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Friday 12 June 2026
Columbus man pleads guilty to defrauding COVID-19 relief programsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Sonny Madumelu, 70, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to committing COVID-19 relief fraud.
Specifically, Madumelu pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.
Madumelu admitted to submitting at least seven false applications for COVID-19 relief loans between June 2020 and September 2021. He filed for at least two Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and at least five Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. In total, the defendant sought approximately $405,000 in government aid and received more than $250,000.
Court documents detail that Madumelu used the business names Uncle Sonny Traveling and Shipping, Uncle Sonny Traveling + Shipping LTD, Sonny Star Cleaners and Transworld Travel & Transportation to submit fraudulent applications. He claimed to be a shipping agent who brokered the shipment of shipping containers and that he had a cleaning business to clean offices. In reality, he did not operate such businesses and used fictitious financial figures in his applications.
Wire fraud and money laundering are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the guilty plea entered on June 11 before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. The case was investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Billings woman sentenced to over 9 years in prison for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman who trafficked drugs from Denver to Billings was sentenced today to 117 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Beth Marie Jones, 63, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Jones was travelling regularly to Denver to pick up fentanyl and methamphetamine, which she then sold in the Billings area.
The case against Jones began when law enforcement in Billings learned from a source in April 2024 that she was selling meth and fentanyl in the area. The source indicated Jones had travelled several times to Denver to pick up the drugs.
Law enforcement obtained a warrant to monitor Jones’s cell phone locations and learned she was in the Denver area. On May 3, 2024, as Jones travelled back to Montana, law enforcement pulled her over in Big Horn County and searched her car. Officers found 28.2 grams of meth, 205.9 grams of fentanyl, and 11.35 grams of fentanyl powder. On the front seat was a firearm, which Jones said was for protection.
Speaking to agents roadside, Jones said she went to Denver to pick up the drugs, later admitting in an interview that she had travelled there multiple times to get the illicit material. In a search of Jones’s phone, agents learned she was purchasing 3,000 fentanyl pills and a half-ounce of meth. Other messages on her phone indicated she was also selling fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA conducted the investigation.
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Billings man sentenced to prison for trafficking drugsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who trafficked drugs while working as a cab driver was sentenced today to 42 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Sammy Joe Nava, 51, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possession with intent to distribute, and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that while working as a driver for Yellow Cab, Nava and a partner were selling meth around Billings.
Acting on a tip from a confidential informant, law enforcement learned in June 2022 that Yellow Cab employees known as “Sam” and “Dave” were selling meth across town. Sam provided the meth and Dave was a middleman who helped with the buys, according to the informant. Agents later identified “Sam” as Sammy Joe Nava.
Between June 13 and June 29, 2022, law enforcement set up four different buys using the informant, who purchased increasing amounts of meth from the two men. The informant would contact Dave, later identified as David Lee Owen, who would drive the informant to Nava’s location. Owen would take the informant’s money, go inside and return with the meth.
The informant started by purchasing 27.8 grams of meth, then 28.5 grams, and then 111.9 grams. On the final buy, the informant set up a purchase for a pound of meth, roughly 445 grams. Agents moved in and arrested Owen at the Yellow Cab offices where he was found with the pound of meth. Nava was arrested afterward.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the DEA conducted the investigation.
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Billings man sentenced to over 11 years in prison after trying to buy 35 pounds of methRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who tried to buy a suitcase full of meth at a Laurel truck stop was sentenced today to 135 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Derrick Chandler Lucero, 48, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Lucero attempted to purchase 35 pounds of meth from a courier with ties to a Mexican drug operation.
The case against Lucero started in Omaha, Nebraska, when Omaha police officers and agents with the DEA intercepted a suspected drug courier at a bus station on July 22, 2025. The courier told law enforcement he was travelling from California to Montana – later admitting he had 35 pounds of meth in his bags. He then offered to help law enforcement deliver the meth as part of a controlled buy to catch the courier’s connection. Agents travelled with the courier to Billings along with the 35 pounds of meth, which was later tested to verify its legitimacy. They then swapped out 34 of the 35 bundles with white ice melt that they wrapped the same way as the original packages.
Early on July 23, 2025, agents and the courier created a plan for delivery. Contacting his handlers in Mexico, the courier received instructions to contact the buyer by phone and determine a location to make the exchange. His handlers told him he was to collect $12,500. The buyer, later identified as Lucero, contacted the courier at 12:02 a.m. and told him they’d meet at the TA Truck Stop in Laurel. Asked for a description of his vehicle, Lucero responded, “I’m in a green and tan Ford Expedition.”
Law enforcement started surveillance on the TA Truck Stop, eventually spotting the Expedition. The courier approached the Expedition with the suitcase holding the meth and ice melt. He opened the rear passenger door and set the suitcase inside. Lucero threw a stack of $100 bills on the back seat for the courier, who took the money, closed the car door and gave Lucero a thumbs up, indicating to the arrest teams that the transaction was complete. The agents moved in and arrested Lucero.
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 Montana comprises agents and officers from numerous federal agencies and drug task forces throughout the state, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation as part of the HSTF.
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Bardstown Man and Woman Sentenced to over 30 years and 10 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Nelson County man and woman were sentenced to federal prison on June 10, 2026, after being convicted of multiple fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses following a five-day jury trial in September 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to court documents, Neal Scott Stone, 50, was sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Additionally, Stone was on federal supervised release at the time of the offenses. He was sentenced to an additional 3-year term of imprisonment for violating the terms of supervised release, 18 months of which was ordered to run consecutively with the 30-year sentence, for a total combined sentence of 31.5 years. Stone was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine.
Keely Logsdon, 42, was sentenced to 10 years, followed by 6 years of supervised release.
Between August of 2022 and June of 2023, Stone and Logsdon, both of Bardstown, conspired with each other and others to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine. Additionally, Stone and Logsdon, aided and abetted by each other, distributed cocaine and/or fentanyl on eight separate occasions. During the conspiracy, Stone was an over-the-road truck driver, who obtained cocaine and fentanyl from the southwest border of the United States and Mexico and transported the substances back to the Bardstown area for distribution. The jury also found that Stone had previously been convicted of the following serious drug felonies, which resulted in enhanced penalties.
On May 27, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Stone was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
On April 20, 2015, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Stone was convicted of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Neal Stone has lived a life of crime, with a callous disregard for his community. Despite the opportunity to learn from three prior federal drug trafficking convictions, Stone directly transported significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from the Mexican border into Bardstown, Kentucky. There’s no telling how many lethal doses of deadly poison he ultimately brought into our Commonwealth. At 50 years old, this 31 1/2-year sentence in the federal penitentiary all but assures Stone will never harm Kentuckians again. I am proud of the investigative work by first class DEA Agents, and the prosecutorial effort of AUSA Frank Dahl, who are at the forefront of fighting the narcotics epidemic plaguing our state.”
“Drug traffickers like Stone and Logsdon have no regard for human life and should expect nothing less than to feel the full weight of our justice system for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “I’m very proud of the work done by our special agents and all our law enforcement partners to ensure these individuals are put away for a very long time.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Kentucky State Police, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Amy Sullivan prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
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 Louisville comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
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Another 301 charged in efforts to secure the southern borderRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The Southern District of Texas has filed 296 cases in immigration and related matters from June 5-11, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The charges include 186 illegal aliens for unlawfully reentering the United States and another 65 for illegal entry. Many have previous convictions related to narcotics trafficking, immigration offenses, violent crimes and more. An additional 41 people allegedly engaged in human smuggling, while the remaining nine people face immigration-related charges.
Among the new allegations are several convicted illegal alien felons who attempted to illegally reenter the United States.
One of those was allegedly Pedro Martinez-Arias from Mexico. According to the charges, law enforcement discovered him near Linn, despite having been previously removed Oct. 19, 2024. The criminal complaint alleges he has a prior conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and had been ordered to serve 168 months in prison before his removal from the United States.
He and others charged with felony reentry after prior removal face up to 20 years in federal prison, upon conviction.
In addition to the new cases, two Guatemalan human smugglers admitted to their roles in the 2021 mass casualty event in Chiapas, Mexico. Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala and Alberto Marcario Chitic acknowledged they conspired with other smugglers to transport illegal aliens from Guatemala through Mexico to the United States. They recruited aliens, collected payment, arranged for travel and even provided scripted language to unaccompanied minors if U.S. immigration authorities apprehended them. On Dec. 9, 2021, they and others arranged for aliens to be loaded into a tractor trailer that ultimately crashed north of the Guatemala/Mexico border, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 and injuries of over 100 more.
The cases are referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than 10 million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
2 Lawful Permanent Residents Charged with Attempting to Smuggle Juvenile Through El Paso Port of EntryRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – Two Lawful Permanent Residents from Mexico made their initial appearances in a federal court in El Paso this week, facing criminal charges related to their alleged smuggling of illegal aliens, including a minor, from Mexico into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, on June 7, Abraham Romo-Rivera, 39, and Amairani Munoz-Molinar, 29, approached the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in a vehicle and applied for admission into the United States. The vehicle had New Mexico plates, and Romo-Rivera was allegedly the driver of the vehicle. Romo-Rivera was accompanied by multiple passengers, including Munoz-Molinar. A criminal complaint alleges that Romo-Rivera and Munoz-Molinar presented the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer (CBPO) with their Lawful Permanent Resident Cards and Romo-Rivera additionally presented identification documents for two other passengers, declaring them to be his son and daughter. The documents allegedly bore the information of other individuals, and the CBPO noticed that the female passenger attempted to avoid showing her face.
The CBPO referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, where Romo-Rivera and Munoz-Molinar allegedly maintained that the two passengers were their son and daughter. The CBPO also recognized that the photo on the female’s supposed identification document did not match the female, leading her to allegedly disclose that she was not the person depicted on the I.D. and was a citizen of Mexico.
Further investigation revealed that Romo-Rivera was allegedly going to be paid $10,000 to smuggle illegal aliens into the U.S. During a pat-down search of Munoz-Molinar, a CBPO allegedly located a manila envelope containing the actual Mexican birth certificates and Mexican passports belonging to the two illegal aliens. The male passenger was determined to be a minor.
Romo-Rivera and Munoz-Molinar were arrested and charged with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens. If convicted, they each face up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Van Pelt is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Thursday 11 June 2026
Windsor Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Windsor man pleaded guilty on June 9, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on September 1, 2024, a deputy with the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office observed Shawn Merrill, 40, riding in a vehicle as a passenger. The deputy was aware that Merrill had a warrant for his arrest and was on state probation. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy searched it and located a pistol in the center console. Merrill admitted that his DNA and fingerprints would likely be on the firearm as he had previously handled it. Merrill is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of prior felony convictions, including a Maine robbery conviction.
Merrill faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: 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 Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Angelo Valderrama, age 38, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on March 22, 2026, Valderrama possessed an AR-15 style pistol and rounds of ammunition in Luzerne County knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony offense that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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 and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Warms Springs Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Two MinorsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for sexually abusing two minors at a sleepover, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
Desmond Ray Florez, 34, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on April 13, 2025, Florez sexually abused two minors while they were at a sleepover at Florez’s residence on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Investigators at the Warm Springs Police Department learned that Florez had also previously sexually abused one of the minor victims four years ago.
