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Thursday 25 June 2026
U.S. Attorney Announces $2.2 Million Settlement with Urologists for Submitting False Claims to MedicareRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), Naomi Gruchacz, announced that the United States has settled a civil healthcare fraud lawsuit against DR. ROBERT SIMON, a New Jersey-based urologist, and DR. NICOLE FLEISCHMANN, a New York-based urologist. The settlement resolves claims that SIMON and FLEISCHMANN violated the False Claims Act by repeatedly subjecting their patients to medically unnecessary surgical procedures in connection with an implantable neurostimulation medical device and then improperly obtaining payments from Medicare for these same unnecessary procedures.
Under the settlement, which was approved yesterday by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, SIMON will pay a total sum of $1,112,695.88 plus interest, and FLEISCHMANN will pay a total sum of $1,101,044.80 plus interest. As a part of the settlement, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also made extensive factual admissions regarding their conduct. Among other things, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN admitted that they each caused Medicare to pay claims for implantations of a neurostimulation medical device that were not medically reasonable and necessary and did not comply with Medicare’s billing rules and guidance.
“Dr. Simon and Dr. Fleischmann performed unnecessary surgical procedures on their patients who suffered from urinary incontinence and then billed a taxpayer-funded program for these procedures,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This illegal scheme violated the trust at the heart of doctor-patient relationships and our healthcare system. This Office is committed to holding medical providers accountable, protecting patient care, and safeguarding the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs.”
“Health care providers who perform medically unnecessary services can pose a significant risk to patients, especially when pre-operative tests are not completed appropriately and follow-up procedures are performed without sufficient justification,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG continuously works with key law enforcement partners to seek resolutions that hold accountable individuals who exploit federal health care programs.”
As alleged in the Complaint:
The InterStim device is designed to treat urinary incontinence by sending electrical stimulation to a patient’s sacral nerve. InterStim’s implantable components include a neurostimulator, a battery, and a thin wire—known as a lead—that connects to the sacral nerve, as well as other components that facilitate transmission of electrical impulses to the sacral nerve. Relevant Medicare rules require that before a doctor may permanently implant an InterStim device, the patient must have had a successful test stimulation that met specific defined criteria. The test stimulation is designed to determine whether the InterStim device is likely to be successful in improving the patient’s urinary incontinence.
From January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2022, FLEISCHMANN violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims to Medicare for medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim surgical procedures by failing to perform the required preoperative testing before implanting the InterStim device into patients and unnecessarily implanting two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure.
Similarly, from January 1, 2011, through October 18, 2021 (the “Simon Covered Period”), SIMON violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims to Medicare for medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim surgical procedures by: failing to perform the required preoperative testing before implanting the InterStim device into a patient; unnecessarily implanting two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure; performing medically unreasonable and unnecessary battery and InterStim device replacement and revision surgeries; and improperly billing Medicare twice for removing the lead used to stimulate a patient’s sacral nerve during preoperative testing.
SIMON frequently performed unnecessary procedures on patients to replace the InterStim batteries after the InterStim device had been implanted into his patients, despite the fact that there was often no indication that these batteries needed to be replaced.
SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also frequently implanted two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure, in a procedure known as bilateral implantation. They did this without conducting the required preoperative test to determine that one InterStim device would effectively treat the patient’s urinary incontinence, much less that two InterStim devices would be more effective than one.
As part of the settlement, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN admitted and accepted responsibility for certain of their own respective conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:
- SIMON and FLEISCHMANN were aware that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) had issued a National Coverage Determination (“NCD”)—which is a binding statement by CMS setting a national policy granting, limiting, or excluding Medicare coverage for a specific medical item or service—concerning the implantation of sacral nerve stimulators, such as InterStim, to treat urinary incontinence.
- Specifically, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN were aware that in 2002 CMS issued NCD 230.18, which stated that in order to establish that a permanent InterStim implantation is medical necessary, a patient must first undergo a successful test stimulation during which the patient demonstrates a 50% or greater improvement. This improvement is measured through voiding diaries, which are used by the patient to record their symptoms of urinary incontinence.
- SIMON and FLEISCHMANN primarily performed a percutaneous nerve evaluation test (“PNE”) before permanently implanting the InterStim device into patients. The PNE is supposed to take place over at least three, and up to seven, days. SIMON and FLEISCHMANN repeatedly billed Medicare for permanent InterStim implantations despite failing to first complete a successful PNE. Instead of completing a full PNE, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN frequently conducted an abbreviated test. Further, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also failed to collect and keep the voiding diaries required by NCD 230.18.
- SIMON also admitted and accepted responsibility for additional conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:
- During the Simon Covered Period, SIMON rarely concluded that a PNE did not support a permanent implantation—doing so for approximately 3% of his patients who received a PNE. In these instances, SIMON contemporaneously recorded in his office notes that the PNE did not support a permanent InterStim implantation. Nevertheless, in each of these cases, SIMON still performed a permanent implantation of the InterStim device and falsely documented in his surgical notes that the PNE had been successful.
- During the Simon Covered Period, SIMON frequently performed medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim device revision and replacement surgeries on his patients and then billed Medicare for these procedures. Specifically, SIMON often surgically removed and replaced InterStim batteries within three years or less of the implantation, despite the fact that InterStim batteries were supposed to last for approximately five years.
- SIMON also frequently replaced InterStim neurostimulators and added a second InterStim device for patients who started with one InterStim device, without any objective evidence that the neurostimulator needed to be replaced or that the patient would benefit from the implantation of a second InterStim device.
In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.
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Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HHS-OIG.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison M. Rovner is in charge of the case.
Two Mexican Nationals Charged in Drone-Based Methamphetamine Smuggling Scheme at Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Alexandria – On June 23, 2026, two criminal complaints were filed charging Gustavo Mendoza-Alvarez, 25, and Osvaldo Lopez-Sanchez, 28, both of Mexico, with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Both defendants face up to life in federal prison on the charged offenses.
“These charges reflect the serious danger posed by smugglers who attempt to deliver narcotics into our federal prison system and who endanger innocent motorists and law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “We will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to stop the flow of drugs into correctional facilities and ensure accountability for those who carry out these dangerous schemes.”
According to court documents, the investigation began on June 14, 2026, when the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office received reports of a drone flying near the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana (FCC-Pollock). Detectives responding to the area found recent footprints and observed a vehicle with Texas license plates attempting to avoid law enforcement. During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle—driven by Lopez-Sanchez with Mendoza-Alvarez as the passenger—struck a marked Grant Parish patrol vehicle and later collided head-on with a Ford F-350. Both men were taken into custody, and a search of their phones revealed images of a drone, THC wax, and what appeared to be methamphetamine.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at a nearby hotel where they located approximately 446 grams of methamphetamine, 114 grams of marijuana, THC vapes, 21 cell phones, a wallet containing Mendoza-Alvarez’s Mexican voter ID, assorted ammunition, spare drone propellers, and a drone operator harness, as depicted below:
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Alexandria Resident Agency, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 currently pending assignment.
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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_WDLA
Twice-Convicted Sex Offender Charged with Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A complaint was unsealed this week in U.S. District Court charging Jason Robert Birk, 50, of the District of Columbia, with distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Birk’s residence and recovered his cell phone and laptop. A review of the phone showed that Birk distributed videos showing the sexual abuse of children by adult males and sexual acts between animals and adult males. On April 26, 2026, Birk distributed two videos depicting the violent sexual abuse of a toddler by an adult male. Birk has two prior convictions for sex offenses, including a 2019 conviction for distribution of child pornography.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Janani Iyengar.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Twelve Charged in Federal Takedown of Drug Operation Run by Inmate in the Westville Correctional FacilityRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Twelve individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging their participation in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances throughout central Indiana. The charges follow a months-long investigation led by the Crossroads of America Homeland Security Task Force. The defendants and the charges they face are as follows:
Defendant Charge(s)Justin Veal, 37, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesSade Butler, 27, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances (two counts)Adrian Swift, 39, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances (two counts)Shawnlisa Nevels, 44, Fort WayneConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesBobby Young, 51, AndersonConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesDontrell Cole, 24, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesJared Schloerb, 52, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesMegan Daniels, 49, Columbus, INConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesScott Foor, 45, IndianapolisDistribute of 50 Grams of MethamphetamineDaquel Jones, 35, IndianapolisPossession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Methamphetamine Dawud Quarles, 33, IndianapolisUnlawful Use of Communication FacilityLarry Craig, 54, Indianapolis Unlawful Use of Communication FacilityAccording to the indictment, Justin Veal, operating from within the Westville Correctional Facility in Westville, Indiana, led a drug‑trafficking organization responsible for distributing hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics across the Southern District of Indiana. At Veal’s direction, co‑conspirators Sade Butler of Indianapolis and Shawnlisa Nevels of Fort Wayne obtained methamphetamine, cocaine, Suboxone, and fentanyl from various suppliers and distributed the drugs to customers in Anderson, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and several other Indiana communities.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized the following contraband and proceeds of criminal activity:
- 13 firearms, including select-fire weapons with drum magazines
- 130 pounds of methamphetamine
- 550 grams of cocaine
- 241 grams of fentanyl
- 25 Suboxone Strips
- 1750 grams of synthetic cannabinoid (“spice”)
- Several thousand counterfeit fentanyl pills
- Heroin
- Cash
- A pill press with drug residue
- High-value jewelry
- 15 cell phones
- 2 vehicles
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Patrick Gibson, who are prosecuting this case.
This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. Crossroads HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Services, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indiana National Guard, Indiana State Police, HIDTA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Plainfield Police Department, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Tioga County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tristan Kovacs, age 22, of Waverly, New York, pled guilty on June 17, 2026, in federal court to sexual exploitation of a child and transportation of child pornography announced First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Kovacs admitted that in April of 2025, he produced a sexually explicit image of himself and a 10-year-old female child which Kovacs then uploaded to a pornographic website where other users could access and download the image.
The sexual exploitation charge against Kovacs carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in federal prison and maximum sentence of 30 years while the charge of transportation of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of five years and maximum sentence of 20 years. Both charges carry a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Kovacs will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Sentencing is currently scheduled for October 6, 2026, in Utica, New York before United States District Judge, Anthony J. Brindisi.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This defendant has finally admitted the reprehensible conduct he engaged in which included his victimization of a nine-year-old child. My office will now ensure the defendant spends decades in federal prison where he belongs. Let this be a message to others who target and exploit children: we will find you, we will charge you, and we will put you behind bars.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Kovacs’ depraved abuse caused irreparable trauma to the child he victimized. This plea ensures he will spend at least the next two decades in federal prison. This investigation should send a strong message to any predator looking to perpetuate the abuse of our most vulnerable that the FBI will find you and send you to prison where you belong.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the New York State Police with assistance from the Waverly New York Police Department and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Thirteen Indicted in Albany-Based Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jahquel Robertson, 31, of Albany, and twelve others were charged in April with participation in a large-scale bank fraud scheme involving over $1 million dollars in stolen checks, according to a fourteen-count indictment fully unsealed June 16th in the Northern District of New York.
