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30 September 2026

• ‘Pre-IPO’ Boiler Room Operators Sentenced to Prison

  Southern District of New York

  Read the Press Release

  United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced today that the founders and operators of Legend Venture Partners LLC (“Legend”) and its affiliated entities were sentenced to significant prison time for defrauding their investors, violating their fiduciary duties to those investors, and stealing their funds. MARIO GOGLIORMELLA was sentenced to 52 months in prison, and STEVEN LACAJ and KARIM IBRAHIM, a/k/a “Chris Hayes,” were each sentenced to 42 months in prison. GOGLIORMELLA, LACAJ, and IBRAHIM pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick, who imposed sentence on GOGLIORMELLA on September 16, 2026; LACAJ on September 23, 2026; and IBRAHIM today. 

  “This Office will continue to prioritize enforcement against fraud in the pre-IPO space,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Our markets—both public and private—can flourish only if their integrity is preserved. By charging undisclosed markups of over a hundred percent and pretending their own disciplinary histories didn’t exist, the defendants—the founders and operators of Legend Venture Partners LLC—stole from hundreds of investors and undermined the functioning of markets that are vital to innovation and growth.”

  According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, public filings, and statements made in court:

  GOGLIORMELLA, LACAJ, and IBRAHIM engaged in a scheme to defraud investors in a group of related private funds known generally as the “StraightPath Funds” and the “Legend Funds.” The defendants, and others working at their direction, used “boiler room”-style call centers to market the funds to non-professional investors by promising an opportunity to invest in privately held companies expected to go public in the near future (“pre-IPO companies”). The defendants purported to offer investors the chance to acquire shares in pre-IPO companies at favorable prices in advance of an anticipated public offering, at which time, they claimed, the shares would be worth significantly more. The defendants also claimed there were no upfront fees or commissions, and that they would not get paid until their investors got paid.

  These representations that the defendants made to investors were lies. In fact, the defendants sold shares to investors at arbitrarily inflated and excessive prices without disclosing to investors the nature or extent of the markup. The defendants’ fraudulent misrepresentations about the operation of their funds allowed them to raise approximately $185 million from hundreds of investors. Based in large part on the excessive and undisclosed share price markups they charged to investors, the defendants were able to divert nearly $28 million in investor funds to themselves. They also used investor funds to pay their sales representatives at least $17.5 million in fees and commissions, despite making explicit representations to investors that fees were not being charged. In addition to misrepresentations about fees and markups, the defendants also misled investors regarding the nature of their investments and hid the involvement of GOGLIORMELLA and IBRAHIM, who had been previously been disciplined by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, in the management of the Funds.

  In order to generate interest in the Funds among retail investors, GOGLIORMELLA, LACAJ, and IBRAHIM used finders, or “referral agents,” to pitch prospective investors and thereafter to serve as the investors’ primary point of contact. The defendants used “boiler room”-style call centers wherein salespeople cold-called potential investors, many of whom were not experienced investors, and gave aggressive sales pitches using notes and pitch scripts. The defendants referred to their pitch scripts as “The Bible.” Contrary to the defendants’ claim that they and their agents did not make money unless and until investors received a profit on their investments, the defendants paid referral agents a commission, typically a 10 to 15 percent front-end fee based on the amount of the investment that agents were able to draw to the Funds, plus a portion of the carried interest when the Funds exited their position in a particular company.

  At first, the defendants operated this scheme as a marketing arm for StraightPath Venture Partners, Inc. (“StraightPath”). In approximately 2021, multiple individuals associated with StraightPath received subpoenas from the SEC, and in approximately February 2022, StraightPath ceased operations. In approximately February 2022, when StraightPath ceased operations, GOGLIORMELLA, LACAJ, and IBRAHIM began conducting the scheme under the corporate entity Legend Venture Partners, LLC (“Legend”), where they continued to run the same scheme that StraightPath had started. The three principals of StraightPath —Michael Castillero, Brian Martinsen, and Francine Lanaia—were also prosecuted by this Office, convicted at a trial before U.S. District Court Judge Jesse M. Furman in November 2025, and sentenced to 11, 10, and 8 years respectively by Judge Furman in May 2026.

  The StraightPath entities and StraightPath Funds and Legend entities and Legend Funds are no longer operational and are under the control of a court-appointed Receiver tasked with taking possession of StraightPath and Legend’s assets and overseeing a plan to return value to investors.

  *               *                *

  In addition to the prison term, GOGLIORMELLA, 49, of Manhasset, New York; LACAJ, 29, of New York, New York; and IBRAHIM, 36, of Queens, New York, were each sentenced to three years of supervised release. They were also ordered to pay restitution of $46 million, as well as forfeiture in the following amounts: Gogliormella: $12,400,000; Lacaj: $7,700,000; and Ibrahim: $8,300,000.

  Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Mr. McDonald also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a parallel civil action.

  The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam S. Hobson and Matthew R. Shahabian are in charge of the prosecution.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• U.S. Attorney Moore Capito Presents 2026 Law Enforcement Awards

  Southern District of West Virginia

  Read the Press Release

  CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito honored more than 60 federal, state, and local law enforcement professionals today for their exemplary investigative work and contributions in cases successfully prosecuted in the Southern District of West Virginia. 

  During a ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse in Charleston, Capito presented the 2026 Law Enforcement Awards to recognize invaluable assistance within specific categories of cases and office initiatives as well as outstanding overall service.

  “These awards recognize law enforcement professionals who exemplify the highest standards of service,” Capito said. “Our honorees have demonstrated integrity, courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety and the criminal justice system.”

  The honorees were recognized in the following categories:

  Category: White Collar Crime

  Outstanding White Collar Crime Cases: 

  U.S. vs Ross Jay Bailey (5:24-cr-105)
  U.S. vs Ryan Keith Bailey (5:24-cr-106)
  U.S. vs Mark William Bailey (5:23-cr-131)

  • Special Agent Thomas Atherton, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG)
  • Special Agent Terry Hedrick, United States Secret Service
  • First Sgt. Brad Burner, West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) (retired)
  • Litigation Financial Analyst Stephen DeWayne Rowley, U.S. Attorney’s Office (posthumously)

  A federal investigation determined that three members of the same Beckley-area family fraudulently converted more than $4 million in COVID-19 relief funds for their personal enrichment. Each defendant successfully applied for loans meant to help their businesses weather the global pandemic. They instead spent COVID-19 relief funds to buy stocks, cryptocurrency, and real estate among other personal and prohibited uses.

  All three defendants pleaded guilty to theft of government money. To date, more than $6 million has been recovered from the defendants through paid restitution and assets subject to forfeiture. The investigation allowed the U.S. Attorney’s Office to apply all available tools to seek justice in these cases: criminal prosecution, False Claims Act litigation, and civil forfeiture proceedings.

  Rowley was instrumental in developing the case as Litigation Financial Analyst for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Rowley joined the office in 2011, after 23 years as a federal law enforcement officer, and retired in July 2025. Rowley died on April 23, 2026. His wife of 46 years, Bonnie Rowley, accepted the award.

  Category: Project Safe Childhood

  Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

  Outstanding PSC Case: U.S. vs Alan J. Disomma, Jr. (5:22-cr-227)

  • Special Agent Genevieve Baushke, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Special Agent Jared Jankowski, FBI
  • Sgt. Jillian Yeager, West Virginia State Police 
  • Trooper Ricky Jones, West Virginia State Police

  In December 2021, Alan J. Disomma, Jr. began communicating online with a woman located in West Virginia whom he believed to be the mother of two minor girls. Disomma stated that he wanted to engage in sexual relations with both girls. Disomma continued to express this intent in a series of text messages over the following year. In December 2022, Disomma flew from Arizona to West Virginia with plans to act on these intentions. Upon his arrival in Charleston, Disomma was arrested by law enforcement officers.

  A federal jury convicted Disomma of two counts of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual activity. Disomma was sentenced to life in prison on October 4, 2024.

  Category: Drug Trafficking

  Outstanding Drug Trafficking Cases: 

  U.S. vs Robert Earl Cureton, Jr. (3:24-cr-117)

  • Lt. Stephen Maniskas, Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (HVCDTF), Huntington Police Department
  • Sgt. Adrian Rosario, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. Alec Bentley, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. Michael Cremeans, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. Jacob Fitzwater, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. David Malcomb, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Sgt. Kerry Arthur, HVCDTF, Barboursville Police Department
  • Officer Ryan Harless, Huntington Police Department
  • Officer Jarod Martin, Huntington Police Department

  On November 26, 2024, law enforcement officers seized approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine and $4,566 in drug proceeds from Robert Earl Cureton, Jr. in Huntington. Cureton transported the drugs and cash that day by Greyhound bus from Detroit, Michigan to Cincinnati, Ohio, and then via rideshare from Cincinnati to Huntington, where officers conducted a traffic stop of the rideshare vehicle. 

  Investigators had previously conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Cureton in Huntington through the use of confidential informants. Cureton was sentenced on May 12, 2025, to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. The Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.

  Operation Ghost

  • Special Agent Jennifer King, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Special Agent Carolyn Rash, FBI
  • Special Agent Erica Kelley, FBI Detroit Field Office
  • Task Force Officer Jacob Kresslein, FBI Detroit Field Office
  • Intelligence Analyst Sarah Cole, FBI
  • Senior Digital Forensic Examiner Melinda Cash, FBI
  • Digital Forensic Specialist Kelsey Billups, FBI
  • Staff Operations Specialist Jennifer Ball, FBI
  • Staff Operations Specialist Josh Van Meter, FBI
  • Special Agent Jared Austin, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Technical Sgt. Kyle Kelly, West Virginia Air National Guard
  • Lt. Paul Hodge, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
  • Cpl. Brian Hudson, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
  • Lt. Hedrick “Bo” Miller, Charleston Police Department 
  • Sgt. Wesley Daniels, Charleston Police Department
  • Sgt. Eric “Seth” Johnson, Charleston Police Department
  • Cpl. Jordan Hilbert, Charleston Police Department
  • Cpl. Owen Morris, Charleston Police Department
  • Cpl. John Waggy, Charleston Police Department
  • Cpl. Nigel Waller, Charleston Police Department
  • Detective Matthew Justice, Charleston Police Department (now with U.S. Postal Inspection Service)
  • Administrative Assistant Lori Lipscomb, Charleston Police Department
  • Patrolman Oliver Lopez, Nitro Police Department
  • Officer Matthew Cooper, St. Albans Police Department
  • Cpl. David Harvey, South Charleston Police Department

  Operation Ghost disrupted a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. A federal grand jury indicted more than a dozen individuals as a result of this investigation, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

  Nine defendants pleaded guilty to roles in the DTO conspiracy, and six other defendants pleaded guilty in cases separate from the main indictment. The convicted defendants together have received more than a century of prison time, with seven each sentenced to 10 years or more in prison.

  Category: Violent Crime

  Outstanding Violent Crime Case: U.S. vs Tiwan Robert Bailey, et al. (2:24-cr-118)

  • Special Agent Collin Nash, U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
  • Special Agent James Erwin, HSI 
  • Victim Assistance Specialist Kyanna Perkins, HSI
  • Criminal Analyst Jessica Griffith, HSI
  • Criminal Analyst Chris Powell, HSI
  • Computer Forensic Analyst Leland F. “Fred” Pickering, HSI
  • Deputy U.S. Marshal Derrick Williams, United States Marshals Service (USMS)
  • Cpl. Treavor Dubiel, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
  • Cpl. Adam Aldridge, Charleston Police Department
  • Detective Joshua Mena, Charleston Police Department (now with HSI)

  Tiwan Robert Bailey led a sex trafficking conspiracy during which he trafficked four different female victims, including a 17-year-old girl. Bailey required each victim to engage in commercial sex acts and provide all the money they received to him. Bailey forced his victims to post sex ads online as part of his trafficking scheme. Bailey also obstructed the federal investigation of the sex trafficking conspiracy by seeking to interfere with any potential cooperation and testimony by the minor female victim.