On July 1, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Florez with sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abusive contact. Florez pleaded guilty to both counts on February 19, 2026.
The FBI and Warms Springs Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Wanted Fugitive Out of Maryland Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, Va. – A wanted fugitive out of Maryland, who led police on a high-speed car chase on Interstate 81 before crashing into the median, pled guilty yesterday to federal drug and gun charges.
Corey Frances Potter, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, in February 2026, Potter was a known fugitive traveling north on Interstate 81 from Roanoke, Virginia, towards Winchester, Virginia. When Potter entered Rockingham County, Virginia, law enforcement pulled behind the defendant’s vehicle and turned on their lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop.
Rather than pull over, Potter sped up to evade law enforcement, eventually hitting a tractor trailer’s front tire, spinning out, striking a pick-up truck, and rolling over into the median.
Law enforcement retrieved various items from the crash scene, including a backpack that belonged to Potter, which contained two firearms, various magazines, and significant amounts of ammunition. Law enforcement also found inside the vehicle approximately 13.7 ounces of cocaine, bags of white pills, another firearm, $14,755, and a fraudulent Drug Enforcement Administration.
Potter’s criminal history shows that he was convicted in 2015 of two felony charges in Pennsylvania, both involving fleeing from, or attempting to elude, law enforcement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police investigated the case with assistance from the City of Roanoke Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff is prosecuting the case.
Wainwright man sentenced to 16 years for sexually exploiting minors to produce, receive child pornographyRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Wainwright man was sentenced today to over 16 years in prison for sexually exploiting multiple minor victims to produce and receive child pornography.
According to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2024, the North Slope Borough Police Department received a report from a 15-year-old minor victim about Robert Segevan, 32. The minor victim reported that Segevan requested sexually explicit pictures on Snapchat. Throughout the course of the investigation, four other minor victims came forward, ranging from 11 to 13 years old. The victims reported that anytime they attempted to block him, Segevan would create a new account and continue to ask for explicit pictures.
Law enforcement obtained search warrants for Segevan’s accounts. The warrants revealed that between August and October 2024, Segevan contacted multiple females suspected to be minors asking for sexually explicit images. Law enforcement seized multiple devices and found 62 images and 21 videos that depicted child sexual abuse with some victims as young as five years old.
On July 30, 2026, Segevan was arrested after being charged by criminal complaint and was formally indicted by a federal grand jury roughly one month later. On March 6, 2026, Segevan pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child: attempted production of child pornography, one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of receipt of child pornography.
At sentencing, the Court ordered Segevan to serve 15 years on supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence. In handing down the sentence, the Court emphasized the need to protect Segevan’s community from his predatory behavior.
“Mr. Segevan persistently targeted minors known to him, going as far as creating new digital accounts when the minors blocked him over and over again for his sick conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “I want to commend the courageous victims who came forward to disclose Segevan’s crimes and our law enforcement partners that ultimately stopped his perverse pattern of behavior. We must work together to protect Alaska’s children.”
“Segevan’s child exploitation crimes against multiple young victims were deliberate, predatory, and have no place in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protect our most vulnerable, identify offenders, and secure justice for victims of these atrocious crimes.”
“The North Slope Borough Police Department is dedicated to protecting our communities and ensuring that those who target and exploit our youth are held fully accountable,” said Deputy Chief Phillip Brymer of the North Slope Borough Police Department. “This case highlights the vital importance of our local investigators working hand-in-hand with federal partners like the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We hope this sentencing brings a sense of justice and closure to the victims and their families.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and North Slope Borough Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from Anchorage Police Department as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Vosacek and Ibad Jafri prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
UPDATE: This release has been updated to include a quote from the North Slope Borough Police Department.
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United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Honors Six First Responders for Their Exceptional Acts of BraveryRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan presented the Department of Justice’s Hometown Hero Award to six first responders whose extraordinary courage and bravery during two separate critical incidents saved lives and ensured public safety.
The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility. This award is dedicated in recognition of a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.
“These brave men answered the call without hesitation. They held the line for us against terrorists who attacked and burned a church and temple. And through their sacrificial acts, these American heroes saved countless lives. We thank God for each of them,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
The honorees include Michigan Conservation Officer Luke Robare (not pictured) and Grand Blanc Township Police Officer Jason Carpentier, who were honored for their tremendous composure, courage, and bravery during a terror attack. These men were the first to respond to a September 28, 2025, call regarding an active shooter at the Jesus Christ House of Latter-Day Saints, where hundreds of worshipers were in attendance. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers heard a barrage of gunfire in the parking lot of the church where members of the congregation were fleeing from the assailant, who was armed with an AK-47. Both officers selflessly ran together toward the sounds of gunfire, engaged the assailant with their department-issued rifles, and immediately ended the threat. This devastating attack resulted in four innocent lives being taken and eight more injured due to gunfire. Without these officers’ brave, courageous actions, many more lives could have been lost, as there were hundreds of church members in attendance.
L-R Captain David Malloch, DNR Sgt. Keven Luther on behalf of Officer Luke Robare, U.S. Attorney Jerome G. Gorgon, Jr., Grand Blanc Twp Officer Jason Carpentier and Chief William RenyeAlso recognized were the Temple Israel Security Team who displayed tremendous composure, courage, and bravery during a terror attack. These men were working the day a Hezbollah-inspired attacker drove his vehicle into the synagogue in a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. The officers took immediate action to stop the attacker before he could kill any of the nearby children and teachers who were in the building at the time of the attack. They bravely stood between the attacker and the dozens of innocent men, women and children who were worshiping at the Temple that day. Their actions prevented what would have been a tremendous loss of life and are a testament to their bravery and professionalism.
For more information on Freedom 250 and the Hometown Hero award, go to https://freedom250.org
U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Fraud Prevention Initiative for Older Americans to Combat Elder Fraud in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah is proud to announce her office’s efforts to combat elder fraud with the launch of the Fraud Prevention Initiative for Older Americans. As part of the initiative, U.S. Attorney Holyoak is visiting senior and community centers across the state of Utah to discuss elder fraud trends, tactics, and ways to avoid falling victim to these dangerous and sometimes sophisticated scams.
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15, 2026, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Since May 6, 2026, U.S. Attorney Holyoak has visited over a dozen senior centers in 12 counties. Joining the Justice Department’s efforts to stop scammers from defrauding older Americans, she shares an important reminder: the Justice Department and other government agencies will never call you out of the blue to demand money, request gift cards or cryptocurrency, or tell you to move your money to “keep it safe.”
“As technology evolves, imposter scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Their tactics are tricky and instill fear and urgency, but it is important that no matter how urgent the problem seems, stop, talk to someone you trust, and check in with the real business or agency – not whoever is on the phone,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “Along with this administration, my office takes fraud seriously and we will prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law, but prevention is key.”
For more information on how scammers try to defraud the older American community visit ejcc.acl.gov/imposters.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts Hosts Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Ceremony and Veteran Charity DriveRead the Press Release
BOSTON – As part of Freedom 250 – the nationwide celebration commemorating America’s 250th birthday – the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will host a Hometown Hero ceremony recognizing Marshfield native, Corporal Alfred Lopes, Jr., who was declared missing in action in the Korean War in February 1951.
The ceremony will be held on June 16, 2026, at 3 p.m., at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, 2nd Floor Jury Assembly Room in Boston.
During the event, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley will present a Hometown Hero recognition award to the family of Corporal Alfred Lopes Jr., who served with the 15th Field Artillery Battalion, supporting infantry units of the 2nd Infantry Division near Hoengson, Korea. After fighting their way through enemy roadblocks under heavy and continuous attack from Chinese forces, the unit reached the town of Wonju, Korea. According to members of Lopes’s unit, Lopes was captured by enemy forces and seen uninjured in a POW camp. Witnesses also described Lopes as later becoming sick and dropping out of a march enroute to the Suan POW camp. While U.S. authorities have been granted access to various battlefield sites, cemeteries and POW camps, Corporal Lopes remains unaccounted for. He was presumed dead on Dec. 31, 1953.
Corporal Lopes is the recipient of the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; United Nations Service Medal; and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Corporal Lopes is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. He was also memorialized on a monument at Marshfield Town Hall and the Korean War veterans chapter in Marshfield bears his name.
More than seven decades later, Corporal Lopes’s sacrifice continues to be honored through ongoing efforts to recover and identify missing American service members.
“Freedom 250 is an opportunity to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history and reflect on the enduring ideals of freedom, courage and sacrifice that have shaped America and continue to unite us today. Corporal Alfred Lopes Jr. answered the call to serve his country during the Korean War and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. It is a privilege to honor his legacy and ensure that his service is never forgotten,” said U.S. Attorney Foley. “We are also proud to support the New England Center and Home for Veterans through our charity drive – recognizing the extraordinary contributions of veterans in our communities and reaffirming our commitment to those who have served our nation.”
As of 2024, approximately 7,400 American service members remain unaccounted for from the Korean War (1950 – 1953) with 5,300 believed to be in North Korea. In addition, over 36,000 American soldiers lost their lives. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Korean War Identification Project continue to recover, identify and repatriate remains from North Korea.
Freedom 250 is a national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and encouraging communities across the country to celebrate service, sacrifice and civic engagement at the local level. As part of the nationwide Freedom 250 initiative, United States Attorneys’ Offices nationwide are recognizing individuals who exemplify dedication to public service and commitment to their communities.
Additionally, in honor of Freedom 250, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts conducted a two-week charity drive benefiting the New England Center and Home for Veterans. The organization provides support and services to veterans facing or at risk of homelessness, including programs focused on housing, employment, recovery and independent living. Employees from the U.S. Attorney’s Office donated nonmonetary donations including clothing, bedding and toiletries.
The ceremony will be open to the public and media. Additional details regarding media availability and logistics will be announced at a later date.
Two Utah Men Charged with Conspiring to Defraud the IRS and the Small Business Administration of $5.5 MillionRead the Press Release
A Third Conspirator in Oregon Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy on May 13, 2026
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment on Tuesday charging two Provo, Utah, men with conspiring to steal over $5.5 million from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) through a fictitious payroll and bank fraud scheme. A third defendant previously pleaded guilty.
David Starling, 61, and Benjamin Young, 39, were charged with conspiring to defraud the United States. Young was also charged with twelve counts of wire fraud.
Adam Starling, 55, of Sherwood, Oregon, the brother of David Starling, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States.
According to court documents, the defendants owned or controlled eight companies. In 2020 and 2021, they falsely listed several family members as employees of their companies, including their spouses and children. For example, Young’s minor children were listed as employees of five of the companies owned or controlled by the defendants. The three created false tax documents on which they fraudulently reported to the IRS that they had paid more than $4 million in wages to these employees. They also submitted false tax documents to support claims for COVID-19 relief benefits offered through the IRS and the SBA in 2020 and 2021 to help businesses and employees affected by the pandemic. They fraudulently obtained $3 million in tax credits, and $200,000 in Payroll Protection Loans, which were also forgiven based on false statements.
Young purchased commercial space in a building located in Provo where his employer was located. The purchase price was $3.5 million. To fund the purchase, Young used proceeds from the COVID-benefit scheme, as well as other funds he allegedly embezzled from his employer.
