Northern District of Illinois

ROCKFORD — A federal judge has sentenced a Freeport, Ill. man to more than 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms during a lengthy standoff with law enforcement.

In September 2024, GRADY CLARK unlawfully restrained an individual by the use of a firearm in Clark’s apartment, resulting in a welfare check by police.  The victim was able to flee before Clark barricaded himself in the apartment, causing an eleven-hour standoff with law enforcement.  During the standoff, Clark repeatedly discharged a firearm and threw Molotov cocktails out a window.

Clark eventually surrendered, after which law enforcement discovered a rifle with four 40-round capacity magazines, a 30-round capacity magazine, and a stolen and chambered semiautomatic handgun inside his apartment.

Clark, 54, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of illegal firearm possession.  As a previously convicted felon, Clark was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms.  On Friday, U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins sentenced Clark to 15 years and eight months in federal prison. 

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The Freeport, Ill. Police Department and the Illinois State Police assisted in the investigation.  

“This case is extremely serious,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora A. Anderson argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant’s actions created a significant risk to the public.”

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division announced the results of a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s benefits programs, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Between Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, the Fraud Division and U.S. Attorneys in 11 districts, along with the assistance of the SSA Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG), brought charges against 17 defendants who are allegedly responsible for more than $1.3 million in intended loss to the United States.

“The Social Security Administration’s benefits programs are meant to safeguard America’s elderly and most vulnerable — not to bankroll fraudsters,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from a retiree’s medicine, meals, or housing. These cases represent just a fraction of the fraud we are aggressively pursuing every day. The egregious facts uncovered in these cases underscore why our mission to combat fraud — large or small — is vital to protecting public trust and ensuring justice.”

“President Trump and Vice President Vance have given the federal government an unprecedented mandate — and the tools and resources to back it up — to find fraud wherever it exists and root it out,” said Commissioner Frank Bisignano of the Social Security Administration. “At Social Security, we are putting that mandate into action. Working hand-in-hand with the Department of Justice, we are aggressively pursuing fraud, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and protecting Social Security.”

“Fraud involving Social Security’s retirement and disability programs will not be tolerated. Thanks to OIG’s partnership with the Department of Justice, those targeting taxpayer dollars and jeopardizing our most vulnerable populations will be held accountable,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant at SSA OIG. “These cases demonstrate the value of focusing resources to identify and prosecuting fraud schemes to ensure taxpayers dollars are paid only to those who are rightfully entitled.”

Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures):

U.S. v. Eva Bratcher (Indictment) – $21,402 – Northern District of Illinois      

Bratcher allegedly concealed her mother’s body in a deep freezer in her garage for two years. During those two years, Bratcher assumed her mother’s identity, collected her mother’s SSA benefits, and used her mother’s SNAP benefits. The defendant also allegedly used an alternative Social Security Number to steal additional SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.

Charges: 18 U.S. Code § 641 (Theft of Government Property); 42 U.S. Code § 408 (Fraud, Misrepresentation, or misuse of Social Security Benefits)

Maximum Penalties: 10 years; 5 years in prison

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker Gardner-Erickson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Niranjan Emani for the Northern District of Illinois. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza Tomlinson for Northern District of Illinois.  

U.S. v. David Darling (Indictment) – $ 109,746 – Northern District of New York

Darling had control of his deceased brother’s ATM card and began withdrawing money the day after death. SSA was unaware of the death and continued to pay into the account. Darling continued his scheme for a total of $109,746 in stolen social security benefits.

Charges: 18 U.S. Code § 1029 (Access Device Fraud); 18 U.S. Code § 641 (Theft of Government Property); 18 U.S. Code § 1028A (Aggravated Identify Theft)

Maximum Penalties: 15 years; 10 years; 2-year mandatory minimum in prison

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arne Soldwedel for the Northern District of New York. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Clark for the Northern District of New York.  

U.S. v. Debra Reed (Indictment) – $ 59,070 – Western District of Pennsylvania

On Nov. 23, 2020, Debra Reed’s father died. Between Nov. 24, 2020, and Oct. 26, 2023, the Social Security Administration continued to pay social security retirement payments to the father’s account, and Reed either personally stole the money or caused her daughter to take the money and transfer it to her directly.

Charges: 18 U.S. Code § 641 (Theft of Government Property)

Maximum Penalties: 10 years in prison

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. McKenna for the Western District of Pennsylvania. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

U.S. v. Laura Whisenant – $ 121, 980 – Eastern District of Michigan (Complaint)

Laura Whisenant served as a representative payee for her elderly, mentally disabled uncle.  For seven years, she stole and misused nearly $121 K of her uncle’s SSA benefits — all while he lived in squalor, in a house without running water, electricity, or heat. 

Charges: 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(5)

Maximum Penalties: 5 years in prison

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Lambert for the Eastern District of Michigan. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Norwood for the Eastern District of Michigan.

U.S. v. Keshaune Pace also known as Keshaune Jenkins – Southeast Michigan (Complaint)

Keshaune Pace served as representative payee for her minor son, who was a recipient of SSI benefits due to disability. In order to maintain the receipt of her son’s benefits after he left her custody, she lied to the SSA about her son’s living arrangements, going so far as to have another person impersonate her son during an SSA-initiated review. Pace stole and misused $30,000 of the benefits paid on behalf of her son; $6,000 of those benefits should have been used for her son’s needs and were not, $24,000 should have been paid to no one at all.

Charges: 18 U.S. Code § 641 (Theft of Government Property); 42 U.S.C. § 1383a(a)(4) (Social Security Representative Payee Fraud)

Maximum Penalties: 10 years; 5 years in prison

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Lambert for the Eastern District of Michigan. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Norwood for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Additional Charges During SSA Surge:

• United States v. Tammy Phillips - $65,000 – Western District of Pennsylvania
• United States v. Israel Gonzalez - $139,952 – Western District of North Carolina
• United States vs. John Zaccaria - $143,685 – District of Rhode Island
• United States v. Sherry Freude - $100,845 – Southern District of Texas
• United States v. Lisa Martinez - $50,501 – Western District of Texas
• United States v. Stacey L. Stoudermire - $31,237 – Northern District of Ohio
• United States vs. Ruthie M. Lewis - $33,131 – Northern District of Ohio
• United States vs. Lizbeth A. Reinhard - $170,166 – Northern District of Ohio
• United States vs. Carrie Miller - $50,658 – District of Idaho
• United States vs. Calandra Davis - $53,234 – Northern District of Indiana
• United States v. Tammy Hopkins - $98,879 – Eastern District of Michigan
• United States v. Darlette Williams - $46,844 – Eastern District of Michigan

U.S. Attorney Partners: District of Idaho, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of New York, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Texas.

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.

ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for illegally selling a handgun and “machine gun” conversion devices to a convicted felon.

In the spring and summer of 2024, BRIAN RODRIGUEZ sold a handgun, ammunition, and components designed to be assembled into machine gun conversion devices, also known as “Glock switches.”  When attached to a firearm, a switch makes the gun capable of firing in fully automatic mode. 

Rodriguez, 24, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of knowingly possessing and transferring a machine gun.  On Friday, U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins sentenced Rodriguez to 27 months in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“The risk of danger to the community when convicted felons possess firearms, especially machine guns, is serious,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor N. Burnett argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “A criminal with a converted Glock handgun can more easily inflict damage on an individual or group of individuals, and can easily hit unintended targets as well, given the automatic firing and the difficulty of controlling the multiple rounds being expelled in short bursts by the handgun.”

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for sex trafficking and abusing a 16-year-old girl.

RUBEN CARTER knew the girl was 16 years old when he caused her to engage in commercial sex acts over a four-month period in 2019.  Carter took nude and explicit photographs of the girl and used them in online advertisements for sexual services.  He then arranged for the girl to meet individuals for commercial sex in various locations in the Chicago area.  The girl gave Carter all the money she received from the customers.

Carter often beat the girl and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his demands. Carter also engaged in sex acts with the girl on multiple occasions, often recording the abuse on his cell phone.

Carter, 39, of Forest Park, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.  On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Martha M. Pacold sentenced Carter to a term of 25 years in federal prison and ordered that it be followed by ten years of court-supervised release.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Substantial assistance was provided by the Forest Park, Ill. Police Department.

“Ruben Carter targeted a vulnerable sixteen-year-old runaway, lured her into his orbit, and sexually exploited her for his own financial benefit,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Asheeka Desai argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Defendant’s crimes were violent, exploitative, and incredibly serious.”

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678 or logging on to http://www.missingkids.com.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago today convicted a United States Customs and Border Protection officer on civil rights charges for sexually assaulting and robbing multiple women in the Chicago suburbs.

LUIS URIBE, who performed customs and immigration duties for CBP in the Chicago area, acted under color of law when he sexually assaulted and robbed two women in 2022.  Uribe brandished a firearm in at least one of the assaults.  He also robbed and attempted to sexually assault two other women. The robberies, sexual assaults, and attempted sexual assaults occurred in Schaumburg, Ill., and Naperville, Ill.