  Bailey coerced his adult victims through repeated acts of violence, including sexual assaults and physical beatings. Bailey reinforced this control through threats he issued to his victims in person and through voice messages, texts, and Facebook Messenger. Bailey supplied drugs to the victims suffering from addiction and withheld drugs from them as punishment.

  Bailey became a fugitive after a warrant for his arrest was issued in this case in July 2024. The United States Marshals Service captured Bailey on January 17, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky.

  Bailey was sentenced to 25 years in prison on February 9, 2026, following his conviction by a federal jury of all six felony counts against him. Co-defendant Carrie Roy was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in the conspiracy.

  Category: Project Safe Neighborhoods

  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

  Outstanding Project Safe Neighborhoods Case: U.S. vs Erin Leigh Keeney, et al. (3:25-cr-161)

  • Special Agent Cory Jarrett, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • Special Agent Sean McNees, ATF
  • Special Agent Jason Berty, ATF
  • Special Agent Quinn Conlon, ATF
  • Special Agent Launa Hunt, ATF
  • Special Agent Kachine Jonese, ATF
  • Special Agent Ryan McComas, ATF
  • Special Agent Joseph Reed, ATF
  • Special Agent Mari Woodford, ATF
  • Lt. Steve Maniskas, Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (HVCDTF), Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. Michael Cremeans, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. Taylor Eastes, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. Jacob Fitzwater, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department
  • Cpl. David Malcomb, HVCDTF, Huntington Police Department 
  • Officer Ryan Harless, Huntington Police Department

  This case resulted from an investigation that disrupted a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl, cocaine base, and methamphetamine in the Huntington area. Several of the conspirators possessed firearms during DTO transactions and sold firearms or sold drugs in exchange for firearms. Investigators seized 27 firearms and quantities of fentanyl, carfentanyl, cocaine base, and methamphetamine. All seven individuals indicted as a result of this investigation pleaded guilty. 

  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charleston field office and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (HVCDTF) conducted the investigation. The ATF field offices in Louisville, Lexington, and London, Kentucky and in Huntington and Clarksburg, West Virginia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Huntington field office, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Southern District of West Virginia Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force, and the Huntington Police Department assisted the investigation.

  Task Force of the Year: Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT)

  • Commander: Lt. Hedrick “Bo” Miller, Charleston Police Department

   

  The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Task Force of the Year recognizes outstanding cooperative law enforcement efforts and endeavors that have significant and lasting community impact. A highlight of the ceremony, this award honors a task force for one or more specific cases and also for their continuing role in significant investigations and prosecutions.

  This year’s award recognizes MDENT for its role in Operation Ghost.

  Law Enforcement Officers of the Year

  The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards honor individual federal, state, and local officers selected for outstanding contributions to significant cases.

  • Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Special Agent Collin Nash, U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
  • State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:Sgt. Jillian Yeager, West Virginia State Police (WVSP)
  • Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Cpl. David Malcomb, Huntington Police Department

  U.S. Attorney’s Office Distinguished Service Award

  • Special Agent Jennifer King, FBI

  This award recognizes King for her deep experience, strong competitive drive, and unwavering commitment to fairness. Her dedication, professionalism, and service have strengthened the community, and set a standard for law enforcement excellence in this district.

  A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

   

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  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey Announces “Four Corners of Public Safety” Initiative Highlighting District’s Priorities

  Northern District of West Virginia

  Read the Press Release

  WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey today announced the launch of his “Four Corners of Public Safety” initiative, a renewed and expanded effort to deepen collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors throughout the Northern District of West Virginia.

  Designed to reinforce ongoing partnerships while forging new connections, the initiative reflects the district’s commitment to a unified approach to public safety. By bringing leaders and agencies together, the Four Corners aims to enhance coordination, share resources more effectively, and ensure a consistent, district-wide strategy for addressing key criminal threats.

  “The Four Corners highlights the good work we are already doing across the district and serves as a framework to bring all of us together with an even greater purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Our shared mission is to make our communities safer, stronger, and better places to live and work, and this initiative helps us do exactly that.”

  The Four Corners of Public Safety outlines the district’s foundational priorities, which include disrupting drug trafficking networks, reducing violent crime, protecting residents from fraud and financial exploitation, and supporting vulnerable members of the community. By focusing on these core areas, the initiative provides a clear direction for collaborative action and targeted enforcement strategies.

  Through coordinated efforts with state prosecutors and ongoing partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement, the initiative strengthens the district’s ability to respond to emerging threats, share intelligence, and implement prevention-focused strategies. These collaborative efforts reinforce the office’s broader mission to safeguard the Northern District of West Virginia and uphold the rule of law.

  Aligned with Department of Justice priorities, the Four Corners initiative reflects a comprehensive, multi‑agency approach to confronting crime from every angle. By ensuring that federal, state, and local partners work in step with one another, the initiative helps build safer communities and demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting the people of Northern West Virginia.

  Read more here.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Two Alleged White Supremacists Charged with Hate Crimes for Attacks at Oceanside Pier; Third Attacker Pleads Guilty

  Southern District of California

  Read the Press Release

  SAN DIEGO – An indictment unsealed in federal court today charges two alleged white supremacists from Riverside County with hate crimes in connection with racially-motivated attacks on two U.S. Marines and a third man at the Oceanside pier in June 2025.

  Austin Yohe and Daniel Burns are also charged with obstruction of justice for lying to Riverside court personnel, local law enforcement officers in Oceanside, and FBI agents about their roles in the assault.  The FBI arrested Yohe yesterday afternoon in Riverside, California.  At approximately the same time, Burns was taken into custody at an associate’s home in Wilsonville, Alabama.   

  The third defendant, Johnny Lee Lane, pleaded guilty today to three federal hate crimes offenses—one for each of the victims. Lane admitted he participated in the attacks on the three victims along with Yohe and Burns, and that the assaults were racially motivated.

  The indictment identifies the victim of the first attack as T.L.W., a 21-year-old Black and Asian American man, and the victims of the second attack as two U.S. Marines, T.J. and E.H., a 24-year-old black man and a 23-year-old white man, respectively. 

  The indictment alleges that Yohe and Burns both claim membership in the group COORS 88, which espouses white supremacy, and that Burns has a tattoo on his arm that reads, “skinhead.” Lane, charged separately in an information, is referred to in the indictment by the initials J.L. 

  According to the indictment, on June 7, 2025, Yohe, Burns, and Lane drove to Oceanside and went to the beach near the Oceanside Pier. At approximately 8:30 p.m., after attending a family funeral earlier that day, T.L.W. and his wife were sitting on a bench north of the Oceanside Pier and next to a concrete building that had restrooms and outdoor showers when Yohe and Burns approached, identified themselves as “skinheads,” and attacked T.L.W. without provocation. 

  The indictment alleges that Yohe and Burns punched T.L.W. multiple times, kicked and stomped on him, and slammed his head into the concrete wall of the building.  As T.L.W. crawled away and back onto the sand, Lane approached, yelled “Get that n****r!,” and kicked and stomped on T.L.W.  As a result of the attack, T.L.W. was hospitalized and suffered serious injuries to his upper body, including a concussion, swelling on his head, and cuts and bruises.

  According to the indictment, after they finished assaulting T.L.W., Yohe, Burns and Lane walked southbound to the plaza near the Oceanside Pier. The two Marines, T.J. and E.H., were standing in the plaza eating funnel cake while they waited to get a table at a nearby restaurant.  As they walked through the plaza and proceeded up the stairs, Yohe, Burns, and/or Lane yelled racial slurs, including n****r, at T.J. and E.H., who stood there and did not follow the defendants or make any gestures towards them. 

  About one to two minutes later, the indictment said, Yohe and Burns came back down the stairs with Lane following. Yohe walked up to E.H. and, without provocation, punched him forcefully in the face. Moments later, Burns approached T.J. and, without provocation, punched him forcefully in the head.  Even then, T.J. and E.H. did not immediately fight back, and instead, they stepped backwards and tried to de-escalate the encounter. 

  Undeterred, Yohe and Burns lunged forward and continued assaulting T.J. and E.H., which included punching, grabbing, tackling, and kicking the Marines. The indictment alleges that Lane then joined the continuing assault, struck both T.J. and E.H., and kicked E.H. multiple times in or near his head while E.H. was on the ground trying to fight off Yohe. 

  During the attack, one of the defendants yelled that E.H.—who is white—was a “n****r lover.”  As a result of the attack, E.H. suffered serious head injuries, including a concussion, orbital fracture, sinus fracture, and fractured cheekbone. T.J. also suffered injuries from the attack, including multiple contusions to his head and an injury to his hand that required him to undergo physical therapy.

  The three obstruction of justice charges in the indictment—one against Yohe and two against Burns—stem from alleged false statements that the two defendants made on the night of the attacks and in interviews afterwards. Burns is alleged to have knowingly lied to the Oceanside Police Department on the night of the attacks, telling an officer that he was not with Yohe but instead was “coming to pick them up,” that he had “just left the gym in San Bernardino,” and that he was “not involved,” which he told the officer to “look at the video” to confirm.  

  Burns is also alleged to have knowingly lied to FBI agents during an interview months later, on November 25, 2025, when he told them that the incident began when E.H. punched Yohe first and that he only came down the stairs and started fighting after E.H. punched Yohe. The indictment alleges that Yohe knowingly lied to a court employee in Riverside County on June 13 and 17, 2025, when he claimed that he had gone to Oceanside because his friend was stranded there and needed a ride, that his friend had been involved in an altercation before Yohe arrived, and that Yohe and his friend were “attacked” as they were walking to Yohe’s car. According to the indictment, Yohe referred to himself as a “victim” of that attack. 

  Yohe made his initial appearance in federal court today in San Diego before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steve B. Chu.  The United States moved to detain Yohe as a serious risk of flight and danger to the community.  At the request of Yohe’s appointed counsel, the detention hearing was continued to Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10 a.m.  A motion hearing and trial setting is scheduled before U.S.  District Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro on October 30, 2026, at 9 a.m. 

  Burns made his initial appearance in federal court today in the Northern District of Alabama where he will be held pending proceedings to effectuate his removal and transfer to San Diego. 

  After entering pleas of guilty to the three hate crimes charges, Lane was released on a $25,000 personal appearance bond. His sentencing is scheduled for January 8, 2027, at 9 a.m. before Judge Montenegro.

  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Songer and C. Seth Askins. The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division provided assistance and certified hate crime charges pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 249(b)(1).

  DEFENDANTS                                              

  Case Number 26cr3776-RBM                                             

  Austin Yohe                            Age: 23                                   Riverside, CA

  Daniel Burns                           Age: 30                                   Wilsonville, AL

  Case Number 26cr03839-RBM

  Johnny Lee Lane                    Age: 23                                   Riverside, CA

  SUMMARY OF CHARGES

  Hate Crime – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 249

  Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine

  Obstruction of Justice – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1512

  Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

  INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

  Federal Bureau of Investigation

  *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Three Fraudsters Sentenced to Combined 235 Months in Federal Prison for $16M Student Loan, PPP Fraud Schemes

  Eastern District of Michigan

  Read the Press Release

  DETROIT - Brandon Robinson, 42, of Detroit, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for orchestrating overlapping federal student aid and PPP fraud schemes, announced Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and United States Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr.

  U.S. District Court Judge Laurie J. Michelson ordered that Robinson, the ringleader of the scheme, serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay restitution as follows: 

  • $10,521,189.05 to the Department of Education
  • $1,357,493.00 to various state workforce agencies

  Michelson sentenced Robinson following his guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Alongside Robinson, Antonio Robinson, 37, of Ferndale was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment and Joshuan Porter, 36, of Detroit was sentenced to 55 months imprisonment.