According to the Indictment, after Young acquired the commercial property, he attempted to repay his employer the funds he had embezzled by fabricating documents with David Starling, making it appear that David Starling had loaned Young $2.5 million for the purchase of the commercial property. Relying on the fabricated documents, Young’s bank loan request was approved for $2.5 million and it was secured by the SBA. Once the loan was funded, Young squandered most of it on unsuccessful options trading, the purchase of a condominium for his relatives, and to fund the false payroll scheme.
On November 21, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon filed a civil forfeiture action, alleging that the commercial space and condominium purchased by Young were forfeitable assets due to the fraud. That action is pending.
David Starling and Young are expected to make their initial appearance in federal court on July 31, 2026. If convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States, David Starling and Young face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. If convicted of wire fraud, Young faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
Adam Starling faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. He will be sentenced on August 26, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the SBA Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Cardani and Meredith Bateman are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Charged in Connection with Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Service That Allegedly Laundered over $389 Million in Unlawful TransactionsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Ruslan Igorevich Tkachuk, 37, and Alexander Vladimirovich Ledenev, 25, both residing in Batumi, Republic of Georgia, were arrested on Wednesday and charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and one count of sting money laundering, arising from their alleged operation of “AudiA6,” a cryptocurrency money laundering service believed responsible for laundering more than $389 million in cryptocurrency.
A coordinated international takedown of AudiA6 and its infrastructure was conducted in conjunction with yesterday’s arrests. The takedown resulted from parallel investigations by the United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Europol, Eurojust, and other international law enforcement partners, including Australia, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
A joint action took place and involved the following:
- Three properties were searched;
- Servers and domains linked to the criminal infrastructure were targeted in the United States, Iceland, Germany, and France;
- Telegram accounts used by the network were blocked;
- Cryptocurrency assets were frozen and digital devices were seized;
- The clear web and dark web websites of the AudiA6 service and the Dark2Web cybercrime forum, one of the sites where AudiA6 advertises its services, were replaced with a law enforcement seizure banner.
Tkachuk, a Ukrainian national, and Ledenev, a Russian national, are currently in the custody of Georgian authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek the defendants’ extradition to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.The criminal complaint in this case alleges that Tkachuk and Ledenev are senior members of the AudiA6 organization, who manage the cryptocurrency money laundering service and the Dark2Web cybercrime forum. The complaint references a Dark2Web advertisement in which AudiA6 explicitly offers to conceal and disguise the source of any prospective customer’s cryptocurrency that would otherwise be traceable to criminal sources, for a fee of up to five percent of the amount of funds being laundered.
Through blockchain analysis, law enforcement has determined that approximately 10,333 Bitcoin (“BTC”), valued at approximately* $389,747,417 at the time of the transactions, was deposited to AudiA6 cryptocurrency wallets since the service was launched in 2021. Using blockchain analysis tools and financial records obtained during the investigation, law enforcement reviewed the sources of funds directly deposited to these AudiA6 wallets. Out of the approximately 10,333 bitcoin deposited, approximately 393.39 BTC (valued at around $19,234,331 at the time of the transactions) were received directly from known darknet markets, ransomware organizations, cybercrime services, and other illicit sources, while additional funds were deposited indirectly from illicit sources into AudiA6 wallets.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 20 years of incarceration.
This case is being investigated by the Secret Service’s Cyber Investigative Section and offices in Frankfurt and Oklahoma City, as well as IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin D. Traster and Sima Kazmir and Special Assistant United States Attorney Richard Lorenz.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio has provided significant assistance with this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) prosecutor based in The Hague also provided crucial support to this operation.
The Justice Department is providing cybercrime technical assistance to foreign law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial partners in other countries through the ICHIP program. Learn more about the Criminal Division’s ICHIP Program, jointly administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section through partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, here.
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
*All quantities of bitcoin and dollar equivalents described here are approximate.
US_DIS_PAED_2_26mj1055_COMPLAINT__TKACHUK_LEDENEV_0.pdf
Tucson Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Shams Khan Rehman, 31, of Tucson, Arizona, pleaded guilty on June 8, 2026, to two counts of Production of Child Pornography. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Angela M. Martinez.
According to the plea agreement, Rehman admitted that he used Snapchat to communicate with individuals whom he paid to exploit several minors under the age of 12. At Rehman’s direction, those individuals produced images and videos documenting the abuse and sent the files to him. The plea agreement further states that Rehman also redistributed some of the produced images and videos to other Snapchat users.
A conviction for Production of Child Pornography carries maximum penalties of 30 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and lifetime supervised release.
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. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Walters and Jennifer H. Berman, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 25-CR-04780
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-096_Rehman
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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.
Three Illegal Aliens from Guatemala Indicted for Crimes Related to Unaccompanied Alien Children, including Smuggling and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND - A federal grand jury returned indictments charging three illegal aliens from Guatemala for international smuggling of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) and defrauding the government, while another illegal alien was sentenced to prison for smuggling a UAC to the United States in 2023 and then fraudulently obtaining custody of the child who he then sexually abused.
The indictments charge Maritza Azucena Cahuec Coc, 38, and her brother Carlos Agustin Cahuec Coc, 33, aka Tuco, both illegal aliens from Guatemala, for their roles in an international alien smuggling conspiracy, spanning from approximately December 2020 to October 2023, that included submitting multiple fraudulent sponsorship applications to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of UACs. Gladys Marina Caal Chen, 20, an illegal alien from Guatemala, who, herself, was fraudulently sponsored as a UAC, is charged with making false statements to the government in connection with a UAC sponsorship application.
Juan Tiul Xi, 27, from Guatemala, pleaded guilty for helping smuggle a child into the United States and submitting a fraudulent sponsorship application, falsely representing that he was the child’s brother. After gaining custody, Xi sexually abused the child. For that, he was convicted of sexual battery of a child in state court and sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, Xi was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison to be served consecutive to the eight year state prison sentence.
“For too many years, under the prior administration, unaccompanied children were smuggled to the United States and then taken in by a mismanaged government program guided by reckless policy direction,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Instead of protecting children, these defendants and others allegedly took advantage of the program and used it to entice the illegal smuggling of unaccompanied children to the United States and, as the sentence of Tiul Xi shows, leave them vulnerable to sexual assault, trafficking, and other exploitation.”
“These defendants allegedly induced young children to make the treacherous journey from Guatemala to the United States, and then lied to government authorities to obtain custody, abusing the very program designed to protect vulnerable children,” said Assistant Attorney A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through Joint Task Force Alpha, the Criminal Division is focused on prosecuting alien smuggling and fraud in the UAC program. In this country, we will not stand for illegal aliens helping to smuggle children into the United States and then sexually assault them.”
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not tolerate criminal schemes that endanger children and undermine the lawful procedure established to protect them,” said Acting Director David Venturella of ICE. “Our agency, working alongside federal partners, remains resolute in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who violate the law. We are determined to continue the necessary work to root out this criminality.”
“We will not tolerate criminals that use deceptive and fraudulent practices to deliberately abuse our immigration programs for their financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “If your business plan is to smuggle others into our country for a profit — especially children — you will come face to face with a federal judge for violating our country’s laws. We owe a debt of gratitude to the federal investigators who brought this dark truth to light taking place right here in Northern Ohio. We will aggressively prosecute these alleged crimes and bring those responsible for such actions to justice.”
“HSI remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and protecting vulnerable children from smuggling and exploitation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office. “This case demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our agents and partners in dismantling criminal networks that seek to exploit a legitimate government process for personal gain. We will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities and the security of our borders.”
“Martiza Azucena Cahuec Coc and her co-conspirators allegedly engaged in a complex and calculated pattern of illegal conduct by committing multiple crimes irrespective of the laws of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Joshua DelManzo of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “They blatantly disregarded the laws of this country at the expense of minor children. Making false and fraudulent claims while also purporting to be the children’s relatives lends to further victimization of the minor children for whom they claimed to be helping. These behaviors highlight an incomparable disrespect for the country, programs, and people that, if correctly followed, would have afforded the proper entry into the United States.”
“Exploiting vulnerable children and manipulating a system designed to protect them is abhorrent,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “These defendants not only endangered minors by smuggling them into the country, but they also defrauded a federal program entrusted with their safety. HHS-OIG will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure those who abuse government processes for personal gain are held fully accountable.”
“The care and welfare of unaccompanied children is paramount to the Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR),” said Acting Director Angie Salazar of ORR. “We are committed to continuously reviewing UAC data, identifying suspicious trends, and collaborating with law enforcement whenever there are child safety concerns. We take any attempt to exploit or defraud our agency extremely seriously and will continue to work closely with our partners to protect the integrity of our mission and the safety of the children entrusted to our care.”
UACs who are apprehended by Department of Homeland Security immigration officials or another federal agency are transferred to ORR, which is responsible for the care and custody of UACs awaiting immigration proceedings. The process of releasing a UAC from ORR custody to a sponsor involves several steps, including, but not limited to, the identification of a sponsor, the submission of a sponsor application, and an assessment of sponsor suitability, which includes verification of the sponsor’s identity and relationship, if any, to the child.
According to court documents, between in or around December 2020 and October 2023, Maritza Cahuec Coc coordinated efforts with co-conspirators to smuggle aliens, including minors, into the United States. As part of this scheme, Maritza Cahuec Coc also submitted multiple UAC sponsorship applications to ORR using aliases’ birth certificates and Guatemalan consular ID cards, among other documents, and falsely claimed to be UACs’ close relative to deceptively convince ORR personnel that she was related to the UACs to obtain custody. Several of Cahuec Coc’s applications were successful. Paychecks addressed and made payable to others including at least one of the UACs sponsored by Maritza Cahuec Coc were deposited into Maritza Cahuec Coc’s and a co-conspirator’s bank accounts.
Also according to court documents, Caal Chen was encountered during a court-authorized search of Maritza Cahuec Coc’s residence on May 22. Caal Chen was previously sponsored as a UAC by one of Cahuec Coc’s co-conspirators who fraudulently used an alias. Caal Chen is alleged to have also lied to ORR in or around January 2024 in her own application to sponsor a UAC using an alias. At the time of her arrest, Caal Chen again lied to law enforcement by providing yet another alias, but later admitted her real name was Caal Chen. Carlos Agustin Cahuec Coc, the brother of Maritza Cahuec Coc, was subsequently arrested on May 28 while driving a vehicle registered to Maritza Cahuec Coc and at the time had with him a 16-year-old UAC passenger. Carlos Cahuec Coc communicated with Maritza Cahuec Coc, discussed human smugglers bringing a UAC to the United States illegally and how they would deceive ORR and fraudulently sponsor the UAC here in the U.S.