After a nearly two-week trial in federal court in Chicago, the jury today convicted Uribe, 45, of Pingree Grove, Ill., on all counts, specifically, ten counts of deprivation of civil rights under color of law and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  The convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a maximum of life.  U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso set sentencing for Jan. 21, 2027.

The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Ryan Whalen, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Erin Silk, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Midwest Region of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Richard Rothblatt.

CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to eleven and a half years in federal prison for robbing two U.S. Postal Service carriers and a food delivery driver in a Chicago suburb.

DEVAN FLAX violently robbed a postal carrier on Nov. 25, 2023, and another carrier on Nov. 28, 2023, both in Forest Park, Ill.  On Nov. 26, 2023, Flax robbed a food delivery driver who was working for a Berwyn, Ill. pizzeria.  Flax brandished a handgun in two of the robberies.

Flax, 23, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal robbery and firearm charges.  On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings sentenced Flax to eleven and a half years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  Substantial assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department; Forest Park, Ill. Police Department; and Lombard, Ill. Police Department. 

“Defendant’s robbery spree occurred in public places and jeopardized the work of postal carriers,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily C.R. Vermylen argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Motivated only by his own greed, defendant showed a complete disregard for human life.”

ROCKFORD — An Alabama man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Rockford to sex trafficking and child pornography charges. 

JAMES PRICE, 39, of Bay Minette, Ala., admitted in plea declaration on Wednesday that he traveled to Illinois to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct.  Price also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, and producing, transporting, and receiving child pornography. 

Price pleaded guilty in the middle of his trial in federal court in Rockford.  A jury was selected on Monday, and testimony began on Tuesday.  Price pleaded guilty after multiple government witnesses had testified, including the minor victim, who courageously described her ordeals for the jury.

The convictions are punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of life. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston set sentencing for Jan. 25, 2027.

The guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office.  The South Beloit, Ill. Police Department, Roscoe, Ill. Police Department, and Rockton, Ill. Police Department provided valuable assistance during the investigation.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ladd and Taylor N. Burnett.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.  PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, while also providing critical services to victims.

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced the president of an environmental services company to more than six and a half years in federal prison for knowingly leaving asbestos at a suburban Chicago demolition site after accepting full payment for the purported remediation.

CARL FIORAVANTI is the president of Alliance Environmental Control, Inc., a Lansing, Ill.-based company that performs asbestos removal services.  In 2023, Alliance was hired to remove asbestos-containing materials ahead of a planned demolition of a largely abandoned medical campus in Waukegan, Ill.  The owner of the site agreed to pay Alliance nearly $1.8 million to remove the asbestos-containing materials in accordance with laws designed to prevent people from breathing or ingesting airborne asbestos fibers, which have been shown to cause lung cancer and other serious illnesses.  During the purported remediation, Fioravanti fabricated air-sampling clearance reports that fraudulently stated that the site had been scientifically tested and was clear of asbestos.  Two months after Fioravanti certified the project as fully remediated, the property owner learned that Alliance had left enormous amounts of asbestos-containing materials throughout portions of the site. 

Substantial amounts of the toxic materials had become commingled with ordinary demolition debris, releasing asbestos into the air and substantially increasing the remediation costs. To date, the owner has spent more than $26 million on large-scale remediation of the property.

In addition to the asbestos-related fraud, Fioravanti also defrauded the IRS and the State of Illinois of more than $2.7 million in combined tax revenues by causing a tax preparer to file false individual and corporate income tax returns that greatly understated the amount of income Alliance and Fioravanti had earned from 2013 to 2022.

Fioravanti, 58, of Lansing, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal wire fraud and tax charges.  On Sept. 10, 2026, U.S. District Judge Franklin U. Valderrama sentenced Fioravanti to six years and eight months in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Allison Landsman, Acting Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID); Robert J. Kuszynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago; Machelle L. Jindra, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG) in Chicago; and Ryan Whalen, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Chapman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Cardick.

“Environmental fraud causes substantial damage to the health, safety, and economic security of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “When individuals falsify emissions reports or fabricate safety data, they are trading public welfare for illicit profit.  As this case demonstrates, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will work hard with its law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who commit environmental frauds.”

“By falsely certifying that asbestos at an old hospital site had been properly abated, the defendant ensured that piles of friable asbestos wrongly remaining were cast about during demolition, contaminating the entire site and endangering workers and the community members,” said EPA CID Acting Director Landsman.  “Fraud under environmental programs does more than financial harm—it places real humans in danger and poisons communities.  This sentencing underscores that there are criminal consequences for those who deliberately cut corners that endangers human health and the environment.”

“Workers trusted that a hidden danger had been removed before they entered that building,” said IRS-CI Acting SAC Kuszynski.  “The paperwork said the site was safe, but the physical and financial evidence told another story.  Our agents followed the payments and tax records to help show what was concealed, who profited, and the human cost of putting money ahead of people.” 

“Carl Fioravanti placed workers, families, and the environment at risk of exposure to asbestos by falsely claiming that enormous amounts of asbestos-containing material had been removed and disposed of when he knew that it had not,” said HUD OIG SAC Jindra.  “This was not an oversight or a mistake; it was a deliberate scheme that placed personal financial gain above the safety of others.  HUD OIG remains committed to working with the U.S Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners to hold bad actors accountable and bring to justice those who exploit federal programs and endanger the public for personal gain.”

“This environmental fraud scheme was a purposeful attack on public safety, putting innocent Americans and their health at risk,” said FBI SAC Whalen.  “This sentencing confirms that the FBI, along with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, are committed to defending our homeland, which includes the very environment that surrounds the communities we serve.  Anyone who endangers the health and safety of Chicago’s residents for unlawful profit will be fully held accountable and be brought swiftly to justice.”

ROCKFORD — A former employee of the Federal Correctional Institute in Thomson, Ill., has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for sexually abusing two inmates.

DANNY L. SPYKER, 42, a corrections officer who was working as a cook supervisor, knowingly engaged in sexual acts with two inmates, which is a federal crime. At the time of the abuse in March 2024, both victims were in official detention in the prison and under the custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority of prison employees, including Spyker.

A jury in U.S. District Court in Rockford earlier this year convicted Spyker of two counts of knowingly engaging in sexual acts with inmates.  On Monday, U.S. District Judge Sunil R. Harjani sentenced Spyker to three years and five months in federal prison. 

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matt Loux, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Midwest Regional Office of the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General.

“Defendant’s criminal conduct was not the result of a one-time mistake or a momentary lapse of judgment,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Kim argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “He used his knowledge and position as a corrections officer/cook supervisor for his own sexual gratification.  When a correctional officer abuses his power and harms an inmate, it is not only a violation of federal law—it is a betrayal of the trust that the community places in our penal institutions.”

“Today’s sentencing shows the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ commitment to protecting the people in our custody and holding anyone who breaks the law accountable,” said William K. Marshall III, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to keep every BOP facility safe, secure, and worthy of the public’s trust.”

CHICAGO — A Chicago man who smuggled five firearms and more than 1,700 rounds of ammunition into Mexico has been sentenced to three years in federal prison. Two of the smuggled firearms were allegedly “straw purchased” by a Chicago Police Officer. 

In the fall of 2024, DIEGO VALDEZ and Chicago Police Officer KEVIN RODRIGUEZ schemed for Rodriguez to purchase an AR-15 style rifle on Valdez’s behalf from a firearms dealer in Indiana.  A few days later, Rodriguez purchased a handgun for Valdez in Illinois.  Valdez had identified which firearms he wanted and paid Rodriguez to buy them. 

Valdez then smuggled the straw-purchased firearms and three other guns, along with the ammunition, into Mexico, with the intention of selling them on the streets.  Mexican police stopped Valdez and others in December 2025 while they were traveling to the Mexican state of Michoacan.

Valdez, 26, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of unlawfully receiving a firearm.  On Sept. 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. sentenced Valdez to three years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

The investigation was conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago.  The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement partnership that focuses exclusively on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders who utilize firearms in commission of their crimes in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois.  Every firearm-related case in Chicago is processed through the CGIC on a daily basis.

“Gun trafficking is a scourge on both our local community and the international community,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “It is important to send a message to the individuals that might traffic guns to Mexico for money that there are serious consequences for doing so.”

Rodriguez, 29, of Chicago, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and firearm charges. A change-of-plea hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., before Judge Tharp. 

CHICAGO — Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced a criminal indictment and a guilty plea as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

From June 12, 2026, to Sept. 1, 2026, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning more than 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million in intended loss to American taxpayers.  Consistent with the Administration’s priorities to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal fraud in the federal government entitlement and benefit programs, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office for the past year and a half has been taking a fresh look at Covid-related fraud.

“Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche.  “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications—but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division.  “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them.  We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”

“When individuals exploit government programs for personal gain, they do more than steal taxpayer dollars—they undermine public trust and divert resources from the people who need them the most,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “Prosecuting Covid‑related fraud is an important way to preserve the integrity of government assistance programs and ensure that relief funds reach their intended recipients.  The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding accountable those who sought to profit from the pandemic, protecting both taxpayers and the vital institutions that support our communities.”

“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and Covid EIDL activity,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.  “In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic.  With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement.  Under this Administration, the free ride is over.  We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”

“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk.  “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need.  This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”

In the Northern District of Illinois, COSETTE DEAL, 37, of Oak Park, Ill., was indicted on federal wire fraud charges.  The indictment accuses Deal of submitting fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of businesses purportedly owned and operated by Deal and others, including purported sole proprietorships in the performing arts.  The applications contained materially false statements and misrepresentations concerning, among other things, the purported entities’ number of employees, gross income, payroll, and existence of ongoing operations, the indictment states.  Deal allegedly caused a loss of at least approximately $440,000.  Deal has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting trial.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward A. Liva, Jr. of the Northern District of Illinois is prosecuting the case.  The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  Deal is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

In another case in the Northern District of Illinois, WILLIAM FREDERICK REED, of Hazel Crest, Ill., pleaded guilty to false statement and tax offenses.  Reed admitted in a plea agreement that he submitted fraudulent PPP loans on behalf of his sole proprietorship, Off Duty Security.  Among other things, Reed falsified his business’s payroll numbers, gross receipts, and net profits so that the business would appear as eligible to receive PPP loans, even though Reed knew it would otherwise not have been eligible.  Reed caused a loss of $17,584.  Reed’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayley Altabef and Elie Zenner of the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case. 

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division.  The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.  The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.  In the Northern District of Illinois, Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza Tomlinson serves as District Fraud Counsel for the Fraud Division.

CHICAGO — A Chicago trader has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for engaging in unauthorized speculative bond trading that cost his employer and others more than $30 million in losses and also caused his employer to become insolvent, which in turn led to more than 200 people losing their jobs.

KEITH WAKEFIELD worked as the head of fixed income trading for IFS Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer in Chicago.  In 2019, Wakefield knowingly and fraudulently engaged in unauthorized speculative trading in U.S. Treasury bonds using his employer’s trading accounts, exposing his trading to approximately $250 million in losses and actually causing more than $30 million in losses to the employer and its counterparties.  Wakefield attempted to conceal the unauthorized trades and losses by entering fake off-setting trades into a clearing broker’s order system, creating the false impression that he had profitably traded through a different clearing broker.

In addition to the fraudulent trading scheme, Wakefield from 2017 to 2019 embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from IFS Securities by falsifying the company’s books and records to create fake commissions that Wakefield knew were not actually owed to him.

A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago in 2024 convicted Wakefield, 52, of Chicago, of securities fraud and wire fraud.  On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger sentenced Wakefield to 16 years and eight months in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance. 

“This crime was driven by pure greed,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Defendant’s fraud had a ripple effect causing multiple financial institutions to lose money and causing IFS to go out of business.”

CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to nearly ten years in federal prison for committing an armed carjacking in Chicago.

The carjacking occurred on Oct. 23, 2024, on a street in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.  The victim and a companion—who played a part in the carjacking—were sitting in the victim’s idling Dodge Challenger when the companion reached over to the gear shift to attempt to place the Challenger into park.  The victim and the companion struggled over the gear shift. JAMES HAMPTON and ANDY COLON, JR. then approached the vehicle and brandished firearms.  Hampton told the victim, “Don’t be stupid,” meaning that he would shoot the victim if he did not comply with his demands.  Hampton and Colon stole the victim’s watch, gold necklace, and cell phone before they and the companion drove off in the Challenger. They were arrested a short time later after Chicago Police gave chase. 

Unbeknownst to the victim, the companion—MELIZA CALDERON—had been communicating with another individual about setting up the carjacking.  The other individual allegedly told Calderon that he would send “the guys” to “handle it.”

Hampton, 19, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal carjacking and firearm charges.  On Sept. 3, 2026, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey sentenced Hampton to nine years and nine months in federal prison.

Hampton’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.

Colon pleaded guilty earlier this year to carjacking and firearm charges.  Judge Blakey set Colon’s sentencing for Sept. 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Calderon pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy, carjacking, and firearm charges. Judge Blakey set Calderon’s sentencing for Oct. 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

CHICAGO — A woman has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for using information stolen from physicians to fraudulently write opioid prescriptions.

AMANI IBRAHIM fraudulently caused prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other controlled substances to be issued under the names of real medical providers and often in the names of nominal patients, neither of whom knew the prescriptions were being written. Ibrahim or others involved in the scheme would then pick up the prescriptions at Chicago-area pharmacies and work to distribute the drugs on the streets.  Ibrahim was not a licensed physician and could not lawfully prescribe medications. 

From 2022 to 2025, Ibrahim was responsible for the unlawful distribution of 149,152 dosage units of oxycodone, 41,853 dosage units of hydrocodone, 30,517 dosage units of alprazolam, 22,625 dosage units of promethazine-codeine syrup, and 6,990 dosage units of amphetamine. Ibrahim also financially benefited from the scheme, resulting in the forfeiture of $200,800 in illicit proceeds that was seized from her residence.

Ibrahim, 48, of Palos Hills, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal drug conspiracy charge.  On Sept. 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly sentenced Ibrahim to five years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Todd C. Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hennessy. 

Four other defendants were also convicted as part of the federal investigation.

CHICAGO — A man who carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint in the backyard of a Chicago residence has been sentenced to 14 and a half years in federal prison.

On the evening of Nov. 2, 2023, KENNETH MERRITT and DAMARRI CONNER carjacked an Audi sedan in the backyard of a residence in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.  A woman and her daughter had just returned home in another vehicle when Conner and Merritt sprang from a hiding place and attacked them.  Merritt threw the mother violently to the ground, ripped her purse from her arms, and threatened to kill her and her daughter.  Conner then pointed a gun at the woman’s husband, who had rushed outside to help his family.  The carjackers took the Audi and drove off.  The carjacking was captured on a home-security video, which can be viewed here.

Merritt, 29, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to carjacking and firearm offenses.  On Sept. 3, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sunil R. Harjani sentenced Merritt to 14 and a half years in federal prison.

Conner, 23, of Chicago, also pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal carjacking and firearm offenses. Judge Harjani sentenced Conner on April 8, 2026, to the same period of incarceration as Merritt. 

Merritt’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Fred Waller, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

“This crime was heinous and violent,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum in Merritt’s case.  “The trauma he inflicted on his victims will take years to repair.”

CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a man to 76 years in prison for violently robbing or attempting to rob four banks in downtown Chicago while on supervised release for prior bank robbery convictions.

JOSEPH DONELSON, JR., 68, of Chicago, committed four robberies or attempted robberies in a two-month period in 2023.  Donelson struck a bank teller in the face in one of the robberies and leapt onto the counter to take money in another one. 

The robberies were as follows:

1. Oct. 11, 2023: Attempted robbery of Citibank, 180 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood.

2. Nov. 7, 2023: Robbery of Citibank, 180 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood.

3. Dec. 8, 2023: Robbery of Citibank, 539 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood.

4. Dec. 19, 2023: Attempted robbery of Citibank, 100 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood.

Donelson committed the robberies and attempted robberies while he was on court-supervised release following a period of imprisonment for robbing two other banks in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood in 2007. 

A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago earlier this year convicted Donelson of the four robberies and attempted robberies from 2023.  On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger sentenced Donelson to 76 years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Substantial assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department.

“Defendant’s actions terrorized multiple bank employees, causing injury to one and lasting psychological trauma to another,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Minje Shin argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “His crimes demonstrated utter disrespect for the law, and a severe sentence is necessary as just punishment.”

CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted two defendants of conspiring to retaliate against individuals who provided information to law enforcement during an investigation of a violent Chicago street gang.

MARKEEVES BROOKS knowingly conspired to retaliate against an individual and DONNITA BRYANT knowingly conspired to retaliate against two individuals who cooperated with law enforcement in a federal investigation of the Faceworld street gang.  Bryant’s son, DIONTAE HARPER, was a member of Faceworld and a subject of the investigation and prosecution.  The two cooperating individuals provided information against Harper in a murder case in which he was charged and were providing additional information in a related investigation into the Faceworld gang.  From January to September 2025, Brooks and Bryant publicly disseminated a video of a law enforcement interview with one of the cooperators and discussed publicizing a sworn grand jury statement by the other cooperator.  Harper had received the video and the grand jury statement during the discovery and sentencing phases of his murder case. The discovery materials were subject to a protective order and were legally prohibited from being shared with others.

After an eight-day trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the jury on Wednesday convicted Brooks, 28, of Chicago and Dubuque, Iowa, and Bryant, 47, of Chicago, of conspiracy to commit witness retaliation.  Brooks was also convicted of a substantive offense of witness retaliation.  The jury acquitted Bryant of the same substantive offense, and also acquitted a third defendant, MICHAELA RICHARD, 26, of Chicago, of the sole conspiracy count against her.  U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin has not yet set sentencing dates for Brooks and Bryant.