  “These defendants stole more than $16 million from federal programs designed to assist students and unemployed Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The defendants enrolled straw students across more than 100 schools in more than 20 states to collect these proceeds. They now face prison time for their egregious actions. We commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for its outstanding work prosecuting this case.”

  “These defendants thought federal programs were easy money. They were wrong,” said Gorgon.  “We are making sure that federal program fraudsters bear the consequences.”

  Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Scott Wingle, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Central Regional Office, and Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

  “I’m proud of the work of OIG special agents and our law enforcement colleagues for shutting down yet another fraud ring and holding these fraudsters accountable for their criminal actions,” said Scott Wingle, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Central Regional Office. “The OIG is committed to fighting student aid fraud and we will continue to aggressively pursue those that participate in these types of crimes.”

  “Brandon Robinson exploited two taxpayer-funded assistance programs designed to support individuals in need of unemployment benefits or Federal Student Aid—programs that Americans depend on. Today's sentencing highlights the commitment by my agency and Vice President Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud to aggressively pursue fraudsters and hold them accountable,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. “We will continue to pursue those individuals that attempt to exploit the unemployment insurance system and other programs designed to support hardworking Americans. Accountability is coming.”

  The case was jointly investigated by agents from the Department of Education Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Particka. 

  About the Case: 

  According to court documents, Brandon Robinson was responsible for leading a years-long scheme to obtain fraudulent Federal Student Aid (FSA) benefits involving so-called “straw students.” Antonio Robinson and Joshuan Porter took direction from Robinson and served as middlemen, ferrying information and kickbacks between Brandon Robinson and the fake students. 

  The three submitted fraudulent FSA claims for more than 1,200 individuals, involving over 100 schools in more than 20 states, between January 2015 and November 2023.  They were awarded more than $16M in FSA benefits and collected more than $10M of it before being caught. 

  The three also worked together to file over 100 fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment assistance between March 2020 and June 2021, Collecting around $1.3M in false unemployment benefits. 

  About the 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.   

  ###

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Syracuse Woman Charged with Social Security Fraud and Theft of Government Property

  Northern District of New York

  Read the Press Release

  BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Rhonda Cook, age 61, of Syracuse, New York made her initial appearance September 14, 2026, in federal court on charges of social security fraud and theft of government property.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge, Boston–New York–Philadelphia Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.

  According to the indictment, Cook received and kept Social Security money intended for a Social Security recipient while serving as a representative payee for that recipient and did not use the money for the benefit of the recipient. This action is part of an ongoing effort of the Trump Administration’s Fraud Task Force aimed at eliminating fraud across the country.  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

  First Assistant United States Attorney John Sarcone stated, “This case demonstrates that our commitment to identifying and prosecuting fraud applies across the board, whether it is a five-figure, six-figure or even greater case, my office stands ready to hold people accountable when they illegally take resources from those who truly need it.”

  “Diverting Social Security benefits entrusted to one’s care is a serious violation that harms both the beneficiary and the integrity of a program relied upon by millions,” said Amy Connelly, Special Agent‑in‑Charge, SSA OIG Boston–New York–Philadelphia Field Division. “Our office will continue to identify and stop those who take advantage of these benefits and ensure they are used as intended.”

  The charges filed against Cook include a maximum term of 10 years in prison for theft of government property and 5 years in prison for each of the social security fraud counts.  Cook may also be ordered to pay restitution to the government.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. 

  SSA OIG is investigating the case, and it is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Arne Soldwedel.

  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.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Springfield, Missouri Man Pleads Guilty for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

  Western District of Missouri

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  SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for his illegal possession of a firearm.

  Lonnie B. Dean, 52, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count of being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm.  This defendant was charged as a part of Operation Spring Cleaning, that was coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement across southwest Missouri.

  Dean pleaded guilty to the sole count of the indictment that charged him with illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On Dec. 24, 2025, Dean was contacted by law enforcement during a traffic stop. During that contact, Springfield Police Officers note that Dean had a current warrant for his arrest. As Dean was taken into custody, officers found a Glock Model 43x, 9mm firearm.  The firearm was found in Dean’s waistline. Officers noted that the firearm was loaded with ammunition and had a round of ammunition chambered in the weapon. Dean has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, theft of a motor vehicle, theft, and a prior illegal possession of a firearm.

  Under federal statutes, Dean is subject to sentences of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000. 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  Burau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield Missouri Police Department.

  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.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• South Carolina Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex Trafficking

  Western District of Tennessee

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  Jackson, TN – Michael Nathaniel Holland, 37, has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for transporting a minor across state lines with intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.    

  According to information presented in court, in November 2024, Holland traveled from his home in Columbia, South Carolina to Jackson, Tennessee to pick up a 12-year-old girl that he had been communicating with over Snapchat for several months.  After picking her up, Holland drove the minor back to his home in South Carolina.  Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were ultimately able to locate the minor at Holland’s residence.  

  The minor told investigators that Holland performed several sexual acts on her after they arrived at his home.  A search of Holland’s cell phone corroborated the minor’s statements, as investigators located several photographs and videos on Holland’s phone which showed him engaging in various sexual acts with the minor at his residence. 

  Following his guilty plea to the transportation offense earlier this year, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Holland on September 28, 2026 to 324 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

  After he is released from prison, Holland will have to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA), and he was also ordered to pay the $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA).    

  U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Travelers and traffickers who target and victimize children cannot hide from ultimate detection and aggressive prosecution by this office. This predator exploited a vulnerable child in a horrific way, and will now rightly suffer significant consequences.”

  “When a child is victimized, we will use every resource available to investigate the crime, pursue the offender, and seek justice for the victim and their family,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This sentence is a result of the coordination of the FBI Nashville Field Office – Jackson Resident Agency and the FBI Columbia Field Office. I commend the investigators, prosecutors, and victim specialists for their relentless work to bring Michael Holland to justice.”

  This case was investigated by members of the FBI in Columbia, South Carolina and in Jackson, Tennessee.   

  Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow and former Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

  ###

  For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Six Individuals Charged in Connection with Smash-and-Grab Robberies of Jewelry Stores

  District of New Jersey

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  NEWARK, N.J. – Six people have been charged for their roles in smash-and-grab robberies targeting jewelry stores across New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

  Since early 2025, numerous jewelry stores have been victimized by smash-and-grab robberies in New Jersey and Staten Island, New York, each committed by groups of individuals employing similar tactics.  While the victim jewelry stores were open for business, masked and gloved perpetrators used crow bars and/or sledgehammers to smash the glass doors and front windows of the store.  Once inside, the perpetrators smashed glass display cases, stealing whatever jewelry was inside. 

  “As alleged, these defendants committed brazen, day-time robberies of jewelry stores by smashing through glass, creating chaos, instilling fear in employees and customers, and making off with hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry, but in the end, thanks to the work of federal law enforcement and our state and local partners, these defendants now face serious federal charges.  These arrests serve as a reminder that if you commit violent crimes in New Jersey, law enforcement will use every tool to find you and make sure that you face justice.”

  - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

  “Customers at these jewelry stores found themselves caught in the middle of violent robberies carried out by masked men who showed little regard for anyone who might get hurt,” said FBI Newark, Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Roddy. FBI Newark partnered with state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and track down these subjects so no one else would be put in danger. The work being done to protect the people of New Jersey has been incredible, and this case is just one stellar example.”

  Shaquan Jones, 24, of Newark, and Kayron Caldwell, 34, of Newark, were each separately charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery for robbing a jewelry store in Paterson, New Jersey on May 14, 2025.  Caldwell was indicted on August 5, 2026.  He appeared before the Honorable Susan D. Wigenton on August 13, 2026, entered a plea of not guilty, and was ordered detained.  Jones was charged by complaint and appeared before the Honorable José R. Almonte, United States Magistrate Judge, on July 29, 2026; he was ordered detained.   

  Wyzier Peterson, 28, of Paterson, New Jersey; Corey Boyd, 29, of Paterson, New Jersey; and Terrance Drakeford, 33, of Paterson, New Jersey, were each charged by complaint with one count of Hobbs Act robbery for robbing a jewelry store in Wayne, New Jersey on June 16, 2026.  All three defendants appeared before the Honorable José R. Almonte, United States Magistrate Judge, on September 10, 2026, and were ordered detained. 

  Derreck Proctor, 33, of Newark, New Jersey was charged by complaint with one count of Hobbs Act robbery for robbing a jewelry store in Union City, New Jersey, on March 7, 2026.  Proctor appeared before the Honorable André M. Espinosa, United States Magistrate Judge, on September 23, 2026, and was released on bail. 

  According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

  The perpetrators of the May 2025 robbery in Paterson smashed through the glass door and front windows of the jewelry store in the middle of the day using crow bars. Two perpetrators cut themselves on broken glass, leaving behind blood.  Investigators tested the blood on the scene and found that it contained Jones’s DNA and Caldwell’s DNA.  In the days following the robbery, Jones took pictures of himself holding a wad of cash with a bandage on his left hand, which investigators recovered from Jones’s online cloud storage account.  Following the robbery, Caldwell ran internet searches for butterfly bandages and wound treatment. 

  Investigators apprehended Proctor for his role in the March 2026 Union City robbery based on blood evidence as well.  During that robbery, perpetrators carrying 10-pound brand-name sledgehammers smashed display cases inside the store and took jewelry from inside the cases.  When examining the crime scene, law enforcement found blood left behind by a perpetrator who had likely cut their hand on broken glass.  DNA analysis confirmed that the blood matched Proctor. Security camera footage from a hardware store showed that Proctor purchased two 10-pound, brand-name sledgehammers with cash several weeks before the robbery. 

  The perpetrators of the June 2026 Wayne robbery also smashed through the jewelry store’s glass front door using sledgehammers before smashing the display cases and fleeing in an SUV. Video surveillance captured the perpetrators changing to a second vehicle several blocks from the robbery.  Boyd drove the second getaway car, in which Peterson and Drakeford were both passengers.  When Haledon Police attempted to stop the second getaway car for a traffic infraction a few minutes later, the car fled and crashed one block away.  Law enforcement apprehended Drakeford at the scene of the crash, but the other occupants fled on foot.  Boyd and Peterson were later identified and apprehended. 

  Each defendant faces up to 20 years imprisonment for Hobbs Act robbery, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

  U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Newark Field Division, under the direction of Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation.  He also thanked the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union City Police Department, the Wayne Police Department, the Jersey City Police Department, the Perth Amboy Police Department, the Woodbridge Police Department, the Paterson Police Department, the Edison Police Department, the Bloomfield Police Department, the City of Passaic, the Haledon Police Department, the Newark Police Department, the North Brunswick Police Department, the Paramus Police Department, and the New York Police Department for their roles in this collaborative effort to investigate and apprehend the individuals engaging in the smash-and-grab robberies, occurring across multiple jurisdictions. 

  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit and Sean Nadel of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

  The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                                                 ###

  Defense counsel:

  Shaquan Jones: F.R. “Chip” Dunne, III, Esq., Springfield, NJ

  Kayron Caldwell: John Yauch, Office of the Federal Public Defender, Newark, NJ

  Wyzier Peterson: Benjamin West, Esq., Office of the Federal Public Defender, Newark, NJ

  Corey Boyd: Charles Alvarez, Esq., Bloomfield, NJ

  Terrance Drakeford: Stacy A. Biancamano, Esq., Kenilworth, NJ

  Derreck Proctor: Michael J. Pappa, Esq., Hazlet, NJ

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

  District of South Dakota

  Read the Press Release

  SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026. 

  Austin Joseph Means, 35, was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

  Means was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.