Maritza Cahuec Coc was arrested on May 22 and is charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, harboring aliens, and encouraging and inducing and conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States illegally as well as making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Cahuec Coc faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal entry, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, and mandatory consecutive penalties of two years in prison, respectively, for aggravated identity theft. Carlos Cahuec Coc is charged with encouraging and inducing for financial gain and conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States illegally. Carlos Cahuec Coc faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal entry. Caal Chen is charged with making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, Juan Tiul Xi helped arrange for a 14-year-old female child and her family to find someone to lend them money and pay a “coyote” to smuggle the young girl to the United States. The smuggling arrangement saddled the UAC and her family with a substantial financial burden. Moreover, Tiul Xi took advantage of a government program designed to protect children who enter the U.S. unaccompanied. Specifically, he instructed the UAC to use the name and birth certificate of Tiul Xi’s minor sister to enter the United States so that he could falsely claim in his UAC sponsorship application that he was the UAC’s brother. Tiul Xi made these false representations in an application that he signed under the penalty of perjury. ORR relied on Tiul Xi’s misrepresentations, approved his application to sponsor the UAC, and released the UAC to Tiul Xi’s care in September 2023. After her release to Tiul Xi from ORR’s custody, Tiul Xi sexually assaulted the UAC, which resulted in his conviction on two counts of sexual battery in state court. Tiul Xi is serving two consecutive 4-year sentences in Ohio for the sexual assault of the child. Tiul-Xi pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of encouraging or inducing illegal entry for the purpose of financial gain; one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement; and one count of aggravated identity theft. His sentence announced today will be served after he completes his state sentence.
HSI, FBI, and HHS-OIG Cleveland field offices are jointly investigating these cases with assistance from HSI’s Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking and HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and ORR, have provided valuable assistance. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Government of Guatemala provided significant assistance in this matter.
Acting Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney/Senior Litigation Counsel Carol Skutnik, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward D. Brydle, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting these cases, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
The indictments and sentence announced today were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 458 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 408 U.S. convictions; and more than 357 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.
An indictment is merely an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Cahuec Coc indictment here.
Tiul Xi indictment here.
Tiul Xi sentencing memo here.
Caal Chen indictment here.
Three Illegal Aliens from Guatemala Indicted for Crimes Related to Unaccompanied Alien Children, including Smuggling and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Yesterday in Cleveland, Ohio, indictments were returned charging three illegal aliens from Guatemala for international smuggling of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) and defrauding the government, while another illegal alien was sentenced to prison for smuggling a UAC to the United States in 2023 and then fraudulently obtaining custody of the child who he then sexually abused.
The indictments charge Maritza Azucena Cahuec Coc, 38, and her brother Carlos Agustin Cahuec Coc, 33, both illegal aliens from Guatemala, for their roles in an international alien smuggling conspiracy, spanning from approximately December 2020 to October 2023, that included submitting multiple fraudulent sponsorship applications to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of UACs. Gladys Marina Caal Chen, 20, an illegal alien from Guatemala, who, herself, was fraudulently sponsored as a UAC, is charged with making false statements to the government in connection with a UAC sponsorship application.
Juan Tiul Xi, 27, from Guatemala, pleaded guilty for helping smuggle a child into the United States and submitting a fraudulent sponsorship application, falsely representing that he was the child’s brother. After gaining custody, Xi sexually abused the child. For that, he was convicted of sexual battery of a child in state court and sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, Xi was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison to be served consecutive to the eight year state prison sentence.
“For too many years, under the prior administration, unaccompanied children were smuggled to the United States and then taken in by a mismanaged government program guided by reckless policy direction,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Instead of protecting children, these defendants and others allegedly took advantage of the program and used it to entice the illegal smuggling of unaccompanied children to the United States and, as the sentence of Tiul Xi shows, leave them vulnerable to sexual assault, trafficking, and other exploitation.”
“These defendants allegedly induced young children to make the treacherous journey from Guatemala to the United States, and then lied to government authorities to obtain custody, abusing the very program designed to protect vulnerable children,” said Assistant Attorney A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through Joint Task Force Alpha, the Criminal Division is focused on prosecuting alien smuggling and fraud in the UAC program. In this country, we will not stand for illegal aliens helping to smuggle children into the United States and then sexually assault them.”
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not tolerate criminal schemes that endanger children and undermine the lawful procedure established to protect them,” said Acting Director David Venturella of ICE. “Our agency, working alongside federal partners, remains resolute in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who violate the law. We are determined to continue the necessary work to root out this criminality.”
“We will not tolerate criminals that use deceptive and fraudulent practices to deliberately abuse our immigration programs for their financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “If your business plan is to smuggle others into our country for a profit — especially children — you will come face to face with a federal judge for violating our country’s laws. We owe a debt of gratitude to the federal investigators who brought this dark truth to light taking place right here in Northern Ohio. We will aggressively prosecute these alleged crimes and bring those responsible for such actions to justice.”
“HSI remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and protecting vulnerable children from smuggling and exploitation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office. “This case demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our agents and partners in dismantling criminal networks that seek to exploit a legitimate government process for personal gain. We will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities and the security of our borders.”
“Martiza Azucena Cahuec Coc and her co-conspirators allegedly engaged in a complex and calculated pattern of illegal conduct by committing multiple crimes irrespective of the laws of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Joshua DelManzo of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “They blatantly disregarded the laws of this country at the expense of minor children. Making false and fraudulent claims while also purporting to be the children’s relatives lends to further victimization of the minor children for whom they claimed to be helping. These behaviors highlight an incomparable disrespect for the country, programs, and people that, if correctly followed, would have afforded the proper entry into the United States.”
“Exploiting vulnerable children and manipulating a system designed to protect them is abhorrent,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “These defendants not only endangered minors by smuggling them into the country, but they also defrauded a federal program entrusted with their safety. HHS-OIG will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure those who abuse government processes for personal gain are held fully accountable.”
“The care and welfare of unaccompanied children is paramount to the Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR),” said Acting Director Angie Salazar of ORR. “We are committed to continuously reviewing UAC data, identifying suspicious trends, and collaborating with law enforcement whenever there are child safety concerns. We take any attempt to exploit or defraud our agency extremely seriously and will continue to work closely with our partners to protect the integrity of our mission and the safety of the children entrusted to our care.”
UACs who are apprehended by Department of Homeland Security immigration officials or another federal agency are transferred to ORR, which is responsible for the care and custody of UACs awaiting immigration proceedings. The process of releasing a UAC from ORR custody to a sponsor involves several steps, including, but not limited to, the identification of a sponsor, the submission of a sponsor application, and an assessment of sponsor suitability, which includes verification of the sponsor’s identity and relationship, if any, to the child.
According to court documents, between in or around December 2020 and October 2023, Maritza Cahuec Coc coordinated efforts with co-conspirators to smuggle aliens, including minors, into the United States. As part of this scheme, Maritza Cahuec Coc also submitted multiple UAC sponsorship applications to ORR using aliases’ birth certificates and Guatemalan consular ID cards, among other documents, and falsely claimed to be UACs’ close relative to deceptively convince ORR personnel that she was related to the UACs to obtain custody. Several of Cahuec Coc’s applications were successful. Paychecks addressed and made payable to others including at least one of the UACs sponsored by Maritza Cahuec Coc were deposited into Maritza Cahuec Coc’s and a co-conspirator’s bank accounts.
Also according to court documents, Caal Chen was encountered during a court-authorized search of Maritza Cahuec Coc’s residence on May 22. Caal Chen was previously sponsored as a UAC by one of Cahuec Coc’s co-conspirators who fraudulently used an alias. Caal Chen is alleged to have also lied to ORR in or around January 2024 in her own application to sponsor a UAC using an alias. At the time of her arrest, Caal Chen again lied to law enforcement by providing yet another alias, but later admitted her real name was Caal Chen. Carlos Agustin Cahuec Coc, the brother of Maritza Cahuec Coc, was subsequently arrested on May 28 while driving a vehicle registered to Maritza Cahuec Coc and at the time had with him a 16-year-old UAC passenger. Carlos Cahuec Coc communicated with Maritza Cahuec Coc, discussed human smugglers bringing a UAC to the United States illegally and how they would deceive ORR and fraudulently sponsor the UAC here in the U.S.
Maritza Cahuec Coc was arrested on May 22 and is charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, harboring aliens, and encouraging and inducing and conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States illegally as well as making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Cahuec Coc faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal entry, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, and mandatory consecutive penalties of two years in prison, respectively, for aggravated identity theft. Carlos Cahuec Coc is charged with encouraging and inducing for financial gain and conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States illegally. Carlos Cahuec Coc faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal entry. Caal Chen is charged with making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, Juan Tiul Xi helped arrange for a 14-year-old female child and her family to find someone to lend them money and pay a “coyote” to smuggle the young girl to the United States. The smuggling arrangement saddled the UAC and her family with a substantial financial burden. Moreover, Tiul Xi took advantage of a government program designed to protect children who enter the U.S. unaccompanied. Specifically, he instructed the UAC to use the name and birth certificate of Tiul Xi’s minor sister to enter the United States so that he could falsely claim in his UAC sponsorship application that he was the UAC’s brother. Tiul Xi made these false representations in an application that he signed under the penalty of perjury. ORR relied on Tiul Xi’s misrepresentations, approved his application to sponsor the UAC, and released the UAC to Tiul Xi’s care in September 2023. After her release to Tiul Xi from ORR’s custody, Tiul Xi sexually assaulted the UAC, which resulted in his conviction on two counts of sexual battery in state court. Tiul Xi is serving two consecutive 4-year sentences in Ohio for the sexual assault of the child. Tiul-Xi pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of encouraging or inducing illegal entry for the purpose of financial gain; one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement; and one count of aggravated identity theft. His sentence announced today will be served after he completes his state sentence.
HSI, FBI, and HHS-OIG Cleveland field offices are jointly investigating these cases with assistance from HSI’s Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking and HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and ORR, have provided valuable assistance. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Government of Guatemala provided significant assistance in this matter.
Acting Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney/Senior Litigation Counsel Carol Skutnik, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward D. Brydle, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting these cases, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
The indictments and sentence announced today were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 458 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 408 U.S. convictions; and more than 357 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.
An indictment is merely an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Cahuec Coc indictment here.
Tiul Xi indictment here.
Tiul Xi sentencing memo here.
Caal Chen indictment here.
Texas Couple Sentenced for Running an Illegal Pyramid SchemeRead the Press Release
A Texas couple was sentenced on June 9, 2026, to 40 years each in prison for running a fraudulent chain-referral pyramid scheme, following their convictions by a jury on conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering charges in January 2026.
“At the peak of the pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore launched an investment fraud scheme and cheated struggling Americans out of $30 million,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This fraud scheme exploited people out of their hard-earned money at a time when they needed it most. Opportunistic fraudsters like the Moores belong in prison.”
“The Moores’ get rich quick scheme has earned them a well-deserved stay in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Playing games with other peoples’ money while promising unrealistic returns is stealing and will be prosecuted and punished.”
“The harm caused by greed-driven, deceptive investments promising returns too good to be true cannot be overstated,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “The mission of the USPIS continues, to aggressively investigate such schemes and hold fraudsters fully accountable.”
“Those who exploit uncertainty and hardship for personal profit undermine the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Christina Foley of the U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office. “The Moores took advantage of trust and hope during a time of national crisis, causing significant harm to thousands of victims. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: the Secret Service remains steadfast in our mission to investigate and disrupt these schemes, and those who prey on vulnerable communities for personal gain will be held fully accountable.”