Harper, 26, of Chicago, pleaded guilty prior to trial to a witness retaliation charge. Harper’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled. 

The verdicts were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Fred Waller, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia K. Schwartz, Sushma Raju, John “L.J.” Pavletic, and Jessica Ecker.

In May 2025, Harper was convicted in the murder case and subsequently sentenced to 34 years in federal prison.  The murder occurred in 2020 in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood.  Harper admitted in a plea agreement that he fatally shot a man so that Harper could maintain and increase his position in Faceworld, whose members engaged in violent crimes and trafficked narcotics.

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for distributing synthetic cannabinoids to prison and jail inmates and others throughout the country.

In 2024 and 2025, DENIS JOINER processed powder synthetic cannabinoids into liquid form, which he then used to soak sheets of paper and books.  Joiner disguised the paper and books as inmate reading material or legal documents and mailed them to customers in federal and state correctional institutions in the Chicago area and throughout the United States.

Joiner produced the drug-soaked paper in a residence in Calumet City, Ill.  On July 29, 2025, law enforcement agents conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and discovered what appeared to be a makeshift laboratory, with multiple Pyrex trays, bottles, funnels, mixing bowls, and latex gloves, as well as shipping-related items, including mailing labels containing the names of correctional institutions.  Agents seized more than 1,500 grams of MDMB 4-en PINACA in powder form. 

Synthetic cannabinoids are a class of controlled substance that are chemically similar to marijuana but significantly more potent. Synthetic cannabinoids pose a risk of overdose and could cause seizures, stroke, heart attacks, and death.

Joiner, 33, of Lansing, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal drug charge.  On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Jeremy C. Daniel sentenced Joiner to four years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Todd C. Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the DEA; Nicholas Bucciarelli, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Thomas J. Dart, Cook County Sheriff.

“Drug trafficking is a serious offense, and the drugs sold here are dangerous,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Even more concerning, defendant distributed cannabinoids into prisons and jails, creating a risk that inmates would be subjected to overdoses and potentially death.”

CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a man to 19 years in prison for violently robbing two banks in downtown Chicago.

JAWAD H. HAKEEM, 51, of Waukegan, Ill., committed two armed bank robberies within a week in 2023. The first robbery occurred on March 3, 2023, at a Chase Bank branch in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.  The second robbery occurred on March 9, 2023, at a Fifth Third Bank branch in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood.  In both robberies, Hakeem brandished a handgun at bank tellers and customers.  In the second robbery, Hakeem fired nine shots at a security guard, who returned fire, but no one was wounded.

Hakeem was arrested on March 13, 2023, in Waukegan, Ill.  He has remained in law enforcement custody since then.

Hakeem pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal bank robbery and firearm charges.  On Aug. 26, 2026, U.S. District Judge John F. Kness sentenced Hakeem to 19 years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and the Waukegan Police Department.

“Defendant created extraordinarily dangerous situations that put bank patrons and bystanders at grave risk,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sushma Raju argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “It is pure chance that defendant did not seriously injure or kill anyone.”

CHICAGO — A Wisconsin man was charged today in federal court with possessing child pornography on a flight from Tanzania to Chicago.

ECA BARUANI, 36, of Green Bay, Wisc., possessed videos of child pornography on his cell phone when he flew from the United Republic of Tanzania to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on Thursday, according to a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Upon arrival at O’Hare, Baruani was selected for secondary customs inspection by United States Customs and Border Protection, the complaint states.  After observing what appeared to be images of child pornography on Baruani’s cell phone, CBP officers handed the phone to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for a manual search, the complaint states.  HSI agents searched the phone and discovered multiple videos of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults, the complaint states.  Baruani was taken into custody.

The complaint charges Baruani with one count of possession of child pornography.  The charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.  Baruani was expected to make an initial appearance on Friday afternoon in federal court in Chicago.

The complaint was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of HSI.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Pope.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CHICAGO — A felon has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for illegally possessing five loaded firearms during a high-speed chase on the John F. Kennedy Expressway in Chicago.

On July 30, 2024, TIMOTHY MCDOWELL was a passenger in a stolen car traveling on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago.  As a police helicopter followed overhead, the car increased its speed to more than 100 miles per hour before exiting the highway and speeding through residential streets.  After the vehicle parked in a garage, McDowell ran from pursuing officers and attempted to abandon a backpack he was carrying.  He was arrested after a brief chase.  Inside his backpack were five loaded handguns, one of which had a defaced serial number while another had a large-capacity magazine attached to it. McDowell had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

McDowell, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.  On Aug. 20, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman sentenced McDowell to six years in federal prison. 

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations.  The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance.

“The fact that defendant possessed five firearms is itself serious, but the fact that he possessed them with compatriots in a stolen vehicle that was fleeing from police increases the seriousness here,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schied argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “He was out and up to no good with others, a danger that compounds his possession of dangerous weapons as a multiple convicted felon.”

CHICAGO — A felon has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun while on pre-trial release in a state firearm case.

ANTONIO TUCKER, 22, possessed the loaded handgun on June 14, 2025, in a relative’s apartment in Chicago.  During an argument with the relative, Tucker threw an object at the relative’s head and then picked up the loaded handgun.  Another relative intervened, allowing the victim-relative to safely flee the apartment and call Chicago Police, who arrived on the scene and discovered the gun on a bed in a room where Tucker was staying.  Tucker had been residing in the relative’s apartment while he was on pre-trial release for a firearm case pending in state court. 

While federal authorities were investigating this case, Tucker pressured other relatives from jail to encourage the victim-relative to recant their statements to police and avoid giving truthful testimony before a federal grand jury.  Tucker was ultimately indicted in federal court on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, to which he pleaded guilty in May 2026. 

On Aug. 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah sentenced Tucker to two years in federal prison.  The sentence fell in the middle of the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines range.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance.  The investigation was conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago.  The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement partnership that focuses exclusively on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders who utilize firearms in commission of their crimes in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois.  Every firearm-related case in Chicago is processed through the CGIC on a daily basis.

“Defendant is a felon who is not permitted to possess a gun under any circumstances, but the circumstances in which he committed this offense were particularly dangerous,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sushma Raju argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “He kept a loaded gun in his bedroom and brought it out in the midst of a domestic incident.  But for the intervention of the family member who urged defendant to back down (and the quick arrival of the police thereafter), defendant’s actions may have caused the fight to escalate even further and led to one or more family members being hurt.”

CHICAGO — A felon has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a machine gun in Chicago.

On Sept. 12, 2025, ANTONIO LUKES possessed a handgun equipped with a “Glock switch” conversion device that made the firearm capable of firing in fully automatic mode.  Lukes was standing next to an empty vehicle near Jackson Boulevard and Western Avenue on the West Side of Chicago with the firearm concealed in his waistband.  As Chicago Police officers drove by Lukes in their squad car, the firearm fell out of his waistband to his feet.  Lukes ran from the officers but was arrested after a brief chase.  Lukes had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Lukes, 40, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.  On Aug. 17, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman sentenced Lukes to 28 months in federal prison. 

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The investigation was conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago.  The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement partnership that focuses exclusively on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders who utilize firearms in commission of their crimes in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois.  Every firearm-related case in Chicago is processed through the CGIC on a daily basis.

“Defendant’s crime is a serious one,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Skiba argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “The Glock that defendant possessed that night was no ordinary firearm.  The switch made a dangerous weapon even more dangerous still.”

CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a former engineer at Philips Medical Systems of conspiring to steal Philips’ trade secrets and bring them to a Chinese competitor.

CHIH-YEE JEN worked as an engineer at Philips’ facility in Aurora, Ill., where employees researched, developed, and manufactured X-ray tubes used in computed tomography (CT) medical imaging machines.  Through its Dunlee brand, Philips spent years developing proprietary X-ray technology and selling various devices to medical facilities. In 2017, as Philips prepared to close the facility in Aurora, China-based KUNSHAN GUOLI ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. and a Kunshan GuoLi vice president, XIAOQIN DU, began communicating with Jen about creating a U.S. subsidiary for Kunshan GuoLi to help it compete with Philips in developing, manufacturing, and selling X-ray tubes.  While still employed at Philips, Jen began sharing confidential Philips documents with Kunshan GuoLi and Du and successfully recruited multiple Philips engineers to join him at the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary.  Jen copied Philips’ proprietary X-ray trade secret information from internal Philips databases and used the stolen information in connection with his new work developing the technology for the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary.

After a week-long trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the jury on Friday convicted Jen, 71, of Mequon, Wisc., of both counts against him, including conspiracy to steal, misappropriate, or possess trade secrets and possession or attempted possession of stolen trade secrets.  U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang set Jen’s sentencing for Jan. 5, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.

The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ramon Villalpando and Michael Maione.