The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Anthony Patrone, Special Agent in Charge (Acting) of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Matthew M. Modafferi, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
According to the indictment, Robertson, a/k/a “Jolly;” Nathaniel Williams, 35, of New York City; Anisa Marie Figueroa, 35, of Albany; Tyler Whittingham, 30, of New York City; Mishak Sam-Hinton, 29, of Newark, New Jersey; Britani Williams, 26, of North Adams, Massachusetts; Kedar Morton, 35, of Albany; Ray Hernandez, 28, of Albany; Slyvia Harris Thomas, 22, of Troy; Ladezma Scurry, 32, of Schenectady; Raheen Williams, 30, of Albany; Kaitlyn Thompson, 38, of Albany; and Emahnee Shelton, 28, of Schenectady, allegedly conspired to defraud various businesses, individuals, and financial institutions throughout the United States using stolen, forged and counterfeited financial instruments to fraudulently obtain money under the control of financial institutions.
As alleged, Robertson received more than $1,000,000 of checks stolen out of the mail by bribing a corrupt United States Postal Service employee. The USPS employee provided Robertson with checks that were originally mailed to or sent by individuals and businesses in the Northern District of New York. The indictment alleges that Robertson and his coconspirators then used personal identifying information and banking information of willing participants in the scheme to attempt to make fraudulent deposits of checks designed to appear identical to those stolen by the USPS employee. The defendants have been arraigned in Albany, New York over the last several weeks, and have been released on conditions pending trial before United States District Court Judge Anne M. Nardacci.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone said: “Jolly and his merry band of alleged co-conspirators attempted to defraud national financial institutions by depositing fraudulent checks into theirs and others bank accounts then quickly move to withdraw the funds. As alleged in the indictment, he bribed a public official to do so and committed a host of other federal crimes in the process. We will work quickly to seek justice against these defendants and are thankful for our legion of partners in this matter, including HSI, the USPS-OIG, and the NYSP.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone stated: “These charges describe a far-reaching bank fraud scheme that diverted more than a million dollars in stolen checks and victimized honest residents, businesses, and financial institutions that sustain our communities. HSI Albany remains firmly dedicated to uncovering and disrupting fraud schemes that prey on hardworking people and exploit the banking and mail systems for personal gain. Working in close coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, HSI continues to prioritize safeguarding the public and protecting the integrity of our financial systems."
“Postal Service employees hold positions of public trust, and allegations involving mail theft, check fraud, or bribery are taken seriously. The USPS OIG remains committed to working with our partners to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail and hold those who exploit it accountable. We appreciate the continued partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HSI, and the New York State Police.” Said Matthew M. Modafferi, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office USPS-OIG.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As alleged, these individuals concocted a scheme to engage in fraud and theft for the purpose of depriving unsuspecting individuals out of their rightfully owed money. Our members and law enforcement partners have once again removed deceptive criminals from our community, putting an end to fraudulent and dishonest acts. I applaud the work of all those involved for holding these bad actors accountable and pursuing a justice for the victims.”
The indictment further alleges that Robertson and his co-conspirators committed a variety of federal criminal violations, including bribing a public official, receipt of stolen mail, engaging in transactions in criminally derived property, use of fraudulent financial instruments, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. Not all defendants are alleged to have committed all crimes listed in the indictment.
The charges against Robertson, Figueroa, Whittingham, and Shelton, which include aggravated identity theft, carry a mandatory minimum of two years. The bank fraud conspiracy charges against all defendants carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of up to five years. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HSI, USPS-OIG, and New York State Police are investigating the case, with assistance from the Rensselaer Police Department, Cohoes Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force Charges Money Laundering Operation Tied to Nearly $3 Billion Dollar Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force Charges Money Laundering Operation Tied to Nearly $3 Billion Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme
Multi-Agency Operation Targeted International Network Accused of Laundering Proceeds from Health Care Fraud Scheme Built on Stolen Identities of Citizens from New Hampshire, Across New England, and the United States
CONCORD- U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announced today that two alleged associates of a Transnational Criminal Organization have been charged for their roles to launder proceeds of a nearly $3 billion dollar health care fraud scheme as part of the Justice Department’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges are the result of the partnership between the District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force and represent the single largest health care fraud-related money laundering prosecution in New Hampshire history.
“These charges expose the staggering scale of fraud and money laundering that Transnational Criminal Organizations are willing to inflict on our health care system and the people of New Hampshire. This was not a local scheme. It was a transnational operation that stole the identities of New England patients and doctors to defraud our health care system of nearly $3 billion in intended losses and then launder those proceeds internationally to escape detection. Working alongside the New England Strike Force, we tracked that money. The people of New England deserve a health care system free from this kind of exploitation, and my Office will continue to pursue these criminal networks when they target New Hampshire,” said Erin Creegan, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire.
According to court documents, Kakha Bendeliani, 48, and Goga Danelia, 37, both of the country of Georgia, were charged with conspiring to commit money laundering in connection with a nationwide health care fraud scheme in which nearly $3 billion in fraudulent claims were submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment (“DME”). As a result of the claims, Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurers paid at least approximately $12.5 million to Centennial Med Supply LLC (“Centennial”), a fraudulent DME company linked to Bendeliani and Danelia.
Both Bendeliani and Danelia allegedly laundered proceeds for the Transnational Criminal Organization that perpetuated the largest health care fraud intended loss case ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice, as uncovered by Operation Gold Rush. The Organization, based in Russia and elsewhere, orchestrated a multi-billion-dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme to target, exploit, and steal from Medicare, other government-sponsored health insurance programs, and private health insurance companies.
As alleged in charging documents, the fraudulent claims relied, in part, on the stolen identities of citizens from New Hampshire, across New England, and throughout the United States to justify the fraudulent billings. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including the elderly and disabled Americans, reported their concerns to Medicare and its contractors after receiving explanation of benefit forms that reflected them purportedly receiving DME that they did not in fact receive, that was purportedly prescribed by doctors whom they had never visited, and purportedly delivered from DME companies with which they were unfamiliar.
As further alleged, the Organization exploited the United States’ financial system by depositing insurance reimbursement checks from the fraud. The health care fraud proceeds were particularly susceptible to laundering because they originated from legitimate sources—Medicare and established private insurance carriers—giving the funds the initial appearance of legitimacy. To gain access to the United States’ financial system, the Organization deployed a range of tactics to circumvent internal controls at multiple banks and in some cases coordinated directly with associates employed at the banks, and, in doing so, exposed United States banks to substantial compliance risk.
As further alleged, to open financial accounts, the Organization armed its nominee owners, many of whom were not lawfully present in the United States, with false sale documentation and false corporate registration documents. This documentation falsely reflected that the nominee owners maintained beneficial ownership and control of various fraudulent DME companies. This disguised the true beneficial ownership and control of the companies and the financial accounts. Upon opening the financial accounts, the Organization funneled fraud proceeds from Medicare and other legitimate health care insurers into the accounts as seemingly “clean” money. From there, the Organization siphoned off the funds to shell companies and various banks overseas.
Surveillance showing Goga Danelia at a financial institution during the conspiracy
Surveillance showing Kakha Bendeliani at a financial institution during the conspiracy
“This transnational operation is accused of defrauding Medicare out of big money by using vulnerable patients, including many right here in New England, as pawns,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “The FBI would like to thank the hundreds of thousands of Americans who noticed that Medicare was being billed for catheters they either did not need, or did not receive, and reported it. By working together, we increase our chances of bringing those who fleece the U.S. government to justice.”
“Criminal efforts to steal billions from Medicare are, at their core, a direct theft from the pockets of America’s taxpayers,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “As alleged, these defendants helped launder millions in fraudulent Medicare proceeds overseas, and HHS-OIG will use every tool at our disposal to bring to justice those who participate in schemes that target federal health care programs.”
“These charges demonstrate the VA OIG’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of claims submitted to VA healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, the New England Strike Force, and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.”
“Millions of dollars that should have gone to patients with legitimate medical needs were siphoned away and sent to overseas accounts by this wide-ranging fraud scheme,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. “The FBI’s health care fraud teams will continue to expose the criminals illegally taking hard-earned money from American taxpayers.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, and Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and John W. Howard of the New England Strike Force.
The New England Strike Force, led by DOJ Assistant Chief Kevin Lowell, is a specialized white-collar enforcement team dedicated to investigating and prosecuting complex fraud schemes impacting the New England health care market. Leveraging sophisticated analytics and tools as well as financial-tracing techniques, the Strike Force partners with investigative agencies to target individuals and entities involved in criminal activity that undermines the integrity of the U.S. health care system and harms New England residents. Complementing its fraud-detection efforts, the Strike Force tracks and traces the flow of illicit funds laundered as a result of these schemes for seizure and forfeiture.
These charges are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 455 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes that involved over $6.5 billion in alleged fraud.
The charges are the result of investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Stafford man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing two women at an intelligence conferenceRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Stafford man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison following his conviction for sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, and making false statements.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in July 2022, Michael A. Dillard, 63, who at that time was Deputy Director of Facilities for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and a retired U.S. Army Colonel, attended an intelligence conference at a U.S. government facility in Williamsburg in July 2022. On July 27, 2022, Dillard sexually abused a victim who worked for him after he instructed her to follow him to his hotel room and assaulted her while impeding her from leaving his room. After she was able to leave, she reported Dillard’s abuse to a work colleague. Base police encountered another victim in Dillard’s hotel room early the next morning during a welfare check after colleagues reported that she did not appear at the conference. The victim was taken to the base clinic for care.
In 2023, the victims each filed EEOC complaints based upon Dillard’s actions. Dillard denied the complaints against him and provided a written statement in which he falsely stated that he had no sexual contact at all with the victims and that there was no physical activity of a sexual nature.
The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-47.
Springfield man convicted at trial of federal firearms and explosives chargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a dual U.S.-Jordanian citizen today on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm and improper storage of explosive materials.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on March 18, 2025, deputies with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) served a writ of eviction against Amer Taisir Zghailat Qaralleh, 42, at a residence in Springfield. Deputies observed several firearms in plain view. Deputies secured four firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun. When asked if there were any additional weapons inside the residence, Qarallah indicated there was another firearm in a backpack in the living room. Deputies located the backpack and found the firearm as well as four explosive devices.
The shotgun Qaralleh possessed was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.
Zghailat Qaralleh is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces up to 10 years in prison for possession of an unregistered firearm and up to a year in prison for improper storage of explosive materials. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated this case with assistance from FCSO.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Robert Strange are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-2.
South Carolina Man Convicted of Transporting a Minor Across State Lines for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Michael Holland, 37, a former resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty in federal court to transporting a minor across state lines with intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a). United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the results of the court proceedings today.
According to information presented in court, in November 2024, Holland traveled from his home in South Carolina to Jackson, Tennessee to pick up a 12-year-old girl that he had been communicating with over Snapchat for several months. After picking her up, Holland drove the minor back to his home in South Carolina. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were ultimately able to locate the minor at Holland’s residence.
