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6 August 2026
Former Ionia Township Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Marilyn Harp took nearly $750,000 in Township funds for her own use
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Marilyn Ethel Harp, 74, of Ionia, Michigan pleaded guilty to bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344. Harp is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney VerHey filed a bank fraud charge against Harp on June 30, 2026. The Felony Information specifies that Harp served as the treasurer of Ionia Township between 1984 and 2025. Her position put her in charge of collecting property taxes from residents of Ionia Township, which she was supposed to deposit into Township bank accounts and be used for public services. The criminal charge alleges that Harp committed fraud between 2014 and 2025 when she diverted much of this money-- $747,025-- for her own benefit.
On August 6, 2026, Harp appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou and admitted her fraud. She agreed that she took Township funds and used them for herself, which included building a vacation home, taking vacations and purchasing luxury items. When others began to suspect that Harp was stealing public funds, she attempted to cover her tracks by fabricating some records and destroying others. As part of her plea agreement, Harp agreed to forfeit $647,698 that federal investigators connected to the fraud scheme and seized during the investigation.
U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “As a corrupt public official who was stealing public funds, Marilyn Harp deserved to be charged with the most serious crime available. Harp’s crime is worse than that, though. The money she stole from her neighbors was intended to fund her community’s school system. For over ten years she took this money from the people in her community and spent it on a vacation home and other luxuries that were out of reach for many of her neighbors. I look forward to telling Judge Jarbou all about this at the sentencing hearing.”
“Holding public office is a public trust, not a personal opportunity for financial gain. Ms. Harp deliberately broke that trust, and today’s guilty plea is an important step toward her accountability to the people of Ionia,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I am grateful for the exceptional work of our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, in partnership with the Michigan State Police, whose professionalism, dedication, and collaboration were instrumental throughout this investigation. FBI Detroit will continue working with our partners to protect the integrity of public institutions and preserve the confidence our communities place in those institutions.”
The Grand Rapids office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Michigan State Police investigated this case. The prosecution was personally handled by United States Attorney Timothy VerHey, after consultation with the Ionia County Prosecutor’s Office.
Former Goldman Sachs Investment Banker Convicted of Foreign Bribery and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Asante Kwaku Berko, a dual citizen of the United States and Ghana, was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn on all counts of an indictment charging conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), violating the FCPA, and money laundering conspiracy for paying bribes to Ghanaian government officials in connection with the development of a power plant in Ghana. The verdict followed a nine-day trial before United States District Judge Diane Gujarati. When sentenced, Berko faces up to 30 years in prison. Berko was ordered remanded pending sentencing.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, announced the verdict.
“Today’s verdict marks another significant victory in this Office’s longstanding commitment to rooting out corruption,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant abused his access to high-level foreign government officials and his platform as an investment banker at a prestigious American firm to line his own pockets with millions of dollars.”
“We live in a global economy that American companies must be able to compete in fairly,” said Assistant Attorney General Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This defendant corrupted that fair competition. He abused his position at a world-renowned American investment bank by helping bribe Ghanaian officials, so he and his co-conspirators, including senior executives at a Turkish company, could make money. Today’s conviction makes clear that criminals who undermine our country’s interests by corrupting foreign governments and cutting off fair competition will face the full force of the Department of Justice.”
“Today’s verdict highlights the importance of domestic and international partnerships, and the magnitude of success that working together creates. The FBI is thankful for the assistance from the Department of Justice and the United Kingdom – specifically to the Office of International Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service, and INTERPOL – in pursuing justice to protect our country’s financial integrity,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
U.S. Attorney Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the Government of the United Kingdom, the U.K. National Centre Bureau for INTERPOL, the Embassy of the United States in London, the Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Marshals Service for providing substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendant.
As proved at trial, Berko conspired to pay more than $1 million in bribes to multiple Ghanian government officials in connection with the development and financing of a power plant estimated to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in profits.
Beginning in December 2014, Berko, a former Executive Director in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs group, was responsible for securing and managing a deal between the Republic of Ghana and Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S. (Aksa), a Turkish energy company and Goldman client, for the construction and financing of a power plant in Ghana amidst a national energy crisis in the country.
During the scheme, Berko and his co-conspirators paid and conspired to pay bribes to individuals at numerous levels of the Ghanaian government to ensure that Aksa won its bid to build and operate the power plant. For example, in April 2015, Berko and the conspirators discussed paying $1 million to the Ghanaian Minister of Power who was responsible for securing key approvals enabling the project to progress and $250,000 to his senior adviser. Bribes were also paid to five Ghanaian officials during an all-expenses-paid trip to Turkey to view equipment for the power plant. After the power plant deal was ratified by the Ghanaian parliament in July 2015, Berko and his co-conspirators exchanged detailed emails regarding bribe payments. For example, in August 2015, they discussed $250,000 in bribe payments paid to various individuals, including $46,000 to members of the Ghanaian Parliament, which ratified the agreement between Aksa and the government of Ghana, paid by Berko himself. Also in August 2015, the co-conspirators discussed how a bribe recipient was waiting for the “holy rain” (i.e., the bribe payment) and “would appreciate it sooner rather than later.”
To conceal the scheme from Goldman and others, Berko lied to the compliance team at Goldman that was responsible for vetting the deal. Berko also used his personal email account, instead of his Goldman business email account, to discuss the deal and the bribe payments and directed his co-conspirators to do the same. In addition, Berko and his co-conspirators concealed and laundered the bribe payments using shell companies, sham invoices, nominee account holders and cash withdrawals. Payments in furtherance of the bribery scheme were laundered through U.S. and foreign bank accounts. Goldman ultimately withdrew from the deal due to corruption concerns.
The government’s case is being handled by the Business and Securities Fraud Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Weigel, Nick M. Axelrod and Tara McGrath are prosecuting the case with Assistant Chief Katherine Raut and Senior Trial Attorney Katherine Nielsen, and with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Melina Piatti-Chayan, Isha Jayadev and Teresa Dolan.
The Defendant:
ASANTE KWAKU BERKO
Age: 52
United Kingdom / GhanaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-328 (DG)
Former Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine in Federal Prison in Lassen CountyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Antonio Ray Ramirez, 35, of Susanville, pleaded guilty today to one count of distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, in August 2024, while working as a Correctional Officer, Ramirez knowingly distributed 869 grams of methamphetamine and 127 grams of heroin in the Federal Correctional Institution in Herlong. When beginning an overnight shift, Ramirez smuggled the drugs into the prison by evading security screening, hid them in a laundry room, and told an inmate where to find them. Ramirez received $15,000 in payment for smuggling the drugs. The drugs were eventually recovered from the inmate by other correctional officers.
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dhruv M. Sharma and Nicholas Fogg are prosecuting the case.
Ramirez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Jan. 21, 2027. Ramirez faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Former Clarksville Resident Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Brandon Wesley Rogers, formerly of Clarksville, Tennessee, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Chief U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr. also ordered Rogers to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison term, pay $14,000 in restitution, and forfeit the electronic devices used to commit the offenses.
“Every time child sexual abuse material is distributed, the children depicted are victimized again,” said U.S. Attorney Boucek. “Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue identifying those who traffic in this material and holding them accountable in federal court.”
“This sentence sends a clear message that anyone who distributes child sexual abuse material will be tracked down and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “I commend the FBI Clarksville Resident Agency and our law enforcement partners for their commitment to identifying this offender and bringing him to justice. Their work ensures he can no longer prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Rogers pleaded guilty on December 9, 2024, to five counts of distributing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, the investigation began after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received a CyberTip reporting that a user of the Kik messaging platform had uploaded and shared files containing suspected child sexual abuse material. The FBI identified Rogers as the user of the account and determined that, on May 26 and 27, 2022, he distributed five videos to other Kik users. The videos included depictions of the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Rogers was living in Clarksville at the time of the offenses.
On August 3, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at Rogers’ residence in Powell, Tennessee, and seized multiple electronic devices. During an interview with investigators, Rogers admitted that he had received and distributed child sexual abuse material, including images depicting children as young as four and five years old. He also admitted that additional material was stored in a password-protected folder on his cell phone.
Rogers will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
FBI Nashville investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
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Former Banker Convicted for Scheme to Bribe Ghanaian OfficialsRead the Press Release
Today, a federal jury convicted a dual U.S.-Ghanaian citizen for his role in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian officials in connection with the development and financing of a multi-million-dollar power plant in Ghana.
“We live in a global economy that American companies must be able to compete in fairly,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This defendant corrupted that fair competition. He abused his position at a world-renowned American investment bank by helping bribe Ghanaian officials, so he and his co-conspirators, including senior executives at a Turkish company, could make money. Today’s conviction makes clear that criminals who undermine our country’s interests by corrupting foreign governments and cutting off fair competition will face the full force of the Department of Justice.”
“Today’s verdict marks another significant victory in this Office’s longstanding commitment to rooting out corruption,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “The defendant abused his access to high-level foreign government officials and his platform as an investment banker at a prestigious American firm to greedily line his own pockets.”