“The Moores used a polished image and a reality TV appearance to build trust, but behind the scenes, they orchestrated a deceptive pyramid scheme built on fake ‘playing boards’ and false promises of 800% returns,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “This scheme deliberately targeted the African American community, exploiting cultural trust and community ties. These sentences make it clear: if you abuse trust and exploit communities, you will face justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, of Frisco, Texas, co-founded and ran “Blessings in No Time,” known as “BINT,” an illegal chain-referral pyramid scheme that targeted victims during the COVID‑19 pandemic from June 2020 to June 2021. BINT targeted and recruited victims with false and misleading promises through weekly live-stream video broadcasts to thousands of participants across the United States during the COVID-19 shutdown. Victims were falsely promised that they would earn 800% returns on each $1,400 investment and were guaranteed a refund if they were unsatisfied. The Moores falsely held out BINT as a way for people to help their own community by paying “blessings” of at least $1,400 to participants who had already joined. The Moores falsely promised that new participants’ “blessing” payments would be paid back eight-fold within a few weeks. BINT was falsely presented as an altruistic invitation-only community to help others during the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The defendants structured BINT to operate on “playing boards” that had positions for participants on four levels: eight Fires, four Winds, two Earths, and one Water. Once eight new participants were recruited to fill all eight Fire positions on the playing board, each Fire was directed to “bless” or pay at least $1,400 to the participant in the Water position. A Water participant then received eight payments totaling more than $11,000. After a Water participant received his or her payment, other participants at lower levels would move up one level on the playing board and then be required to recruit new participants into the Fire positions to perpetuate the scheme. To profit from the investment scheme, the defendants placed themselves in positions on the playing boards so that they received many of the ultimate payments, and they otherwise diverted substantial money to themselves that was paid by the participants. The defendants’ pyramid scheme victimized more than 10,000 people across the country and inflicted more than $30 million in victim losses.
USPIS, USSS, and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Theodore Kneller and Adam L.D. Stempel of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Felon Caught with Gun in Stolen Minivan Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a convicted felon who was caught with a gun in a stolen minivan after ramming a police cruiser to 12 years in prison.
On Aug. 1, 2023, detectives with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spotted a minivan at a gas station in the 1600 block of South Jefferson Avenue that had been stolen earlier that day. Rodney Patterson was alone in the passenger seat of the vehicle, which was running. Instead of turning off the vehicle, Patterson tried to drive away, striking a police cruiser. He then tried to flee on foot but was arrested. Police found a Ruger LC Charger handgun on the front passenger seat. Patterson is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm.
Patterson, 49, pleaded guilty in February to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to Life + 15 Years in Prison for Killing Two Women, BabyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Thursday sentenced a convicted felon to life plus 15 years in prison for shooting four teens, killing two and causing the death of one woman’s baby a month later.
Eddie Marcus Love, 39, fatally shot the two 18-year-old women and wounded the two pregnant 17-year-olds at 1:46 a.m. on May 7, 2023, near the 1900 block of Agnes Street in St. Louis.
Less than a month after being released on parole after being sentenced to 20 years in prison on robbery and armed criminal action charges, “Mr. Love essentially decides to go on a killing spree,” Judge Clark said. Love prefaced the spree by telling his nephew, Charles Webster, that he was in a “killing mood,” Judge Clark said.
That evening, Love arranged to meet up with the teens, who wanted to obtain marijuana and visit a bar. Webster was driving the car and Love was in the passenger seat. The four teens were in the back seat.
Webster and Love twice tried and failed to buy marijuana. When the victims expressed their frustration, Love told them to get out of the car. Love shoved one victim, who told him to stop because she was pregnant. Love then opened fire with a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Love and Webster got in the car and drove off before Love told Webster to circle the block and return. He then shot one of the wounded victims twice more in the head. She was 10 weeks pregnant, but her child was not injured. The child of the other wounded victim, who was 30 weeks pregnant, was delivered by emergency C-section and died on June 11, 2023, as a result of gunshot wounds.
In court, Judge Clark cited Love’s lengthy criminal history, which began with assault at the age of nine. When behind bars, Love threatened to kill and rape correctional officers, their relatives and other inmates, including after he pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to four counts: conspiracy to distribute marijuana, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of ammunition and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Webster, now 30, pleaded guilty in December to three counts: conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced in May to 25 years in prison.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angie Danis and Don Boyce prosecuted the case.
Springfield, Missouri-Based Investment Professional Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Money Laundering and Embezzling Retirement FundsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for his commission of a scheme of wire fraud and money laundering that involved fraudulent embezzlement of the retirement funds of his clients. This is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Bob Hunter, 72, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush, to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.According to the plea agreement, Hunter, working as an investment and retirement professional in the Springfield, Mo. area, promoted various retirement programs, including Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERP). Hunter would promote the use and administration of SERPs to area executives who could invest their money with an eye toward building an investment retirement account that would be available for an investor during their retirement years. Instead of utilizing the monies he received from his clients to invest in their individual retirement accounts, Hunter utilized those monies for his own personal expenses.
In total, $373,230.50 in intended retirement funds were embezzled by Hunter from his clients. Hunter’s clients only became aware of his fraud after realizing that he was misleading them with false investment reports that claimed they had money in their investment accounts that never truly existed, known as “lulling” letters or documents. These lulling letters and documents significantly delayed investors from reporting the fraud to law enforcement and even attempted to conceal the nature and scope of Hunter’s true embezzlement.
Under federal statutes, Hunter is subject to sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000 for Count One, Wire Fraud, and up to 10 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000 for Count Two, Money Laundering. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the IRS-CI and the FBI.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
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.
Springfield Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal prison today for fraudulently obtaining unemployment insurance benefits.
Jamianne MacKenzie, 41, was sentenced to three months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay over $30,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, MacKenzie used personal information of a victim to fraudulently apply for over $27,500 in unemployment insurance, which she used for personal expenses. The victim was unable to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) after the Oregon Department of Human Services was notified in March 2021 that a claim was filed under the victim’s social security number in December 2020. The victim was unable to receive over $2,500 in TANF benefits.
On Feb. 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging MacKenzie with theft of government property.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General COVID Fraud Unit investigated the case. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William Narus prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Somerset County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possession of Six Firearms in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was sentenced on June 9, 2026 to 300-months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Malachi A. Muhammad, 51, of Somerset, was previously convicted on April 11, 2025 of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin, and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon, following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court. On June 9, 2026, Judge Castner imposed a 300-month sentence of imprisonment.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On August 19, 2021, officers from the Lawrence Township Police Department responded to calls from concerned citizens about a car stopped in the middle of Route 1 near the Quaker Bridge Mall. Officers found Muhammad, the only occupant and driver of the car, initially unresponsive and believed that he was asleep or having a medical emergency. After officers woke him up, they noticed the handle of a handgun in between his legs. Officers secured the loaded handgun, took Muhammad out of the vehicle, and arrested him. In the vehicle, officers found 91 pills of methamphetamine, 468 wax folds of fentanyl and heroin, 5 bags of cocaine, and five additional firearms, including two semi-automatic rifles, and over 150 rounds of ammunition. The drug and gun evidence introduced at trial is depicted below:
In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner imposed three years of supervised release following Muhammad’s term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., the Lawrence Township Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief Kevin Reading, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Linda Estremera, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict.
The government is represented by Attorney-in-Charge Tracey Agnew and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Somerset County Felon Charged with Attempted Murder of U.S. Marshals Service Officers and Related Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Rockwood, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of attempted murder of federal officers and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The 14-count Indictment named Christopher Eric Fisher, 41, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about April 16, 2026, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Fisher fired at and attempted to murder a Deputy U.S. Marshal and five U.S. Marshals Service Task Force Officers while the officers were engaged in and on account of the performance of their official duties. The Indictment also charges Fisher—who was previously convicted of both drug and firearm felonies—with carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murder of the officers and unlawfully possessing that firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
“The defendant here is charged with the most serious of offenses: the attempted murder of law enforcement personnel with a firearm,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “We will not tolerate these assaults, which strike at the very fabric of our social order. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that individuals who carry out or seek to carry out such attacks on officers or employees of the government are prosecuted and punished fully for their crimes.”
“This indictment reflects our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This individual’s attempt to kill brave law enforcement officers demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life and the rule of law. ATF and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the safety of our community and those sworn to protect it.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 8, 2026.
Kyle Heinemann, 42, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Heinemann was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 2, 2026.
For several months in 2024, Heinemann served as a sub-distributor for a California and Nevada-based drug trafficking organization which transported large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to South Dakota and distributed it in the Sioux Falls area. Heinemann purchased methamphetamine from the organization, which he then re-sold here. Approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine was attributed to Heinemann at sentencing.
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 Minneapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, USMS, USPIS, SD DCI, SFPD, MCSO, and SDHP with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Heinemann was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Seattle Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Willard Lawrence Gibson, Jr., 48, of Seattle, Washington, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children, one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and one count of distribution of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case is a reminder of the many threats our children face online from predators, like this defendant, seeking to sexually exploit and victimize them. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentlessly pursuing those sick individuals through undercover operations like we saw in this case, but parents also need to be aware of what online platforms their children are using and who they are communicating with to ensure kids don’t fall prey to online exploitation. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases and seek maximum punishments to keep these sexual predators locked behind bars and away from our kids.”
Court documents reflect that in July 2025, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies conducted an undercover operation focused on identifying individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. During that operation, Gibson began communicating through a social media platform with an undercover officer and the conversation later moved to text messaging. Gibson sent the undercover officer two images of child sexual abuse material. Further, court records show that, on multiple occasions, Gibson asked the undercover officer to produce child pornography images and send them to him. When Gibson was arrested in Seattle, his cell phone was seized as evidence. After a search warrant was obtained, law enforcement discovered multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse material on Gibson’s phone. Gibson’s phone also contained other evidence confirming that he communicated with the undercover officer.
Gibson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, up to a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment for attempted sexual exploitation of children, a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment for attempted enticement of a minor, a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years up to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for distribution of child pornography, and up to 10 years imprisonment for attempted transfer of obscene materials to minors. Gibson also faces a lifetime term of supervision upon release.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
This case was a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Seattle Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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.
Schuylkill County Man Indicted for Distribution, Receipt, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Andrew Chester Moyer, age 48, of Minersville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Moyer distributed and received child pornography between April 27, 2026 and April 30, 2026 while in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and possessed child pornography on May 6, 2026.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation—Allentown Resident Agency and Minersville Borough Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years of imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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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Safeguarding the FIFA World Cup Events in the City of PhiladelphiaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – As Philadelphia is set to host the “world’s game” in the form of six FIFA World Cup matches, the law enforcement community stands ready to safeguard both our own citizens — as well as those visiting from around the globe — to ensure a safe and fun experience.
The mass public congregation of American citizens and foreign tourists for a global entertainment event can pose notable threats to public safety — including terrorism, violence, threats and hoaxes, human trafficking, dangerous drugs, fraud and counterfeiting, threats by unauthorized drone aircraft, and other criminal activity.