“The theft of proprietary information is a serious economic crime that harms American jobs and stifles critically important research and development driving the future of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “When individuals, corporate entities, or nation states steal proprietary information, they are threatening our country’s technological edge.  The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute trade secret theft to protect innovation, ensure fair competition, and safeguard national economic security.”

“The FBI and our prosecutorial partners are relentless in combatting trade secret theft and holding accountable those who seek to compromise private sector innovation and the safety of our nation,” said FBI Acting SAC Whalen.  “As detailed throughout the trial, Jen's conspiracy to steal, misappropriate, or possess trade secrets and his possession of stolen trade secrets shows a blatant disregard for his former employer's proprietary information and America's security.  This conviction reaffirms that the theft of trade secrets will be thoroughly investigated and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Two other former Philips engineers—FINCE TENDIAN, 57, of Aurora, Ill., and VLADIMIR NEVTONENKO, 77, of Arlington Heights, Ill.—pleaded guilty prior to trial and admitted possessing stolen trade secrets.  Judge Chang scheduled Nevtonenko’s sentencing for Dec. 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and Tendian’s sentencing for Dec. 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. 

Du, 64, of Suzhou, China, Kunshan GuoLi, and a related Chinese company, KUNSHAN YIYUAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD., were also indicted in the case.  They were placed on the Court’s Fugitive Calendar and have not been arraigned.

A federal jury in Chicago convicted a former engineer at Philips Medical Systems Friday of conspiring to steal Philips’ trade secrets and bring them to a Chinese competitor.

“The theft of proprietary information is a serious economic crime that harms American jobs and stifles critically important research and development driving the future of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “When individuals, corporate entities, or nation states steal proprietary information, they are threatening our country’s technological edge. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute trade secret theft to protect innovation, ensure fair competition, and safeguard national economic security.”

“Jen acted at the expense of his U.S. employer by stealing closely guarded x-ray technology trade secrets for the benefit of a Chinese competitor,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “Protecting America’s private sector companies is a priority for the FBI, and this conviction underscores our commitment to defend the homeland. Know that if you choose to steal trade secrets, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.”

Chih-Yee Jen, 71, of Mequon, Wisconsin, worked as an engineer at Philips’ facility in Aurora, Illinois, where employees researched, developed, and manufactured X-ray tubes used in computed tomography (CT) medical imaging machines. Through its Dunlee brand, Philips spent years developing proprietary X-ray technology and selling various devices to medical facilities. In 2017, as Philips prepared to close the facility in Aurora, China-based Kunshan GuoLi Electronic Technology Co Ltd. and a Kunshan GuoLi vice president, Xiaoqin Du, began communicating with Jen about creating a U.S. subsidiary for Kunshan GuoLi to help it compete with Philips in developing, manufacturing, and selling X-ray tubes. While still employed at Philips, Jen began sharing confidential Philips documents with Kunshan GuoLi and Du and successfully recruited multiple Philips engineers to join him at the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary. Jen copied Philips’ proprietary X-ray trade secret information from internal Philips databases and used the stolen information in connection with his new work developing the technology for the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary.

After a week-long trial, Jen was convicted of both counts against him, including conspiracy to steal, misappropriate, or possess trade secrets and possession or attempted possession of stolen trade secrets. U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang set Jen’s sentencing for Jan. 5, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.

Two other former Philips engineers — Fince Tendian, 57, of Aurora, Illinois, and Vladimir Nevtonenko, 77, of Arlington Heights, Illinois — pleaded guilty prior to trial and admitted possessing stolen trade secrets. Judge Chang scheduled Nevtonenko’s sentencing for Dec. 1 at 10:00 a.m., and Tendian’s sentencing for Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m. 

Du, 64, of Suzhou, China, Kunshan GuoLi, and a related Chinese company, Kunshan Yiyuan Medical Technology Co. Ltd., were also indicted in the case. They were placed on the court’s Fugitive Calendar and have not been arraigned.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ramon Villalpando and Michael Maione for the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.

CHICAGO – A restaurateur who operated several eateries in Illinois and Colorado has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for submitting fraudulent Covid-relief loan applications and failing to pay tax withholdings from his employees.  Under the leadership of United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and consistent with the Administration’s priorities to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal fraud in the federal government entitlement and benefit programs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has been taking a fresh look at Covid-19 fraud.

In 2020 and 2021, JARED LEONARD schemed to fraudulently obtain more than $2.3 million in small business loans and grants under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).  Leonard submitted at least ten fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) loans and grants purportedly on behalf of his restaurant businesses. The applications contained numerous false statements and misrepresentations regarding the businesses’ operations, including the number of employees, gross revenues, and payroll expenses.  Leonard used the funds to purchase, among other things, vehicles, international travel, and a luxurious personal residence on more than seven acres in Evergreen, Colo.

In the 15 months prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Leonard failed to pay to the IRS federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes that he had withheld on behalf of his employees in amounts totaling more than $430,000.

Leonard, 45, of Littleton, Colo., pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal wire fraud and tax charges.  On Aug. 13, 2026, U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang sentenced Leonard to 30 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay approximately $2.8 million in restitution to the IRS and U.S. Small Business Administration.

U.S. Attorney Boutros announced Leonard’s sentence along with Marta Grijalva, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago, and Vincent R. Zehme, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Office of Inspector General.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Denver Field Office of the FBI.

“The crimes defendant committed were undertaken for his personal benefit, not to aid his employees,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “He purchased a luxurious home on several acres in a scenic mountain town outright with cash taken directly from the Covid-relief programs. Defendant also subsequently purchased motor vehicles and travel to high-end resorts in Mexico and other locations.”

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”).  The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.  The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

CHICAGO — A former Chicago school principal and two others have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in procurement fraud schemes that defrauded a pair of school systems and a non-profit organization out of more than $1 million.

BRIAN METCALF, KIMBERLY MADDOX, and JAMES DARNELL CAMPBELL schemed to illegally profit from various roles Metcalf held in school systems in Chicago and Indianapolis, as well as a non-profit corporation.  Over the course of nearly ten years, Metcalf and Maddox falsely claimed that Maddox or her spouse were providing services to the schools and the non-profit corporation, when in reality, no such services were provided.  As a result of Metcalf’s and Maddox’s fraud, the school systems and the non-profit organization paid Maddox nearly $700,000, which she split with Metcalf. 

While Metcalf and Maddox were engaging in their fraud, Campbell, who worked as a consultant, approached Metcalf and said he wanted to join the scheme.  At that time Metcalf was serving as the superintendent of a school system in Indianapolis.  Metcalf caused the Indianapolis school system to pay Campbell nearly $400,000 based on bogus invoices for consulting work that was never performed.  Campbell split those fraud proceeds with Metcalf.

Metcalf, 52, of Baltimore, Md., Maddox, 55, of Matteson, Ill., and Campbell, 59, of Frankfort, Ill., pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges.  On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins sentenced Metcalf to a year and a day in federal prison.  Last month, Judge Jenkins sentenced Maddox to two years in prison and Campbell to a year and a day.  All three defendants were ordered to pay restitution totaling $1,099,200.

The sentences were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael Pritchard, the Official Performing the Duty of Inspector General for AmeriCorps; Scott Wingle, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Central Regional Office; and Philip Wagenknecht, Inspector General for Chicago Public Schools.  The U.S. Small Business Administration participated in the investigation.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang.

“When officials defraud school systems, they are eroding trust and stealing from the very futures they are meant to protect,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “Holding individuals accountable when they exploit their positions for personal gain sends a strong message that such betrayal will not be tolerated and even more, that the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement will work hard to protect the integrity of our education system and to ensure that taxpayer funds are properly safeguarded.” 

“The outcome of this case serves as a strong deterrent to anyone considering similar criminal acts,” said AmeriCorps OIG Official Pritchard.  “Those who steal from organizations funded by federal support will face serious consequences. AmeriCorps OIG is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to uncover and address such misconduct.  We extend our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Department of Education OIG, the Small Business Administration OIG, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois for their unwavering cooperation and dedication to the pursuit of justice.”

“I am proud of the work of OIG Special Agents and our law enforcement partners in holding these individuals accountable for their criminal actions,” said DOE-OIG Acting SAC Wingle.  “And rest assured that we will continue to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate education funds or try to game the system for their own selfish purposes.  Our nation’s students and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”

“Administrators who use their position to enrich themselves and deprive CPS families of critical resources will not be tolerated, and neither will vendors who steal from CPS,” said Inspector General Wagenknecht. “CPS OIG investigators are committed to rooting out fraud and corruption in the school district, and we greatly appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners in holding these individuals accountable.”

CHICAGO — The United States and the State of Illinois have filed a joint complaint in intervention alleging that a Chicago-area medical practice and billing company knowingly submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid and Medicare, resulting in the payment of more than $5.2 million in false claims.