  On March 13, 2025, detectives with the Sioux Falls Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in northwest Sioux Falls.  During the execution of the search warrant, detectives detained a number of individuals, including Means.  A subsequent search of the residence revealed, among other items, a semi-automatic pistol and an extended magazine loaded with 15 live rounds of ammunition.  Forensic testing of the firearm proved that Means had earlier possessed the firearm. Since Means had been previously convicted of a felony—Possession of a Controlled Substance—he is not legally permitted to possess firearms. 

  This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

  This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell prosecuted the case.

  Means was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute

  District of South Dakota

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  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 Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.  The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026. 

  Jason Pfuhl, 41, was sentenced to seven years and eight months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

  Pfuhl was indicted for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute by a federal grand jury in November 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 15, 2026.

  Sioux Falls Police officers came into contact with Pfuhl after they stopped the vehicle in which he was a passenger.  They eventually searched the vehicle and found approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine in the area where Pfuhl was seated in the car. 

  This case was investigated by the DEA.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

  Pfuhl was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Signal Diagnostics Agrees to Pay over $20M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Failing to Refund Overpayments to the HRSA Uninsured Program

  Read the Press Release

  Signal Diagnostics LLC (Signal) has agreed to pay the United States $20.5 million to resolve allegations that Signal violated the False Claims Act by knowingly retaining and improperly avoiding its obligations to repay the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program (the “Uninsured Program”) for overpayments for claims Signal submitted for patients who had health insurance.

  “When companies knowingly retain federal healthcare program funds they were not entitled to receive, they violate the public’s trust and the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement reflects our commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that providers meet their obligations to return money to which they were not entitled.”

  “Providers who receive federal program funds must meet their legal obligation to return money they are not entitled to. By knowingly avoiding repayment of overpayments, Signal Diagnostics undermined the integrity of a program designed to support uninsured patients during a national public health emergency,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “HHS‑OIG will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that entities that misuse federal health care dollars are held fully accountable.”

  Between approximately May 2020 and April 2022, the Uninsured Program reimbursed eligible providers for COVID-19 tests, testing-related items and services, treatment, and vaccines performed on uninsured individuals. During the Public Health Emergency, Signal provided COVID-19 tests to individuals at public testing sites and on client sites.

  The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from January 2022 to May 2023, Signal knowingly and improperly avoided obligations to repay HRSA for overpayments reimbursed to it from the Uninsured Program. Specifically, between October 2020 and March 2022, Signal submitted claims for COVID-19 testing services and specimen collection to the Uninsured Program. The United States alleges that starting in or around January 2022, Signal initiated an internal audit to determine whether it had submitted ineligible claims to the Uninsured Program. Through the audit, Signal determined that it had submitted claims to the Uninsured Program that were ineligible for payment because the individuals had insurance.

  The audit identified errors that caused the submission of claims to the Uninsured Program for people who had insurance, including instance where Signal’s internal system had created multiple profiles for the same individuals with conflicting insurance information and claims were submitted to the Uninsured Program when there were alternative insurances listed on file. From January 2022 to May 2023, Signal continued to conduct its audit and calculated the amount of overpayment received from the Uninsured Program for ineligible claims, and knowingly and improperly avoided its obligation to repay HRSA for those overpayments.

  The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort by Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from HHS-OIG. This matter was handled by Civil Division Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Elizabeth J. Kappakas, Lindsay DeFrancesco, and James Nealon.

  This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Schenectady Drug Trafficking Brothers Plead Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine and Crack Cocaine

  Northern District of New York

  Read the Press Release

  ALBANY, NEW YORK – Defendants Jalen Parker, age 32 and Juwan Parker, age 31, of Schenectady, New York, have both pled guilty before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine base. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Federal Bureau of Investigation Albany Field Office Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli and Schenectady Police Department Chief Brian Whipple made the announcement. 

  The brothers admitted to being a part of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Schenectady and Albany counties. Jalen Parker admitted to distributing over 200 grams of actual methamphetamine and over 325 grams of cocaine base between July 2024 and January 2026. Juwan Parker further admitted to selling over 47 grams of crack cocaine to another individual on July 9, 2024 and selling 14 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine on May 27, 2025. Upon execution of a search warrant at the brother’s residence in Schenectady, law enforcement recovered two firearms, 30 grams of fentanyl, and 300 grams of cocaine.

  “Drug crime continues to plague our communities, and in this case, it appears to run in the family,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “These brothers conspired to peddle poison in the community with no regard for the harm it causes—fueling potential violence and straining local resources and support networks. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI and the Schenectady Police Department, these defendants are off the streets and will face lengthy prison sentences for their roles in this operation.”

  “The Parker brothers were responsible for trafficking dangerous narcotics onto the streets of Albany and Schenectady counties,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “The FBI responded with the full force of the partnerships on our Safe Streets Task Force, and now both brothers are facing a substantial amount of time behind bars. The FBI is wholly committed to working with our partners at every level of law enforcement to leverage the resources needed to protect our communities from callous criminals looking to poison our citizens through the sale of dangerous drugs.”

  
  “Those who profit from bringing dangerous drugs and firearms into our neighborhoods should expect the full attention of law enforcement. These guilty pleas demonstrate the strength of our federal partnerships and our shared commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and keeping our community safe,” said Schenectady Police Chief Brian Whipple.

  Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2026. Jalen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months and a maximum of life in prison at sentencing. Juwan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 months and maximum of 40 years in prison at sentencing. 

  The FBI and Schenectady Police Department investigated the case; Assistant United States Attorney Paul DerOhannesian is prosecuting the case.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Roswell Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Armed Encounter with Police

  District of New Mexico

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  ALBUQUERQUE – A Roswell man who fired a handgun while fleeing police officers during a foot pursuit was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

  There is no parole in the federal system.

  According to court records, on May 16, 2025, Roswell Police Department detectives conducting a crime suppression operation attempted to contact Daniel Garcia, 39, after observing him walking in the roadway. The detectives activated their vehicle’s emergency lights, exited the vehicle, and identified themselves as police officers. Garcia fled on foot, clutching a satchel across his chest, and one of the detectives pursued him.

  During the pursuit, the detective heard a gunshot and observed a muzzle flash coming from Garcia’s location. The detective returned fire, striking Garcia in the lower extremities. Detectives apprehended Garcia and recovered a handgun near him.

  During an interview with investigators, Garcia admitted possessing the handgun but claimed it accidentally discharged into the ground while he was running. He also claimed he did not realize the detectives were law enforcement because they were not wearing uniforms and he had not seen their emergency lights. Garcia acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction for trafficking methamphetamine.

  Garcia pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.

  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

  The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Minors

  District of Rhode Island

  Read the Press Release

  PROVIDENCE – A repeat sex offender who used social media and online messaging platforms to target and sexually exploit minors was sentenced today in U.S. District Court. 

  Jeremy Barton, 46, a registered sex offender, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 300 months in federal prison, to be followed by 20 years’ supervised release for federal offenses involving the enticement and sexual exploitation of minors and distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Barton was previously convicted in state court for sexually assaulting minors and was a registered sex offender at the time he committed the federal offenses.         

  According to court documents, Barton used multiple social media and messaging platforms to contact and lure minor boys, often by disguising his identity by impersonating young females. He engaged in persistent efforts to entice the children to record themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. He enticed them to send him pictures and videos of that conduct and later distributed the CSAM to members of online chatrooms hosted on an encrypted app.  As the administrator of several of those chatrooms, Barton actively participated in online communities dedicated to the exploitation of children. At a subsequent search of Barton’s home, investigators also recovered numerous images and videos of CSAM from Barton’s digital devices.

  The court also ordered $10,000 in restitution to victims identified through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and a $3,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.

  “Barton repeatedly used online platforms to target and exploit children, despite a prior conviction and court supervision,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “His conduct was deliberate, predatory, and persistent. Today’s sentence ensures that he will not have access to children for decades, and it delivers accountability for the harm he caused to vulnerable victims. Our office remains steadfast in protecting children and aggressively prosecuting those who seek to exploit them.”

  “This level 3 sex offender will now spend more than two decades behind bars for preying on young children for his own sick gratification,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Those who seek out images of child sexual abuse help drive a demand for this depraved material, resulting in the continued exploitation of these children. Today’s sentence holds Jeremy Barton accountable for his actions and highlights the solid work of the FBI's Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force, committed to its mission of protecting our most vulnerable from harm.”                               

  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine Lowell, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Lee Vilker.

  The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Narragansett Police Department.

  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.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Pakistani Nationals residing in Bakersfield and Los Angeles County charged in a scheme to defraud Medicare

  Eastern District of California

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  FRESNO, Calif. — On Sept. 17, a grand jury indicted Nouman Mustafa, 36, of Torrance, and Mohsin Khan, 40, of Bakersfield, on multiple counts of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft for submitting millions of dollars in fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment to Medicare, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced today. 

  On Feb. 11, 2026, Mustafa was arrested on a criminal complaint at the Los Angeles International Airport while trying to board a one-way flight to Pakistan. Khan was arrested at his home in Bakersfield yesterday and will make his initial court appearance today.

  According to court records, Mustafa and Khan are Pakistani nationals with dual United States citizenship who have worked in the United States as security guards, warehouse managers, and licensed insurance agents. From January 2025 through January 2026, they created a series of shell companies designed to look like legitimate durable medical equipment (DME) companies. In reality, none of the companies had physical storefronts, warehouses, or any locations where legitimate business could have been conducted. Mustafa and Khan then used these companies to quickly submit more than $3.5 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare. They typically relied on one company for only a few weeks or months until its claims began getting denied for suspected fraud, at which point they shifted to the next company. 

  Mustafa and Khan got the information to file the fraudulent claims from their contacts in Pakistan and elsewhere. This information included details about real Medicare beneficiaries and their doctors. The defendants kept approximately 30% of the proceeds and sent the remainder back to their contacts. 

  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with assistance from the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arelis Clemente and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.

  If convicted, Mustafa and Khan face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the health care fraud counts and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to the sentences they receive for any other counts, for each of the aggravated identity theft 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 defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Running a Fake Investment Scheme That Defrauded Victims in Ohio and Florida of over $3M

  Northern District of Ohio

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  CLEVELAND – An Ohio man has pleaded guilty to creating a phony investment opportunity which he used to convince unsuspecting victims to trust him with their money and then used their funds for his own personal benefit such as to gamble at casinos.

  John E. Brown II, 45, of Brecksville, Ohio, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of Wire Fraud and two counts of Engaging in a Monetary Transaction in Criminal Proceeds. U.S. District Judge Dan A. Polster accepted Brown’s plea on Sept. 29, 2026.

  According to court documents, Brown devised an investment scheme that he called “rolling code ticket packages” which were, according to Brown, bundled admission tickets to experiences such as sporting events or theme parks.  From about May 2020 to May 2024, Brown promoted his investment opportunity by giving prospective investors information about the ticket packages. One way he convinced victims to invest was to point out that the value of the ticket packages would fluctuate in price based on a variety of factors including the stock price of theme parks or how well a professional sports team was performing that season. Another false selling point Brown highlighted was that the ticket packages frequently “split,” thereby doubling the number of tickets in the bundle and making it more valuable. Brown further misrepresented the investment by telling victims that he could generate profits by trading ticket packages when they increased in value.

  Brown even went so far as to engage the assistance of other individuals to act as either successful investors or “code” buyers, in a coordinated effort to assure victims that it was safe to make significant investments. Additionally, he told some victims that the ticket packages were insured against losses, when in fact, they were not.

  When victims were finally convinced to invest, Brown directed them to transfer their investment money to his business bank accounts. With the victims’ funds fully in his control, Brown spent the money for the benefit of himself including transferring approximately $1,375,000 to various casinos so he could gamble. When victims asked why they were not seeing returns on their investments, Brown provided them with fake documents suggesting he purchased the ticket codes on their behalf and gave them false assurances that their investments were safe.