The minor told investigators that Holland performed several sexual acts on her after they arrived at his home. A search of Holland’s cell phone corroborated the minor’s statements, as investigators located several photographs and videos on Holland’s phone which showed him engaging in various sexual acts with the minor at his residence.
This case is pending before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson. Holland is scheduled to be sentenced in September of this year. Holland is facing a mandatory-minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “This case demonstrates the horrifying danger posed by predators who lure, exploit, and abuse innocent children using social media and the internet. It also demonstrates our federal law enforcement partners’ outstanding abilities to track offenders and rescue victims. We will vigorously seek significant punishment for this sick and despicable offender, and any others like him.”
This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Columbia, South Carolina and Jackson, Tennessee. Anyone with additional information as to this case or concerning Holland is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or online at [email protected].
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
Jorge Monrroy, age 24, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court to 15 years’ imprisonment. On February 5, 2026, Monrroy pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.
At the plea hearing, Monrroy admitted that between June 30 and July 2, 2025, he sexually exploited a minor female. Monrroy admitted to providing alcohol to the minor, getting her intoxicated, recording a video of the two having sexual intercourse on the minor’s phone, and sending the video to himself. Evidence further showed that Monrroy received, possessed, and distributed child pornography.
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 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Monrroy to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Monrroy remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 25-4050.
Sidney Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Sidney man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for receiving child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Jeremy Grignon, 30, to five years in prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution.
According to court records, Grignon used online platforms, including Snap and the now-shuttered Omegle, to receive images and videos of minor females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the videos were sent from the minors themselves.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit–Special Victims investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
Second Federal Inmate Indicted Following Attack at Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Francisco Avalos, 28, an inmate in a Federal Correctional Institution, was indicted by a federal grand jury for accessory after the fact and possessing contraband in prison. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Avalos is the second person to be indicted for an alleged incident on April 18, 2024. Jose Melendez-Rivera was indicted by a federal grand jury for assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and possessing contraband in prison. Read more here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/federal-inmate-indicted-multiple-assault-charges-and-possession-contraband.
Avalos appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
The case was a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher C. Patterson and Eric Welch are 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.
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing a Threatening LetterRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – George Russell Isbell, Jr. (69, San Diego, California) has pleaded guilty to mailing a threatening communication. Isbell faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on or about September 18, 2025, Isbell mailed an angry, offensive, and threatening letter from San Diego, California to his victim, a media personality located in Tampa, Florida. In the letter, he referenced one of the victim’s friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who, tragically, had recently been murdered during a public engagement on a college campus. The letter went on to state:
“Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
Saipan Businessman Sentenced to 12 months Home Detention for Visa FraudRead the Press Release
SAIPAN, CNMI – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Angel Paras Cruz, Jr., age 82, was sentenced to three years of probation with the condition he serve 12 months in home detention, for Visa Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1546. The Court also imposed a $15,000 fine, $28,273.31 in restitution, and a mandatory $300 special assessment fee.
From August 2023 to January 2024, Cruz petitioned six workers from the Republic of the Philippines under the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) Visa Program. He provided the applicants, as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), false and misleading information relating to the applicants’ wages, work hours, compensation, and duties to be performed. Instead of adhering to the contracts and information provided on the I-129CW forms, Cruz used fear and intimidation to force the six CW-1 applicants to work above the 40-hour work week, demanding they work nights and weekends without pay, and forced them to live in unsafe and degrading conditions. Cruz also confiscated some of the workers’ passports and personal documents.
“The Department of Justice will fight any abuse of the CW-1 program,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Employers will be held accountable for exploiting lawful foreign workers. This case demonstrates our continuing commitment to combating fraud in our districts.”
“HSI investigates visa fraud and other crimes related to foreign travelers such as forced labor, drug smuggling, and human trafficking,” said CJ Ammons, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations. “Today’s sentencing underscores our commitment to identifying and dismantling groups that exploit U.S. trade, travel, and financial systems, and to ensuring those who violate the law are held accountable.”
“Protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents and the welfare of those who depend on them is central to the Diplomatic Security Service’s mission,” said Stephen F. Zagami, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Honolulu Resident Office. “The sentencing of Angel Cruz sends a strong deterrent message: those who abuse the visa system to exploit vulnerable workers will not be able to hide and will be held accountable. We commend the victims for coming forward and are proud to have played a role in bringing the individual who committed these heinous crimes to justice.”
“This case serves as a prime example of the strong relationship USCIS maintains with our law enforcement partners,” said USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler. “Through ongoing interagency cooperation and coordination, we were able to bring this case to a successful conclusion and hold this bad actor responsible for visa fraud. This outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to strengthening the American immigration system.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, with the assistance of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Saipan, DSS - Honolulu Resident Office, and USCIS.
Assistant United States Attorney Garth R. Backe, prosecuted this case in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Richland County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — David Omar Echevarria, 41, of Richland County has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug conspiracy.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the FBI learned that Echevarria was receiving cocaine shipments from Puerto Rico to North and South Carolina. Once the packages were received, Echevarria would distribute both small and large amounts of cocaine to local dealers. During their investigation, the FBI made several purchases of cocaine from Echevarria. In total, the FBI estimates that Echevarria distributed more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
United States District Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Echevarria to 120 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.###
Richford, VT Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
RUTLAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 25, 2026, Jeffrey Brown, 35, of Richford, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 36 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Brown previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in August of 2025, Brown was in regular disputes with his neighbors in Richford, Vermont. During one of the disputes, Brown pointed a handgun at his neighbor. Children were present during this armed confrontation. Brown is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony convictions for Harassment and Threatening which he received in Connecticut state courts.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt thanked the Vermont State Police and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their work in investigating the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles. Jeffrey Brown was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington — First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on May 20, 2026, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Robert Joseph McNabb, age 35, to 180 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to trafficking significant amounts of fentanyl while on federal supervision.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane Police Department identified a Mexico-based distribution network operating in the greater Spokane area. Through surveillance and vehicle tracking data, they identified a particular residence in Spokane Valley as a location where couriers for this organization would drop off large quantities of controlled substances for further distribution into the community. Messages located on a cell phone for one of the couriers identified Robert McNabb as the recipient of the drugs at that residence. The messages further indicated McNabb had just received approximately ½ kilogram of fentanyl powder in exchange for $18,000.
Investigators also learned of an active arrest warrant for McNabb’s multiple violations of his federal supervised release conditions. McNabb was previously convicted of distribution of methamphetamine in 2019 and served a 5-year federal sentence. He was released onto federal supervision in March of 2023 and, based upon this investigation, quickly returned to trafficking drugs.
On October 7, 2025, a search warrant was executed on residence where McNabb was living in the basement with a 16-year-old female, who later advised that she was McNabb’s girlfriend; she also advised that they used drugs together. In their shared bedroom, under the bed, law enforcement located approximately 450 grams (just short of ½ kilogram) of pressed fentanyl powder, a scale, and unused baggies to package the fentanyl. In a backpack on one side of the bed, law enforcement located a loaded firearm, U.S. Currency, and a wallet containing McNabb’s identification. On the other side of the bed, law enforcement located a pink backpack that contained high school paperwork.
First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said, “Our office takes peddling fentanyl and recidivism seriously. While some in the criminal justice system seize the opportunity to better their lives after serving their sentence, others, like McNabb, do not. McNabb is a repeat offender, who, while under court supervision, continued to traffic poison to our community – he also preyed on a child. This child should have never been exposed to an offender like McNabb, nor to the poison he peddled. McNabb, as a convicted felon, should never have possessed a firearm, but he did, exposing it and fentanyl to this child. My office will prosecute repeat offenders, especially dangerous ones like McNabb, and we will seek sentences that protect our community.”
“Robert McNabb showed a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of our community when he continued trafficking dangerous amounts of fentanyl even while under federal supervision,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence reflects DEA’s commitment to hold repeat offenders accountable and protect Americans from the deadly threat of fentanyl. Through Fentanyl Free America, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks and save lives.”
“This case is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement work together with a shared commitment to protecting our community. I am proud to recognize the exceptional work of the Spokane Police Department detectives and our law enforcement partners, whose persistence, professionalism, and attention to detail helped dismantle a dangerous drug trafficking operation and remove a significant amount of fentanyl from our streets. Their dedication and the collaboration with the USAO continue to make Spokane a safer place for everyone.”
For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
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2:18-CR-00045-TOR-1Repeat Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Hector Delacruz, 36, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Krissa M. Lanham to concurrent prison sentences of 300 months and 120 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The underlying convictions stem from Delacruz’s involvement in a conspiracy focused on the sale of more than 19 pounds of methamphetamine in West Phoenix on September 26, 2023. On October 20, 2025, a federal jury convicted Delacruz for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The jury also found that Delacruz had committed two prior serious drug offenses.
“Delacruz’s 25-year sentence reflects his repeated disregard for the law and the devasting effects that methamphetamine inflicts on individuals, families, and communities across America,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the DEA and local enforcement agencies, will continue the fight to dismantle organizations that distribute these deadly drugs into our communities.”
“In protecting our communities, DEA Arizona is never out of the fight and will continue to be tenacious in dismantling organizations that are distributing these deadly drugs,” said Apolonio Ruiz, Jr., DEA Phoenix Special Agent in Charge.
“This sentence sends a clear message: those who endanger our communities will be held accountable,” said William Mack, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Office. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state, and local counterparts—and by leveraging our unique technical and investigative capabilities—we remain committed to bringing to justice those who threaten the safety of the people of Arizona.”
“Violent crime and Illicit drug trafficking go hand-in-hand,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge A. J. Gibes. "This significant sentence exemplifies how our combined partnerships give us the collective power to target, convict, and remove violent criminals from our communities and hold them accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Glendale Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01374-002-PHX
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-109_Delacruz# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty today to uploading and sharing child sexual abuse material with other users on an internet-based social media platform.
According to court documents, Daniel Roy Saringo distributed child sexual abuse material to other users on a social media platform. A forensic analysis of his digital devices revealed a collection of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices, including cell phones and a laptop.
“This defendant chose to perpetuate horrific abuse against children, and his actions represent a complete betrayal of our most fundamental standards of decency,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah. “Every image he shared further violated a real child. This conduct is intolerable, and those who engage in it will be met with the full force of federal prosecution. Our office will relentlessly pursue the toughest charges and the longest sentences the law allows for anyone who exploits a child. Protecting the most vulnerable in our community is non negotiable.”
“Saringo facilitated the distribution of child sexual abuse material, thereby fueling demand for child exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “While prosecution cannot undo the harm inflicted on the victims or remove its traces from the Internet, our investigating team, along with partner law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, is committed to preventing harm to vulnerable children. This case was part of the FBI's Operation Relentless Justice and underscores our dedication to holding offenders fully accountable for their crimes.”
Saringo was previously convicted of statutory sexual seduction in Clark County, Nevada. In this case, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 15, 2026, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison with a qualifying prior conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is a result of the FBI’s Operation Relentless Justice, a nationwide coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. In December 2025, over the course of two weeks, the crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country.
This case is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Recidivist Sex Offender Charged in Connection with Sex-Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A recidivist sex offender faces indictment, today, for committing sex-trafficking crimes against two minor victims.