The government’s complaint alleges that FOOT & ANKLE HEALTH CARE CENTER, LTD., EUROPEAN FOOT & ANKLE SURGICAL CARE, LTD., their owner, DR. VADIM GOSHKO, and the billing companies, ATLANTIC WAVE HOLDINGS, LLC and ATLANTIC WAVE II, LLC, knowingly submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for podiatry services performed by Dr. Goshko after he had already been terminated from the Medicaid program.  Because Illinois Medicaid was no longer paying Dr. Goshko’s claims, the defendants allegedly worked together to submit claims that listed other physicians as having provided the podiatry services that were actually performed by Dr. Goshko. Although Dr. Goshko and other defendants had an affirmative obligation to inform Medicare of his exclusion from Medicaid, the complaint alleges that they failed to do so.  Medicare eventually revoked Dr. Goshko’s privileges after learning of his Medicaid exclusion. 

As a result of the fraud, the United States and the State of Illinois, through the Medicare and Medicaid programs, paid the defendants more than $5.2 million in federal and state monies to which the defendants were not entitled, the complaint states.

The government’s complaint was filed on Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The government had previously notified the Court that it was intervening in a lawsuit filed by PayrHealth, LLC, which had acquired the billing company in December 2020, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act.  After acquiring the billing company, PayrHealth discovered the Goshko entities’ fraudulent conduct, terminated them as clients, and notified the government of the alleged fraud.  The government’s complaint seeks treble damages and civil penalties under the federal False Claims Act, the Illinois False Claims Act, and common law claims for payments by mistake and unjust enrichment.

The lawsuit was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General; Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Deputy Chief Melissa Guske of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. 

The False Claims Act permits private individuals to sue for false claims on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The Act allows the government to intervene or take over the lawsuit, as it has done in this case, and to recover three times its damages plus civil penalties ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim.  Medicaid is a state-administered program, and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services.  For Illinois Medicaid recipients, funding is shared between the federal government and the State of Illinois.

The case is captioned as United States and State of Illinois, ex rel. PayrHealth v. Foot Ankle, et al., No. 21 C 2536 (N.D. Ill.).  The public is reminded that civil allegations are only accusations, and there has been no determination of liability.  In a civil case, the government has the burden of proving the allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. 

CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago today charged a man with robbing an individual at gunpoint of his laptop computer during a Facebook Marketplace meeting on the city’s North Side.

The robbery occurred on the evening of Aug. 5, 2026, in the 700 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.  The victim had offered his MacBook Pro laptop for sale on Facebook Marketplace and agreed to meet with a purported buyer, later identified as MAYKEL GONZALEZ DEMARIA.  According to a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Gonzalez Demaria arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location driving a Blue Toyota Corolla and asked the victim to get inside.  The victim declined but handed the laptop and a charger to Gonzalez Demaria to inspect, the complaint states.  After the pair discussed a price for the laptop, Gonzalez Demaria reached into the backseat, grabbed a firearm, and pointed it at the victim, the complaint states.  Gonzalez Demaria then allegedly drove off with the laptop and charger.

The victim was able to take a photograph of the Corolla and its license plate number, which he conveyed to Chicago Police in a 911 call.  Less than 30 minutes later, police observed a car matching the description about a mile away and conducted a traffic stop, during which they discovered the laptop, the charger, and the firearm, the complaint states. Gonzalez Demaria was placed under arrest.

The complaint charges Gonzalez Demaria, 19, with one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  His initial appearance in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.

The complaint was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Fred Waller, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jalan L. Jaskot.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

CHICAGO — A Florida man who previously resided in Illinois has been indicted for allegedly swindling numerous individuals in a fraudulent investment scheme.

MAKAIO’ KEKOA falsely informed victim investors, including four individuals residing in the Northern District of Illinois, that he had the ability to invest their money in short-term, high-yield investment opportunities, when, in reality, Kekoa knew that no such investment opportunities existed, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  Instead of investing the victims’ money, Kekoa misappropriated the funds for his personal use, including gambling, the indictment states.

From 2019 to 2022, Kekoa allegedly caused the victim investors to incur cumulative losses of at least $180,000.

Kekoa, formerly known as “Lorenzo Hood,” “Lorenzo Chryssikos Hood,” or “Zo,” 39, of Wimauma, Fla., is charged with two counts of wire fraud. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tuesday in federal court in Chicago.  A status hearing was set for Sept. 24, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin.

The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The Hillsborough County, Fla. Sheriff's Office provided valuable assistance.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kartik K. Raman.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and must also order restitution to the victims.

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a man for allegedly conspiring to traffic fentanyl and cocaine in Chicago.

JAYLIN ARNOLD, 28, of Chicago, conspired with four other individuals to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in Chicago from January to June of 2025, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The indictment seeks forfeiture from Arnold of three handguns and associated ammunition. Arnold’s arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.  Arnold was recently convicted of a firearm crime in state court in connection with the June 5, 2025, police chase that led to the shooting of Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera. 

The four alleged co-conspirators—DASHAWN POWELL, 40, TARELL SMITH, 39, JOSHUA THOMAS, 42, and BERNARD SPENCER, 33, all of Chicago —were indicted separately earlier this year on federal drug conspiracy and related firearm charges.  They have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial. 

All five defendants are currently being held in law enforcement custody.

The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a man for illegally possessing eight “Molotov cocktail” destructive devices in a Chicago suburb earlier this month.

On Aug. 1, 2026, in Mokena, Ill., HAMED ALSAIDI knowingly possessed eight glass liquor and beer bottles containing an ignitable liquid and a wicking component in the form commonly referred to as a “Molotov cocktail,” according to an indictment returned today in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

The indictment charges Alsaidi with eight counts of possessing an unregistered destructive device.  Each count is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.

Alsaidi, 31, who most recently resided in Oak Forest, Ill., is an illegal alien in the United States and currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.

The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The Mokena, Ill. Police Department and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal provided valuable assistance.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Price Shugrue.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a Grundy County man on child pornography charges for allegedly inducing two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct.

In February 2026, DUANE DEMICHELE used, persuaded, induced, and enticed two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  In addition, the indictment states that in February and March 2026, DeMichele received numerous video files containing child pornography.   

DeMichele, 45, of Diamond, Ill., was arrested on June 30, 2026.  He remains detained in federal custody pending trial. The indictment charges him with two counts of production of child pornography and five counts of receipt of child pornography.  Arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes.

The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office Investigations Bureau’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie E. Ursini.

Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years. Receipt of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years.  The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CHICAGO — A Will County man who transported a minor to Illinois from Iowa to engage in criminal sexual activity has been sentenced to more than 27 years in federal prison.

In the summer of 2021, RYAN ZELEK communicated with a 13-year-old girl on the social media application Snapchat.  Zelek, knowing the girl was 13 years old, drove to Iowa, picked up the girl outside of a movie theatre, and transported her to his residence in Illinois, where he sexually assaulted her.  Zelek then drove the victim back to Iowa.

Law enforcement later conducted a court-authorized search of Zelek’s electronic devices and discovered thousands of images and videos of child pornography, including sadistic acts being perpetrated against very young children.

Zelek, 33, of Wilmington, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey sentenced Zelek to 27 and a half years in federal prison. Judge Blakey also ordered Zelek to pay a total of $54,298 in restitution.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The Wilmington, Ill., Police Department and the FBI Field Office in Mobile, Ala. provided valuable assistance.

“Ryan Zelek raped and brutalized a 13-year-old girl and recorded a video of it on his cell phone,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin M. Pinkston argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Defendant clearly foresaw the consequences of his actions, knew exactly how abhorrent his actions were, and yet abused the minor anyway.”

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678 or logging on to www.cybertipline.com.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CHICAGO — An illegal alien with a sexual assault conviction has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for unlawfully re-entering the United States after previously being deported.

RAMON SALGADO-DELGADILLO, a native of Mexico, was unlawfully present in the United States on Nov. 5, 2023, when he was found to be in Chicago.  Salgado-Delgadillo had been deported from the United States to Mexico eight months earlier after being convicted of a felony sexual assault offense in the Circuit Court of Cook County, for which he was sentenced to four years in state prison.

Salgado-Delgadillo, 38, pleaded guilty in federal court in February 2026 to one count of unlawful reentry after removal.  On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John F. Kness imposed the 18-month prison sentence and ordered that it be followed by a year of court-supervised release.  The conviction subjects Salgado-Delgadillo to removal from the United States.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Frank Padula, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago.

“Defendant’s prior criminal conviction was serious, and his four-year sentence did not deter him from returning to the United States and continuing to violate the law through his illegal reentry and failure to register as a sex offender,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill J. Bhalakia argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Illegal reentry by a convicted felon is a serious crime, and the United States has a strong interest in keeping convicted criminals from returning to the United States.”

CHICAGO — An illegal alien has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for firing shots near U.S. Border Patrol agents during Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago last fall.

HECTOR GOMEZ was driving a Jeep Wrangler in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago on Nov. 8, 2025, when he discharged at least two rounds from a handgun.  Gomez fired the shots in proximity of Border Patrol agents who were engaged in the performance of their official duties as part of Operation Midway Blitz.  Later that day, Gomez brandished the handgun at an individual in a parking lot a few blocks from where he fired the shots.