“Engaging in bribery damages the reputation of businesses and destroys fair competitions,” said Acting Assistant Director Matthew B. Floyd of FBI’s Criminal Division. “Berko intentionally lied to his company to continue his scheme. The FBI will not tolerate dishonesty or corruption from anyone who wishes to disturb the business market.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Asante Kwako Berko, 52, conspired to pay more than $1 million in bribes to multiple Ghanaian government officials in connection with the development and financing of a power plant estimated to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Beginning in December 2014, Berko, a former Executive Director in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs, was responsible for securing and managing a deal between Aksa Enerji, a Turkish energy company and client of Goldman Sachs, and the Republic of Ghana, for the construction and financing of a power plant in Ghana amidst a national energy crisis in the country.
During the scheme, Berko and his co-conspirators paid and conspired to pay bribes to individuals at numerous levels of the Ghanaian government to ensure that the Turkish Energy company won its bid to build and operate the power plant. In April 2015, Berko and the conspirators discussed paying $1 million to the Minister of Power who was responsible for securing key approvals enabling the project to progress.
Bribes were also paid to five Ghanaian officials during an all-expenses-paid trip to Turkey to view equipment for the power plant, during which the officials each received $5,000. After the power plant deal was ratified by the Ghanaian parliament in July 2015, Berko and his co-conspirators emailed about their bribe payments at length. The evidence further detailed tens of thousands of dollars in bribes that Berko had personally paid and for which he was still owed.
To conceal the scheme from Goldman Sachs and others, Berko lied to Goldman’s compliance team that was responsible for vetting the deal and he used his personal, non-official-business email account when talking about the bribes. Berko and his co-conspirators also concealed and laundered the bribe payments using shell companies, sham invoices, nominee account holders and cash withdrawals. Payments in furtherance of the bribery scheme were laundered through U.S. and foreign bank accounts, including several in Berko’s name. Goldman ultimately withdrew from the deal due to corruption concerns.
The jury convicted Berko of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), violating the FCPA, and money laundering conspiracy. Sentencing is set for Nov. 10. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the FBI’s Law Enforcement Attaché in Accra worked with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana, and Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, to provide significant assistance to this prosecution. The UK’s National Extradition Unit, the Crown Prosecution Service of England and Wales, the U.S. Embassy in London, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Marshals Service provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendant.
Assistant Chief Katherine Raut of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Senior Trial Attorney Katherine Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Weigel, Nick M. Axelrod, and Tara McGrath for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to $14M Fraudulent Check SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud for using fraudulent, unauthorized checks to steal money from victims’ bank accounts.
According to court documents, Eri Guzman Ortiz, 69, formerly of Miami-Dade County, created and deposited about $14 million in fraudulent checks into the bank accounts of sham companies in the United States. The fraudulent checks were used to steal victims’ money by transferring it from the victims’ bank accounts to the bank accounts of the sham companies without the victims’ authorization.
Guzman Ortiz’s client in Canada sent him lists of thousands of people and businesses who had purportedly made purchases from sham companies and had purportedly agreed for their bank accounts to be debited by the sham companies. Guzman Ortiz used these lists to create fraudulent checks and deposit them into bank accounts for sham companies, knowing that these people and businesses had not made purchases from the sham companies and had not authorized debits from their bank accounts.
Guzman Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group; and Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) Chicago Region made the announcement.
USPIS and FDIC-OIG are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Daniel Zytnick and Anna Forgie of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff for the Southern District of Florida is handling forfeiture.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III Attends U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Change of Command Ceremony at Historic Faneuil HallRead the Press Release
Boston, Mass. — First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III of the Northern District of New York recently attended the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Change of Command Ceremony held in the historic Great Hall of Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts. The ceremony marked an important transition in leadership as Rear Admiral Michael Platt was relieved by Rear Admiral Matthew Lake.
Faneuil Hall—known as the “Cradle of Liberty”—has served for centuries as a gathering place for civic engagement, public debate, and pivotal national events. Its Great Hall has hosted generations of American leaders and historic moments, making it a particularly meaningful and symbolic setting for this Coast Guard ceremony.
Sarcone’s participation underscored the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s deep and ongoing commitment to supporting federal partners across the region. He recognized the Coast Guard’s essential role in safeguarding communities throughout the Atlantic area and highlighted their continued support of the Northern District of New York’s mission.
“The Coast Guard’s partnership strengthens our collective efforts to protect the public and uphold federal law,” Sarcone said. “This ceremony honored exceptional leadership and reaffirmed the critical collaboration that allows us to serve our communities effectively.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office looks forward to continued collaboration with Rear Admiral Lake and expresses gratitude to Rear Admiral Platt for his dedicated service and steadfast support of federal law enforcement initiatives.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Hundreds of Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Somerville, Mass. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The defendant possessed more than 100 privately made firearms (PMFs), more commonly known as, “ghost guns,” at his residence – including machine guns and firearm silencers, as well as a 3D printer and ammunition in varying calibers.
Robert Butland, 39, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton who scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10, 2026. Butland was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in August 2025 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. The defendant remains in federal custody.
During an August 2025 search of Butland’s residence, a locked closet inside his bedroom was found to contain numerous PMFs as well as numerous solvent traps commonly used as illegal firearm suppressors. Additional ghost guns were found in nightstands, backpacks and coffee table drawers throughout the bedroom. Multiple 3D printers, firearm parts and accessories purchased from companies across the country, filament, a workbench and tools consistent with the assembly and manufacture of firearms were also recovered from the residence. Ammunition in multiple calibers – including 9mm Luger, 5.56 Hornady Frontier and 7.62x39mm rounds – were also seized.
Butland is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior state convictions in Lawrence District Court for assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and wanton destruction of property. According to court document’s Butland also has state convictions for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a Class B controlled substance and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The charge of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Somerville Police Department; the Boston Police Department; and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Panama City Man of Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Michael Ray Pennington, 60, of Panama City, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful trial verdict was built upon the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners and secured thanks to the outstanding courtroom advocacy of my federal prosecutors. My office remains firmly committed to protecting our communities by aggressively prosecuting predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children through online platforms and apps.”
Trial testimony revealed that in November 2025, federal and local law enforcement conducted an undercover operation to identify and apprehend offenders who use the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, an undercover law enforcement officer posted a fictitious advertisement on a website commonly used for prostitution. The defendant responded to the ad and was informed by the undercover agent that he was speaking to a 15-year-old child. The defendant then expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child in exchange for money. Upon arrival at an arranged meeting location, the defendant was arrested. A search of the defendant’s phone confirmed that he was the person communicating with the undercover agent through both text messaging and phone calls.
Pennington faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emma Schwan and Meredith L. Steer.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Dover Resident Charged with Defrauding Elderly Victim of over $1 Million and Using Proceeds for His Personal BenefitRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William D. Brenner, age 62, was indicted on August 5, 2026, by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions in connection with an alleged fraud scheme against an elderly victim.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Brenner allegedly defrauded an elderly victim, who was born in 1936, of over $1 million by persuading her and her power of attorney, who was also the alleged victim’s daughter, that he could offer them a better investment opportunity than what the elderly woman already had in place. The alleged victim and her power of attorney were led to believe that the funds would be placed in an investment account, which Brenner would personally manage and would earn fixed interest payments over a two-year period. In reality, Brenner then used the funds to purchase a commercial property in his own name, without the victim’s lawful authorization.
Brenner also allegedly forged an agreement that appeared to show the elderly woman and her power of attorney authorizing him to use the money to purchase the commercial property, which is located in Caneyville, Kentucky. Brenner allegedly created this forgery by using authentic signatures that he obtained from the elderly woman and her power of attorney on a different document.
Brenner allegedly obtained control of the elderly victim’s retirement savings by persuading her and her power of attorney to move the funds into an account at a local federal credit union where he was a board member and where he maintained accounts in the names of other businesses. That account was created in August 2021. Once the funds were in that account, Brenner allegedly used them for his own and his family members’ benefit. By September 2021, Brenner allegedly depleted almost all of the funds from the account.
Brenner is charged with several counts of monetary transactions in criminal derived property for use of the elderly woman’s funds. In addition to buying the commercial property, Brenner allegedly purchased a new Dodge Ram pickup truck, a skid steer, and other tools and motorized equipment.
The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations, including for the commercial property located in Caneyville, Kentucky.
The United States Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma 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 maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for monetary transactions in criminally derived property is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Boston pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Angel Daniel Cruz-Sanchez, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2026. Cruz-Sanchez was charged in April 2026.
Cruz-Sanchez is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who was deported in 2019 and 2023. In 2003, 2008 and 2018, Cruz-Sanchez was convicted in separate drug trafficking cases.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and David T. Wesling, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty Pleads Guilty for Role in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Eddy Balbuena-Gomez, age 32, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a one-count Superseding Indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely, fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Balbuena-Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced in the case by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Samantha Elliott on December 10, 2026.