As a result, for the past several months the Department of Justice has led public safety preparations to anticipate, assess, and prevent the salient threats to the security of the matches and fans. United States Attorney David Metcalf also designated a World Cup Coordinator (“WCC”) from the office to convene public and private partners, including FIFA officials, to maximize law enforcement readiness. These efforts include:
- Developing, sharpening, and coordinating the criminal intelligence among all agencies to concentrate on threats particular to the FIFA World Cup events;
- Increasing and intensifying our contact with public agencies and private companies who can assist in the identification and prevention of FIFA-related threats;
- Proactive deployment of increased federal, state, and local law enforcement resources — both technical and manpower — to physical locations or online networks vulnerable to such threats;
- Imposing temporary flight restrictions to protected airspace — including from unauthorized drone aircraft;
- Establishing a federal coordination team to respond to World Cup-related criminal activities.
“It is a wonderful point of pride for our country to host the greatest spectacle of international sports. But the honor to host the FIFA World Cup games also carries the duty to protect them,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “These events represent historic moments for our city and region, and our focus remains on ensuring they are carried out safely, securely, and successfully for the public we serve. We are ready.”
“This summer, Philadelphia stands at the epicenter of a series of historic and once-in-a-generation moments as we welcome visitors from across the globe for the World Cup and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “No single agency can secure events of this scale alone. Our success is driven by the close coordination and partnership across local, state, and federal law enforcement, and most importantly, the public.”
“Philadelphia is ready to welcome the world, and Homeland Security Investigations is proud to help make this World Cup safe and memorable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan Abel. “Working side by side with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HSI will be targeting counterfeit World Cup gear and fake tickets, enhancing efforts to identify and disrupt human trafficking, and providing specialized support at the stadium, fan events, and key transit points so fans can focus on world class soccer.”
For any public safety emergencies, please dial 911.
If you are aware of any criminal activity associated with the FIFA World Cup events, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
You can find more information on public safety and city services during the FIFA matches and Fan Fest at the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s World Cup safety and event information site.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Bringing Explosive Material into Sacramento International AirportRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury today returned a three-count indictment today against Kimani Osayande Jones, aka Kimani Osayande Jackson, 49, of Sacramento, charging him with attempting to place a destructive device on an aircraft, unlawfully possessing explosive material in an airport, and attempting to carry a dangerous weapon or explosive onto an aircraft, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at approximately 9 p.m. Jones attempted to pass through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at the Sacramento International Airport to board American Airlines flight 2464. Jones was wearing a scarf covering his face and latex gloves. Inside his carry-on bag, Jones had an M-type explosive device, a torch lighter capable of igniting the device, a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can, and zip ties. Jones also had five cellphones; one displayed a 15‑minute timer ready to begin.
The explosive device was safely removed by Sacramento County Sheriff bomb technicians and an FBI Special Agent bomb technician. When the device was later examined and tested, authorities determined that both the powder and fuse were viable and energetic. The device had the potential to cause injury and, if it had detonated near a window on a pressurized aircraft flying above 10,000 feet, it could have damaged the aircraft and potentially caused a loss of cabin pressure.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Jones faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for attempt to place a destructive device in an aircraft, a maximum of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for unlawful possession of explosive material in an airport, and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for attempt to carry a dangerous weapon on an aircraft. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Russell County Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Today, United States Attorney Thomas Govan announced that Ira Cicero Smith, 67, formerly of Jefferson County, Alabama, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). There is no parole in the federal system.
“Ensuring that convicted sex offenders comply with their registration obligations is essential to protecting the public,” said United States Attorney Govan. “When individuals disregard those requirements, they undermine a system designed to help keep communities safe. This sentence sends a clear message that failing to register is a serious federal offense and that our office will continue to pursue these cases to deter others from violating the law.”
According to court documents and Smith’s plea agreement, Smith was convicted of a sex offense occurring in Jefferson County in 1987. As a result of that conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender in each jurisdiction where he resides and works.
In April 2025, Smith established a residence in Russell County, Alabama, and failed to register his new address in Alabama or update his registration information from a previous residence in Georgia, as required under SORNA.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Smith will serve five years of supervised release. He will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
The United States Marshals Service investigated this case, with assistance from the Phenix City, Alabama Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Megan A. Kirkpatrick prosecuted the case for the Middle District of Alabama.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Reno Man Indicted for Sexually Exploiting Child in 2008 in Placer CountyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Jeffrey Alan Koehl, 60, of Reno, Nevada, charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, in February 2008, in a residence in Roseville, Koehl coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and used a handheld camera to record two videos.
The victim, now an adult, learned of the videos, and on Jan. 20, 2025, submitted an online tip that was received by the FBI National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) leading to the federal investigation. Koehl has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 30, 2026, in Carmichael.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the Reno Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Koehl faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the sexual exploitation counts. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Portland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated AssaultRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison today after striking an officer in the head with a large rock at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
Robert Jacob Hoopes, 25, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution.
“Today’s message is clear – violence is not a protest. When you cross the line and assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “My office will continue to pursue those who seek to harm our law enforcement partners.”
“The FBI will not stand idly by and allow federal officers to be assaulted by rioters,” said FBI Portland Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres. “We will investigate any perpetrator using violence to express their views and hold them accountable.”
According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes threw a large rock and struck an ICE officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building.
On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hoopes with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property.
On February 18, 2026, Hoopes pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon.
The FBI investigated this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Poplar man sentenced to 20 years for aggravated sexual assaultRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Poplar man who strangled and sexually assaulted a teenage girl was sentenced today to 120 months in prison on one count of aggravated sexual abuse and 120 months on one count of commission of a sex offense by a registered sex offender. The two sentences will be served consecutively. He was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Arthur Dion Longee, 38, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to the two charges.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Longee, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime in 2013, repeatedly strangled and sexually assaulted a teenage girl after spending the day drinking alcohol and smoking meth with her and a friend.
On Jan. 22, 2025, Longee brought a 17-year-old girl and her friend over to his grandmother’s house in Poplar to smoke meth and drink alcohol. Later in the day, after dropping off the friend at her apartment, Longee and the 17-year-old girl returned to his bedroom.
The girl was on her tablet and Longee got angry, strangling her to unconsciousness. She regained consciousness before Longee strangled her again. When she awoke each time, she was in various stages of undress. At one point during the assault, she coughed up blood. She said Longee told her, “I’m sorry, babe. Am I scaring you?”
The girl cried and asked to leave but Longee wouldn’t let her, instead telling her that she was with him tonight. When she told him again that she wanted to go home and was scared, he again got angry, yelled at her and sexually assaulted her again. After another assault in the living room, the 17-year-old was able to escape through the kitchen and run to a friend’s house where the friend called 911.
At the hospital, the girl was interviewed by law enforcement, who obtained a search warrant for the Longee residence. They found Longee there, passed out on the floor and the house exactly as described by the girl. Agents awakened Longee, arrested him and swabbed him for DNA. At the hospital, the 17-year-old was evaluated by a sexual assault nurse examiner, who found injuries, bruising and other evidence of the assault.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Fort Peck Tribes and the FBI conducted the investigation.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 94 Months in Prison for Role in Large-Scale Cargo TheftsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Salahudin Reddy, aka “Dean” and “Deen,” 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 94 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Chief Judge Wendy Beetlestone for his role in a large-scale cargo theft conspiracy.
The defendant was charged by superseding indictment in December 2024 and pleaded guilty in March of this year to conspiracy, four counts of theft from an interstate shipment, one count of theft of government money, one count of possession of stolen government money, and one count of possession of items from interstate shipment theft.
As detailed in court filings and statements, between January 1 and July 31, 2023, Reddy conspired with co-defendants to steal goods moving as parts of interstate shipments located on tractor trailers around Philadelphia.
While a trailer was unattended overnight, or while the driver was asleep, the members of the conspiracy participating in the theft would use bolt cutters and other tools to break into the trailer and steal the goods inside. The members of the conspiracy would then offer the goods for sale to local contacts.
Reddy admitted to participating in thefts of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of frozen crab legs on April 4, 2023, and again on April 6, 2023; the theft of over $360,000 worth of Samsung televisions on April 10, 2023; and the theft of over $230,000 worth of U.S. dimes on April 13, 2023. The members of the conspiracy committed numerous other thefts, stealing goods with a total estimated value of over $1.5 million from more than 10 victims.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Bowerman and Christopher Diviny.
Panama City Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Kendrick Parham, 47, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Under Operation Take Back America, my office will continue to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing the perpetrators of violent crime from our communities until our citizens get the safe, crime-free streets they deserve.”
Court documents reflect that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisted the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Panama City, during which five ounces of methamphetamine were discovered, and he was arrested on state charges. While in jail, the defendant – a four-time convicted felon legally prohibited from possessing firearms – made incriminating statements during a monitored phone call about the presence of a firearm in his residence that was not previously found by officers during the search. After obtaining a new search warrant based on those incriminating statements, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office conducted another search of the defendant’s residence and recovered the firearm.
Parham’s prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release. Forfeiture was ordered as to all four recovered firearms.
The case involved an investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
Out-of-State Duo Faces Federal Charges for Attacking "Cop City" Contractor and Intimidating EmployeesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A federal grand jury has indicted Katie Marie Kloth and Tyler John Norman for allegedly using fire and explosives to damage and attempt to damage the property of Brasfield & Gorrie, a general contractor for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, and to intimidate the company’s employees.
“The law does not protect, and the Department of Justice will not tolerate, organized acts of violence or targeted intimidation,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Criminal agitators who travel to this district to engage in such conduct will be prosecuted and held accountable, even years after the fact.”
“This indictment underscores our commitment to ensuring that acts of violence and intimidation will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Atlanta Field Division.
“This indictment represents our continued commitment to work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Georgia and our local, state, and federal partners to protect the citizens of Georgia,” said Chris Hosey, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “The criminal acts of these individuals have repeatedly placed members of the community, construction personnel, and public safety officials in danger. Acts of violence and intimidation will not be tolerated in our state.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information released previously: On May 12, 2022, Katie Marie Kloth and Tyler John Norman allegedly gathered during a riot and civil disorder outside the Cobb County, Georgia offices of Brasfield & Gorrie. At the time, Brasfield & Gorrie was the general contractor for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, a police and fire department training center often referred to as “Cop City” by its opponents. As the crowd approached the office building, Kloth and Norman allegedly launched explosives at the building and started fires to intimidate Brasfield & Gorrie employees. Those explosives and fires allegedly damaged Brasfield & Gorrie’s property.
On June 9, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Katie Marie Kloth, 39, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Tyler John Norman, 42, of Blue Mountain, Wisconsin, with maliciously damaging or attempting to damage property used in interstate commerce by means of fire and an explosive. The grand jury also charged Kloth and Norman with using fire and explosives to intimidate and interfere with Brasfield & Gorrie employees during and incident to a civil disorder. On June 8, 2026, the Acting Attorney General of the United States certified that prosecution of Kloth and Norman for the intimidation offense is in the public interest and is necessary to secure substantial justice.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the Attorney General of Georgia and the Cobb County Police Department provided substantial assistance to the investigation.
This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.
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.
Opelika Woman Sentenced to over 11 Years for Sex Trafficking Scheme Involving MinorRead the Press Release
Today, United States Attorney Thomas Govan announced that an Opelika, Alabama, woman has been sentenced for her role in a commercial sex trafficking scheme involving a minor.