Lorenzo Turner, 43, of Washington D.C., is charged with two counts of sex trafficking a minor; two counts of transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and commission of a felony crime involving a minor by a registered sex offender.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to the indictment, beginning in May 2024, and continuing through July 2024, Turner recruited, enticed, harbored, and transported Minor Victim 1, who was under the age of 18 years, to engage in commercial sex acts. The indictment further alleges that beginning in July 2024, and continuing through August 2024, Turner sex trafficked Minor Victim 2, who was also under the age of 18 years.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
If convicted, Turner faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison for each count of sex trafficking a minor through force, fraud, or coercion; a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life for each count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and a mandatory 10 years consecutive to any other sentence for the commission of a felony crime involving a minor by a registered sex offender.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is 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 the United States Attorney’s 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI and BPD for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maryam Zhuravitsky and Reema Sood who are prosecuting 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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Presque Isle Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking and Enticement OffensesRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Presque Isle man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to attempted sex trafficking of a minor, enticement of a minor and attempted enticement of a minor.
According to court records, in 2024, Joseph Maile, 27, used the social media platform Snap to proposition minors for sexual images and to offer money in exchange for sex with minors.
Maile faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime 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 investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
Portage County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
AKRON, Ohio – A 33-year-old man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of sending and receiving child pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM).
Joshua Whan, of Kent, pleaded guilty to the following charges in the indictment:
- Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
- Transportation of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
Chief Judge Sara Lioi accepted Whan’s plea June 23.
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, in February 2026 federal agents were notified by the Streetsboro Police Department of suspected CSAM online activity occurring in Portage County. Investigators identified Whan and they learned that he regularly engaged with others through social media platforms and online forums to share CSAM and discuss his sexual interest in boys. In one conversation he indicated that he was visiting Disney World to “check out all the hot kxds (sic) while walking the parks.” Investigators seized Whan’s electronic devices during a search warrant execution at his residence. A forensic analysis of the content of the devices determined that they contained more than 2,100 images and 600 videos that depicted mostly male children, including toddlers, being raped and sexually abused.
Whan is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI Akron Resident Agency, the Streetsboro Police Department, the Kent Police Department, and the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Kane for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/PSC.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Old Forge Man Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Festino, age 66, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Julia K. Munley to money laundering.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, beginning in or about December 2024 and continuing through July 2025, Festino, a former field engineer employed by a multi-national telecommunications company, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain telecommunications equipment owned by his employer and resell the property to third-party buyers. Festino advertised the sale of stolen equipment via the internet, including on eBay. In total, Festino received approximately $434,550 in his personal bank accounts from the sales of stolen equipment. During the scheme, Festino conducted a series of financial transactions involving the fraudulently obtained funds, including withdrawing large sums of cash and purchasing a new vehicle for $41,000. Festino’s former employer estimates that the value of the stolen equipment is approximately $2.2 million.
The matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Northern California Man Pleads Guilty to Years-Long Securities Fraud Spoofing SchemeRead the Press Release
A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in more than 3,000 instances of manipulative trading and spoofing during a years-long scheme to manipulate the securities markets.
According to court documents, Mingran Wang, 52, of Fremont, California, orchestrated a scheme to defraud market participants using spoofing from 2021 through 2024. Spoofing is the manipulative trading tactic of placing a non-bona fide order, with the intent to cancel the order before it is executed, to give the false appearance of genuine supply or demand to other investors and move the price in the spoofer’s favor. Wang marketed himself as the founder and investment manager of Greenroots Capital Management, with extensive knowledge and trading experience, including algorithmic trading. The purpose of the scheme was for Wang to enrich himself by purchasing and selling illiquid and thinly traded securities through trading techniques he knew were manipulative and deceptive. These thinly traded securities were often traded in low volumes with limited numbers of interested buyers and sellers, which could lead to volatile changes in price when a transaction occurred. Using multiple accounts that he controlled, Wang manipulated the market and engaged in spoof trading to move prices in his favor on both the buy and sell sides.
To carry out his spoofing scheme, Wang coordinated trades between multiple securities accounts at different brokerage firms. Each spoof order that Wang placed was a non-bona fide order that he made to move the market price to benefit his own trading on the opposite side of the market. After Wang executed his desired bona fide orders on the opposite side of the market and profited, he canceled his spoof orders. Wang engaged in more than 3,000 instances of manipulative trading and spoofing.
Wang pleaded guilty to one count of using interstate commerce for the purpose of securities fraud and agreed to forfeit over $1.3 million in securities fraud proceeds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30 in the Northern District of California and faces a maximum penalty of five 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 and Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.
USPIS is investigating the case. The Justice Department appreciates the substantial assistance of FINRA’s Market Abuse Unit.
Acting Assistant Chief Matthew Reilly and Trial Attorney Amanda Lingwood of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
North Little Rock Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft of More Than $330,000 in Illegally Obtained Unemployment Benefits from Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Kembreia Deija Mystic Greer, who filed and received unemployment benefits from multiple states that she was not entitled to receive, will spend 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
On June 3, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Greer, 30, of North Little Rock, in an Indictment charging her with 22 counts of wire fraud. On January 21, 2026, Greer pleaded guilty to Count 22 of the Indictment. Judge Moody also sentenced Greer to one year of supervised release and ordered Greer to pay $334,441.62 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act provided additional federal assistance to states to help workers impacted by COVID-19. This also enabled workers who would not ordinarily be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits to receive assistance. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was one of three new temporary unemployment insurance programs created under the CARES Act. This specific program enabled certain qualified claimants to receive up to 39 weeks of benefits.
At the time Greer began her employment at a medical facility in December 2019, she resided in Little Rock. On October 29, 2020, Greer was terminated from her position at the medical facility. An investigation revealed that on July 13, 2020, Greer electronically filed an application for benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. During the investigation it was determined that the IP address used to submit the application electronically was associated with a phone number belonging to an account established by Greer. She received from the State of Massachusetts a total of approximately $15,795 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits.
Further investigation revealed that between June 30, 2020, and September 14, 2020, Greer submitted applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in her name and other people’s names to multiple state work force agencies, including California, Texas, Alabama, Illinois, and others. Except Arkansas, Greer never worked or resided in the states where she applied for unemployment benefits. As a result of Greer’s conduct, in total more than $330,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits were issued.
“Greer exploited federal assistance programs that were established to support individuals and businesses facing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and used those resources for personal gain. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains committed to protecting public funds and preserving the integrity of the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General for their partnership and dedication throughout this investigation,” said Inspector in Charge Kai Pickens, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Fort Worth Division.
“Greer brazenly stole funds meant to support vulnerable Americans through difficult times. Her guilty plea and sentencing underscore our unwavering determination to pursue fraud wherever it hides,” said Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor. “If you attempt to defraud the system, know this: we will hunt you down, investigate you and ensure you face full consequences. Accountability is not an option.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
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North Kansas City Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A North Kansas City, Mo., man has been charged by criminal complaint for distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a felon.
Danny D. Garrett, Jr., 46, appeared in federal court on a nine-count complaint earlier today.
According to court documents, Garrett distributed methamphetamine and cocaine on multiple occasions from May through June of 2026. On June 24, 2026, law enforcement served a federal search warrant at Garrett’s apartment and seized an additional 4.42 kilograms of methamphetamine, 323 grams of cocaine, and three firearms.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Collins and Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Kansas City Mo Police Department, with the assistance of North Kansas City Police Department and Olathe Police Department.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to More than Two Years in Prison for Conspiracy Related to Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 28 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release in connection with his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Robert Craig, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty on June 25, 2025, to conspiring to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos.”
According to court documents, Craig used encrypted chat applications to share and discuss obscene videos of monkeys being tortured and sexually abused. According to a statement of facts signed by Craig, the videos in question included numerous depictions of extreme violence and torture against monkeys that had been specifically requested by the defendant and his co-conspirators.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office, and Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Non-Profit Executive Sentenced to Three Years of Probation for Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ZOE MARIE FRANCIS (“FRANCIS”), age 47, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 24, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A), to three years of probation, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
According to court documents, FRANCIS was the chief operating officer of the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (“IWES”), a non-profit organization based in New Orleans that received grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal funds. In that role, FRANCIS embezzled funds for the benefit of herself and family members, including unauthorized expenditures for personal events and Amazon purchases. Using her authority with IWES, FRANCIS used falsified contracts to hide these expenses and invoices, and she granted herself unauthorized pay increases.
On January 7, 2026, FRANCIS pleaded guilty before Judge Milazzo to Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A). Under the terms of FRANCIS’s plea agreement, FRANCIS agreed to pay at least $100,000 in restitution to IWES, and she also agreed to forfeit at least $150,000 in IWES funds that she spent on unauthorized expenses.
On June 24, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced FRANCIS to three years of probation, twelve months of home detention and payment of a $100 special assessment fee .
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services in investigating this matter. Trial Attorney Gary A. Crosby II of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
New York City Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Multi-State Prescription Fraud RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – On June 15, 2026, Ciera Washington, age 35, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. Washington’s guilty plea followed the creation of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Washington admitted that from April 2023 through October 2024, she worked with Raven White, Bryan Otero, and others to steal the personally identifiable information of Medicaid beneficiaries and use that information to fraudulently obtain prescription medications from pharmacies throughout the Northeastern United States. She further admitted that the conspiracy causes a loss of nearly $4 million to the New York Medicaid program and tens of thousands of dollars to pharmacies. Washington agreed to forfeit over $400,000 in proceeds she obtained in connection with her crimes and to consent to an order of restitution for the losses they caused.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said “Healthcare fraud is theft from both the taxpayers and the vulnerable individuals these programs are designed to serve. This office is committed to pursuing individuals such as Ms. Washington who abuse public benefit programs for personal gain. Working alongside our partners, we will continue to root out fraud and recover stolen funds for the American People.”
“Americans suffer when criminals like Ms. Washington and her co-defendants defraud government programs. This investigation proves the FBI will not stand by while deceptive individuals compromise invaluable programs designed to help our citizens who need it most.” Said Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge Albany FBI.
“This egregious fraud committed by the defendant is hazardous in several ways. Actions like hers can harm Medicaid beneficiaries by violating their benefits and privacy information, harm the Medicaid program by driving up costs for prescriptions that were not legitimate, and harm the public through the diversion of prescription medication outside of legitimate drug channels,” stated Naomi D. Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We appreciate our strong collaborative partnership with both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Comptroller’s Office to root out this type of fraud within HHS programs.”At sentencing on October 14, 2026, Washington faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the fraud count and a mandatory term of 2 years on the aggravated identity theft count, which must run consecutive to any term imposed on the fraud count. She also faces a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
The FBI, HHS-OIG, and the New York State Comptroller’s Office are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 455 Defendants Charged in Connection with over $6.5 Billion in Alleged FraudRead the Press Release
Today, United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida announced criminal charges against 12 defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP), and private insurers. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from schemes involving over $4 billion dollars in fraudulent claims for DME, skin substitutes and wound care products, laboratory testing, and community mental health services that were medically unnecessary, procured by kickbacks to marketers and beneficiaries, and not provided, some of which involved transnational criminal organization activity and significant patient harm and risk to public safety.