According to court documents and statements, in early 2024, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Massachusetts and operating in New Hampshire. During the course of the conspiracy, the DTO trafficked multiple kilograms of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Balbuena-Gomez worked as a “runner” for the DTO, who would drive from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to sell drugs, including to an undercover officer. Balbuena-Gomez has been detained since his arrest in October 2024.
This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life, a $10,000,000 fine, or both, and not less than 5 years of supervised release. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Shannon and Yasir Sadat are prosecuting the case.
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 New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.
Dominican National Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence, Mass. has been indicted for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Eddy Antonio Perdomo, 32, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Perdomo will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Aug. 10, 2026.
Perdomo previously pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien in July 2025. He was subsequently sentenced to time served (approximately four months in prison) on Sept. 5, 2025 and removed from the United States on Sept. 15, 2025. It is alleged that sometime after his September 2025 removal, Perdomo illegally reentered the United States without permission.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and David T. Wesling, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Conroy of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Walnel Mordan Soto, age 37, of the Dominican Republic, who most recently resided in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Mordan Soto was encountered at the Schuylkill County Jail on July 6, 2026, after having previously been removed on or about October 6, 2016, via Alexandria, Louisiana, subsequent to a conviction for committing an aggravated felony. Mordan Soto did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 20 years of imprisonment, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. 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.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Deming Man Sentenced for Machinegun Offenses and Fleeing Border Patrol CheckpointRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Deming man was sentenced to 101 months in prison after admitting he possessed a machinegun in furtherance of cocaine trafficking and fled a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint, leading agents on a pursuit that reached approximately 140 mph on Interstate 10.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and Lopez's plea agreement, on February 11, 2025, an undercover law enforcement officer conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine from Gerald Anthony Lopez, 20. During the transaction, Lopez displayed a Glock handgun equipped with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device (MCD), commonly known as a "switch." Lopez offered to sell the firearm for $1,300 with the switch installed or $1,000 without it and stated he could supply additional firearms, conversion devices, and narcotics.
On February 20, Lopez met with an undercover law enforcement officer and sold cocaine and the Glock handgun equipped with the MCD for $1,300. During the sale, Lopez demonstrated how the switch converted the firearm from semiautomatic to fully automatic fire and confirmed the extended magazine was loaded with 30 rounds. In his plea agreement, Lopez admitted that he knowingly possessed and carried the machinegun in furtherance of his cocaine trafficking, that he understood the switch converted the firearm into a machinegun, and that he had personally modified the firearm with the device.
In a separate incident on May 6, 2025, Lopez fled from a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Luna County after agents referred him to secondary inspection. According to court documents and Lopez's plea agreement, he led agents on a high-speed pursuit, reaching speeds of approximately 140 mph on Interstate 10, where the posted speed limit was 75 mph.
Lopez pleaded guilty to high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a machinegun, and possession of a firearm not registered with the national firearms registration and transfer record. Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Patrol Agent Jesse D. Muñoz of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the firearms offense in partnership with the New Mexico State Police. The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector is investigating the immigration-related offense. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices that transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and sale of these devices without proper licensing is a federal offense carrying severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
The proliferation of these devices poses an immediate and critical threat to public safety. Between 2018 and 2023, the ATF recovered thousands of machine gun conversion devices, indicating an alarming trend in their availability and use. Violent street gangs are increasingly employing these devices, devastating communities and neighborhoods with unprecedented firepower.
This dramatic increase in illegal automatic weapons puts both civilians and law enforcement at extreme risk. Officers responding to incidents may find themselves severely outgunned, facing weapons capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute. The potential for mass casualties in such encounters is staggering.
Law enforcement agencies are working to seize these illegal devices racing against time to intercept these devices before they can be used in violent crimes. Public cooperation is crucial in combating this threat. If you have information about illegal firearms or conversion devices, please contact the ATF immediately:
Call: 1-888-ATF-Tips (1-888-283-8477)
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.atf.gov/atf-tips
Your tip could save lives and prevent these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands. The time to act is now, before our community falls victim to the devastating impact of these illegal automatic weapons.
Defendant in Largest Methamphetamine Seizure in New Jersey History Admits to Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Illinois man admitted to conspiring to distribute over 260 pounds of methamphetamine into New Jersey—the largest seizure of methamphetamine in the state’s history—U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced today.
Marcos Cesar Acosta, 47, most recently of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Wiliams in Camden federal court to a one-count Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On April 28, 2026, Acosta traveled to New Jersey to supervise the delivery of hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine coming into the state by truck. That evening, after the truck arrived in New Jersey loaded with the methamphetamine, law enforcement officers arrested Acosta and another co-conspirator. Law enforcement seized three black storage boxes, one duffel bag, and a garbage bag from the truck cab, all of which contained methamphetamine. Collectively, the seized methamphetamine from the truck weighed over 260 pounds.
The conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) MOPOD Enforcement Group 11 and the DEA Camden Resident Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, for the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, and IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, for their assistance in the investigation.
This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Defense counsel: Margaret M. Grasso, Esq.
acosta.information.pdfDallas drug dealer sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas in connection with a 2022 overdose deathRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Dallas drug dealer has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas in connection with an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Dauerashawn Carr, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on August 6, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on June 26, 2022, an unresponsive individual was dropped off at an Irving hospital and ultimately died from the toxic effects of a drug overdose. An investigation revealed the victim had purchased drugs from an individual working directly for Carr. Further investigation revealed Carr was using at least four separate rooms at a Dallas hotel as his residence and his personal stash house where he stored, packaged, and sold a multitude of illegal and counterfeit drugs. According to drug ledgers found in the hotel rooms, the following drugs were distributed on a regular basis: Adderall, Blue M-30, Cocaine, Ketamine, LSD, MDMA, Marijuana, Mushrooms, and Xanax.
“Every drug overdose death leaves countless victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “The victims are the dead, taken too early, families who lose loved ones, and the community that has been torn apart. This case embodies the devastating impact illicit drugs have on individuals, families, and communities. Our deepest sympathies are with the victim and his family, as well as with all others who have lost loved ones due to fentanyl or other controlled substances. Let this 360-month sentence send an unmistakable message: if you choose to profit from distributing these deadly substances, my office will pursue you relentlessly and hold you fully accountable. We will continue to use every tool available to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Little Elm Police Department, and Lewisville Police Department and prosecuted by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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D.C. Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – William Edwin Allaun IV, 44, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison in connection with his possession of child sexual abuse material depicting images of the rape and torture of young children, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Allaun pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth to one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to the 60-month prison term, Judge Lamberth ordered Allaun to serve 10 years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 78-month prison term, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Judge Lamberth also ordered Allaun to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in May 2025, Allaun was added to a group chat on an encrypted messaging application that was used to distribute child sexual abuse material. Allaun received multiple videos depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children and expressed interest in receiving additional material.
A search of Allaun's residence in July 2025 led to the recovery of additional videos depicting child sexual abuse material, sent through the same group chat.
As part of his sentence, Allaun agreed to forfeit an iPad and an iPhone seized during the investigation. He also agreed to pay restitution to the victims.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Kelley.
It 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.
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D.C. Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Stealing More than $1 Million in COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert A. Terrell, 51, of Washington, D.C., and Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to falsifying documents to secure $1.35 million in COVID-19 relief funds for his business, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Robert Terrell lied to steal over a million dollars meant to keep struggling businesses afloat, then gambled much of it away,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He forged documents, he denied his own name, and he thumbed his nose at a federal judge. Today, he was held accountable for his actions. My office will continue to aggressively identify fraud, bring consequences to those who misuse federal programs, and enforce strict protections for taxpayer resources.”
Terrell pleaded guilty to wire fraud before the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan. Following the plea hearing, Judge Sullivan scheduled sentencing for February 4, 2027.
Court documents establish that Terrell was the sole owner of District Logistics LLC, which was established in the District of Columbia in 2016. The company’s services include hauling sand, dirt, gravel, and asphalt, and performing snow and ice removal. Between July 2020 and January 2022, on behalf of District Logistics, Terrell applied for an Economic Injury Disaster loan (EIDL) and two EIDL modifications.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offered Economic Injury Disaster Loans to certain entities, including small business owners. These loans were provided directly from the SBA and were low-interest, fixed-rate, long-term loans that could only be used for specified purposes.
District Logistics initially received $125,800 in EIDL funds in July 2020. After Terrell applied for a modification to the loan, the business received an additional $384,100 in EIDL money in September 2021. Terrell then sought a second loan modification requesting $2 million.
On November 29, 2021, in connection with his second modification request, Terrell submitted a Schedule of Liabilities to the SBA, which showed District Logistics as having approximately $518,000 in outstanding debt to a creditor. Approximately one month later, on January 6, 2022, Terrell emailed the SBA an updated Schedule of Liabilities, which falsely showed District Logistics as now owing the same creditor just over $71,000. Terrell attached four PNC wire transfer receipts to the email, which he had doctored to show his business as having wired more than $400,000 to the creditor when it really had wired less than $20,000. By falsely attesting that District Logistics owed less money than it did, Terrell succeeded in getting the SBA to approve a second modification to the EIDL, which resulted in District Logistics receiving an additional $1.35 million that it otherwise would not have received.