Gomez had previously been convicted of a felony firearm offense in the Circuit Court of Cook County and was prohibited under federal law from possessing a gun. 

Gomez pleaded guilty in April 2026 to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly sentenced Gomez to two and a half years in federal prison, which was the high end of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range.

Gomez, 46, is a citizen of Mexico who had been residing in Chicago.  He has no claim to United States citizenship or lawful permanent residence and is now subject to removal. 

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  This case was investigated by the Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago (CGIC), a multi-agency task force that focuses exclusively on investigating and preventing gun violence in Chicago and throughout Northern Illinois. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill J. Bhalakia.

“Hector Gomez was in this country illegally and was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Even more, when Gomez illegally discharged a gun near law enforcement carrying out their sworn duties, it seriously endangered law enforcement and caused chaos in the community during an already intense and tumultuous time in Chicagoland.  The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office is fully committed to holding accountable those who use violence to attack, intimidate, or endanger the brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives to enforce the law.” 

“Hector Gomez’s reckless conduct that day put countless lives at risk and demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety of law enforcement and members of the public,” said ATF SAC Amon.  “I want to recognize the exceptional work of law enforcement that responded to the scene as well as the ATF National Laboratory.  The ATF lab’s timely DNA analysis provided a critical investigative link that ensured Gomez would no longer be on the streets and a threat to the community.”

"The FBI has zero tolerance for any threats or violence against law enforcement, and any attempt to impede their service or endanger their lives will be met with the full force of the government,” said FBI Acting SAC Whalen.  “Thanks to the swift action by investigators and the strong partnership with the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Gomez was identified, apprehended, and taken into custody without further harm to our community.  These collaborative efforts underscore how critical our interagency partnerships are in protecting the public, and collectively, we will continue to selflessly answer the call to make our communities safe."

ROCKFORD — A Winnebago County man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiring to straw purchase five firearms. 

From 2022 to 2024, MATTHEW S. MEYERS conspired to make false or fictious written statements to licensed firearms dealers in connection with the acquisition of five firearms.  Meyers instructed another individual to straw purchase firearms on his behalf, knowing that the other individual would falsely certify on federal forms that they were the actual buyer.  Meyers then sold or transferred some of the straw-purchased firearms to others.

Meyers, 41, of Machesney Park, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of conspiracy to provide false and fictitious written statements to federally licensed dealers of firearms.  On July 31, 2026, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed a 60-month prison sentence during a hearing in federal court in Rockford.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The Winnebago County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Kim. 

CHICAGO — A man who shot a federal law enforcement officer and a service canine during the execution of an arrest warrant has pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges. 

In 2022, an Illinois state court issued an arrest warrant for TARRION JOHNSON on state charges of attempted murder and attempted robbery.  On June 2, 2022, members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force gathered at an apartment building in the 5200 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago to execute the arrest warrant and take Johnson into custody. 

After announcing themselves as police with an arrest warrant, the officers entered an apartment unit and encountered Johnson holding a firearm.  Johnson ignored commands to put down the gun and instead shot a Senior Inspector United States Marshal and a service canine.  Johnson then shot a Special Deputy United States Marshal, striking the Special Deputy Marshal’s ballistic shield. 

Johnson fled the residence but was quickly arrested and taken into custody.  

Johnson, 23, of Chicago, pleaded guilty on July 20, 2026, to federal charges of attempted murder of a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, namely, using a deadly and dangerous weapon and inflicting bodily injury.  U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey set a sentencing hearing for Nov. 17, 2026. 

The guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Chicago Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Chapman and Branka Cimesa.

CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a man to 14 years in prison for violently robbing six banks in the Chicago suburbs.

GERMAN CAMPOS JR., 26, of Franklin Park, Ill., committed six bank robberies over the course of ten months in 2023 and 2024.  Campos brandished a gun at bank tellers and customers in five of the robberies. 

The robberies were as follows:

1. Oct. 18, 2023: U.S. Bank in Schaumburg, Ill.

2. Dec. 16, 2023: U.S. Bank in Elmhurst, Ill.

3. March 6, 2024: U.S. Bank in Schaumburg, Ill.

4. June 13, 2024: U.S. Bank in Elmhurst, Ill.

5. Aug. 9, 2024: BMO Bank in Park Ridge, Ill.

6. Aug. 28, 2024: U.S. Bank in Niles, Ill.

Campos was arrested on Sept. 17, 2024, and he has remained in law enforcement custody since then.  Campos pleaded guilty in March 2026 to federal bank robbery and firearm charges.  On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin sentenced Campos to 14 years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Schaumburg, Ill. Police Department, Elmhurst, Ill. Police Department, Park Ridge, Ill. Police Department, Niles, Ill. Police Department, and Franklin Park, Ill. Police Department.  

“Defendant’s repeated use of a gun during robberies, including pointing that gun into victim faces over and over again, posed a significant threat to the safety of the bank employees, customers, and general public,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C. Stern argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “The only reason why defendant stopped his violent robbery spree was because he was finally caught after ten months of terrorizing bank employees and customers.”

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for sending threatening letters to federal judges in Texas and Florida.

Last year, JAMES LEBUHN mailed letters to U.S. District Court judges in Amarillo, Texas, and Fort Pierce, Fla.  The letters stated, “THE CITIZENS DO NOT LIKE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO OUR DEMOCRACY. THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE.”  This language was followed by photographs of two ammunition rounds and the words, “BE CAREFUL. THE LEVEL OF ANGER IS RISING.”  LeBuhn mailed the letters for the purpose of making a true threat and knowing that the letters would be viewed as such.  In March 2026, Lebuhn was charged by criminal information with two counts of sending threatening communications to federal judges in Texas and Florida in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 876(c).

LeBuhn also mailed similarly threatening letters to employees of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C.

LeBuhn, 66, of Libertyville, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to two counts of mailing a threatening communication.  On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis sentenced LeBuhn to six months in federal prison and fined him $5,000.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.  The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Protective Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Rothblatt of the Northern District of Illinois, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht of the Northern District of Texas and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Dobbins of the Southern District of Florida.

“Judges are empowered and entrusted to make difficult and controversial decisions on cases and controversies before them,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Rothblatt argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “The public may vehemently disagree with those decisions, and there are myriad ways for individuals to communicate such disagreement under the First Amendment. True threats of violence, and the fear and disruption they cause, have consequences and will not be tolerated.”

CHICAGO — A felon has been sentenced to more than two and a half years in federal prison for illegally possessing a handgun outside a Chicago fast food restaurant shortly after he was released on bond for a violent crime case pending in state court.

JONATHAN SCOTT was arrested on May 25, 2025, after he displayed a handgun during an argument with an employee of a McDonald’s restaurant on the West Side of Chicago.  Chicago Police were called to the scene and discovered the handgun in Scott’s vehicle, which was parked outside the restaurant.  Scott had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

At the time of his arrest outside of the McDonald’s restaurant, Scott was on pre-trial release for a violent crime case pending in state court.  In that case, Scott forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s car in March 2025 and took her cell phone, causing injury to the ex-girlfriend.  Scott was later convicted of unlawful vehicular invasion and sentenced to four years in state prison.

Scott, 33, of Oak Park, Ill., pleaded guilty in the federal case in March 2026 to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.  On July 24, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis sentenced Scott to 32 months in federal prison, which was a sentence within the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range. 

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The federal investigation was conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago.  The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement partnership that focuses exclusively on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders who utilize firearms in commission of their crimes in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois.  Every firearm-related case in Chicago is processed through the CGIC on a daily basis.

“The defendant has, between the ages of 19 and 32, racked up eleven felony convictions, including convictions for aggravated battery, violating orders of protection, escaping a penal institution, unlawful vehicular invasion, and aggravated assault and use of a deadly weapon,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Stern argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “It is critical that the defendant’s increasingly escalating criminal conduct be halted.”

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a film producer for allegedly defrauding clients of more than $100 million by soliciting them to invest in purported film and entertainment projects. 

JASON CLOTH, 60, of Beverly Hills, Calif., was charged with seven counts of wire fraud in an indictment unsealed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  Cloth was arrested on Tuesday in Los Angeles, Calif. He made his initial court appearance on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

According to the indictment, Cloth operated Canadien-based Creative Wealth Media Finance Corp.  From 2019 to 2026, Cloth solicited various clients, including an investment advisor in Illinois, to invest in purported film and entertainment projects or to fund a gaming entertainment investment platform.  Cloth fraudulently obtained more than $100 million from the Illinois investment advisor, the advisor’s clients, and other investors based on false representations about the performance and value of their investments, the indictment states. Cloth knew at the time of the investments that he would use the money for other purposes, including the development of a real estate project in Canada, the indictment states.

Cloth allegedly engaged in a Ponzi scheme by using some investor funds to repay prior investors.  The indictment seeks forfeiture from Cloth in the amount of at least $12.25 million for the projects identified in the indictment.