On June 10, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 24-year-old Jada Renee Coggins to 135 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Coggins is also required to register as a sex offender for life. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Commercial sex trafficking inflicts deep and lasting harm, especially when minors are involved,” said U.S. Attorney Govan. “Removing those who exploit minors from our streets makes our communities safer and protects future potential victims. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute individuals who participate in these schemes and seek justice for the victims.”
“Sex trafficking of minors is one of the most appalling crimes our society faces, " said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. "No child should ever be subjected to this kind of exploitation and abuse. The pain inflicted on victims and their families is profound and lasting. HSI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and dismantle trafficking networks, and we will not rest until those who prey on children are brought to justice.”
According to court documents and her plea agreement, in December 2023, Coggins conspired with her co-defendant, Chloe Michelle Alexander, 31, also of Opelika, to induce a 17‑year‑old to engage in commercial sex acts. As part of the conspiracy, Coggins admitted that she photographed the minor and used sexually explicit images to advertise commercial sex on various websites. She also admitted transporting the minor to locations where the minor engaged in commercial sex acts.
Both Coggins and Alexander pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Alexander is scheduled to be sentenced in August and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine her sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Opelika Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Tara S. Ratz, J. Patrick Lamb, and Russell T. Duraski prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Officials Announce Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke ValleyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Law enforcement leaders from more than a dozen agencies across the Roanoke Valley announced the results of Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley today. Combined Resolve, a month-long enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and in furtherance of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, resulted in more than 150 arrests and the seizure of nearly $2 million dollars’ worth of street drugs.
Between May 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026, 78 officers from 15 partner agencies arrested 150 fugitives and executed 302 warrants.
The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly $2 million dollars’ worth of street drugs. These drugs included 338 doses of MDMA, 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 12 kilograms of cocaine.
Finally, 352 grams of fentanyl was seized, enough potential lethal doses to kill 176,097 people, or more people than the entire population of the Roanoke Valley.
In addition to drug seizures, $93,940 in cash, 20 handguns, and 1 rifle were seized.
“Operation Combined Resolve resulted in the arrest of over 300 individuals and the capture of 150 fugitives wanted for offenses including assault and battery on law enforcement, carjacking, robbery, aggravated malicious wounding, assault by mob, and crimes against children. The US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will continue to maximize strategic law enforcement partnerships through Project Safe Neighborhoods to enhance cooperation and information sharing that ensures a sure and rapid response to violent crime and other threats to our citizens,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I am proud to stand with law enforcement partners including the Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Vinton Police Departments, VSP, Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Program, Roanoke area Commonwealth’s Attorneys, ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, and other partners who contributed to the outstanding success of Combined Resolve. Like Operation Washout No Limits in Danville last October, Combined Resolve reflects our collective and unyielding determination to enhance community safety and the rule of law in our communities. These efforts will continue throughout the Western District of Virginia.”
“Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley is a continuing example of how partnerships and true collaboration, among law enforcement partners in the Western District of Virginia, results in safer streets and communities by leveraging the full weight and commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement to bring violent offenders to justice, remove illegal drugs and guns from our communities, and fight organized crime. I commend First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Tracci for his leadership and spearheading the operation, as well as our local operational commander Chief Booth, for his tenacity and dedication to the citizens we serve. We also extend gratitude to Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney John McNeil, Jr. and Roanoke County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Holohan, for the substantial work of their staff as well as their guidance, oversight, and prosecutorial judgements in future prosecutions. All the participant agencies contributed significantly, and none of these excellent results, for our citizens, would have been accomplished without every leader and officer involved. Finally, we suggest this operation is the first of many future collaborations in continued and enhanced partnerships. Criminals should take notice. If you are wanted for a crime, committing violent crime, or are part of a transnational gang, your time of freedom is limited if you stay in the Roanoke Valley,” said Acting United States Marshal Matthew Davis.
“Today’s results are a testament to what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies come together with one common goal: the safety and security of the Roanoke Valley. The success of this operation demonstrates that through collaboration, shared resources, and a unified commitment to public safety, we are able to deliver results that no single agency could achieve alone. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every agency and officer who participated in this effort. In particular, I want to recognize First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Tracci and his team from the Western District of Virginia, as well as the United States Marshals Service, for their partnership, leadership, and dedication throughout this operation. Together, we are sending a clear message that public safety remains our top priority and that law enforcement agencies across this region stand united in our commitment to reducing violent crime, removing illegal drugs and firearms from our streets, and holding offenders accountable. Operation Combined Resolve reflects the best of law enforcement partnership and will continue to serve as a model for our future efforts to protect and serve the people who call the Roanoke Valley home,” said Scott Booth, Chief of Police, City of Roanoke.
“Operations like this highlight the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in addressing the dangerous connection between narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms. ATF remains steadfast in its mission to protect our communities by supporting investigations that remove violent offenders, illegal firearms, and dangerous narcotics from our streets, “ said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood.
“Every day, Postal Inspectors work to protect the mail from being misused by criminals, including large scale Drug Trafficking Organizations. When prevention and investigative efforts can come together with the efforts of other agencies to identify and charge individuals who distribute drugs throughout Virginia, it makes all our communities safer. I want to acknowledge the contributions of the combined efforts of officers and agents from the multiple involved agencies for the impressive work accomplished. Through combined efforts such as this, the Postal Inspection Service upholds its long-standing mission of protecting our Postal customers and eliminating criminal misuse of the U.S. Mail,” said Damon Wood, Inspector in Charge, USPIS Washington Division.
“Some of the primary goals of the Virginia State Police are to preserve life and to protect the vulnerable. Collaborative efforts, such as this, enhance our capability of achieving these goals through problem solving partnerships. We are pleased with the results and grateful for the contributions of the involved agencies. We look forward to further cooperation on future operations,” said Shawn Caudill – Captain, Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
This operation was part of the revamped Project Safe Neighborhoods, a combined law enforcement initiative that aims to provide a rapid response to violent crime, conduct strategic federal, state, local, and tribal partnerships, and increase accountability and deterrence to promote public safety.
OPERATION TAKE BACK AMERICA: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Illegally Re-entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An illegal alien has been sentenced for unlawfully re-entering the United States after deportation, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.
Chief U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Walter Anselmo Rosa-Menjivar, 29, a citizen of Honduras, to 16 months in prison. In January 2026, Rosa-Menjivar pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation.
“This sentence demonstrates that individuals who unlawfully reenter the Unites States will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Phil Williams. “My office remains committed to prosecuting offenders who threaten public safety and to working alongside our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”
“Rosa-Menjivar’s history of drug trafficking and unlawful reentry underscores the importance of strong border enforcement and community safety partnerships,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI will not tolerate those who endanger the public and violate our immigration laws—serious consequences await anyone who attempts to do so.”
According to court documents, Rosa-Menjivar was deported on March 9, 2020, after he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Rosa-Menjivar came to law enforcement’s attention again when officers with the Bessemer Police Department were dispatched to Rosa-Menjivar’s residence on October 24, 2025, after his roommate called 911. The roommate reported that Rosa-Menjivar threatened to shoot him during a verbal argument. After having been found illegally in the United States a second time, Rosa-Menjivar was arrested on October 25, 2025.
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.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Bessemer Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney L. Plyler and J. Patrick Lamb are prosecuting the case.
Nurse Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Tampering with and Stealing Controlled Substances at Tampa Bay Area HospitalRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Lauren Hornbuckle (37, Seminole) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to two years in federal prison for tampering with a consumer product. Hornbuckle pleaded guilty on August 6, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hornbuckle was a Florida-licensed registered nurse who worked at Hospital #1. Between November 2023 and March 2024, Hornbuckle tampered with injectable controlled substances, including morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl, by removing them from their containers and replacing them with saline. She then returned the containers into circulation for other patients’ medical needs and used the drugs for her own personal use. By tampering with the injectable controlled substances, Hornbuckle acted with reckless disregard for the risk that patients would be in danger of bodily injury and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.
North Carolina Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Immigration Fraud, VA Disability FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A North Carolina woman was indicted by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, making false statements under oath on immigration documents, unlawfully procuring citizenship, mail fraud, and wire fraud. This indictment is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Britney Sherene Curry, 26, of Charlotte, N.C. is a Jamaican National and entered the United States on a six-month B-2 visa on Aug. 27, 2015, but never left. Curry allegedly paid a third-party to arrange a fraudulent marriage between herself and a United States citizen for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. Curry and her husband met for the first time on the day of their marriage and never lived together before or after. After the marriage, Curry became a lawful permanent resident of the United States then joined the United States Army which allowed her to apply to become a naturalized United States citizen immediately, instead of having to wait a minimum of three years.
Curry allegedly provided false information about her marriage, under penalty of perjury, in immigration documents filed both online and via the U.S. Postal Service. After becoming a United States citizen, Curry used her status to petition for her mother to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. All of the immigration applications were initially processed at the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center in Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Less than two years after joining the Army, Curry applied for a medical discharge and was awarded Veteran’s Administration disability compensation. Curry claimed her husband as a dependent for purposes of her disability compensation which increased her monthly benefit, despite never having lived with him and not having seen him since before she enlisted in the Army. All Veteran’s Administration disability compensation benefits passed through Treasury Payment Operations at the Federal Disbursement Services in Kansas City, Mo.
The charges contained in the indictment are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury who will be responsible for determining whether Curry is guilty or not.
Under federal statutes, Curry is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud and mail fraud charges, up to 10 years in prison on some of the immigration charges, and faces the possibility of being denaturalized. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael J. Nichols. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services—National Benefits Center, Veteran’s Administration Office of Inspector General, and the United States Army Criminal Investigations Division.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
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.
North Carolina Man Charged with Scheme to Fraudently Obtain Hundreds of Millions of Shares of Technology CompanyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Inspector in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Ketty Larco-Ward, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging CHARLES COLE with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit securities fraud. COLE was presented this morning in the Western District of North Carolina. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.
“Fraud is fraud, whether in our public markets or our private markets,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Our private markets are essential engines of growth and ingenuity, and this Office will purse vigorously those who abuse securities markets—public or private, venture, growth, mid-cap or large-cap. As alleged, Charles Cole built a fiction of wealth using fake bank records, sham correspondence, and a fraudulent bank website, then used that fiction to obtain hundreds of millions of shares with no intention of paying for them.”
“Mr. Cole allegedly defrauded an unsuspecting company through a series of lies and misrepresentations,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. “The hard work from our Postal Inspectors that led to this indictment shows the U.S Postal Inspection Service's commitment to protecting individuals and companies from being defrauded.”
As alleged in the Indictment:
From June 2024 through March 2026, COLE perpetrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain at least 239 million shares from Infinite Reality, now known as Napster. As part of that scheme, COLE, and others acting at his direction, repeatedly lied to Infinite Reality about his ability to pay for the shares—fabricating bank records, creating sham correspondence, and establishing a fake website to mirror that of a foreign bank—to deceive Infinite Reality into believing that COLE had billions of dollars he was prepared to invest in the company. Based on those misrepresentations, Infinite Reality issued shares to COLE and entities he controlled. But COLE, who had no intention of paying for the shares, never invested in Infinite Reality. Instead, he used his fraudulently obtained shares as collateral to obtain or try to obtain loans from third parties, fabricated bank records to acquire still more shares of Infinite Reality based on further misrepresentations, and persisted in his efforts to deceive Infinite Reality until it ultimately rescinded the shares it had issued to COLE and his entities.