  Three of the victims were located in Berea, Mayfield Heights, and North Royalton, Ohio. Two victims resided in Cape Coral and Orlando, Florida. Collectively, victims lost more than $3 million by investing in what they were deceptively led to believe was a sound financial opportunity.

  Brown faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of Wire Fraud charged in counts 1-17, and 10 years in prison for each count of Engaging in a Monetary Transaction in Criminal Proceeds charged in counts 18 and 19. Brown also faces fines of up to $4,750,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2027. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

  This investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division.

  Assistant United States Attorney Edward D. Brydle led the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Norman Liquor Store Owner to Serve More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

  Western District of Oklahoma

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  OKLAHOMA CITY – KAYVAN KARYA RASOLKHANI, 47, of Norman, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 78 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

  Public records show that, prior to October 2025, Rasolkhani engaged in online communications with an undercover FBI agent in which he discussed intentions to sexually assault two fictitious girls offered by the agent. On October 15, 2025, the FBI executed search warrants on Rasolkhani’s person, vehicle, residence, and his workplace, University Liquor. During the operation, agents seized a cell phone containing child pornography.

  On January 22, 2026, Rasolkhani was charged by Information with possession of child pornography. Rasolkhani pleaded guilty on February 19, 2026, and admitted he knowingly possessed images containing child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors. 

  At a sentencing hearing on September 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Rasolkhani to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Rasolkhani was also ordered to pay $76,500 in restitution. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the disturbing nature of Rasolkhani’s conduct and the need to protect the public. 

  This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.

  This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

  Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• New York Man Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud and Maintaining an Illegal Marijuana Grow House Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

  District of Maine

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  BANGOR, Maine: A New York man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for submitting a false mortgage loan application and maintaining a marijuana-involved premises.

  U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Ken Yiu, 49, of Brooklyn, New York, to time-served (one day) prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Yiu pleaded guilty on December 10, 2025.

  According to court records, Yiu purchased a house in Saint Albans using an $80,000 residential mortgage loan he obtained from a Maine bank. To receive the funding, Yiu submitted a loan application in which he answered “Yes” to the question, “Do you intend to occupy the property as your primary residence?” Yiu never intended to occupy the property as a residence. From September 2020 through January 2024, he instead used the property to grow and distribute marijuana.

  In December 2024, federal law enforcement agents interviewed Yiu. During the interview, Yiu admitted selling marijuana he grew at his Saint Albans property to buyers in Massachusetts. Investigators executed a federal search warrant at the property in January 2025. The search confirmed that Yiu had used and maintained the property to grow and distribute marijuana.

  Neither Yiu nor his property was licensed through the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.

  The FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case with assistance provided by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office.

  This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Maine HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; HSI; DEA; IRS-Criminal Investigation; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Border Patrol; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and Transportation Security Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine.

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  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Narcotics from Branford Hotel Room

  District of Connecticut

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  David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRENCE DAVIS, 41, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics.

  According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force developed evidence that Davis was selling fentanyl and crack cocaine from a hotel in Branford.  On October 15, 2025, investigators made a controlled purchase of narcotics from Davis.  On October 17, 2025, a court-authorized search of Davis’ hotel room revealed nearly 700 grams of cocaine, more than 70 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, and $13,867 in cash.  Davis was arrested on state charges at that time and was subsequently released on bond.

  This matter was adopted for federal prosecution and, on January 7, 2026, Davis was charged by indictment.  He was arrested federally on January 8, 2026, and, on that date, a search of the same hotel room where Davis was staying revealed approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, 25 grams of crack cocaine, and seven grams of powder cocaine.

  Davis has been detained since his arrest.  On June 30, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

  This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Guevremont and Christopher Lembo with the assistance of Law Student Intern Molly McCammon.

  This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

  HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Milford Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm Charges

  District of Delaware

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  WILMINGTON, Del. – On September 29, 2026, Charles Meritt, 54, of Milford, waived indictment and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A), and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(8).

  According to court documents, on March 16, 2026, Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a federal search warrant at Meritt’s residence. In his bedroom, agents recovered more than 2.5 kilograms (about 5.5 pounds) of methamphetamine, more than 600 grams of cocaine, six firearms, a scale, and packaging materials. 

  Meritt faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

  U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and DEA Philadelphia Field Division Special Agent in Charge Timothy Flaherty made the announcement. 

  The DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division investigated the case with assistance from Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Frey is prosecuting the case. 

  A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-CR-00157-RGA

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Miami Real Estate Developer Sentenced for $89 Million Investor Fraud and Tax Scheme

  Southern District of Florida

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  MIAMI – A Miami real estate developer has been sentenced more than 11 years in federal prison for defrauding investors of approximately $89 million, diverting investor funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, failing to pay millions of dollars in payroll taxes, and lying to a bank to obtain financing for a 68-foot yacht. 

  U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Rishi Kapoor, 41, formerly of Miami, to 136 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to fail to pay payroll taxes.

  “Rishi Kapoor raised approximately $89 million from investors by promising real estate developments, then diverted millions of dollars to fund his own lavish lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “He used investor money on a yacht, a diamond ring, and a multimillion-dollar home, while also withholding payroll taxes from employees and failing to send that money to the IRS. Kapoor will now spend more than 11 years in federal prison for a years-long scheme built on deception, greed, and the misuse of other people’s money.”

  “Financial fraudsters cannot hide behind luxury or lies,” said Scott Johnson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS-CI Special Agents will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners—we achieve the strongest outcomes when we unite our efforts.”

  According to court records, Kapoor was the chief executive officer of Location Ventures, a Miami-based real estate development company that promoted projects in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.  Kapoor raised approximately $89 million from investors, but most of the projects for which he solicited the money were never built. 

  Rather than use investor funds as promised, Kapoor diverted millions of dollars for his own benefit. Between 2018 and 2023, Kapoor received more than $6 million from Location Ventures and its projects. He misappropriated investor funds to finance personal expenditures, including a 68-foot yacht, a 2.8-carat diamond ring, and a $5.9 million home in Cocoplum.  Kapoor also falsely represented to investors that he had invested approximately $13 million of his own money in Location Ventures with his business partner and family, when they had contributed only about half that amount. 

  Kapoor also made misrepresentations to escrow agents to obtain the release of pre-construction condominium deposits and then misused those funds for himself and for expenses unrelated to the projects for which the money had been designated. As part of this case, Kapoor agreed to forfeit a 2.8-carat diamond ring purchased with investor proceeds. 

  Kapoor also withheld approximately $1.3 million in payroll taxes from Location Ventures’ employees but failed to pay those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.  Instead, he paid himself more than $2 million from Location Ventures bank accounts. 

  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also filed a civil action against Kapoor.

  U.S. Attorney Reding Quinoñes, Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott A. Johnson of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Florida Field Office, made the announcement. 

  FBI Miami and IRS-CI investigated the case. 

  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Young and Daya Nathan prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.

  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 26-cr-20073.

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  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Mexican National Sentenced in Federal Court for Illegal Reentry after Deportation

  District of South Dakota

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  RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation.  The sentencing took place on September 22, 2026.

  Rodrigo Ginez-Valiente, 33, was sentenced to time served.  He will be deported to Mexico.

  In February 2026, Ginez-Valiente was indicted by a federal grand jury for Illegal Reentry after Deportation.  He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.

  Ginez-Valiente is an alien who was deported from the United States to Mexico in 2018.  On May 11, 2026, Ginez-Valiente was found by law enforcement in Rapid City.  It is a federal felony for an alien to be in the United States after having been deported from the United States without obtaining the consent of the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States for lawful admission into the United States. 

  This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

  This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Maryland Man Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting Minors to Produce CSAM

  District of Maryland

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  Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court for committing child sex abuse crimes.

  U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Mark Travis Brigham, 37, of Mount Airy, to 25 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting a child and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Brigham pled guilty to the charges in June 2026.

  Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Sheriff Charles A. Jenkins, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County.

  According to court documents, between September 2023 and August 2024, Brigham persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced three minor females, between 13 and 14 years old, to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He used his cellphone to produce multiple sexually explicit images of the victims. Brigham also placed a hidden camera in a bathroom and secretly recorded adults and minors showering and using the toilet. 

  On August 6, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Brigham’s Mount Airy residence. During the search, law enforcement seized a tablet, digital camera with a SD card, and two cellphones, along with 35 firearms, ammunition, and a magazine. Investigators then examined the devices and uncovered the CSAM files.

  This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. 

  Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters. Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect.

  U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County, for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandria A. Bell and Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted the federal case.

  For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

  # # #

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Maryland Felon Sentenced in D.C. for Illegal Possession of Glock Near U Street Corridor

  District of Columbia

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  WASHINGTON – Tyzell Myrick, 30, a previously convicted felon residing in Bowie, Maryland, was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 33 months in federal prison for possessing a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol while on supervised release following a conviction for a violent gunpoint robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.  

  Myrick pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras on June 12, 2026, to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 33-month prison term, Judge Contreras ordered Myrick to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 41-month prison sentence. 

  According to court documents, on August 17, 2025, about midnight, Metropolitan Police officers were on patrol near the Crown Gas station on Florida Avenue NW, just off the U Street corridor, when they spotted Myrick walking with the distinct shape of a firearm protruding from his pants. Myrick attempted to walk away and conceal his body from the police, but officers stopped him, recovered the Glock pistol, and arrested him. 

  The recovered firearm was loaded with one round of .40 caliber ammunition in the chamber, and an additional 20 rounds in its 22 round capacity magazine. 

  At the time of his arrest, Myrick was on supervised release for the July 2017 gunpoint robbery of a GameStop in Maryland.  On September 17, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland sentenced Myrick to six months in prison for the robbery and 84 months for brandishing a firearm. 

  This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Washington Field Office.    

  The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Liss. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.  

  Still from police body-worn camera showing the recovery of the firearm from Myrick’s pants. 

  25cr267  

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  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Mansfield Man Charged with Sexually Abusing Minors in Haiti During Mission Trips

  Western District of Louisiana

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  SHREVEPORT – On September 22, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), secured a federal criminal complaint charging Maylon Foshee, 23, of Mansfield, with engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors in a foreign country.  If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.

  “Protecting children from sexual abuse wherever it occurs is one of this Administration’s highest priorities, and identifying, investigating, and prosecuting child predators in our Louisiana communities lies at the heart of our Office’s mission to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office thanks the FBI for its phenomenal investigative work and looks forward to seeing justice done in this significant case.”

  According to court documents, Foshee traveled to Haiti numerous times between 2023 and 2026 while working with a ministry organization in Gonaives, a coastal city in Haiti. During that period, Foshee allegedly engaged in illicit sexual conduct with several minor victims under his care, including minors who resided with him or who received financial support from him. In August 2026, investigators interviewed three minor victims who described incidents of alleged sexual abuse that occurred while Foshee housed or supervised them in Haiti. 
  
  U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

  The FBI investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheyenne Y. Wilson, with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

  This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Learn more at  https://www.justice.gov/psc/about-project-safe-childhood.

  A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

  You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is currently pending assignment.

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  CONTACT: Public Affairs
  Cara Alexander: (337) 262-6704
  Cara.Alexander@usdoj.gov

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Lycoming County Man Indicted for Possession of A Firearm and Ammunition

  Middle District of Pennsylvania

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  WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Raymond Poust, Jr., age 23, of Hughesville, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

  According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on June 30, 2026, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Fugitive Tracking Unit encountered Poust in Lycoming County where he was in possession of a stolen handgun. At the time Poust was encountered, he was a prohibited possessor, having been convicted of a felony just a few months prior. 

  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

  The case is being investigated by the FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency. Assistant Luisa 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. 