"Health care fraud isn't just fraud, it's stealing from every American taxpayer. This Department of Justice is no longer satisfied with chasing stolen money after it's gone,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones. “We're using data to detect suspicious claims earlier, prevent fraudulent payments whenever possible, seize the proceeds of fraud, and bring those responsible before the courts. If you choose to exploit our health care system for personal gain, expect to lose your money, your assets, and your freedom."
“Health care fraud is more than a financial crime. Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar diverted from patient care, medical services, and programs that millions of Americans depend upon. The impact is felt not only in government-funded health care programs, but throughout the entire health care system,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami. “The FBI and our partners work tirelessly to investigate health care fraud, but we cannot do it alone. If you believe you have information related to healthcare fraud or someone you know may have been a victim, file a complaint at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.”
“In the far-reaching enforcement action announced today, the HHS Inspector General’s Office and our law enforcement partners effectively shut down an expansive array of alleged high-dollar, corrosive health care fraud schemes and are bringing those we believe responsible to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Simply put, fraudsters who exploit Medicare and Medicaid patients and jeopardize these safety net health care programs to enrich themselves will be held accountable for their crimes.”
“Medicaid is your tax dollars meant to help sick children, disabled adults, and struggling families get the doctor visits, therapy, and daily care they need. When someone cheats the system, they steal from the very people who need it most,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. “My office will keep working with our state and federal law enforcement partners to protect your taxpayer dollars so they work for the people who need it—not the cheaters.”
The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones 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. This 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.
This 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 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 individuals were charged in the Southern District of Florida in connection with the following types of health care fraud schemes:
Fraudulent Wound Care Schemes
Casilda Muniz Rodriguez, 57, of Hialeah, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the government in connection with her role setting up clinics in South Florida that fraudulently billed Medicare for over $117 million for skin substitutes and wound care products that were never provided. Muniz Rodriguez worked with the clinics’ true owners to set up the clinics and fraudulently listed only the names of nominee owners on the paperwork enrolling the clinics with Medicare. Muniz Rodriguez set up at least 11 of these fraudulent clinics, and Medicare paid over $55 million based on the clinics’ fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Acting Assistant Chief Jil Simon and Trial Attorney Emmanuel Hampton of the Florida Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sally Molloy and Jacqueline DerOvanesian for the Southern District of Florida.
In this Takedown, the Department announced the seizure of over $27 million in fraudulent Medicare payments in the Southern District of Florida as part of a data-driven effort to target “bust-out schemes” involving 12 clinics that billed Medicare millions of dollars for skin substitutes and wound care products that were never provided to patients. This novel and proactive “follow and seize the money” approach maximized recovery of stolen taxpayer dollars.
Schemes Posing Significant Patient Harm and Risk to Public Safety
Dr. Jason Finkelstein, 53, of Fort Worth, Texas, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and health care fraud, in connection with an $89 million cardiovascular testing scheme. As alleged in the indictment, Finkelstein, a board-certified cardiologist licensed in 48 states, was the medical director of a cardiovascular testing company, Company 1, that conducted cardiovascular tests on student athletes at school campuses across the United States. Finkelstein conspired with others to use two companies that he owned, Cardiovascular Testing Services PA and Cardiovascular Healthcare Associates PA, to submit approximately $89 million in false and fraudulent claims to private and public insurers for cardiovascular tests conducted by Company 1, of which approximately $13.1 million was paid. As alleged in the indictment, Finkelstein was the only referring/ordering provider for Company 1’s claims, but he did not conduct any clinical examination to determine whether the student athletes had a clinical diagnosis that warranted the cardiovascular tests. Despite this, the claims fraudulently included false diagnoses for student athletes to induce the insurance companies to pay for the tests. The claims also falsely stated that Finkelstein was the reviewing provider for the tests, when, in fact, he signed and approved the cardiovascular test results within a few seconds of accessing the tests. In October 2024, Finkelstein signed the cardiovascular tests of one student athlete as “normal” even though some of the tests included unconfirmed interpretations noting potential cardiovascular abnormalities. Approximately 24 days later, the student died from sudden cardiac arrest while exercising with his basketball team. Even though Finkelstein was informed of the student’s death, Finkelstein did not change his practice of signing and approving the cardiovascular test results without meaningfully reviewing them, and Cardiovascular Testing Services PA and Cardiovascular Healthcare Associates PA continued to bill insurers for those tests. In connection with today’s announcement, HHS-OIG separately issued a consumer alert to inform student athletes, family members, and the public about cardiovascular testing scams. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Aisha Schafer Hylton of the Florida Strike Force.
Eduardo Javier Ibarra Arrowsmith, 61, of Miami, was charged by criminal complaint with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to fraudulently certify naturalization applicants as disabled in order to exempt them from the English language and civics requirements of the U.S. citizenship naturalization test. As alleged in the complaint, Ibarra, a Cuban national and convicted felon posing as a licensed medical doctor, impersonated a deceased Miami-Dade neurologist and used that doctor’s credentials — including his name, National Provider Identifier number, and Florida medical license number — to fraudulently complete and sign at least 34 USCIS Form N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, resulting in 14 naturalization applicants obtaining U.S. citizenship without completing the required testing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Dorman for the Southern District of Florida.
Transnational Organizations and International Cooperation
Ibrahim Hilmi, 58, of Miami, was charged by indictment with health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and money laundering, in connection with a $3.76 billion health care fraud scheme. As alleged in the indictment, Hilmi was involved in the operation of ABRH Care, Inc., and Sunshine Senior Solutions LLC, two entirely fraudulent durable medical equipment companies that submitted claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers for billions of dollars of medical equipment and wound dressings that the companies never provided. Hilmi used his control of Sunshine Senior Solutions’ corporate bank accounts to deposit the proceeds of these fraudulent claims into those accounts, and to wire millions of dollars of fraud proceeds out of the United States to a foreign entity located in Hong Kong. In total, ABRH and Sunshine Senior Solutions submitted at least $3.76 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers, but only approximately $5.7 million was deposited into ABRH and Sunshine Senior Solutions bank accounts. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Claire Horrell of the Florida Strike Force.
Giorgi Kimeridze, 43, a national of the country of Georgia, was charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with his role in a multi-billion-dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme to target, exploit, and steal from Medicare, which was uncovered through Operation Gold Rush. As alleged in the complaint, Kimeridze participated in the laundering of fraud proceeds obtained from at least two durable medical equipment (DME) companies that were part of the health care fraud scheme. Together the DME companies billed Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurers, Medicare Advantage Organizations, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) more than $1 billion, of which approximately $4.9 million was paid. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Claire Horrell of the Florida Strike Force and Leonid Sandlar of the Northeast Strike Force.
DME and Laboratory Testing Schemes
Laura Seiler-Anstett, 55, of Coral Springs, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and health care fraud, in connection with a $58.3 million DME scheme. As alleged in the indictment, Seiler-Anstett, a biller and consultant, submitted and conspired with others to submit approximately $58.3 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, of which approximately $30 million was paid. The fraudulent claims were for orthotic braces that were medically unnecessary, ineligible for reimbursement, and procured through the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes. The fraudulent claims were submitted to Medicare on behalf of fourteen DME supply companies. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Aisha Schafer Hylton of the Florida Strike Force.
Rajiv Shah, 65, of Palm Beach Gardens, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and health care fraud, in connection with an over $64 million scheme to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary DME. As alleged in the indictment, Shah, as the owner and operator of ACC-Q Data, LLC, a medical billing company, conspired with owners and operators of DME companies to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare. Medicare paid over $23 million based on those claims. Shah advised the DME companies how to avoid scrutiny from Medicare for the medically unnecessary DME and how to conceal the fraudulent nature of these claims. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jody King of the Florida Strike Force.
Anthony Tursi, 39, of Boynton Beach, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks in connection with a $62 million scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic testing. As alleged in the information, Tursi owned a call center through which he sold doctors’ orders for genetic tests to laboratories by running deceptive telemarketing campaigns to persuade the Medicare beneficiaries to agree to the tests. His call center then would “doctor chase” the beneficiaries’ physicians to sign orders for the tests by sending them faxes containing false, fraudulent, and misleading representations designed to induce them into ordering the tests. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Reginald Cuyler Jr. of the Florida Strike Force.
Medicaid Fraud
Yilian Cruz, 36, of Miami Lakes, Inti Cruz, 55, of Miami Lakes, and Adaimis Perez Arencibia, 39, of Miami, were charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme involving over $1 million in fraudulently obtained Medicaid reimbursements for PSR services. As alleged in the informations, the Cruzes were the married co-owners of De La Cruz Mental Health LLC (De La Cruz), a Miami mental health clinic where Perez Arencibia worked as a therapist. The Cruzes worked with other co-conspirators to pay illegal kickbacks to elderly Medicaid beneficiaries in order to recruit them as patients and trained therapists, including Perez Arencibia, to implement a false and fraudulent policy that permitted elderly patients to attend only two of their scheduled four PSR days per week while falsely signing attendance sheets reflecting attendance on all four days despite knowing that patients attended only two days. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Dorman for the Southern District of Florida.
Rene Yartu Couceiro, 57, of Miami, was charged by information with conspiracy to make false statements relating to health care matters in connection with a Medicaid and Medicare fraud scheme involving a Miami mental health clinic’s payment of “donations” in the form of cash payments to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries for agreeing to receive psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy that was not all provided as represented. As alleged in the information, Couceiro was a therapist who conducted group mental health therapy sessions for patients who were expected to attend therapy sessions approximately four days per week. More than half of his patients allegedly were permitted to attend only some of their scheduled therapy sessions while still signing attendance records for all four scheduled therapy days. During an audio/video-recorded meeting with a cooperating patient, Couceiro had the patient sign an attendance record for TMS therapy when the patient had not received therapy on that day. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Dorman for the Southern District of Florida.
As discussed above, $27,425,929 of health care fraud proceeds were seized pursuant to seizure warrants and civil forfeiture complaints from bank accounts belonging to 12 different clinics in South Florida: Always Medical Center Corp., Caso Quality East Corp., CRC Management, Envy South Florida Medical Center, H Services Corp., Hamilton State Inc., Medmed 137 Inc., Miami Special Care, Nakelly Medical Center Corp., Pronto Medical Center, Theron Medical Center LLC, and VCG Best Services. The seizure warrants and civil forfeiture complaints allege that the clinics were “bust outs” — billing Medicare for amniotic wound allografts and services that were never provided. The seizure initiative is being led by Acting Assistant Chiefs Jil Simon and Keith Clouser, and Trial Attorney Owen Dunn, of the Florida Strike Force, Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sally Molloy, Elizabeth Young, Gabrielle Charest-Turken, Nadya Cheatham, Sandra Demirci, Daren Grove, Mitch Hyman, and Brian Zack of the Southern District of Florida.
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 Virginia participated in the investigation of the federal cases announced.
Descriptions of each case involved in the enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The civil forfeiture complaints for the Southern District of Florida are available here.
Prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Economic Crimes and Cyber Frauds Section and the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division comprise the Florida Strike Force and worked with the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: the HHS-OIG; FBI; Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); the Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; IRS; DEA; and Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
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.
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Missouri Woman Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation; Ordered to Repay Lottery Scam VictimsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine on Thursday sentenced a Missouri woman who aided scammers by acting as a money mule to three years of probation and ordered her to repay $1.97 million to victims.
Victims of the scam were contacted by phone or text and told that they had won a lottery but needed to prepay “taxes” and “fees” to “intermediates” and “merchant bankers.” If victims didn’t have enough liquid assets to pay the taxes and fees, conspirators told them to obtain reverse mortgages and home equity loans. Sharon Dolisi, 79, moved more than $1.9 million in proceeds of the fraud through her accounts. She deposited cashier’s checks and personal checks from 28 victims into her personal bank accounts from about April 21, 2023, to June 11, 2025. Less than a week after her first deposit, one bank closed her account. On Oct. 28, 2024, Dolisi lied when she told law enforcement officials that she was not receiving money from or sending money to other people. Four days later, in response to an inquiry by bank representatives about three large cash withdrawals totaling $64,500, Dolisi falsely claimed that she buys and sells gold. On June 27, 2025, Dolisi told a bank representative that she immediately needed $54,000 in cash to buy gold and collectibles.
Dolisi supplied debit cards to co-conspirators in Jamaica, who used those debit cards to withdraw victims’ money.
Dolisi, of Phelps County near St. James, pleaded guilty in March in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
“Sharon Dolisi engaged in a scheme where she accepted and transmitted money that was provided by vulnerable elderly victims under false pretenses,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (OIG). “As a result of this scheme, many elderly victims lost their entire life savings. HUD OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to diligently pursue and hold accountable those who take advantage of vulnerable members of our communities.”“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners, Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others in order to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims, including those most vulnerable,” said Inspector in Charge, Nicholas Bucciarelli, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Domicile Office.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking and Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Causing DeathRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 23, 2026, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Damien D. Gambrell (age 44) to 240 months’ imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death.
According to court records, in 2022, Gambrell exploited two adult victims by manipulating their vulnerabilities, isolating them, and using threats and violence to compel them to engage in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit. Gambrell transported his victims to multiple locations where he advertised them, arranged prostitution dates for them, and collected the money they earned, including in Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and various cities in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
Gambrell also directed a fentanyl distribution operation in the Green Bay area in 2024. Evidence showed that Gambrell supplied fentanyl to distributors working on his behalf and directed their sales through electronic communications. One of those distributors sold fentanyl, sourced from Gambrell, to a female victim who died of a fentanyl overdose on May 25, 2024.
“This case demonstrates how the commercial sex trade in this day and age is rife with shocking violence, manipulation, drug abuse and abject fear,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel. “This is what so-called ‘prostitution’ looks like. It is neither innocent nor harmless, and those who drive the demand for commercial sex fuel this evil and share the blame. This defendant is a dangerous career criminal who has been in and out of jail and prison since he was 17. He profited off the misery he inflicted on the women he trafficked and the suffering he caused through the drugs he delivered into our communities. The only way we can be safe from him is to put in prison.”
"Human trafficking and the distribution of fentanyl is a scourge in our communities and Damien Gambrell engaged in both. He is a repeat criminal offender who trafficked women through coercive means across multiple states for his own financial benefit," said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. "He also directed a drug trafficking enterprise which distributed fentanyl. This 20-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses committed by Gambrell. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat both human and drug trafficking in our communities."
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Green Bay Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica Lounsberry and Alex Duros.
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For further information contact:Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Mexican National Indicted and Arrested on "Kingpin" Drug Trafficking Charges from Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Jorge Luis Castro-Mercado, 51, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, was arrested earlier this month by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nogales Special Agents as he tried to cross the border into the United States from Mexico. Castro-Mercado faces federal charges related to drug trafficking from an indictment in March.
On March 11, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a 12-count indictment against Castro-Mercado, for operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Import Fentanyl and Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments; three counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Aiding and Abetting; three counts of Importation of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Aiding and Abetting, and Importation of Methamphetamine.
The indictment alleges that Castro-Mercado was a principal leader of a drug trafficking enterprise that involved the importation and distribution of dangerous drugs into the United States from Mexico. The law that prohibits the operation of a continuing criminal enterprise is known as the “kingpin” statute. As charged in the indictment, this crime carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison.
This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF Tucson comprises agents and officers from HSI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Tucson Police Department, Pima County Sheriff's Office, Oro Valley Police Department, Marana Police Department, and Arizona HIDTA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Lizano, District of Arizona, is handling the prosecution.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 26-CR-01041-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-108_Castro-Mercado# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Memphis Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Larry Wilson, also known as “L,” 36, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison following his conviction for RICO conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilson admitted to attempting to commit and committing a robbery and distributing methamphetamine as part of a pattern of racketeering activity for Young Mob, a Memphis-based gang founded in 2007. In June 2024, Wilson and multiple other members and associates of Young Mob robbed at gunpoint three customers at a Memphis tattoo shop. Wilson also distributed and conspired to distribute methamphetamine with other Young Mob members.
From March 14, 2024, until June 13, 2024, by court order, investigators monitored wire and electronic communications between Wilson and other Young Mob members. Intercepted communications revealed that Wilson and certain Young Mob members were conspiring to distribute and distributing large quantities of controlled substances to include fentanyl and methamphetamine. Those communications also revealed that Wilson and other Young Mob members were committing acts of violence as part of a pattern of racketeering activity.
On June 11, 2024, Wilson, and certain Young Mob members, to include Braxton Beck, also known as “B Mack,” attempted to rob a customer at the Therapeutic Ink tattoo shop in Memphis. When investigators learned of the plot, they dispatched Memphis Police Department (MPD) marked units to the tattoo shop to prevent the robbery attempt. The MPD deployment succeeded and the Young Mob co-conspirators abandoned their plan.
The next day Wilson, Beck, and others learned that the same customer had returned to the tattoo shop and a second robbery plot was hatched. Investigators again dispatched MPD marked units to the tattoo shop. Investigators believed that the second deployment succeeded in preventing the robbery, but later learned that Wilson, Beck and others returned to the tattoo shop after MPD units left the area. Wilson and Beck, both armed with firearms, stormed the tattoo shop and robbed three individuals, including the customer who was the target of the original plot.
Young Mob gang insignia seized during warrant search of co-defendant Brian Lackland’s house.
Beck previously pleaded guilty to his role in the tattoo shop robbery as part of the RICO conspiracy. On May 12, 2026, Beck was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division made the announcement.
The ATF and the Memphis Police Department and Multiagency Gang Unit (MGU) are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in Memphis.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Larry Wilson, also known as “L,” 36, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison following his conviction for RICO conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilson admitted to attempting to commit and committing a robbery and distributing methamphetamine as part of a pattern of racketeering activity for Young Mob, a Memphis-based gang founded in 2007. In June 2024, Wilson and multiple other members and associates of Young Mob robbed at gunpoint three customers at a Memphis tattoo shop. Wilson also distributed and conspired to distribute methamphetamine with other Young Mob members.
From March 14, 2024, until June 13, 2024, by court order, investigators monitored wire and electronic communications between Wilson and other Young Mob members. Intercepted communications revealed that Wilson and certain Young Mob members were conspiring to distribute and distributing large quantities of controlled substances to include fentanyl and methamphetamine. Those communications also revealed that Wilson and other Young Mob members were committing acts of violence as part of a pattern of racketeering activity.
On June 11, 2024, Wilson, and certain Young Mob members, to include Braxton Beck, also known as “B Mack,” attempted to rob a customer at the Therapeutic Ink tattoo shop in Memphis. When investigators learned of the plot, they dispatched Memphis Police Department (MPD) marked units to the tattoo shop to prevent the robbery attempt. The MPD deployment succeeded and the Young Mob co-conspirators abandoned their plan.
The next day Wilson, Beck, and others learned that the same customer had returned to the tattoo shop and a second robbery plot was hatched. Investigators again dispatched MPD marked units to the tattoo shop. Investigators believed that the second deployment succeeded in preventing the robbery, but later learned that Wilson, Beck and others returned to the tattoo shop after MPD units left the area. Wilson and Beck, both armed with firearms, stormed the tattoo shop and robbed three individuals, including the customer who was the target of the original plot.
Young Mob gang insignia seized during warrant search of co-defendant Brian Lackland’s house.Beck previously pleaded guilty to his role in the tattoo shop robbery as part of the RICO conspiracy. On May 12, 2026, Beck was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division made the announcement.
The ATF and the Memphis Police Department and Multiagency Gang Unit (MGU) are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in Memphis.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for trafficking firearms.
Joshua Morency, 28, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 78 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2026, Morency pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of possessing a machinegun. Morency was arrested and charged in November 2025.
In August 2025, an investigation of Morency began for unlawfully distributing firearms in the Boston area. Over the course of the investigation, Morency sold 17 firearms in undercover controlled purchases. The majority of the firearms purchased from Morency were 3D-printed, privately made firearms (commonly known as “ghost guns”).
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department and the Suffolk County and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Handgun and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Webster, Massachusetts, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Jonathan Bethune (a/k/a “Lord Smitty”), 40, to 111 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Bethune pleaded guilty on January 7, 2025.
According to court records, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a search warrant at Bethune’s Biddeford residence. From a safe, agents recovered a loaded pistol, several baggies of cocaine, approximately 159 grams of cocaine, and $6,820 in cash. Agents also recovered additional firearms from the residence. Bethune possessed the pistol to protect himself, his drugs, and his drug proceeds. Bethune was a convicted felon at the time and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
HSI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
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Maryland Man Sentenced to 35-Year Prison Term for Vehicular Homicide and Assault in December of 2022Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Spiro Stafilatos, 39, of Silver Spring, MD, was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for striking two pedestrians with his vehicle in December 2022, killing Shuyu Sui and causing life-threatening injuries to Jiahui Wang, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A jury found Stafilatos guilty on May 6, 2026, of one count each of second-degree murder, aggravated assault while armed, and fleeing. The Honorable Rainey Brandt sentenced Stafilatos to consecutive sentences of 20 years in prison for the murder and 15 years in prison for the assault. The government had asked the court for an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines, and the court agreed with respect to the assault, citing multiple aggravating factors related to the devastating injuries sustained by Ms. Wang.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 4:28 p.m., on December 30, 2022, Stafilatos was driving a dark Buick LeSabre sedan along the 700 block of 14th Street, NW, near the White House. U.S. Secret Service police officers observed that the vehicle’s front tag was missing and the Maryland tag in the rear had no registration sticker. The Buick was then observed turning right into the 1400 block of G Street, NW, and proceeded to the 700 block of 15th Street, NW, where it stopped and let a passenger out.