The government’s investigation revealed that Terrell spent some of the EIDL funds day trading through his Robinhood account and gambling at casinos.
After he was indicted, Terrell’s case took an unusual turn. At his initial appearance in U.S. District Court, Terrell admitted that his name was “Robert Alphonso Terrell.” However, at his next court hearing and several thereafter, Terrell denied that he was “Robert A. Terrell” and instead insisted that he was “Robert Alphonso III, the General Executor of the Terrell Estate.” He repeated this bogus assertion in various pleadings while representing himself. In March 2026, in flagrant disregard of his pretrial release conditions, Terrell traveled to the Turks and Caicos for a weekend trip after securing a new passport. Although Terrell returned to the United States following the trip, as a result of his outrageous conduct, Judge Sullivan issued an arrest warrant for Terrell and ordered him detained after he was arrested on the warrant.
Terrell was previously convicted in 1998 of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence, and Carrying a Pistol Without a License.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement 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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kondi Kleinman and David Liss of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Consumer Bankruptcy Firm Waives $90K in Fees After USTP Inquiry Reveals Lapses in DiligenceRead the Press Release
A consumer law firm agreed to waive more than $90,000 in fees after an investigation by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) revealed that the firm filed a series of bankruptcy cases with false financial information.
On July 22, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois entered an order memorializing the agreement between the USTP and the Semrad Law Firm, also known as DebtStoppers. The agreement follows an investigation by the USTP’s Chicago office that found Semrad failed to exercise due diligence before filing 31 cases on behalf of consumer debtors whose sworn bankruptcy documents contained financial information that was materially inconsistent with the debtors’ federal tax returns.
Bankruptcy law requires debtors’ attorneys to exercise independent diligence and care in ensuring that the information in their clients’ bankruptcy documents have evidentiary support. But Semrad failed to review the debtors’ tax returns or tax transcripts before filing these cases. If it had, the firm would have discovered that the debtors had claimed significantly higher earnings and higher withholdings to generate sizeable refunds from their tax returns.
“Semrad cannot justify its fees for its lax approach to preparing these 31 cases,” said Acting U.S. Trustee Adam Brief of Region 11, which includes the Northern District of Illinois. “The firm failed its clients and the courts by allowing the spread of false information. The USTP will continue to aggressively pursue consumer debtors’ attorneys who fail to fulfill their basic obligations.”
Under the agreement, Semrad must return more than $26,000 to the debtors and notify them that nothing more is due under their fee agreements, for a total value of more than $90,000. Additionally, two of the firm’s attorneys must complete at least three hours of continuing legal education on professional responsibility in bankruptcy.
The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 82 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust.
City Man Indicted on Civil Rights Charge in Connection with July Arson at Northeast Philadelphia Islamic CenterRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon announced that Vincent Lang, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment with one count of malicious damage by means of fire to a building used in interstate commerce and one count of damage to religious real property, in connection with an arson fire last month at a city mosque.
The defendant has been detained in federal custody since his July 16 arrest on a criminal complaint and warrant.
The indictment alleges that, in the early hours of July 5, 2026, Lang maliciously damaged and destroyed, and attempted to damage and destroy, by means of fire, the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, located on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue.
The indictment further alleges that Lang carried out the act because of the religious character of that property, that is, because it was a mosque.
“We will not let anyone attack a place of faith,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “This case demonstrates our resolve to protect our core constitutional liberty of religion. It also exemplifies the swift and decisive response that results for anyone who attempts to disturb the faith of another.”
“Setting fire to a house of worship is an appalling act,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Department of Justice will vigorously protect Americans’ right to be free from intimidation and violence while practicing their religion.”
“There is no place for acts of violence in our city, especially those motivated by bias,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI is grateful for the valued partnerships we share with law enforcement and public safety agencies across Philadelphia. Together, we remain committed to pursuing those who threaten the safety and wellbeing of those we are charged to protect.”
“We thank the city, state, and federal agencies that helped us in this important public safety case,” said ATF Philadelphia Field Division Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree. “Houses of worship fire investigations are an ATF priority that we tackle with all our considerable arson investigation resources.”
“An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the fundamental right of every person to practice their faith safely and without fear,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “The additional civil rights charge reflects the seriousness of what is alleged in this case and sends a clear message that acts intended to threaten or intimidate a religious community will be met with the full force of our collective law enforcement response. I am grateful to our investigators and our federal, state and local partners for their continued work to ensure accountability and protect every community in our city.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from the Philadelphia Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office Special Investigations Unit and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda R. Reinitz and J. Jeanette Kang and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
California Man Sentenced for Stalking, Harassing, and Threatening Women in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and in Other StatesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A California man who made hundreds of obscene, harassing, and threatening telephone calls to women in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and other states has been sentenced in federal court in Providence.
Justin Glauthier, 31, of Anaheim, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 36 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $400 special assessments. Glauthier previously pleaded guilty to four counts of stalking through cellular and internet communications.
According to court documents, Glauthier obtained women’s names, photographs, and other personal information from the internet and used that information to make repeated, unwanted, sexually explicit, and threatening calls.
During dozens of calls to at least nine identified victims, Glauthier, using a false name and hiding his identity by creating voice of internet protocol phone numbers or the *67 function on his phone, made sexually explicit and threatening statements, at times claiming to know where victims lived or worked and threatening to appear at their homes or workplaces if they did not comply with his demands to continue speaking with him or describing the sexual acts he wanted or was planning to do with the victims. On some of the calls, Glauthier would tell victims that he had masturbated to their online photos and would masturbate while on a call with a victim.
An investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Providence Resident Agency and FBI’s Orange County, California, Resident Agency linked the calls to Glauthier, who was arrested in Anaheim on March 5, 2025.
“Glauthier believed he could hide behind a phone and inflict fear without consequence,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “He was wrong. The federal system held him accountable, and we will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who thinks they can use digital tools to terrorize vulnerable victims.”
“Justin Glauthier was a prolific, persistent, and pernicious cyber predator who relentlessly taunted and tormented dozens of victims with sexually explicit and threatening calls, and deliberately took steps to hide his identity,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “We are especially grateful to the courageous victims who came forward—they’re willingness to speak up enabled the FBI to identify Glauthier and ultimately stop this incessant harassment. Today’s sentence should serve a lesson to anyone who attempts to inflict this type of cruelty on others: the FBI will find you and will ensure you are brought to justice.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton for the District of Rhode Island, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Restrepo of the Central District of California.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Calabasas Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Running ‘DoorDash for Drugs’ Service that Led to Two Fatal Fentanyl OD’sRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Calabasas man was sentenced today to 324 months in federal prison for running what prosecutors called a “DoorDash for drugs” service that delivered illicit narcotics to buyers in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and resulted in two fatal fentanyl overdoses.
Erick Oved Estrada, 37, a.k.a. “Franco Sanchez” and “Eric Freddy Hook,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald, who also ordered him to pay $43,145 in restitution.
Estrada, who has been in federal custody since November 2023, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
According to court documents, from May 2019 to March 2023, Estrada obtained narcotics, including cocaine and purported oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl. Estrada and his accomplices then provided these drugs to a network of drug delivery drivers for further distribution to customers or other drug distributors. The delivery drivers then directly provided the drugs to customers or distributors and collected payment.
On June 8, 2022, Estrada sold 25 fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills to co-defendant Arian Alani, 37, a Danish national living in Burbank, and a delivery driver. The following day, Alani sold some of these pills to the victim, identified in the indictment as “C.N.,” who ingested them and died of a drug overdose. Two days later, Alani confronted Estrada via text message and wrote, “my boy just died yesterday” – a reference to C.N. – and that Estrada “[s]houldn’t be selling [expletive] with fentanyl.”
In March 2023, Estrada knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl to a victim – identified in court documents as “S.M.” The victim earlier had texted someone to purchase two Xanax pills and two oxycodone pills for $80.
On the evening of March 8, 2023, Estrada’s driver, on Estrada’s behalf, provided to S.M. the purported Xanax pills and oxycodone pills, which contained fentanyl. S.M. then returned home, where she ingested the fentanyl she received from Estrada’s drug delivery service, which caused her to suffer a fatal drug overdose.
Alani pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and is scheduled for sentencing on December 2 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The DEA Overdose Justice Task Force, the Simi Valley Police Department, the Burbank Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provided assistance.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. 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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy K. Beecher of the Transnational Organized Crime Section and Nicholas G. Purcell of the Major Crimes Section prosecuted this case.
Bunkie Man Indicted as Armed Career Criminal for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – On June 17, 2026, a federal indictment was returned against Rininski Edwards, 33, of Bunkie. Edwards is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon as an Armed Career Criminal, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime. Edwards faces decades of mandatory minimum sentences in federal prison if convicted of all charges.
“This Administration has made clear that drug traffickers and armed criminals have no place in our communities, and our Office will aggressively pursue and prosecute these offenders to get them off our streets,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This Office looks forward to seeing justice done in this case, with a sentence that is commensurate to the crime and criminal history of this alleged offender.”