  # # #

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Luzerne County Man Charged with Illegal Firearm and Cocaine Possession

  Middle District of Pennsylvania

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  SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jaquan Pankey, age 29, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

  According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Pankey possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine on August 9, 2026, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  The indictment also alleges that Pankey possessed a Rock Island .45 caliber pistol as a felon, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. 

  The Federal Burau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

  The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 35 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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

  # # #

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Luzerne County Man Charged with Illegal Firearm Possession as a Felon

  Middle District of Pennsylvania

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  SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shawn Adams, age 56, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a firearms charge. 

  According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Adams possessed two firearms, that is, a High Point .45 caliber handgun and a Jennings .22 caliber handgun on July 6, 2026. The indictment also alleges that Adams is a felon, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. 

  The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency, Safe Streets Task Force, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

  The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses 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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

  # # #

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Lowell Man Sentenced to Six and a Half Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine

  District of Massachusetts

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  BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl and cocaine base (crack cocaine). 

  Gino Hem, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 66 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In June 2026, Hem pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. The defendant was arrested and charged in October 2025 and has remained in federal custody since. 

  On four separate occasions between July 14, 2025 and Oct. 3, 2025, Hem met cooperating witnesses and an undercover officer in Lowell to sell them crack cocaine and fentanyl. Hem filled orders from the cooperating witnesses and undercover officer for “fingers” of “brown,” i.e., fentanyl, and quantities of “hard,” i.e., cocaine base. 

  On a fifth date, on Oct. 22, 2025, the undercover officer ordered two ounces of “hard” from Hem. He was taken into custody upon arriving at the agreed upon drug deal location. During a search, more than two ounces (53 grams) of cocaine base were found hidden inside Hem’s underwear.  Hem was also carrying $2,632 cash.

  Hem has multiple prior convictions for state and federal crimes, including federal convictions for Distribution of Heroin and Dealing in Firearms without a License in 2016, for which he was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison. 

  United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Lowell Man Sentenced to Prison for Hiding More Than $6 Million in Payroll

  District of Massachusetts

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  BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement in payroll tax avoidance and workers’ compensation insurance fraud. 

  Henry Lam, 68, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 13 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Lam was also ordered to pay $1,652,573 in restitution. Lam was arrested in July 2025, following his June 2025 indictment, and pleaded guilty to failure to collect and pay over taxes and mail fraud in May 2026.   

  Between 2016 and 2023, Lam owned and operated HL Temporary Services – a temporary employment agency in Lowell that served client companies in New England. The client companies paid HL Temporary Services for the temporary employees’ work on an hourly basis. Lam cashed these client’s checks at check cashing businesses in Massachusetts and paid the temporary employees primarily in cash. By using cash payments, Lam hid over $6.2 million in payroll and avoided paying more than $1.5 million in required payroll taxes. Lam also used HL Temporary Services’ false payroll numbers to obtain worker’s compensation insurance at lower premium rates. 

  United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Longmeadow Woman Sentenced to Nearly Two Years in Prison for Massive Commercial Loan Fraud Conspiracy

  District of Massachusetts

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  BOSTON – A Longmeadow woman was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for defrauding commercial lenders out of more than $18 million over a four-year period. Together with her co-conspirators (her husband, Louis R. Masaschi, and her sister, Christine Gendron), she provided financial institutions with numerous false and fraudulent rent rolls and forged lease agreements for numerous properties located in Springfield, Mass.; East Longmeadow, Mass.; and Enfield, Conn.

  Jeannette Norman, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 22 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release with four months in home confinement. Norman was also ordered to pay $18,203,030 in restitution. In September 2025, Norman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. 

  In April 2025, Masaschi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of wire fraud and was sentenced in July 2026 to four years in prison, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $18,203,030 in restitution. In June 2026, Gendron pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced in July 2026 to six months in prison, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $392,607 in restitution. 

  Norman and Masaschi were partners in dozens of limited liability companies, including LL Realty Developers, LLC, through which they owned primarily commercial and some residential property in Western Massachusetts, Connecticut and elsewhere. Norman, Masaschi, and Gendron conspired with each other and others to fraudulently obtain loans for their companies from financial institutions and commercial lenders by providing materially false, fictitious and fraudulent financial information – including false rent rolls and forged lease agreements. After receiving the loans, Norman and Masaschi defaulted on the loans, causing substantial losses to the financial institutions and commercial lenders, including two community credit unions, and leaving the buildings vacant. 

  Between May 2016 and November 2018, Norman, Masaschi and Gendron fraudulently obtained or sought to obtain approximately $60,123,000 in loans and caused a total loss of $18,203,030.

  United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven H. Breslow and Caroline Merck of the Springfield Office prosecuted the case. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Little Eagle Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Groping Woman Without Her Permission

  District of South Dakota

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  ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Contact without Permission.  The sentencing took place on September 22, 2026. 

  Vincent Anthony Makes Him First, age 47, was sentenced to two 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.

  Makes Him First was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026.

  On October 8, 2024, Makes Him First invited a woman to drink alcohol with him behind a grocery store in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. After consuming alcohol to excess, they decamped to a nearby garage, where the woman lost consciousness and Makes Him First groped her buttocks without her consent.

  This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.

  This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

  Makes Him First was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over 23 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

  District of Nevada

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  LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 281 months in prison to be followed by 35 years of supervised release for sexually abusing and recording the abuse of two children in his care and for maintaining a collection of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on his digital devices.

  “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Today’s sentence highlights that those who sexually exploit children, through whatever technological means, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

  “Protecting children is the FBI's non-negotiable priority,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners at every level—federal, state, local, and tribal—we are united in identifying and investigating anyone who seeks to exploit or harm the vulnerable.”

  According to court documents, Adam Joseph Cardenas coerced a seven-year-old child and a three-year-old child, both of whom were in his care, to take part in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing sexually explicit images and videos. He distributed images using a mobile messaging application, and he possessed more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material depicting children as young as infants. 

  Cardenas pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Cardenas must register as a sex offender and keep the registration current where he resides and where he is an employee or student.

  This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin prosecuted 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 epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Knoxville Automotive Supplier Agrees to Pay $4.2 Million to Settle Paycheck Protection Program False Claims Act Case

  Eastern District of Tennessee

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  KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that ARC Automotive, Inc. (“ARC”) agreed to pay $4,200,000 to resolve allegations that it knowingly made false statements in obtaining a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), and also when seeking forgiveness of the loan, in violation of the False Claims Act (“FCA”).

  In March 2020, Congress created the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CARES Act, through the PPP, authorized loans to small businesses to help pay for certain business-related expenses, including payroll.  The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) administered the PPP and guaranteed the loans, which were eligible for forgiveness if certain program requirements were met.  Regulations promulgated by the SBA set forth various loan eligibility requirements.  Under SBA regulations, businesses involved in bankruptcy proceedings were ineligible for PPP loans.  To assist the SBA in making eligibility determinations, the loan and forgiveness applications required that borrowers certify that they provided truthful information in response to questions about eligibility requirements, and that they were eligible for the PPP.

  ARC is a manufacturer of automotive airbag inflators and has a principal office located in Knoxville.  It operates manufacturing plants in Tennessee and Kentucky, and entities related to ARC operate manufacturing facilities in other countries, including China.  According to the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement, in May 2020 ARC received $2,935,062 after applying for a loan under the PPP.  In June 2021, the loan was forgiven after ARC applied for loan forgiveness.  The United States contends that ARC falsely certified in its loan and forgiveness applications that it provided truthful information and that it was eligible for the PPP.  Specifically, the United States alleges that ARC falsely stated in its application that its owners were not presently involved in bankruptcy proceedings when it knew that one of its parent companies was involved in a bankruptcy proceeding in China, which rendered ARC ineligible for the loan.

  This settlement is the result of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the SBA’s Office of General Counsel. The settlement amount will be paid over time.  The investigation that preceded the settlement was prompted by a lawsuit filed in July 2025 under the qui tam or “whistleblower” provisions of the FCA, which permit a private individual (known as a “relator”) to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery.  Pursuant to the settlement, the relator will receive a share of the settlement payments made by ARC.

  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph C. Rodriguez and Ben D. Cunningham 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 investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.  The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.

  The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination or admission of liability.

                                                                                                                          ###

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Violation

  Western District of Missouri

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  KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo. man has pleaded guilty to a firearms violation.

  Tanner N. Breece, 28, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

  According to information presented in court, on March 25, 2024, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department officers were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle crash at I-435 and Winner Road in Jackson County, Missouri. The driver (Breece) and a female passenger had fled before police arrived.

  During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located a Springfield Armory, Model Prodigy, 9mm Luger pistol, serial number NMH53493, loaded with 13 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.

  Law enforcement officials swabbed the Springfield Armory pistol for genetic material and DNA comparative analysis tended to show that Breece’s DNA was present on the firearm. Breece had a 2019 conviction for felony stealing in the Circuit Court of Ray County, Missouri.

  Under federal statutes, Breece is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. 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 Rudolph R. Rhodes IV.  It was investigated by Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.

  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.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Justice Department Files Judicial Misconduct Complaint Alleging MN Judges Made Improper and Unethical Comments to the New York Times

  Read the Press Release

  Today, The Department of Justice filed a complaint of judicial misconduct against Hon. Patrick J. Schiltz, Hon. John R. Tunheim, and Anonymous District Judges at the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.

  On September 17, 2026, the paper published an article titled Trump’s Minnesota Surge Threatened Democracy, Judge Warns. The article explains that Judge Patrick Schiltz of the District of Minnesota sat for a 90-minute interview.  Six other “members of Minnesota’s federal bench” also “agreed to speak to the New York Times about last winter’s tumult.”  This included “six of the seven judges who held active status in Minnesota last winter.”

  Judges are ethically prohibited from commenting publicly on cases pending in any court and making political or policy statements concerning matters that are or have been before them. 

  "Seven federal judges in the District of Minnesota talked to the New York Times about cases, some of which are on-going, in a manner that the Department of Justice views as a clear violation of their ethical duties," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Their conduct has undermined public confidence in an impartial judiciary in Minnesota."

  “Our complaint alleges that federal judges in Minnesota used their official judicial office to pander to the press about immigration policies,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter. “Judges who covet publicity rather than follow the rule of law by adjudicating cases or controversies undermine the public’s confidence in an impartial jury.” 

  “An independent and honorable judiciary is indispensable to justice in our society,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “But public confidence in judicial impartiality cannot survive if judges seek out media attention and pander to the press.  Regrettably, judges in the District of Minnesota have done just that—by disregarding their ethical duties and launching a partisan press campaign, these judges advance their policy preference, allowing criminal illegal aliens to run free in Minnesota.  This Department of Justice will not let that stand, and today’s complaint ensures we have a fair and impartial forum to continue to vigorously enforce our Nation’s immigration laws in court.”

  The Department’s judicial misconduct complaint requests that the judges who spoke to the New York Times about immigration cases recuse themselves from any matters involving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because the public now reasonably questions their impartiality in cases involving that agency. The complaint also requests that the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit initiate an investigation into the judges’ improper and unethical conduct.

  The complaint can be viewed here.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Justice Department Announces Arrest and Arraignment of Two Illegal Aliens on Federal Immigration Charges and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

  Western District of Arkansas

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  FORT SMITH — The United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas announced today that two individuals have been arraigned on charges of Illegal Reentry. Edwin Hernandez‑Viera, age 44, a Salvadoran national residing in Fort Smith has been arrested and arraigned on federal charges of illegal reentry into the United States and failure to register as a sex offender. Jaime Mena-Najera, age 20, a citizen of Mexico, was arraigned on the federal charge of illegal reentry.