As officers approached the vehicle, identified themselves, and made contact with the defendant, they advised Stafilatos of his infraction, to which the defendant asked if he was going to get a ticket. Officers asked for the defendant’s license, which he did not provide. Also, during the stop, officers noticed what they believed to be an open beer container to the right of the driver. While conducting the traffic stop, the officers noticed that the vehicle was still in drive and instructed Stafilatos to put the car in park. Instead, the defendant fled the scene, travelling north on 15th Street, NW before turning onto the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW. As the vehicle entered an intersection on a solid red traffic signal, it was struck by another vehicle that was driving on a green traffic signal and the impact caused the Buick to rotate counterclockwise and strike two pedestrians who were walking nearby in the crosswalk. Both pedestrians were thrown and fell into the road in the middle of New York Avenue, NW. Both victims were transported to local hospitals. Despite all lifesaving measures, one victim, Shuyu Sui, was pronounced dead at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. The second victim, Jiahui Wang, was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where she was treated for trauma to the body and head.
Stafilatos was placed under arrest and transported to Howard University Hospital for complaints of pain in the head and back. Testing conducted several hours after the crash at the hospital revealed that Stafilatos had recently used cocaine. He has been in custody ever since.
Joining in the announcement was U.S. Secret Service Police Chief Richard Macauley and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro, Chief Macauley and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Carter and Will Lawrence, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
2022 CF1 007710
Major Drug and Weapon Seizure in Johnson CityRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Robert Randesi of Johnson City was charged federally on June 11th, 2026. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Johnson City Police Department Chief Brent Dodge made the announcement.
The charges in this case are merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
After the execution of search warrants on this case, including at a warehouse style building in Johnson City, New York, police arrested Robert Randesi, age 69, and located evidence including: over 20 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, quantities of marijuana, approximately $24,000 in cash, several firearms including AR-15 style rifles and privately made firearms (also known as “ghost guns”), lower receivers for firearms, and firearm parts and ammunition including a firearm suppressor. Police also located machinist tools and metal fabricating equipment consistent with tools used to construct or mill firearms/firearms parts.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III: “It is disturbing for a small community to have this level of alleged criminal actively going on so brazenly. That’s why I’m grateful to be partnering with our local and federal partners to bring criminal actors to justice. Thanks to the partnerships of the Johnson City Police, Binghamton Police Department, Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and our federal partners that allowed us to unite on this case to achieve a coordinated response.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli: “As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mr. Randesi was in possession of a dangerous amount of illegal narcotics that was intended for distribution throughout our Broome County communities. He was met with the full force of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships and is now facing serious federal charges that, if convicted, will send him to federal prison for a substantial amount of time. The FBI remains committed to working with our partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable any individual looking to poison our communities through the sale of illicit narcotics.”
Johnson City Police Department Chief Brent Dodge Said: “To put this seizure into perspective, 21 pounds of methamphetamine represents more than half a million dosage units. That’s enough to get every man, woman, and child in Broome County high three times over. I cannot overstate the value, of getting these dangerous drugs and these dangerous weapons off our streets.”The investigation was conducted by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit, a task force composed of members of the Binghamton Police Department, Broome County Sheriff's Office, and Johnson City Police Department. Assisting agencies included: the FBI - Albany; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Broome County District Attorney's Office. Additional support was provided by the Johnson City Department of Public Works, the Broome County Highway Department, the Johnson City Fire Department, the Binghamton Fire Department, and the Owego Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Grabowski is prosecuting the case.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone
Johnson City Police Department Chief Brent Dodge
FBI Special Agent in Charge Albany Field Office Craig L. Tremeroli
Las Vegas Man with Multiple Felony Convictions Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Privately Made AR-15 Pattern PistolRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who had previously admitted to unlawful possession of an unserialized, privately made AR-15-pattern pistol was sentenced today by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware, II to 80 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. A privately made firearm without a serial number is sometimes called a “ghost gun.” The government recommended 130 months’ imprisonment.
According to court documents, Noel Lynn Waters possessed and brandished a privately made firearm eight months after he was released from state custody following his prison sentence for a firearm conviction. On October 20, 2023, Waters unlawfully possessed a loaded, privately made 5.56x45mm semi-automatic pistol incorporating an AR-15-pattern lower receiver. He admitted that he pointed the firearm at another person and threatened he was going to “shoot everybody.”
Waters has multiple prior felony convictions in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He was previously convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in Clark County, Nevada. Additionally, he was previously convicted of possession of controlled substance for sale; unlawful possession or use of tear gas; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm; and transportation, furnishing or sale of controlled substance, all in Los Angeles County. As a convicted felon, Waters is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
In September 2025, Waters pleaded guilty to one-count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge John Wester of the San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
Anyone with information about unlawful firearms activity should call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip at www.reportit.com/.
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Kyle Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for String of Austin Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Kyle man was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 288 months in prison for three charges related to multiple armed robberies he committed in 2025, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Yael Williams, 39, used a firearm during robberies at a Subway restaurant and two 7-11 stores in Austin in June and July 2025. In the presence of store employees, Williams took cash and other property by force and by threatening the employees with a .22 caliber revolver. During his robbery of the Subway restaurant, Williams fired several shots at two bystanders, one of whom was attempting to intervene and prevent the robbery.
Williams pleaded guilty in November to one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“When you pull a gun on someone in this district, you will face serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Yael Williams robbed three businesses, shot at bystanders, and, in so doing, showed a callous disregard for human life. Americans cannot make good on the promise of America when they don’t feel safe in the very place in which they live. In the Western District, we’re committed to making our neighborhoods, towns, and cities places where Americans can thrive, not merely survive. The sentence secured in this case shows our commitment to that mission.”
The Austin Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Buie prosecuted the case.
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Jewelry Store Robbery Crew Charged in Superseding IndictmentRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Ivel Sanchez Rivera (52, Hialeah), Osmani Barrios Carrera (37, Hialeah), Yunior Lopez Delgado (42, Miami), and Alberto Perez Elias (57, Miami) have been charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery and use, and carry and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, along with a consecutive sentence of 7 years for brandishing a firearm during the robbery. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the superseding indictment and other court documents, the defendants robbed a jewelry store in Cape Coral on January 6, 2026, by breaking into a vacant business next door. They then broke through the wall into the jewelry store before holding the manager at gunpoint. The robbers gained access to a safe and took thousands of pieces of jewelry worth more than $1 million. They then fled to Miami before they were eventually arrested following an investigation. Alberto Perez Elias has not been arrested and remains at large.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department, the Hialeah Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.
Jefferson City Restaurant Owner Charged with Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man was charged in federal court for harboring illegal aliens.
Danny Wei Cheng, 46, self-surrendered on an arrest warrant related to a criminal complaint signed June 18, 2026, by Chief United States Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. Cheng, who owns Dragon Kitchen, a Chinese Buffet in Jefferson City, is accused of employing, housing, and transporting multiple illegal aliens.
The complaint alleges that Cheng housed multiple illegal aliens in a residential home owned by Cheng in Jefferson City. The residence was divided into at least eight rooms using plywood and other materials. The City of Jefferson City has since condemned the home. Individuals who worked for Cheng transported illegal aliens to and from work utilizing a van owned by Cheng.
The charges contained in this criminal complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, and the Jefferson City Police Department.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Jamaican Nationals Charged with Running Sweepstakes Scheme that Targeted Elderly Victims Across the U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and J. Buck Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that the following six individuals have been charged with federal fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from their alleged participation in a sweepstakes scam that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars:
ANDRE-JON GAYLE, 33, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
AALIYAH MAYNE, 25, of Dania, Florida
ONAJE CHEVERS, 29, of Dania, Florida
MATTHEW HUTCHINSON, 24, of Williamsburg, Virginia,
COURTNEY REYNOLDS, 31, of Miami, Florida
ROSHAUN THOMPSON, 24, of Fort Lauderdale, FloridaGayle, Mayne, Chevers, Hutchinson, and Reynolds are citizens of Jamaica. Thompson is a U.S. citizen.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in approximately 2022, the defendants participated in a “Publishers Clearing House scam.” As part of the scheme, the defendants and others purchased lists of names of elderly individuals located in Connecticut and throughout the U.S. Claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House, they then contacted individuals on the lists and informed them that they won millions of dollars in the Publisher Clearing House sweepstakes. Victims were told that to claim their prize they had to pay upfront fees or taxes and were directed to send checks, cash, and money orders to the defendants and others. At times, victims were told to send money to other victims of the scheme who believed that, as part of a “sponsor program,” the money was coming from previous winners who were “sponsoring” them by helping to pay their taxes and fees. The “sponsored” victims were then directed to send the money they received on to other victims, the defendants, and their associates.
The indictment further alleges that certain victims also provided scheme participants with their driver’s license, other personal identifying information, and banking and credit card information, which scheme participants used to make personal expenditures. Scheme participants also diverted victims’ social security benefits into Green Dot banking accounts that scheme participants opened and controlled.
On June 2, 2026, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging each of the six defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, five counts of mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each of these offenses carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Mayne, Chevers, and Reynolds were arrested on June 4, Thompson was arrested on June 5, Hutchinson was arrested on June 9, and Gayle was arrested on June 10.
Gayle, Hutchinson, Reynolds, and Thompson appeared today in Bridgeport federal court, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and were released on $ 250,000 bonds. Mayne and Chevers are currently detained.
“As alleged, this was an organized sweepstakes scam that ruthlessly preyed upon the vulnerability of our elderly citizens to defraud them out of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners, we have dismantled this illicit operation and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions. It is crucial for the public to know that legitimate sweepstakes winners will never need to pay upfront fees or taxes in order to claim a prize. Anyone who demands money to release a lottery or sweepstakes payout is a fraudster, plain and simple.”
“The indictment of these six individuals demonstrates IRS-CI’s ongoing commitment to investigate all those that prey upon the American public,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “These individuals attempted to not only steal the life savings of the elderly to enrich themselves but took it a step further by siphoning off their Social Security benefits, a financial safety net that many older Americans depend on to survive. IRS-CI is committed to our continued cooperation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify any and all individuals that victimize the nation’s elderly population.”
“These charges demonstrate our unwavering commitment to holding fraudsters accountable,” said Acting Inspector in Charge J. Buck Buckley. “Exploiting vulnerable communities through these schemes is a cruel crime, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to aggressively investigate operations that target vulnerable citizens for personal gain. We are deeply grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecutors whose dedication and teamwork made these charges possible.”
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the West Saint Paul (Minn.) Police Department, and the Southborough (Mass.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
Indictment Charges New Haven Gang Members with Committing 2 Murders and Numerous Attempted MurdersRead the Press Release
As a result of a long-term Homeland Security Task Force investigation into gang violence in New Haven, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a 19-count indictment charging 16 alleged members and associates of the “Stand On Business” or “SOB” street gang in New Haven with various offenses, including conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and related offenses.
Today’s announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli; and Hamden Police Chief Edward Page Reynolds.