According to court documents, on March 31, 2026, Edwards is alleged to have possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute those drugs and a loaded .45 caliber pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. It is further alleged that Edwards possessed that loaded .45 caliber pistol after having been convicted three separate times of drug trafficking or violent felonies, which renders him an Armed Career Criminal under the law.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Ashley Hammons with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America (TBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s agencies, and coordinates efforts with state and local law enforcement and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF), ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. Learn more about PSN at https://www.justice.gov/psn
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 6:26-cr-00250.
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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_WDLABuffalo man pleads guilty to selling fentanyl that resulted in two deathsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rashaun Crule, 32, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000.
On February 10, 2023, Crule delivered a bag of fentanyl to an individual identified as M.M., at a location on Campus Drive in Amherst, NY. Within approximately 20 minutes of Crule delivering the fentanyl, M.M. did not communicate with anyone and was never seen alive again. On February 12, 2023, law enforcement officers arrived at the Campus Drive residence after receiving a 911 call from the mother of an individual identified as B.Y. The mother reported that she found a dead woman inside of her son’s home. Law enforcement found M.M. and B.Y. slumped over in close proximity to the dining room table. Both were deceased. The Erie County Medical Examiner's office determined that the cause of death for both M.M. and B.Y. was acute intoxication with fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. At the time, Crule was on probation for a 2022 felony drug conviction in Erie County.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2026, before Judge Arcara.
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Buffalo man charged with possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanylRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamarr A. Cunningham a/k/a Grass, 31, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and 40 grams of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
According to the complaint, in November 2025, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from a co-conspirator associated with Cunningham at a Palmer Street residence in Jamestown. On November 13, 2025, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the Palmer Street residence, seizing a quantity of suspected cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and a quantity of cash. Cunningham was the residence and taken into custody on New York State charges.
Cunningham made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions following a detention hearing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Boyle County Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Junction City, Ky., man, Darion Ford, 26, was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In December 2024, law enforcement began investigating that Ford had recently re-upped a large supply of narcotics from Lexington. On December 18, 2024, Ford was observed leaving his residence and was stopped by law enforcement. When law enforcement talked with Ford, he stated that he had a gun and placed it on his console. He also had three bags containing powder and tablet forms of fentanyl. Ford told law enforcement that he had approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills and seven grams of fentanyl powder at his residence. Law enforcement seized approximately 85.146 grams of fentanyl that Ford intended to distribute. Ford also possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Tony Gray, Danville Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Danville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Chapman and Amanda Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Bovine Artificial Insemination Manager Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Bid-Rigging ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A South Carolina manager of a bovine artificial insemination firm pleaded guilty today to rigging bids for the purchase of cattle used either for the direct production of semen or for the development of animals for future semen production.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Columbus, Ohio, Herbert D. Lutz, 56, of Chester, SC pleaded guilty to conspiring to rig bids between at least as early as October 2018 and at least as late as May 2024. In advance of cattle auctions, Lutz and his co-conspirators agreed which company would win the bid. During the sales, the agreed-upon losing firm would either not bid or would submit an intentionally-losing bid before bowing out to permit the agreed-upon winner to prevail. Through the efforts of Lutz and his co-conspirators, Lutz’s employer was able to acquire cattle worth over $1.6 million through rigged sales.
Bovine artificial insemination firms produce, market, and sell bovine semen for artificial insemination, research, and genomics. As part of their business, such firms purchase cattle from third parties, including through competitive public auctions, either for the direct production of semen for sale or to develop animals for future production.
“The tireless work of our Nation’s ranchers and farmers is essential to everyday affordability for all Americans,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “This Department of Justice will never stand for collusion that cheats hardworking, honest producers and raises prices for American families putting food on the table. Collusion and bid rigging is criminal, and we will prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Collusion in the agricultural industry ultimately leads to higher food prices for consumers,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division is dedicated to stamping out such collusion and prosecuting those responsible, thereby ensuring that our food supply remains affordable and plentiful for all Americans.”
“Bid rigging harms not only consumers, but also hard-working ranchers and farmers who are cheated out of competitive prices for their cattle,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Salvador Gonzalez of the Agriculture Department’s Office of Inspector General Midwest Field Office. “We will continue to work alongside our partners at the Antitrust Division to safeguard the rural way of life from corporate greed.”
Lutz is the first defendant to be charged and to plead guilty in the ongoing investigation into bid rigging in the bovine artificial insemination industry. Lutz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rig bids in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation, or other antitrust and competition crimes, should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center by visiting www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations. Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.
August Federal Grand Jury 2026-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August Federal Grand Jury 2026-A Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Adrian Barrera Quiroz. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Barrera Quiroz, 42, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed twice in 2007 and three times in 2016. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-298
Levante Ladaniel Brewer. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Brewer, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The FBI, the Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brasher is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-290
Jaleen Larenz Brown. Receipt of a Firearm While Under Indictment. Brown, 25, of Broken Arrow, is charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition knowing that it was unlawful to possess while under indictment for illegally possessing a machinegun. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Broken Arrow Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-289
David Wayne Burks, Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Burks, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muskogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-296
Toan Chu. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Chu, 56, a Vietnamese national, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from December 2025 through April 2026. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-288
Derick Jean Davis. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (superseding). Davis, 48, of Salina, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-124
Abraham Mendez Mendez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Mendez Mendez, 21, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in 2024. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Osborn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-267
Terrance Dujuan Reed. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Reed, 34, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, is charged with kidnapping the victim and assaulting her with the intent to commit sexual abuse. He is further charged with aggravated sexual abuse and with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-287
Jesse Charles Ryan. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Ryan, 44, of Locust Grove, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with possessing a firearm while drug trafficking and possessing a firearm knowing it was unlawful as a felon to possess a firearm. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and Stephen Flynn are prosecuting the case. 26-CR-286
Heatherlee Jade Smith. Wire Fraud (Count 1); Unlawful Monetary Transactions (Counts 2 through 6); Willfully Making and Subscribing a False Federal Income Tax Return (Counts 7 & 8). Smith, 34, of Skiatook, is charged with fraudulently directing at least $237,559.06 in payments from a law firm’s client to accounts she controlled. Smith made at least five financial transactions that were designed to conceal her unlawful activity. Lastly, Smith is charged with failing to report all her taxable income in 2021 and 2022. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, and the Skiatook Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-285
Martin Villicana Lopez; Haley Nicole Adair. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 & 5); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 3); Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 4). Villicana Lopez, 40, of Tulsa and a naturalized citizen of Mexico, and Adair, 28, of Tulsa, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. They are also charged with two counts of knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, Villicana Lopez knowingly possessed a firearm while drug trafficking and possessed a firearm, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore, Valeria Luster, and Jorge Diaz-Guma is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-284
Atlanta's "Master of Disguise" Faces Federal Charges for Nearly a Dozen Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Tracy Daryl Mingo, who came to be known as a “master of disguise,” was arraigned today on federal charges after he allegedly robbed ten Atlanta-area businesses at gunpoint from October 2025 to January 2026.
“During his months-long reign of terror, Mingo allegedly endangered the lives of more than a dozen store employees across ten different locations by robbing them at gunpoint,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “I am proud of the collaborative efforts of the FBI and our local police partners to identify Mingo and arrest him before anyone was seriously hurt.”
“For months, Mingo allegedly used disguises in an attempt to evade identification and continue targeting innocent workers at gunpoint. He underestimated the determination of the investigators pursuing him and the strength of the partnerships that exist between the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Together, we shared information across jurisdictions, followed the evidence, and stopped an individual accused of threatening communities throughout metro Atlanta.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between October 20, 2025 and January 1, 2026, Mingo allegedly robbed ten Circle K, Subway, and Family Dollar stores in the Atlanta-area cities of College Park, Decatur, East Point, Fairburn, Marietta, and Union City. In each of these incidents, Mingo allegedly entered the store late at night, after all or nearly all customers had left, and then robbed store employees at gunpoint. Mingo allegedly wore different disguises during the robberies, including dressing as a construction worker, health care professional, and security guard.
The FBI and local law enforcement partners found and arrested Mingo on January 2, 2026, when it appeared he was putting on the same security guard disguise used during the robbery of a Circle K store the night before. News of Mingo’s arrest and his methods for committing the robberies led to some media outlets calling him a “master of disguise.”
Today, Tracy Daryl Mingo, 33, of College Park, Georgia, appeared in federal court to face twenty total counts of Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, after a grand jury returned an indictment on July 28, 2026. If convicted of these charges, Mingo would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 63 years of imprisonment. He is detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the College Park Police Department, DeKalb County Police Department, East Point Police Department, Fairburn Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and Union City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wylly is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Arrests, Seizures, and Federal Firearms Charges Surge in Oakland Through Coordinated Federal-Local Law Enforcement EffortsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners announced today the results of a surge in federal firearm enforcement measures in Oakland. From March 2026 to July 2026, coordinated federal and local law enforcement efforts resulted in the seizure of 76 illegally possessed firearms. Over the same period, the U.S. Attorney’s Office brought federal criminal charges against 51 defendants.