  Hernandez‑Viera appeared on Monday, September 28, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Mark E. Ford in Fort Smith, where he entered pleas of not guilty to both charges. Mena-Najera appeared on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, before United States Magistrate Christy D. Comstock in Fayetteville, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

  Per Court records, in September 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received information from law enforcement authorities in El Salvador indicating that Hernandez‑Viera—who had previously been removed from the United States—had unlawfully reentered the country and was living in the Fort Smith area. Salvadoran authorities also advised that Hernandez‑Viera is the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant in El Salvador for the Rape of a Minor or Incapacitated Person.

  Hernandez‑Viera has a prior conviction in Sebastian County District Court for two counts of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, stemming from offenses committed in 2010. (See Sebastian County Circuit Court, Docket No: CR-2009-826)

  Per Court records, Mena-Najera was arrested in August 2026 after he was apprehended by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office subsequent to an encounter with Arkansas State Police. 

  United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes made the announcement. These cases are being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, Arkansas State Police, Benton County Sheriff’s Office and international law enforcement partners. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Allison and Carly Marshall are prosecuting the cases.

  If convicted, Hernandez-Viera faces a statutory maximum of twenty years in federal prison.

  If convicted, Mena-Najera faces a statutory maximum of two years in federal prison. 

  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

  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.

  Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Jury Convicts Las Vegas Man of Armed Robberies and Firearms Violation

  District of Nevada

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  LAS VEGAS – A federal jury yesterday convicted a Las Vegas man for committing two armed robberies, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and for unlawful possession of a firearm after felony convictions.

  According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 18, 2025, Soloman Tremain White entered a store and brandished a Sig Sauer P365 9mm semiautomatic pistol. He stole money and fled the store. The next day, on April 19, 2025, White entered a sandwich shop and brandished a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. He fled the store with stolen money. 

  White has prior felony convictions, including attempted grand larceny and voluntary manslaughter, both in Clark County, Nevada. He is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions.

  Following a two-day trial, White was found guilty of two counts of interference with commerce by robbery; two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and three counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The jury deliberated approximately one hour before returning their verdict.

  “This conviction is a testament to our office's commitment to eliminating violent gun crime from our neighborhoods,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Working hand-in-hand with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to aggressively prosecute offenders who use firearms to terrorize local businesses and workers.”

  “Law-abiding citizens should never have to experience the terror of having a firearm pointed at them,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “These armed robberies were bold and brazen, and we are fortunate they ended without injury before the suspect fled. We have said it numerous times, but it merits repeating: Nevadans deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Together with our partners, the FBI remains fully committed to removing violent criminals from our communities.”

  “ATF is committed to ensuring that firearms remain out of the hands of prohibited people,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF). “The suspect in this case is a repeat offender and prohibited from carrying a firearm. ATF takes our pledge to this community seriously. The conduct of the suspect in this case endangered the safety of members of this community and will not be tolerated. ATF will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure the safety of the Las Vegas community.”

  White is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2027, by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 14 years confinement. A federal district judge will determine sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

  The FBI, ATF, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in the District of Nevada.

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  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Joint Investigation Results in Guilty Plea of Bloods Gang Member for Armed Drug Trafficking

  District of New Hampshire

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  CONCORD – Manchester resident Moise Rodriguez, 34, pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.  U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro has scheduled sentencing for January 11, 2027. Rodriguez faces a guideline imprisonment range of 5 years to a maximum prison term of life in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.

  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force (“VCTF”), to include Manchester Police Department detectives, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) is leading an investigation into New Hampshire street gangs involved in narcotics and firearms violations. According to the public record, in January of 2025, ATF VCTF obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s Snapchat account where they uncovered various images and messages related to narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, and his affiliation with the Bloods. On August 25, 2025, ATF VCTF executed a residential search warrant on Moise Rodriguez’ residence.

  A search of the his bedroom uncovered a Taurus Pistol, Model G3, 9x19mm, bearing an obliterated serial number with a green laser attachment; over a dozen rounds of ammunition; a plastic baggie with ten (10) grams of cocaine; two (2) plastic baggies, each with 1.3 grams of methamphetamine; seventy-seven (77) blue pills stamped (M) (Oxycodone); two (2) suboxone pills; $252 in United States Currency; a plastic baggie with MDMA rocks and prescription pills; a variety of sealed “designer” marijuana pouches; a digital scale with white powdery residue on top; and a cell phone. After his arrest, the defendant confessed that he possessed the firearm and trafficked narcotics.

  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter prosecuted the case.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Jefferson County Sex Offender Charged with Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

  Northern District of New York

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  SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Mark Hill, age 55, of Dexter, New York, appeared in federal court last week on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.

  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

  The complaint alleges that during a search of Hill’s home on September 9, 2026, law enforcement recovered a laptop and hard drive belonging to Hill that contained thousands of media files of child pornography that Hill had downloaded using an internet-based peer-to-peer filesharing program. Because of Hill’s prior 2013 conviction in New York state for rape in the third degree, he is required to register as a sex offender.

  The receipt of child pornography charge carries a term of imprisonment from 15 to 40 years. The possession of child pornography charge carries a term of imprisonment from 10 to 20 years. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  Hill will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

  Hill appeared in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Carla B. Freedman, and was detained pending trial.

  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “This defendant’s recidivism has landed him exactly where he belongs, behind bars. Now my office will continue to work to ensure the defendant stays there for a very long time.”

  “The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing: a registered sex offender is accused of using peer-to-peer technology to obtain thousands of files depicting the sexual exploitation of children,” said HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. “Those who seek out and download child sexual abuse material are not passive observers; they are participants in a cycle of exploitation that causes lasting harm to victims and threatens public safety. HSI Syracuse will continue to bring the full weight of our investigative capabilities to these cases in close coordination with our trusted federal, state, and local partners.”

  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

  HSI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Cheung and Adrian LaRochelle are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

  Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Independence Blue Cross to Pay $22.5M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

  Eastern District of Pennsylvania

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  Independence Blue Cross (IBX), an insurance company incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $22.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to withdraw inaccurate and untruthful diagnosis codes for its Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees in order to improperly retain overpayments from Medicare.

  Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays MAOs a fixed monthly amount adjusted for various risk factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs. To make these “risk adjustments,” CMS collects medical diagnosis codes from the MAOs.

  The United States alleges that IBX submitted inaccurate and untruthful patient diagnosis data to CMS that inflated the risk adjustment payments it received from CMS, knowingly failed to withdraw the inaccurate and untruthful diagnosis data and repay CMS, and falsely certified in writing to CMS that the data was accurate and truthful. The settlement announced today resolves these allegations.

  “The government pays private insurers over $530 billion each year to care for Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When insurers knowingly and improperly retain inflated payments based on inaccurate and untruthful diagnoses, we will hold them accountable whether they are a small regional plan or a large nationwide organization.”

  “The Medicare Advantage program depends on accurate data about patient health,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “When insurers inflate their profits and the government’s costs by submitting or failing to correct unsupported diagnoses, my office will continue to hold them accountable.”

  “Providing medical services to Americans is a privilege that requires strict adherence to the rules and accountability when they are not followed,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Private insurers enrolled in the Part C program purposely inflating diagnoses for financial gain is unacceptable. Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Medicare program and to partnering with the Department of Justice to pursue allegations of risk adjustment fraud.”

  The United States contends that, for payment years 2017-2021, IBX operated a “chart review” program in which its nurse reviewers reviewed medical records (also known as “charts”) and identified all medical conditions that the charts supported. IBX relied on the results of those chart reviews to submit additional diagnosis codes to CMS to obtain additional payments. However, IBX’s chart reviews did not substantiate some diagnosis codes previously reported by IBX to CMS. IBX did not delete or withdraw those diagnosis codes, which would have required IBX to reimburse CMS. The United States alleges that IBX used the results of its chart reviews to identify instances where IBX could seek additional payments from CMS while ignoring those same results when they indicated IBX was overpaid.

  The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Crawford v. Independence Blue Cross, No. 20-cv-5818, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, a former IBX employee, to receive a $3,825,000 share of the settlement amount.

  This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

  The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in conjunction with HHS-OIG.

  The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

  The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorney Wendy Zupac and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Carr for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Independence Blue Cross Agrees to Pay $22.5 Million to Resolve Allegations That It Violated the False Claims Act by Submitting or Failing to Correct Inaccurate Diagnoses for Medicare Advantage Enrollees

  Eastern District of Pennsylvania

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  PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced today that Independence Blue Cross, a Pennsylvania insurer, has agreed to pay $22,500,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the civil False Claims Act by submitting and failing to withdraw inaccurate and untruthful diagnosis codes for its Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees in order to increase its payments from Medicare. 

  Under the Medicare Advantage (“MA”) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) pays MAOs a fixed monthly amount adjusted for various risk factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs. To make these “risk adjustments,” CMS collects medical diagnosis codes from the MAOs.

  The United States alleges that IBX submitted inaccurate and untruthful patient diagnosis data to CMS in order to inflate the risk adjustment payments it received from CMS, failed to withdraw the inaccurate and untruthful diagnosis data and repay CMS, and falsely certified in writing to CMS that the data was accurate and truthful. The settlement announced today resolves these allegations.

   “The Medicare Advantage program depends on accurate data about patient health,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “When insurers inflate their profits and the government’s costs by submitting or failing to correct unsupported diagnoses, my office will continue to hold them accountable.”

  “The government pays private insurers over $530 billion each year to care for Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “When insurers knowingly and improperly retain inflated payments based on inaccurate and untruthful diagnoses, we will hold them accountable whether they are a small regional plan or a large nationwide organization.”

  The United States contends that, for payment years 2017-2021, IBX operated a “chart review” program in which its nurse reviewers reviewed medical records (also known as “charts”) and identified all medical conditions that the charts supported. IBX relied on the results of those chart reviews to submit additional diagnosis codes to CMS to obtain additional payments. However, IBX’s chart reviews did not substantiate some diagnosis codes previously reported by IBX to CMS. IBX did not delete or withdraw those diagnosis codes, which would have required IBX to reimburse CMS. The United States alleges that IBX used the results of its chart reviews to identify instances where IBX could seek additional payments from CMS while ignoring those same results when they indicated IBX was overpaid.

  The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Crawford v. Independence Blue Cross, No. 20-cv-5818 (E.D. Pa.). The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, a former IBX employee, to receive a $3,825,000 share of the settlement amount.

  “Providing medical services to Americans is a privilege that requires strict adherence to the rules and accountability when they are not followed,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”). “Private insurers enrolled in the Part C program purposely inflating diagnoses for financial gain is unacceptable. Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Medicare program and to partnering with the Department of Justice to pursue allegations of risk adjustment fraud.”

  The matter was handled in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Carr and litigative consultant Lauren M. Cordrey, along with Civil Fraud Section attorney Wendy Zupac. HHS-OIG supported the investigation.

  The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Illegal Alien who Distributed Cartel Cocaine in St. Louis Area Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

  Eastern District of Missouri

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  ST. LOUIS – An illegal alien who distributed cocaine in St. Louis for a Mexican cartel was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison.

  Jose Luis Mata-Cedillo, 40, pleaded guilty in June to four felony counts: conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, illegal reentry after deportation as an aggravated felon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part of his plea agreement, Mata-Cedillo admitted working for a large-scale, multi-country drug trafficking organization as a distributor in St. Louis. After a courier was intercepted in Junction City, Kansas with 27 kilograms of cocaine, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations began learning about Mata-Cedillo’s drug activities in St. Louis. On April 26, 2025, Mata-Cedillo provided a confidential informant with 5 kilos of cocaine. Later that night, investigators intercepted a courier who had been paid by Mata-Cedillo, seizing $54,600 in cash and about 10 kilos of cocaine. Three days later, he paid another courier, who was then stopped with $66,680, his plea says. In mid-May, agents learned that Mata-Cedillo was trying to order 50 kilos of methamphetamine from Mexico. Mata-Cedillo was arrested at the scheduled delivery point with a loaded 9mm Glock handgun.