The indictment, which was returned on June 17, charges
BRIAN BACKMAN, a.k.a. “Bri” and “Lil Bri,” 19
EMANUEL LOWERY, a.k.a. “Flip,” 24
SHAQUAN RAGHUBIR, a.k.a. “Quando,” 21
KERWIN ROMERO, a.k.a. “Kerbo,” 20
BRIAN REDD, 18
MAURICE BEVERLY, a.k.a. “Mo Dizz,” 21
LAMONT QUADIR SMITH-REED, a.k.a. “Steph Curry,” 23
SHYON EDWARDS, 20
GIOVANNI CABASQUINI, a.k.a. “Gio,” 22
TAQUORE GOMES, a.k.a. “Poppa,” 23
WADE JOHNSON, a.k.a. “G-wade,” 20
JOHN BROWN, a.k.a. “Man,” and “Hot Head Man,” 21
ANTWAN BALDWIN, a.k.a. “Ant” and “Lil A,” 20
OMARI MUNDLE, a.k.a. “Mari,” 19
JA’TWAN ROBINSON, a.k.a. “Foolie,” 20
JAIVON WILLIAMS, a.k.a. “Jay,” 21The indictment was unsealed after Romero, Redd, Edwards, and Robinson were arrested yesterday. They appeared in federal court and are detained. The other defendants are presently in state custody and will be arraigned in federal court at a later date.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA, New Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department, and Connecticut Department of Correction, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war. The Stand On Business or SOB street gang, which during its existence has also referred to itself as “Get Back Gang,” “Everybody Killers,” and “EBK,” originated in the geographic area of New Haven known as the “Hill” in the southwestern-most neighborhood of New Haven. In addition to the Hill, SOB has members and associates who are incarcerated, living in other areas of New Haven, and in other Connecticut cities and towns. The SOB gang has long-standing rivalries with other neighborhood gangs in New Haven, including the “Exit 8” gang, which based in the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven, as well as “24-Hour Shorty,” “Sleepy Land Bitches” or “SLB,” and “the 3s.” Violence between these groups is retaliatory in nature, and members of SOB are responsible for fatal and non-fatal shootings in the Exit 8 section and other areas of New Haven.
The indictment alleges that members and associates of SOB engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms and machine gun conversion devices, and, since 2019, have committed at least two murders and numerous attempted murders. SOB members and associates promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their criminal conduct, including acts of violence, through text messaging and the use of social media applications, and in rap songs and videos posted online.
The indictment specifically alleges that SOB members and associates committed the following violent acts:
- On January 26, 2019, Lowery shot and attempted to kill an associate of a rival gang;
- On May 7, 2020, Backman, Cabasquini and others shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang;
- On July 18, 2020, Backman and others shot and killed Kaymar Tanner after mistaking him for a member of the Exit 8 gang;
- On November 19, 2020, Backman, Beverly, and others shot and attempted to kill an individual they mistook for a member of the Exit 8 gang;
- On December 3, 2020, Romero, Lowery, and Johnson shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang;
- On May 8, 2021, Cabasquini, Smith-Reed, Gomes, and others shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang;
- On May 30, 2021, Backman, Smith-Reed, and Brown shot and killed Semaj Reddick, a member and associate of the rival SLB gang.
- On July 33, 2022, Raghubir and others shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of the 24-Hour Shorty gang;
- On February 18, 2023, Beverly and others shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang;
- On May 14, 2023, in the early morning, Backman, Raghubir, and Gomes shot at and attempted to kill Exit 8 gang members in downtown New Haven;
- On May 14, 2023, in the evening, Backman and others shot at and attempted to kill Exit 8 gang members and struck an unintended victim in the head;
- On June 23, 2024, Beverly shot and attempted to kill and individual based on a mistaken belief that the victim had provided information to law enforcement leading to the arrest of an SOB associate;
- On November 16, 2024, Edwards shot at and attempted to kill individuals in order to protect SOB drug territory;
- On October 8, 2025, in the early morning, Backman and Redd directed Mundle to shoot at and attempt to kill an individual in retaliation for the murder of an SOB member. Later that day, Backman directed SOB members and associates to shoot at and attempt to kill the same individual;
- On October 8, 2025, in the early evening, Backman directed SOB members and associates to shoot at and attempt to kill an individual for disrespecting SOB and a deceased SOB member.
The indictment charges Backman, Lowery, Raghubir, Romero, Redd, Beverly, Smith-Reed, Edwards, Cabasquini, Gomes, Johnson, and Brown with racketeering conspiracy. If convicted of this charge, Backman, Smith-Reed, and Brown face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and the others face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The indictment also charges Backman, Redd, and Mundle with one or more counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, all related to attempted murders on October 8, 2025. The racketeering offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and the firearm offense carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.
In addition, the indictment charges Backman with illegal possession of a machine gun, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with possession of a machine gun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 30 years; Robinson and Johnson with firearms trafficking related to their receipt of machine gun conversion devices, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and Cabasquini with use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
The indictment also charges each defendant, with the exception of Mundle, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Cabasquini and Backman are also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which also carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
“This indictment describes a cycle of gang warfare that has plagued the streets of New Haven for years,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan. “What is truly alarming, and tragic, is the collective ages of these young men who have chosen a path of extreme, unchecked violence. Their alleged actions demonstrate a reckless disregard for human life and the safety of innocent bystanders. Alongside our federal, state, and local partners, this office remains unyielding in our commitment to dismantle these violent networks and restore peace and safety to our neighborhoods.”
“This investigation and prosecution represent the hard work and shared ongoing commitment of federal, state and municipal partners in using all resources available to stem violent crime in our cities,” said New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr.
“These charges reflect ATF’s unwavering commitment to reducing violent crime by targeting the individuals and criminal organizations responsible for driving gun violence in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco. “Through relentless investigation and strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle those who use firearms to intimidate, injure, and kill. Today’s charges demonstrate that those who choose violence will be held accountable, and that ATF remains steadfast in its mission to protect the public and deliver justice for victims.”
“Violent gangs thrive when they believe they can operate without consequence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien. “This investigation demonstrates that law enforcement agencies working together can penetrate these organizations, disrupt their criminal activity, and pursue justice. The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the citizens of Connecticut by targeting those responsible for violent crime, while building lasting partnerships with the communities we serve. We will continue to bring every available resource to make our neighborhoods safer.”
“Today’s indictment alleges a shocking pattern of violence that includes murders, attempted murders, drug trafficking, and the illegal use of firearms,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget. “These charges underscore the devastating impact that violent gangs have on our communities, where narcotics trafficking and gun violence often go hand in hand. The individuals charged are accused of using violence and intimidation to further their criminal enterprise, placing countless innocent lives at risk.”
“The results of this long-term investigation demonstrate once again that only a small number of people commit the majority of gun violence in our community,” said New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli. “This indictment proves that we do not forget, and that those who perpetrate the most serious offenses will be identified and held accountable for their actions. We are extremely proud of NHPD Detective Cunningham and NHPD Officer Borges for all their hard work throughout this investigation. We are also grateful to the ATF, FBI and DEA New Haven field offices for their collaboration, as well as the US Attorney’s Office and our local law enforcement colleagues.”
“This investigation reflects the determination, faith, and unwavering commitment of our detectives and law enforcement partners,” said Hamden Police Chief E.P Reynolds. “Although years have passed, those involved never gave up on seeking justice for the victims and their families. Today is the result of countless hours of hard work and perseverance. While our hearts and prayers remain with the victims’ loved ones, we hope this outcome brings some measure of peace and serves as a reminder that justice may take time, but we will never stop pursuing it.”
This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont.
Illinois Investment Advisor Indicted on Fraud Charges for Allegedly Swindling Clients in Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An Illinois investment advisor has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly swindling clients in a Ponzi scheme.
PAARIS KOPSAFTIS operated Illinois-based Blackwater Assets, Inc. From 2020 to 2025, Kopsaftis fraudulently solicited and obtained money from victims based on false representations about the intended use of the investments and the performance and value of the investments, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Kopsaftis falsely told the victims that he would invest the money for their benefit, when, in reality, Kopsaftis knew he intended to use some of their funds for personal use, including paying his own bills, the indictment states.
Kopsaftis allegedly engaged in a Ponzi scheme by using some investor funds to repay prior investors. The indictment alleges that Kopsaftis concealed his fraud by creating and providing false documentation to his victims reflecting that their investments were worth more than they actually were.
Kopsaftis, 42, of Charlotte, N.C., and formerly of Illinois, is charged with four counts of wire fraud. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tuesday in federal court in Chicago. A status hearing has been set for July 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso.
The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Securities Department of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and must also order restitution to the victims.
kopsaftis_indictment.pdfIllegal Alien from the Dominican Republic Sentenced to More than Two Years in Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Hyde Park, Mass. was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for misuse of a Social Security number, passport fraud, aggravated identity theft and unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Mariano Andujar Perez, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to two years and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In March 2026, Andujar Perez pleaded guilty to one count of misusing a Social Security number, one count of false statement in application for passport, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Andujar Perez was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024.
Andujar Perez first entered the United States in 2013 and began using the identity of the victim, a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, to obtain identification from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. After being convicted in state court for drug offenses, he was removed to the Dominican Republic in 2017 and, at unknown time and place, illegally reentered the United States without permission. He resumed using the victim’s identity in 2022 and used it to obtain a Real ID and apply for a U.S. passport.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Mark Comorosky, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Reynolds III and Allegra K. Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – An illegal alien from Mexico, living locally in Keswick, Virginia, was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison for illegally possessing a gun while being in the United States unlawfully.
Javier Bernal-Lopez, 38, pled guilty to illegal possession of a firearm while being unlawfully in the United States.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2025, Victim 1 and another person came to the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) to report a domestic dispute which had occurred the previous day near Keswick, Virginia. Victim 1 described a violent encounter with her ex-boyfriend, Javier Bernal-Lopez, involving a firearm being shot through their entrance door.
Victim 1 advised detectives with ACPD that Bernal-Lopez always carries a firearm on his person. In addition, Victim 1 advised detectives that she had been dating Bernal-Lopez for several years and she knew him to be a Mexican National illegally present in the United States.
Authorities confirmed that Bernal-Lopez had twice been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at Nogales, Arizona, in June 2004. Following both arrests he was allowed to voluntarily return to Mexico.
On November 25, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home. During the search, law enforcement located a SCCY CPX-2 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The firearm was located in a bag along with Bernal-Lopez’s Mexican passport. A box of ammunition, as well as an extended magazine, were located within the home as well.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf for Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Charged with Possessing Firearm and Fraudulent Immigration DocumentsRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Mexican citizen, living illegally in Danville, Virginia, was arraigned in federal court this week on charges of illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon and alien illegally in the United States, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of fraudulent immigration documents.
Fernando Bahena Ruiz, 28, was charged based on an incident on March 25, 2026.
According to court records, several people called 9-1-1 to report gunfire in a Danville neighborhood. One person saw muzzle flashes coming from Bahena Ruiz’s backyard. Officers arrived and saw Bahena Ruiz carrying a gun before he went back inside his house.
Officers ultimately took Bahena Ruiz into custody, then executed a search warrant on his house, where they found a handgun, magazines, ammunition, and fraudulent immigration documents, including a green card and Social Security card.
Officers also found at least 71 spent shell casings on Bahena Ruiz’s back porch and peyote plants containing mescaline (a Schedule I controlled substance) in Bahena Ruiz’s basement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Danville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States.