“The people of Oakland deserve peace in their daily lives. Working with our federal, state, and local partners, we took dozens of dangerous, armed felons off the street and made Oakland a safer place to live,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “Rest assured that our work is not done. To the residents of Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and the many great cities in Northern California, we will do everything we can to make our communities safer. And to the offenders out there, if you illegally carry a firearm, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
“The violent crime initiative was formed as a collaborative effort to address violent crime and illegal possessors of firearms in Alameda County with a focus on the city of Oakland,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Wester. “There were multiple arrests made in connection with this initiative. One case we can highlight is the Oakland nightclub shooting. That shooting resulted in two people being killed. Through this initiative, one of the individuals involved in that shootout, who is also a prohibited person, was charged.”
“Ensuring our community’s safety from gun violence requires collaboration,” said Oakland Police Assistant Chief Casey Johnson. “We appreciate our law enforcement partners for providing the resources and intelligence needed to hold 51 violent offenders accountable and remove illegal firearms from our streets. The Oakland Police Department is grateful for the teamwork that helps protect our residents, businesses, and visitors."
“Federal, state, and local teamwork is the reason this surge delivered results. By working side by side with the Oakland Police Department and our state and federal law enforcement partners, we were able to identify and target the individuals driving gun violence in Oakland” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble. “Together, we helped seize 76 illegally possessed firearms and supported federal charges against 51 defendants during this initiative. Our shared commitment to intelligence driven enforcement and community safety is making a measurable difference. The FBI San Francisco division will continue to stand with our partners to reduce violence and protect the people of Oakland.”
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Examples of recently charged federal firearms cases include:
- Jarvis Toussaint, 40, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), for allegedly engaging in a shootout in a crowded downtown Oakland nightclub in the early morning of March 7, 2026, in which two people were killed, including a schoolteacher who was shot as she attempted to run from the gunfire. At least five others also suffered gunshot wounds during the incident. Toussaint was charged by complaint on May 8, 2026, and was indicted on May 14, 2026. Case No. 4:26-CR-235-JSW.
- Brice Burford, 25, was charged by complaint with being a prohibited person (having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence) in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). At the time of his arrest, Burford was being investigated by Oakland Police Department for his alleged involvement in a robbery on the Oakland Blade where he was suspected of engaging in human trafficking. Burford was charged by complaint on March 31, 2026, and pled guilty on July 9, 2026. Sentencing is set before Judge Gonzalez Rogers on October 1, 2026. Case No. 26-CR-00264-YGR.
- Miguel Martinez, 39, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). He was charged by indictment on May 7, 2026, and a change of plea hearing is set before Judge Tigar on August 21, 2026. Case No. 26-CR-00223-JST.
- Kawan Hardy, 33, and Jamonn Blincoe, 32, were charged by complaint with being felons in possession of ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on January 23, 2026, in a parking lot that is located across the street from two schools in Oakland. On June 12, 2026, Hardy pled guilty and on July 10, 2026, Blincoe pled guilty. Hardy’s sentencing is set before Judge Tigar on September 11, 2026. Blincoe’s sentencing is set before Judge Tigar on October 16, 2026. Case Nos. 26-CR-00271-JST and 26-CR-00270-JST.
The recent increased operations involved coordination among the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, the Oakland Police Department, FBI, DEA, the United States Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Oakland Housing Authority, and the California Highway Patrol’s Golden Gate Division. Additional operations are planned in the coming months.
A criminal complaint, information, or indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Armed Career Criminal from Memphis Found Guilty a Second Time for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Percy Jackson, of Memphis, Tennessee, who was on federal supervised release after federal convictions for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Tennessee, will spend the next 235 months in federal prison for committing the same crime, this time in Arkansas. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.
A federal grand jury indicted Jackson, 41, on June 6, 2024, charging him with three counts: being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. A three-day trial was held before Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker. After deliberating approximately three hours, the federal jury returned a guilty verdict on count one, felon in possession of a firearm.
In addition to the 235-month sentence, Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Jackson to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jackson was released from federal prison on September 28, 2022, after serving his prior 15-year federal sentence for illegally possessing guns. The evidence at trial revealed that on October 10, 2023, West Memphis Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Jackson for having a defective brake light and expired tags. Jackson was the only occupant of the vehicle and appeared nervous and sweating when questioned by law enforcement officers. Jackson was removed from the vehicle and law enforcement officers conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, under the driver’s seat officers located a loaded Ruger 9mm firearm that had been previously reported stolen. A baggie with pills that contained fentanyl was found in the glove compartment.
At the time of this incident, Jackson was on supervised release with the Western District of Tennessee for his felon in possession of a firearm conviction.
Because of his violent criminal history, Jackson is classified as an armed career criminal. Jackson’s past criminal history includes five convictions for aggravated robbery, a conviction for attempted aggravated robbery, a conviction for facilitation of especially aggravated robbery, and the previous convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the West Memphis Police Department and the Second Judicial Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Ajo Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Eric Garcia, 31, of Tucson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez to 19 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Garcia previously pleaded guilty to one count of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child.
The investigation revealed that on an unknown date between November 11, 2014, and November 11, 2016, Garcia, an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, had sexual contact with a child under the age of 12 on the Tohono O’odham Nation near Hickiwan, Arizona.
The Tohono O’odham Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Cassell, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 24-CR-5231-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-133_Garcia# # #
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.73-Year-Old Cape Coral Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening to Kill ICE OfficersRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Joseph Rocco Giancola (73, Cape Coral) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for making interstate communications of threats to injure. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Giancola pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026.
According to court records, on August 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified true threats to injure ICE agents posted on the social media platform BlueSky by user @caindelonbsky.social. Additional investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents identified the user as Joseph Rocco Giancola who posted numerous threats between May and July 2025, including “Just shoot ice to kill”, “Get your guns and kill the ice nazis”, “They come near me and I shoot to kill”, “Band together in neighborhoods, arm the band, and kill these gestapo fucks. A few massacres and they will stop coming”; “Shoot the ICE Nazis down like the rabid dogs they are”; “Let there be blood – MAGA blood and lots of it… We should be shooting down ICE Proud Boys like the rabid dogs they are”; and “I’ll shoot to kill”, among others.
HSI subsequently executed a federal court authorized search warrant on Giancola at his Cape Coral residence on October 30, 2025, where they encountered him in his bedroom with an unlocked computer displaying the @caindelonbsky.social BlueSky account on the screen.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court held Giancola accountable for making more than two true threats against official victims on account of the victim’s employment status.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Cape Coral Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Redavid.
5 August 2026
United States Attorney’s Office Sues State College Landlord for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation in HousingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today it filed a lawsuit against Venkatachalam Mani, a landlord in State College, Pennsylvania, for sexually harassing his female tenant and then retaliating against her when she refused his sexual advances, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The tenant filed a complaint against Mr. Mani with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After an investigation, HUD determined that Mr. Mani discriminated against the applicant in violation of the Fair Housing Act and issued a charge of discrimination. After the tenant chose to have the matter decided in federal court, HUD referred the matter to the Department of Justice. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the tenant and her children and a court order barring future discrimination.
The lawsuit alleges Mr. Mani made sexual advances toward his tenant; she rejected the advances; he sexually assaulted her; and then he engaged in months long retaliation by showing up at the leased property uninvited and failing to complete required maintenance on the property. The lawsuit also alleges that Mr. Mani’s refusal to fix a furnace after his tenant rejected his advances caused the tenant to be without heat in freezing cold temperatures and move out of the home when the furnace eventually caught fire.
“This lawsuit involves a landlord who failed to fix a tenant’s furnace despite freezing temperatures because she refused his sexual advances, forcing her family to move out even though they did not have another place to live,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This conduct is immoral and unlawful. The Justice Department will continue to uphold the rights of female tenants to housing without the threat of sexual harassment by a landlord.”
“Attempts to exploit tenants for sexual favors, sexual assault, and retaliation by landlords will never be tolerated in the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, which the Department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 53 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered approximately $19 million for victims of such harassment. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violation to the office’s Civil Rights Coordinator by calling 717-614-4911 or email [email protected].
Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler represents the government in this lawsuit.
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U.S. Attorney's Office joins law enforcement, community leaders, and residents for National Night Out events in KansasRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS) is again participating in National Night Out events alongside law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities. The outreach events are held in August in most areas of the country.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritizes participation in National Night Out because these event are opportunities for meaningful interaction with the public that help foster trust and strengthen relationships,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “This year we will be in Derby and Topeka. In previous years, we’ve gone to Gardner, Wichita, Overland Park, and El Dorado where we enjoyed speaking one-on-one with some of our fellow Kansans.”
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the USAO-KS staff took part in the Derby Police Department’s National Night Out event at High Park. The Outreach Team set up an information table and passed out brochures to visitors on topics like about how to spot and avoid financial scams, resources for victims of crime, and the dangers of fentanyl use.
