets Task Force, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Crabb Jr. and Anthony Scarpelli of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Convicted Felon Faces Federal Charges for Allegedly Robbing Atlanta Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Quintavious Bailey, a multi-convicted felon, was arraigned today on multiple federal charges after he allegedly robbed a pawn shop in Atlanta.
“Bailey allegedly jeopardized the lives of ordinary people by discharging a firearm during a robbery,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “In this district, we will not tolerate violent crime that endangers members of our community. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will hold perpetrators accountable.”
“According to the charges, innocent employees and customers were simply going about their day when they were forced to fear for their lives,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI remains committed to partnering with local law enforcement to investigate violent offenders and protect the people who live and work in our communities.”
“Armed robberies that place innocent employees, customers, and local businesses in harm’s way have no place in our city and will not be tolerated,” said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. “We appreciate the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in helping hold dangerous offenders accountable. The Atlanta Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and working alongside our law enforcement partners to keep every neighborhood safe.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On October 24, 2024, Quintavious Bailey allegedly used a firearm to rob an Atlanta pawn shop while employees and customers were present. Upon entering the store, Bailey immediately discharged a firearm into the ceiling. Bailey allegedly then pointed his gun at customers and forced a store employee to open a jewelry case and a cash register. Allegedly, Bailey grabbed cash from the register and jewelry from the case before fleeing.
Earlier today, Quintavious Bailey, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, appeared in federal court after a federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 3, 2026, charging him with Hobbs Act robbery, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Bailey is currently being held without bail by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Previously, Bailey was convicted of Burglary and Armed Robbery in Fulton County. Because of his criminal history, Bailey will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years of imprisonment if he is convicted of the firearm- and ammunition-related offenses in the indictment.
Members of the public are reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Atlanta Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin Hall is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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.
Concord Resident Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty in Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme Involving the Sale of Counterfeit Sports MemorabiliaRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Daniel Damato was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison for his role in a wire fraud scheme in which he knowingly sold counterfeit sports memorabilia and attempted to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into his criminal conduct. United States District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence.
Damato, 40, of Concord, California, was charged by Information on October 20, 2025, with one count of wire fraud. The Information alleged that between 2022 and 2024, Damato, a sports memorabilia dealer, doctored and gave false provenance to valuable items to make them appear as authentic and legitimate sports collectables. Damato then attempted to sell these items to unsuspecting buyers at heavily inflated prices.
The Information specifically described two sports memorabilia items Damato fraudulently marketed and sold—a baseball bat he represented was a 1954 game-used World Series bat and a jersey he asserted was a 1972 game-worn jersey. Damato claimed that the bat was used and the jersey was worn by Willie Mays, described as one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived, according to the Information
On December 8, 2025, Damato pled guilty to the wire fraud count charged in the Information. In connection with his plea, Damato admitted that despite his assertions to the contrary, the bat he sold for $100,000 to one victim had not been used in the 1954 World Series by Mays. Rather, Damato admitted that the bat was a “factory error” bat that was an inch shorter than what Mays used during his career. Damato further admitted that he sold other fraudulent items, including a jersey he falsely claimed was worn by Mays that he sold for $50,000 to a second victim. In addition, the Court found that Damato defrauded a third victim in connection with his sports memorabilia scheme, determining that Damato stole over $900,000 from that victim while falsely promising to deliver sports memorabilia.
In addition to his fraudulent conduct, Damato admitted in his plea agreement that after the FBI executed a search warrant on his residence, he contacted at least one potential witness in an attempt to obstruct the government’s investigation.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín sentenced Damato to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered restitution in the amount of $1,068,940. Damato had previously been remanded into custody and will begin serving his sentence immediately.
Assistant United States Attorney Abraham Fine is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Church Rock Woman Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Church Rock woman has been charged federally for assaulting another woman.
On September 10, 2025, Tiffany Jim, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe, her dating partner, resulting in Doe’s hospitalization.
Jim is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. She will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Jim faces up to 15 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Charleston Man Sentenced for Destruction of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joe Claude Schleider, 66, of Charleston, was sentenced today to time served and ordered to pay $1,850 in restitution for willful destruction of government property.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston found Schleider guilty following a one-day bench trial on April 14, 2026. Evidence at trial showed that on May 6, 2025, Schleider repeatedly struck an electric card entry scanner outside a U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations facility in Charleston with a long pole-like object, rendering it inoperable. Surveillance video footage showed Schleider approach the card entry scanner and strike it approximately eight times. The entry scanner had to be replaced at a cost of $1,850.
Schleider has a criminal history that dates to 1979 and includes multiple convictions for offenses including assault, battery, battery on a police officer, and disorderly conduct. Schleider was incarcerated for approximately seven months following his arrest on the current offense.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Federal Protective Service and the Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley C. Shamblin and Joshua Hanks prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-173.
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Central Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in $10 Million Real Estate Fraud Scheme with Federal Inmate Who Was Serving a Sentence for Another Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Gilberto Barron, 26, formerly of Delano and Las Vegas, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft relating to his participation in a nearly $10 million real estate fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced today.
According to court records, in 2021 and 2022, Barron and others conspired with federal inmate Seth Depiano, 44, formerly of Clovis, to commit the fraud charged in this case. At the time, Depiano was serving a 12-year prison sentence for a prior, multimillion-dollar fraud (Case No. 1:17-cr-172 DAD). Depiano, assisted by Barron and others, helped create fake identities for supposed real estate agents and shell companies that mirrored the names of legitimate real estate companies. They then used the fake identities and shell companies to market various properties online that were not actually for sale to would-be buyers in California’s Central Valley and elsewhere at discounted prices. This included properties where the actual owners had died.
Barron and others would meet with the buyers using the fake identities and close the sales. They even went so far as to present the buyers with fabricated deeds, title reports, and other real estate documents to substantiate the sales.
After getting the would-be buyers’ money, Depiano, Barron, and others would launder the funds primarily through Las Vegas casinos. For example, Barron and others would travel to the casinos, put large amounts of money into gaming machines, and quickly cash out with little to no gaming activity. They did this to try to hide the fact that the money was proceeds from their fraudulent scheme. They would then use the money to purchase properties for their own benefit.
Barron is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 28, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Barron faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for the counts of wire fraud and money laundering. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years consecutive for aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Zahria Barber, 28, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today to one year in prison for her involvement in the scheme. She helped launder money in the casinos, and in exchange, she received payments toward some of her living expenses and student loans.
Depiano was sentenced in January 2026 and received nine years in federal prison. This sentence is in addition to the 12 years he was already serving and makes for a total sentence of 21 years in prison.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Bakersfield Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody Chapple and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.
Butler Man Sentenced for Willfully Failing to Pay Employment Taxes for Two BusinessesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $711,253.10 to the Internal Revenue Service on his conviction of willful failure to collect or pay over tax, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Michael D. Funovits, 51.
According to information presented to the Court, between 2016 and 2023, Funovits failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service payroll taxes he collected on behalf of his businesses, PennRo Associates LLC and Penn Exteriors LLC.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Funovits.
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.