  Mata-Cedillo was involved in the receipt of at least 37 kilograms of cocaine and 50 kilograms of methamphetamine, a sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie J. Schneider says. He was financially irresponsible and owed the Mexican cartel large sums of cash. He earned the nickname “El Mentiroso,” or “The Liar” because he so often lied about having the cartel’s money, the memo says, and had a cartel babysitter live with and monitor him for weeks during the investigation.

  Mata-Cedillo was caught at the border in El Paso in 2008 and removed to Mexico. He entered the country again and was deported in 2020 after being released from a 78-month prison sentence he received in the West District of Washington after being convicted of another drug conspiracy charge. He was living in St. Louis under someone else’s name at the time of his arrest.

  Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Junction City (Kansas) Police Department, the Illinois State Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie J. Schneider prosecuted the case.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Illegal Alien from Mexico and Utah Business Owner Admits to Laundering over $17M in Drug Proceeds, an HSTF Investigation

  District of Utah

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  SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As part of a Homeland Security Task Force-led investigation, an illegal alien from Mexico and former Salt Lake County business owner and operator of Multiservicios Lokos, LLC, admitted to her involvement in laundering over $17 million in drug proceeds.

  Multiservicios Lokos, LLC is the operating business for the Money Service Business (MSB) side of Antojitos Lokos.

  Georgina Espinoza-Grajeda, 43, of Eagle Mountain, Utah, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. She was initially indicted on November 8, 2023, and charged in a third superseding indictment on January 21, 2024.

  According to court documents and admissions made at Espinoza-Grajeda’s change of plea hearing, from a date unknown to on or about November 15, 2023, she and her co-conspirators conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce with the intent to promote the distribution of various controlled substances. She assisted in the money laundering of these drug proceeds by receiving cash proceeds from the sale of controlled substances and sent wire transfers through Antojitos Lokos.

  In total, Espinoza-Grajeda and her co-conspirators deposited over $17,000,000 (U.S. dollars) in cash proceeds of drug sales of various controlled substances. See prior press release: 24 Defendants, including a Utah Business Owner, Accused of Running a Drug and Money Laundering Operation from Utah to Mexico and Honduras.

  Espinoza-Grajeda is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 1.1 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

  United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.

  This case was investigated jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, FBI Special Operations Group (FBI- SOG), IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), United States Marshals Service, Adult Parole and Probation, Park City Police Department, Davis County Metro Narcotics Strike Force, Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, American Fork Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department, Sandy Police Department, South Jordan Police Department, South Salt Lake Police Department, South Salt Lake Business License Department, West Jordan Police Department, West Valley Police Department, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, and the Utah State Bureau of Investigations (SBI).

  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jawayria Z. Auchter of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

  This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Salt Lake comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
   

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Illegal Alien from Honduras and Kansas Woman Plead Guilty to Fraudulently Seeking to Obtain Custody of an Unaccompanied Alien Child

  District of Kansas

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  Romulo Hernandez Murillo, 46, an illegal alien from Honduras,  and Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo, 49, of Syracuse, Kansas, pleaded guilty today to submitting a sponsorship application containing false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of an unaccompanied alien child (UAC).

  “This guilty plea demonstrates the success of the Trump administration’s efforts to root out fraud that undermines a government program designed to protect children,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice and Joint Task Force Alpha will continue to investigate and prosecute those who refuse to abide by laws that protect vulnerable children and who lie to the government officials charged with maintaining the integrity of these programs.”

  “Our nation has programs which offer safe haven to refugee children fleeing dangerous conditions in their home counties. With feigned benevolence, the defendants submitted false information during the application process and utilized the system to gain access to a minor they could exploit and abuse,” said U.S Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas. “These instances are stark reminders that we need oversight to make sure these programs aren’t used for nefarious purposes.”

  “Those who submit false statements to obstruct the federal process for protecting unaccompanied children place vulnerable minors at risk and compromise the integrity of a critical safety system,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS‑OIG, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and hold accountable individuals who attempt to exploit programs designed to ensure the safety and well‑being of children.”

  “This was not a paperwork error or a technical violation. It was an intentional scheme built on false statements, fabricated documentation, and deception to improperly obtain custody of an unaccompanied child,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rick Sabatini of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City. “Those who seek to exploit child-protection programs for unlawful purposes should understand that HSI will pursue the full scope of their conduct, identify their co-conspirators, and work with our federal, state, and local partners to bring them before the court. Protecting vulnerable children and defending the integrity of our immigration processes remain a core HSI priority.”

  According to court documents, Hernandez Murillo agreed to pay Lopez Perdomo to assist him with applying to sponsor and obtain custody of a then 17-year-old Honduran UAC. Lopez Perdomo filled out and submitted the application, which contained false statements claiming that Hernandez Murillo resided with Lopez Perdomo at her home address, and included a photograph of Hernandez Murillo standing in front of her residence. After submitting the application, Lopez Perdomo spoke to an HHS employee and posed as a household member living with Hernandez Murillo. Hernandez Murillo and Lopez Perdomo have been held in federal custody on these charges since December 2025 and January 2026, respectively. 

  Hernandez Murillo pleaded guilty to making a false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement. Lopez Perdomo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and making a false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement. Both face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. Sentencing is set for Jan. 6, 2027. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

  HHS-OIG and HSI are investigating the case with assistance from the Kansas Department of Labor, Special Investigations Unit; IRS Criminal Investigations; and the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C., and ORR have provided invaluable assistance along with the U.S. Marshals Service.

  Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine J. Andrusak for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.

  The investigation and indictment leading to the guilty plea announced today was supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations throughout the Americas. A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking networks that impact public safety and border security. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by other Criminal Division components, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest border, Southern Florida, and Northern New York and 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 Customs and Border Protection/Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies.  To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; and more than 371 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 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Working Using Someone Else’s Social Security Number

  Northern District of Iowa

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  An illegal alien who used someone else’s social security number to obtain employment was sentenced today to over eight months in federal prison.

  Jesus Isreal Ubaldo-Cano, age 32, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 6, 2026, guilty plea to two counts of unlawful use of identification documents.

  At the guilty plea, Ubaldo-Cano admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and number, both belonging to an actual United States citizen, to prove his authorization to work in the United States.  Ubaldo-Cano used the fake card, number, and name when he completed employment and tax forms in August and October 2022 at two businesses in Northeast Iowa.    

  Ubaldo-Cano was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Ubaldo-Cano was sentenced to 100 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

  Ubaldo-Cano is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transferred into the custody of immigration officials.

  This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

  Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

  The case file number is 26-CR-2033.

  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Hopkinton Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Bank Fraud Ring

  District of Massachusetts

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  BOSTON—A Hopkinton woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for her role in a scheme to defraud banks in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

  Rosemary Parks, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to 26 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Parks was also ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution. Parks was arrested in January 2026 and pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in May 2026. 

  Between August 2024 and October 2024, Parks impersonated at least eight bank customers to withdraw money from the customers’ accounts. Parks used fake driver’s licenses with the customers’ information but her own photo and presented bank tellers with withdrawal slips that listed the customers’ names and account numbers. She successfully withdrew $536,000 from the customers’ accounts in the form of cashier’s checks and a cash withdrawal. 

  In July 2025, six men were charged as part of a related investigation into a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud banks in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Three of those defendants—Phalentz Vernot, Victor Kolawole and Keith Wainaina—have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. 

  Additionally, co-defendant William Shaw pleaded guilty today for his role in a related scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2027.

  United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Haven Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Connecticut State Police, the Glocester (RI) Police Department, the Sutton Police Department, the Concord (MA) Police Department, the Dracut Police Department, the Westwood Police Department and the Abington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case. 

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Homeowners’ associations and private club pay over $2.6M to resolve allegations of fraudulently obtaining pandemic-era loans

  Eastern District of Virginia

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  ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Three homeowners’ associations and a private club have paid a combined $2,691,673 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 by knowingly making false statements and certifications in their applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans.

  Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide forgivable loans to qualified businesses to maintain payroll and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each PPP loan was calculated based on the applicant’s average monthly payroll and number of employees. Under the CARES Act, certain entities organized under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code were not eligible for PPP loans. Moreover, under the Small Business Administration’s regulations, private clubs that limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity were ineligible for PPP loans. 

  Heritage Hunt Homeowners Association, Inc. is an age-restricted community located in Gainesville that obtained a PPP loan of $397,600 in April 2020. Heritage Hunt paid $425,000, of which $255,000 was restitution, to settle allegations that it knowingly made, or knowingly caused to be made, false statements and certifications about its employee count, average monthly payroll, use of its PPP loan proceeds, and eligibility for its PPP loan. 

  Lake Caroline Property Owners Association is a homeowners’ association in Ruther Glen that was organized as a 501(c)(7) tax-exempt organization when it applied for a PPP loan of $169,400 in May 2020. Lake Caroline paid $225,000, of which $178,932.81 was restitution, to settle allegations that it knowingly made, or knowingly caused to be made, false certifications about its eligibility to receive a PPP loan and economic necessity for a PPP loan. 

  The Commonwealth Club, Inc. is a private club located in Richmond that restricted its membership. The Commonwealth Club obtained first and second-draw PPP loans totaling $1,615,050 in April 2020 and March 2021, respectively. The Commonwealth Club paid $1,676,117, of which $1,257,221.28 was restitution, to settle allegations that it knowingly made, or knowingly caused to be made, false certifications about its eligibility to receive a PPP loan. 

  Villages of Kiln Creek Owners’ Association is a community in Newport News that obtained a second-draw PPP loan of $772,156 in March 2021. The Villages of Kiln Creek paid $365,556, of which $228,472.38 was restitution, to settle allegations that it knowingly made, or knowingly caused to be made, false statements about its industry code under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS code). The United States alleged Villages of Kiln Creek falsely stated in its PPP application that its applicable NAICS code was 722511, which was the industry code for full-service restaurants. The United States further alleged that Villages of Kiln Creek’s false statement about its NAICS code caused its PPP loan to be overstated by $228,472.38. 

  This settlement arises in connection with a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, United States ex rel. Riner v. Lake of the Woods Ass’n et al. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court and providing a copy of the complaint and evidence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The whistleblower received 10% of the government’s recovery.

  The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Small Business Administration.

  This matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Kapoor and Forensic Auditor Peter Melaragni. 

  Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit can be accessed on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cv-1558.

  A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

  The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

  View the Original Release on justice.gov

• Holland man arrested, charged with threatening to blow up Georgia power plant

  Western District of New York

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  BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Leone, 23, of Holland, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with maliciously conveying a false threat to use an explosive device on a building, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

  On April 26, 2026, Georgia Power (GA Power), which operates nuclear power plants in the State of Georgia, received a private message on its publicly available Instagram account (ga_power) stating the following: “I am active employee at GA Power. I have planted a detonation device inside your office headquarters. You have until Friday 5pm ON THE DOT to figure out a way to make things right to the citizens of Little Neck Rd in Savannah, where you cut down their 300 year old oak.” The message was sent from an Instagram account with the username “joe_1eone.” 

  GA Power alerted law enforcement, which resulted in significant responses from federal, state, and local resources, as well as fire department resources for an extended period of time. The threat also halted work and led to evacuation and lock down at two headquarters facilities, one in Atlanta, Georgia, and one in Savannah, Georgia. Bomb squads, supported by police and fire resources, swept the facilities for explosive devices. The lockdown had significant operational and financial implications for both facilities and created a massive fear implication for Georgia Power. Ultimately, no explosive device was located.

  Subsequent investigation traced the username “joe_leone” to the defendant. 

  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The complaint is the result of an investigation by FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

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  View the Original Release on justice.gov