USAO-KS will be at the 2026 City of Topeka National Night Out Community Resource Expo on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization, administers the program.Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out brings police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, safety demonstrations, youth events, and more. National Night Out sends a message of unity that says by working together, neighbors can keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Joins Communities Across Massachusetts for National Night OutRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts participated in National Night Out events in communities across the Commonwealth. The annual campaign brings together law enforcement, community organizations and residents to strengthen relationships and promote safer neighborhoods.
National Night Out is held each year on the first Tuesday in August and is celebrated in thousands of communities across the country through neighborhood gatherings, block parties, cookouts, youth activities, safety demonstrations and other events.
“The work of keeping our communities safe extends far beyond the courtroom. It depends on strong partnerships between law enforcement and the people we serve,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “National Night Out is a meaningful opportunity to connect with residents, listen to their concerns and reinforce our shared commitment to safer, stronger communities throughout Massachusetts.”
National Night Out is coordinated locally by law enforcement agencies and community volunteers and encourages meaningful engagement between residents and the public safety professionals who serve them. In the District of Massachusetts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office participated in National Night Out events in cities and towns across the state.
Established in 1984 with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice, National Night Out is administered by the National Association of Town Watch.
For more information about National Night Out, visit www.natw.org.
U.S. Attorney Announces District Election Officer to Ensure Voting Integrity in West TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Will Crow will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Tennessee for the upcoming general and primary elections on August 6, 2026.
United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process."
In this capacity, DEO Crow will be responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
DEO Crow will be on duty while the polls are open to respond to complaints and concerns during the upcoming election and ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities. He can be reached by phone at 901-544-4231.
In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have special agents available throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Nashville Division of the FBI, which covers the entire state of Tennessee, can be reached by the public at 865-544-0751.
However, if you witness a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying, and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Anyone with specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud should make that information available to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
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Two Illegal Aliens from Honduras Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Olver Anacleto Amador-Calderon, 24, and Alexander Josue Viatoro-Arita, 22, both illegal aliens from Honduras, were sentenced to prison yesterday for trafficking fentanyl, following an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Amador-Calderon was ordered to serve 14 years in prison, and Viatoro-Arita was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Following the completion of their prison sentences, both defendants will be deported. The defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
“These defendants entered our country illegally and fueled the distribution of deadly fentanyl while armed with stolen firearms. They will serve time in an American prison before they are deported, and we will continue our fight to completely eliminate fentanyl from our community,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, in January 2025, Viatoro-Arita sold 24.99 grams of fentanyl to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Later the same day, investigators arrived at the hotel where the defendants were staying. Investigators searched the hotel room, where they recovered more than 330 grams of fentanyl, approximately $33,000 in cash, and two ledgers documenting drug sales. The ledgers documented approximately $159,400 in drug transactions between December 2024 and January 2025, totaling 11.665 kilograms of fentanyl and just under 3.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. In addition, investigators recovered firearms concealed in the defendants’ waistbands. Amador-Calderon possessed a .380 caliber Titan pistol, and Viatoro-Arita possessed a stolen 9mm Taurus pistol with a partially obliterated serial number.
The defendants are currently in federal custody. They will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
The investigation was handled by the FBI, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Gastonia Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is an 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 CORE 23 (Charlotte) is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP), United States ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal investigative Service (NCIS), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the North Carolina Insurance Bureau, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the Nash Count Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick Count Sheriff’s Office, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Nags Head Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the Kannapolis Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Stallings Police Department, the Kings Mountain Police Department, the Greensville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) International Airport Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Anderson City Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston County Airport Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Alamance County Sheriff’s office, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Piedmont Triad Internal Airport Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of North and South Carolina.
Texas Physician Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Operating a Houston-Area Pill MillRead the Press Release
A Texas physician was sentenced yesterday to 12.5 years in prison for operating her Kingwood medical clinic as an illegal pill mill that issued prescriptions for over 3 million opioid pills.
According to court documents, Maryam Qayum, M.D., 68, of Montgomery County, Texas, owned, operated, and was the sole prescriber at Recare Health Clinic (Recare). Qayum operated Recare as a cash-only pill-mill, selling controlled substance prescriptions to street-level drug dealers who were referred to at Recare as “providers.” “Providers” purchased prescriptions for high strength, highly addictive opioids oxycodone and hydrocodone. Qayum issued these prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose, and often without ever interacting with the patient. According to court documents, Qayum issued prescriptions for more than 3 million opioid pills between 2022 and 2025, when her clinic was shut down by law enforcement.
Court documents detail how Recare, like many pill-mill clinics, operated well outside the course of a normal medical practice, including charging more for prescriptions for drugs with higher street value. A prescription for oxycodone 30mg cost as much as $500, while hydrocodone prescriptions were often $300, and Recare’s staff frequently took “tips” from drug dealers to fast track their patients and prescriptions. The following note listing the cash price for each prescription was seized when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Recare.
Note seized from Qayum’s clinic showing cash prices for control substance prescriptionsIn March 2026, Qayum pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances.
In addition to Qayum, four other defendants were previously sentenced in this case:
- Melvin Sampson, 56, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 210 months in prison in June 2026. In March 2026, Sampson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Sampson was a street-level drug dealer who brought patients to Recare, filled prescriptions at Surge Rx and elsewhere, and resold the drugs he obtained on the black market.
- Tomi-Ko Bowers, APRN, 71, of Cleveland, Texas, was sentenced to 96 months in prison in June 2026. In March 2026, Bowers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and was a nurse practitioner at Recare.
- Lester Stokes, 38, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 63 months in prison in June 2026. In March 2026, Stokes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and was Recare’s security guard.
- Jared Williams, RPh, 49, of Pearland, Texas, was sentenced to 42 months in prison in July 2026. In March 2026, Williams pleaded guilty to unlawfully distributing a controlled substance and was the owner and pharmacist in charge at Surge Rx, which filled illegitimate prescriptions issued by Qayum.
DEA and the Conroe Police Department investigated the case.
Acting Assistant Chief Devon Helfmeyer and Trial Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Alum for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the 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 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.
Tallahassee Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offenses and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Amontea Allen John Mitchell, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate the continued vigilance of our state and federal law enforcement partners to stay one step ahead of the sexual predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize kids online. Aggressively prosecuting these sick individuals and ensuring they remain locked away in prison is the best way we can ensure our kids stay safe.”
Court documents reflect that in April 2026, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tallahassee Police Department conducted an undercover operation to identify individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, Mitchell responded to an online advertisement for a female escort and began communicating through text message with an undercover officer who was posing as a 15-year-old child. After the undercover officer told the defendant he was speaking to a 15-year-old female, the defendant proceeded to send an obscene photograph and asked the child to produce child pornography to send to him. The defendant ultimately expressed an interest in engaging in sex with the child. Law enforcement arrested the defendant near an arranged meeting location. Inside the defendant’s backpack, agents found three condoms and a firearm. Mitchell is a felon with multiple prior felony convictions, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment, for the attempted enticement of a minor count; up to a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor count; and up to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This case involved a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Emma Schwan is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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.
Taiwan LED Manufacturer Agrees to $5.15M Settlement of False Claims Act and Administrative Allegations of Evading Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that Everlight Electronics, a publicly traded Taiwanese company that manufactures light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and Everlight Americas, its Texas-based subsidiary, agreed to pay the United States $5.15 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, common law, and the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, by knowingly failing to pay duties owed on LEDs imported from the People’s Republic of China.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the settlement with Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Trade.
“Companies that seek to import goods into the United States must comply with customs laws and pay the rightful duties owed,” Hayes said. “As evidenced by this case, we will use all tools available to identify and hold accountable those who commit trade fraud by falsely identifying the country of origin of imported goods to pay lower customs duties than actually owed.”
“Trade fraud undermines the U.S. Government’s ability to collect the proper revenue, hurts legitimate companies, and puts American consumers at risk,” Thomas said. “Trade fraud isn’t a victimless crime, and we work around the clock with our partners to ensure that bad actors face consequences.”
When entering goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the classification of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and pay the amount of duties owed. CBP collects applicable duties, including Section 301 tariffs imposed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Section 301 tariffs protect U.S. industry by imposing trade sanctions on foreign countries that violate U.S. trade agreements or engage in other unreasonable acts that burden U.S. commerce. During the relevant time period, Chinese-manufactured LEDs were subject to Section 301 tariffs.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from July 2018, through January 2022, Everlight knowingly misrepresented the country of origin on Chinese-manufactured LEDs. More specifically, the U.S. alleged that Everlight knew these products were manufactured in China, and then transshipped to Taiwan, before shipping them to the U.S. Everlight allegedly misrepresented to CBP that the products originated in Taiwan rather than China to avoid paying applicable Section 301 tariffs. The settlement also resolves allegations that, from January 2022, through November 2025, Everlight continued to import LEDs from Taiwan, some of which were manufactured in China based on the country of origin of the dice of the LED, without further segregating the Chinese-made dice from the Taiwanese-made dice during LED manufacturing.
This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Tao Wang, a former employee of Everlight. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Relator’s share of the proceeds of the settlement will be $876,146. The qui tam action is captioned United States ex rel. Wang v. Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd., et al., No. TDC-21-cv-1607 (D. Md.).