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COLE, 57, of Mooresville, North Carolina, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of USPIS and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Clayton further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney L. Heavey, David J. Robles, and Justin V. Rodriguez are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitutes only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
New York City Department of Correction Captain Indicted for Extortion and Wage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Latanya Brown with extortion and federal program funds theft. Brown is a Captain with the New York City Department of Correction (DOC). The indictment charges Brown with two counts of extortion and one count of fraudulently obtaining funds from a federally funded government agency. Brown was arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Nadia I. Shihata, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the indictment and arrest.
“As alleged, the defendant brazenly abused her authority as a law enforcement supervisor to steal taxpayer money and terrorize her subordinates by shaking them down for money, expensive gifts, and chauffeuring her to run personal errands, including trips to a casino while she was on duty,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt government officials who betray the public’s trust, and where applicable as in this case, seek forfeiture of ill-gotten funds.”
“Captain Latanya Brown allegedly abused her rank and strongarmed her subordinates to support her lavish lifestyle. The FBI is determined to aggressively pursue and hold accountable government officials who steal American taxpayer dollars while engaging in corrupt misconduct for personal enrichment,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“As a New York City Correction Captain, this defendant was entrusted with great authority, including over those she supervised. Instead of setting the example by upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness, as charged, this Correction Captain allegedly used her power to extort luxury gifts, money, and personal favors from her subordinates in exchange for approving overtime, schedule changes, and vacation time,” stated DOI Commissioner Shihata. “The indictment also charges that on more than 100 occasions in 2024 and 2025 the defendant allegedly collected thousands of dollars in regular and overtime pay for hours she did not work — coming to work late and leaving her post early, including to go to a casino. I thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York and the New York Office of the FBI for their continued partnership in protecting taxpayer funds and holding public employees accountable.”
As alleged in the indictment, Brown has been employed by the DOC since October 2001 and has held the rank of Captain since July 2007. Between approximately July 2024 and November 2025, Brown was assigned to Rikers Island’s Facility Operations Department as a DOC supervisor. Between approximately November 2025 and December 2025, Brown was assigned to New York State courthouses located in the Bronx. As a Captain, Brown supervised other correction officers and was responsible for approving employee requests for shift-schedule changes, overtime shifts, and vacation time. In 2024 and 2025, Brown regularly threatened to withhold approvals for shift changes, overtime shifts, and vacation time requests for her officers unless they agreed to pay her money, buy luxury items for her, and/or perform personal errands for her. For example, in December 2024, Brown forced several officers to buy an expensive Louis Vuitton bag for her. When Brown made her demand, she made statements to the DOC officers implying, in sum and substance, that their shift assignments, overtime shifts, and vacation time would be in jeopardy unless they purchased the luxury item. Additionally, on numerous occasions, Brown forced officers to drive her while on duty for non-work-related purposes, such as visits to restaurants, bars, and a casino.
In 2024 and 2025, Brown received more than $250,000 in regular pay and more than $400,000 in overtime pay. However, on more than 100 occasions during this time period, Brown submitted documentation to the DOC claiming that she had worked the entirety of regular and overtime shifts, when in fact she actually arrived to work several hours late or left work several hours early on those occasions. On some occasions, when Brown left her assigned posting early, she did so to spend time at the Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York. For example, on November 21, 2024, Brown claimed in documentation submitted to the DOC to have worked from 5:00 a.m. until 9:31 p.m. on Rikers Island. However, Brown was not at Rikers Island during the entirety of that shift and instead arrived at the casino that day at approximately 2:34 p.m. Nevertheless, Brown was compensated by the DOC as if she had worked her full shift and at least seven hours of overtime.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Brown faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Grubin and Andrew Wang are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Johnson Peow.
The Defendant:
LATANYA BROWN
Age: 51
Yonkers, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-168 (MKB)
latanya_brown_indictment.pdfNew Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug-Related Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HARRY WHITLEY, 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 4, 2024, Whitley, who had an active state arrest warrant and was on probation, was observed participating in a suspected drug transaction in New Haven. He was arrested a short time later in Waterbury. At the time of his arrest, Whitley possessed fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone; a Glock 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine; and a Glock-style machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.”
Whitley’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and larceny offenses.
Whitley has been detained since his arrest. He pleaded guilty to the offense on March 19, 2026.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Nathan Guevremont.
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.
N.J. Man Sentenced to 6½ Years in Prison for 2022 Lehigh Valley Plane Crash That Killed Student Pilot, Additional OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Philip McPherson II, 37, of Riverside, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, a $5,000 fine, $4,300 special assessment, and $19,530 in restitution by United States District Judge John M. Gallagher for involuntary manslaughter and additional offenses arising from a 2022 plane crash in Lehigh County that killed a student pilot. Judge Gallagher also prohibited McPherson from working in the aviation industry.
The defendant was charged by second superseding indictment in April of last year. In October, he pleaded guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge, as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of an administrative proceeding, and 40 counts of serving as an airman without a certificate.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on September 28, 2022, McPherson took off as the pilot-in-command of a Piper-28-140 aircraft from Queen City Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with student pilot K.K. Shortly after takeoff, McPherson crashed the plane, killing K.K.
As further detailed, McPherson acted with gross negligence because he knew that he was not competent to safely fly an aircraft as the pilot-in-command.
Specifically, McPherson knew that: (1) he was not competent to safely operate the aircraft because he had two prior crashes and almost a third; (2) he failed his September 29, 2021, reexamination for his pilot’s certificate for a lack of demonstrated competence; (3) he voluntarily surrendered his pilot’s certificate on October 7, 2021, acknowledging his lack of competence; and (4) he allowed his Temporary Airman Certificate to expire on November 8, 2021, thus further acknowledging his inability to demonstrate to the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) his competence to fly safely.
McPherson also admitted to illegally serving as the pilot-in-command of an aircraft with passengers while not possessing an FAA pilot’s certificate permitting him to do so. These flights occurred between October 12, 2021, and September 20, 2022.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Federal Aviation Administration, and Salisbury Township (Pa.) Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schopf and Special Assistant United States Attorney Marie Miller.
Multi-Million-Dollar Prescription Fraud Scheme Results in Prison Sentence for Three East TennesseansRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On June 11, 2026, Barbara A. Smith, 75, of Powell, Tennessee, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release by the Honorable Katharine A. Crytzer, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Smith was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,810,878.
Judge Crytzer previously sentenced Smith’s codefendants and coconspirators Jared Grant Riddle (“Grant Riddle”), 47, of Clinton, Tennessee, and Brian M. Woods, 48, of Dandridge, Tennessee.
Both Grant Riddle and Brian Woods were sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Grant Riddle was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,687,531.89, and Woods was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,365,897.89.
As part of the plea agreements filed with the court, Smith, Riddle, and Woods each pleaded guilty to an indictment charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349.
Riddle Formulary Fraud Case: Barbara Smith, Grant Riddle, Brian Woods
As set forth in plea agreements filed with the Court, from May 2018 to October 2020, United Apothecary, LLC, operated six retail pharmacies doing business as Riddle Drugs or Riddle Express Pharmacy. Grant Riddle, a licensed pharmacist, created a drug formulary that listed certain drugs, including pain creams and an oral muscle relaxer called chlorzoxazone 250 mg, based solely on their high reimbursement values. Riddle Drugs hired Woods to market the formulary to local pain clinics, including to a Knoxville-area pain clinic and primary care facility where Smith was the office manager. Woods provided stacks of blank paper formularies to Smith and the clinic’s providers. Riddle Drugs agreed to pay Woods off-the-books cash bonuses based on the volume of signed formularies he delivered to Riddle Drugs.
Woods agreed to pay Smith cash for formularies signed by the clinic’s providers. Woods and Smith then began to alter signed formularies, adding check boxes next to unprescribed medications and increasing the number of refills written on the formularies. The clinic’s patients began to complain about receiving medications in the mail that their provider had not prescribed and that they did not want, which led the clinic’s providers to suspect Smith of altering their formularies. As a result, the providers completed formularies to prevent alterations, including crossing out medications by drawing an “X” on them.
Woods and Smith then used blank formularies to create wholly forged formularies: they handwrote patient names on the formularies, marked boxes next to various medications, wrote in refills, and forged providers’ signatures—either by hand or by using a photocopy of the provider’s signature without the provider’s knowledge. Woods paid Smith in cash for Smith’s role in altering and forging the formularies.
Grant Riddle submitted, or caused United Apothecary to submit, the altered and forged formularies to drug plans and pharmacy benefits managers for reimbursement. As a result of those fraudulent claims, the drug plans and pharmacy benefits managers paid to United Apothecary approximately $7,365,897.89, including approximately $4.8 million paid by Medicare Part D. During portions of the scheme, Riddle Drugs’ Oliver Springs, Tennessee, pharmacy was the top pharmacy in the country for distribution of chlorzoxazone 250 mg.
Riddle Health Care Kickbacks Case: Ernest Riddle and Grant Riddle
In a separate case also involving Riddle Drugs, George Ernest Riddle (“Ernest Riddle”), 78, of Clinton, Tennessee, was sentenced by Judge Crytzer to 15 months’ imprisonment, two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,321,634.00.
As indicated in plea documents filed with the Court, Ernest Riddle, who owned United Apothecary and its six retail pharmacies, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to solicit, pay, and receive health care kickbacks, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.
From July 2016 to January 2020, Ernest Riddle and his son Grant Riddle conspired with each other to pay kickbacks and bribes to out-of-state marketers in exchange for the marketers delivering signed prescriptions to Riddle Drugs. Riddle Drugs then submitted the prescriptions to Medicare Part D drug plans for reimbursement. Medicare paid approximately $1,321,634.00 to United Apothecary for the prescriptions United Apothecary acquired by paying kickbacks and bribes. As part of his plea agreement filed with the Court, Grant Riddle admitted to his involvement in the kickbacks scheme and agreed to pay restitution to Medicare Part D.
“Medicare fraud undermines the integrity of our nation’s most critical healthcare programs, which are relied upon by millions of patients, doctors, and honest healthcare professionals,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Fraud of this kind wastes taxpayer dollars and increases the cost of healthcare for all Americans. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who steal from taxpayers and exploit our healthcare system for their own personal gain.”
“These sentencings underscore the serious consequences faced by individuals who exploit federal health care programs for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The Riddles’ scheme diverted valuable taxpayer funds from programs designed to support beneficiaries in need. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS OIG will continue to pursue those who compromise patient trust, inflate health care costs, and undermine the integrity of Medicare.”
“Healthcare fraud undermines trust in a system that millions of Americans rely upon and costs taxpayers and consumers billions of dollars each year,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who exploit our healthcare system for personal gain will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice. The FBI and our partners remain committed to protecting public healthcare resources and holding fraudsters accountable.”
The criminal indictments were the result of an investigation by HHS-OIG and the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorneys William A. Roach, Jr., and Michael S. Deel represented the United States.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Montrose Man Indicted for Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that George Welch, age 59, of Montrose, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of production of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on April 26, 2026, in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Welch produced child pornography.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Susquehanna County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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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