On Aug. 29, 2025, the Department of Justice launched a cross-agency Trade Fraud Task Force to enhance efforts to combat and prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force augments existing coordination mechanisms within the Department of Justice, leveraging expertise from both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against any parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to utilize the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended CBP for its work in the investigation and providing critical support through the Electronic Center of Excellence and Expertise and the Office of Assistant Chief Counsel, Baltimore Northeast Region. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tarra DeShields and DOJ Trial Attorney Jennifer Chorpening who handled this case.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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St. Louis Bus Driver Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex with 12-Year-Old Michigan GirlRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Maria A. Lanahan on Wednesday sentenced a St. Louis bus driver to 15 years in prison for engaging in sex acts with a 12-year-old Michigan girl.
After meeting the victim via social media in 2023, Harold Paul White, now 56, drove to Michigan to pick her up and bring her back to St. Louis. White engaged in illegal sex acts with the minor at his apartment in St. Louis and recorded those acts with a phone. When the victim realized that she had been reported missing, White bought her a bus ticket home.
“This is the second child predator we've sent to federal prison in as many days, underscoring the persistent threat these offenders pose to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Child exploitation is not an isolated problem; it is a daily reality that the FBI and our law enforcement partners confront across the country. Parents need to understand that a child's bedroom is no longer a barrier between them and those who would do them harm. Online platforms give predators constant access to potential victims, making vigilance, communication, and reporting more important than ever.”
White pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in May to one count of interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The FBI and local police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards prosecuted the case.
Springfield Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
Robert Eugene Josh Jr, 65, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. 25 months of the sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to a separate case.
According to court documents, in January 2024, Josh Jr. possessed almost three pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. In late January 2024, as part of a larger federal and state investigation, Eugene Police Department officers stopped Josh Jr.’s vehicle and located almost three pounds of methamphetamine. Josh Jr. told the officers he purchased the methamphetamine, was acting as a middleman, and was going to sell it to somebody else for a profit. Josh Jr. was also arrested for a shooting as part of a drug deal gone bad. Josh Jr. was convicted in Marion County Circuit Court of attempted assault I and unlawful use of a weapon. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison related to the shooting.
On May 5, 2026, Josh Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On June 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Josh Jr. with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Eugene Police Department and the Springfield Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Sweet.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
South Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Posting Online Threats Against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Kristi NoemRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Miami man pleaded guilty Friday to posting online threats targeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of State Special Envoy Kristi Noem.
According to court records, Jon Christopher Enriquez, 47, of Miami, used the social media platform X to post multiple public threats targeting Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Noem on May 27. The threats were made in three separate public posts over the course of the afternoon. Among other things, the posts threatened that both officials would be executed at specific times.
“Threatening to execute public officials is not political speech, it is a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Enriquez used a public platform to issue repeated, specific threats against Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Noem. Today’s guilty plea makes clear that those who attempt to terrorize public servants or intimidate them through threats of violence will be swiftly identified, prosecuted, and held accountable.”
“Threatening a Secretary of State or any senior State Department official is a serious federal offense,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and Director of the Diplomatic Security Service Nicholas Collura. “Protecting the people who serve this country is our highest priority, and we will not hesitate to act against anyone who threatens their safety.”
Enriquez pleaded guilty to three counts of transmitting threats through interstate communications. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Diplomatic Security Service is investigating the case, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the City of Miami Police Department, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Y. Carré is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 26-cr-20239.
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Sioux City Man Faces up to 50 Years in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
Gabriel Jauregui, age 36, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty August 5, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Jauregui was previously convicted of attempt to entice a minor in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County in 2020.
At the plea hearing, Jauregui admitted that between July 15, 2024, and August 20, 2025, Jauregui sexually exploited a sixteen-year-old child. A review of the minor victim’s phone revealed messages relating to drugs and sexual acts between Jauregui and the minor. Officers also located videos and photographs of nudity involving both parties. Jauregui filmed himself engaging in sex acts with the minor on his phone and then sent the videos to the minor. A forensic review showed that the material was sent from the phone number Jauregui had registered with the sex offender registry. Jauregui also forcibly injected the minor with methamphetamine. The minor discussed their active addiction to methamphetamine while exchanging images and videos with Jauregui. The videos contained material that depicted sadistic or masochistic conduct, or other depictions of violence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Jauregui remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Jauregui faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 50 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and is being 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 25-4051.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Sanostee Woman Pleads to 2022 AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Sanostee woman pleaded guilty in federal court to using a rifle to seriously injure one individual and threaten another during an August 2022 incident.
According to court documents, on August 20, 2022, Leticia Washburn, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, retrieved a rifle during an argument and threatened two individuals with the weapon. During the confrontation, she discharged the rifle, striking one victim in the abdomen and causing serious bodily injury.
Washburn pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At sentencing, she faces no less than seven years and up to life in prison followed by up to five years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.
San Francisco Woman Convicted of Selling Counterfeit Native American JewelryRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – A woman convicted of selling counterfeit Native American jewelry was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine yesterday in federal court.
Molly Breivis, 57, of San Francisco, California, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Alison Bachus to time served in addition to the fine. Breivis pleaded guilty on the same day to Misrepresentation of Indian Produced Goods of Less Than $1,000. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Breivis agreed to issue a public letter of apology to the Native America community that will be published on the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB) website.
Breivis fraudulently sold Native American jewelry online between approximately 2020 and 2024 on her eBay store. She claimed the jewelry was produced by Apache, Laguna, Navajo, or Zuni artists. Breivis, however, imported the jewelry from Asia and it was not produced by Native American artists. Breivis received two warning letters from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the IACB, warning her that selling counterfeit Native American jewelry violated the Indian Arts and Crafts Act but she ignored those warnings. In total, Breivis admitted to selling over $92,000 in counterfeit jewelry. In her letter of apology that will be published on the IACB website, Breivis wrote, “I recognize that my conduct harmed customers and affected Native American artists, artisans, and businesses that depend on the sale of authentic work. I understand that it also undermined confidence in the market for authentic Native American jewelry.”
“The deliberate misrepresentation and sale of counterfeit Native American jewelry, as seen in this case, inflicts real harm on both the marketplace and the cultural heritage of Native American artists and tribes,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “These fraudulent practices deceive consumers and undermine the economic wellbeing of Native American communities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, remains steadfast in investigating Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations. Our dedicated team of special agents works tirelessly to protect the integrity and authenticity of Native American art, ensuring that artists and tribes are recognized and respected for their genuine craftsmanship.”
“By statute, the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, U.S. Department of the Interior, is responsible for administering and enforcing the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a truth-in-marketing law intended to remove counterfeit Indian art from the marketplace to protect Indian artists, economies, and cultures, as well as consumers nationwide,” said Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton. “By selling imported jewelry from Asia misrepresented as authentic Apache, Laguna, Navajo, and Zuni jewelry through her eBay store, Breivis undercut the livelihoods and traditions of these Tribes and the integrity of their artists’ creative work and defrauded vulnerable customers. We thank the Office of the U.S. Attorney-District of Arizona and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service IACA Investigative Unit for their diligent work on this case.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aron Ketchel, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-26-00846-PHX-ASB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-132_Breivis# # #
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.Salvadoran national pleads guilty to illegally reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – An illegal alien from El Salvador pled guilty today to illegally reentering the United States after multiple previous removals.
According to court documents, on Oct. 6, 2015, Salvadoran national Luis Antonio Tejada-Santamaria was arrested for illegally entering the United States. Following his conviction, Tejada-Santamaria was deported on Jan. 13, 2016. On April 1, 2016, Tejada-Santamaria was arrested for illegally reentry, and on May 18, 2016, was again removed from the United States.
On Nov. 2, 2024, Tejada-Santamaria was arrested in Chesterfield County for assault on law enforcement and obstruction, and he was convicted of the latter in the Chesterfield County court.
Tejada-Santamaria is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24. He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and remains subject to the previous order of removal. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Joseph McGorman and Angela Mastandrea 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. 3:25-cr-42.
Rhode Island Department of Human Services Supervisor Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RI-DHS) supervisor has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from her misuse of her official position to improperly access and exploit the personal information and benefits of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
On August 4, 2026, Nadine Jean Baptiste, 59, of Warwick, admitted to repeatedly accessing SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information, conducting unauthorized telephonic balance inquiries, and altering PIN numbers associated with those cards. Many of the affected individuals were juveniles, homeless, or incarcerated at the time their information was accessed.
In total, EBT cards containing more than $300,000 in SNAP benefits were improperly accessed. It is further alleged that Jean Baptiste and her daughter used fraudulently accessed SNAP benefits to make personal purchases.
The investigation began in September 2023 after the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit received multiple complaints from SNAP recipients through its Fraud Hotline, reporting that they never received the EBT cards issued to them. SNAP cards are typically mailed to a recipient’s address or provided in person at a DHS office, including to homeless individuals who pick them up onsite.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Moreira.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, and Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity- Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, Warwick Police Department, Providence Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.