The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten and Sean Hennessy.

Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

If you believe you are a victim of defendant Jason Cloth’s alleged fraud scheme whether committed through Creative Wealth Media Finance Corp. or any other entity, please contact the Chicago Field Office of the FBI by completing this short form at fbi.gov/jasonclothvictims.   The schemes could involve purported film and entertainment projects, gaming entertainment investment platforms, or other conduct.

CHICAGO — A woman who schemed to smuggle individuals from Mexico to Highland Park, Illinois and then forced them to work multiple jobs while turning over their salaries to her has been sentenced to 108 months in prison.

GLADYS IBANEZ-OLEA, 37, served as a mid-level member of the Juarez Cartel. From September 2022 to February 2024, Ibanez-Olea engaged in a human trafficking scheme: she would recruit victims in Mexico, arrange for them to be smuggled them into the United States, and then harbor them in her home in Highland Park, Illinois.  Ibanez-Olea then forced the victims to work, took any income they earned to pay off debts she claimed the victims owed, and effectively held the victims in captivity under harsh conditions as she continued to demand they pay her. 

In February 2026, Ibanez-Olea pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegally bringing unauthorized aliens into the United States and of forcing individuals to work by means of serious harm or abuse and threats of serious harm or abuse. 

In support of its 114-month sentencing recommendation, the government argued such a sentence was warranted based on evidence of Ibanez-Olea’s cruel treatment of her victims, threats she made to victims that she would kill their families and sell them into slavery, and evidence showing she was a willing participant in the Juarez Cartel’s scheme. 

On July 21, 2026, U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman sentenced Ibanez-Olea to 108 months in prison, finding the sentence was appropriate given the aggravating facts raised by the government. 

Ibanez-Olea’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations, and John Idleburg, Lake County Sheriff.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner.

“[D]efendant used her role as a recruiter in the cartel to create a cadre of indentured servants whose entire salaries belonged to defendant,” AUSA Zenner argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “She took advantage of extremely vulnerable victims—women and children who were desperate to come to America and found themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, threats, and mistreatment."

“Gladys Ibanez-Olea preyed upon and exploited her victims for personal gain, deserving every day of her 108-month prison sentence,” said Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI will continue to relentlessly pursue and dismantle criminal organizations that engage in human trafficking.”

ROCKFORD — A former Treasurer of a booster club in Rockford, Ill. has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for embezzling more than $44,000 from a booster club.

SHONDRA MCLARTY, 55, embezzled and stole money from the Tumbling and Acro Boosters Club (“TAB”) from 2023 to 2024 while she served as Treasurer.  During this 10-month period, McLarty fraudulently used TAB’s business debit card and fraudulently caused TAB to issue business checks, which she used for personal expenses such as Netflix, dog grooming, a Menards purchase, a stretch limousine, and a partial payment for a vacation to Cancún, Mexico.  McLarty also concealed her misappropriation of funds by changing the mailing address of TAB’s business bank accounts to her personal residence.

McLarty, of Rockton, Ill., pleaded guilty to wire fraud earlier this year. On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced McLarty to six months in federal prison and ordered her to pay full restitution.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation.

“Defendant’s actions were deliberate and repeated, not the product of negligence or confusion,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Kim argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “[The sentence] will signal to others who might be tempted to engage in similar schemes that such conduct carries significant consequences.”

CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted three members of a robbery crew responsible for violently robbing or attempting to rob 14 liquor stores, convenience stores, and bars in Chicago.

XAVIER HARRIS and his brother, ARDARIES HARRIS, conspired with JORDAN FOX to rob more than a dozen Chicago businesses in 2023 and 2024.  The robbers used stolen cars as getaway vehicles, wore masks and gloves, and brandished firearms in the heists.  In some of the robberies, members of the crew fired shots from machine guns. 

After a five-week trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the jury on July 21, 20226 convicted Xavier Harris, 27, of Chicago, Ardaries Harris, 28, of Chicago, and Fox, 26, of Chicago, of conspiracy, robbery, and firearm offenses.  The jury found that Jordan Fox brandished firearms in 9 of the robberies; Ardaries Harris brandished firearms in 8 of the robberies; and Xavier Harris brandished firearms in 3 of the robberies. The jury also found that Jordan Fox discharged a machinegun during the robbery of the Irish Nobleman Pub on May 4, 2024, and that Ardaries Harris aided Fox’s discharge of a machinegun.  The convictions carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

According to evidence presented at trial, the three defendants conspired to commit the following robberies or attempted robberies in Chicago:

1. Aug. 24, 2023: Ace’s Liquor and Tap, 4400 block of West Armitage Avenue.
2. Jan. 10, 2024: A&R Food Mart, 5900 block of West Grand Avenue.
3. Jan. 11, 2024: Central Extra Value Food and Liquor, 2900 block of North Central Avenue.
4. Jan. 13, 2024: Buchanas Food & Liquor, 1800 block of West 47th Street.
5. Jan. 15, 2024: Mr. P Beverage Depot, 2000 block of West Division Street.
6. Jan. 15, 2024: Before You Go Liquor, 1900 block of West Fullerton Avenue.
7. Jan. 15, 2024: Clybourn Market, 2800 block of North Clybourn Avenue.
8. May 3, 2024: Humboldt Haus Liquor, 2900 block of West North Avenue.
9. May 3, 2024: Gladstone Food Mart, 5700 block of North Milwaukee Avenue.
10. May 4, 2024: Irish Nobleman Pub, 1300 block of West Erie Street.
11. May 7, 2024: Buchanas Food & Liquor, 1800 block of West 47th Street.
12. May 7, 2024: El Trebol Liquors and Bar, 1100 block of West 18th Street.
13. May 7, 2024: Community Food and Liquor, 5500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue.
14. May 9, 2024: Basil Food & Liquor, 7700 block of North Western Avenue in Chicago.

The government expects it will introduce evidence of additional robberies in the Chicagoland area at sentencing, which the government will ask the Court to consider in determining the appropriate sentence. 

The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Fred Waller, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago, the Illinois State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Great Lakes Regional Task Force.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily C.R. Vermylen, Stephanie Stern, and Jalan Jaskot.

The verdict was particularly important because this case involved charges that carried a 30-year mandatory minimum for use of a machinegun during a crime of violence, given the defendants’ use of machinegun conversion devices.

“Machinegun conversion devices turn semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons, capable of firing multiple bullets at the single pull of a trigger,” U.S. Attorney Boutros said. “They have proliferated on the streets of Chicago. The office will continue to prosecute the use of these lethal weapons vigorously.” 

A fourth defendant charged in the case—ROOSEVELT VEAL, 28, of Rockford—will be tried separately. Veal’s trial date has not yet been scheduled.

CHICAGO — A member of a crew that conspired to commit 11 brazen daytime robberies in the Chicago suburbs has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Between January 2022 and March 2023, PERRY MAPLE, 23, participated directly in three armed robberies of armored trucks and ATMs in Calumet City and Orland Park. During one armed robbery, Maple drove a stolen car to a bank in a crowded shopping plaza, shoved an ATM technician to the ground, and pointed a gun in the technician’s face as he and his co-defendant stole approximately $155,000 from the ATM.  Maple and his co-defendant committed the violent robbery on a Friday afternoon with innocent bystanders mere feet away.  In the other two robberies, Maple acted as a getaway driver. Maple and his co-defendants stole nearly $700,000 during the three robberies.

In June 2024, Maple and 10 other members of the armed robbery crew were charged in federal court in connection with 11 armed robberies of armored trucks, ATMs, and banks.  On March 26, 2026, Maple pleaded guilty to federal charges of robbery and armed robbery, and on July 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman sentenced Maple to 15 years in prison. 

Maple’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.   The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elie Zenner and Simar Khera.

“Along with his co-conspirators, defendant repeatedly and violently robbed armed armored truck couriers and ATM technicians at gunpoint,” AUSA Zenner argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Each robbery was a high-stakes, high-reward robbery, and defendant willingly risked getting into a deadly shootout for the chance at hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen proceeds.”

CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a woman of assaulting a United States Postal Service mail carrier following a two-day trial.

DIANE BRINKLEY assaulted the mail carrier on June 9, 2025, in Chicago.  The mail carrier was delivering mail at a home near Brinkley’s former residence when Brinkley approached and began yelling at her.  Brinkley shoved the postal carrier, causing the mail carrier to fall onto the concrete steps of a home.  When the mail carrier stood up, Brinkley struck her a second time, knocking the mail carrier down again.

Brinkley, 56, of Chicago, was convicted of a federal assault charge. The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago returned its verdict on July 16, 2026.  The conviction is punishable by up to a year in federal prison.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain set sentencing for November 16.

The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayley Altabef and Eric Rigoli.

CHICAGO — The United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago continues to increase its federal caseload to tackle violent crime, national security threats, narcoterrorism, child exploitation, fraud, corruption, cybercrime, and other serious federal criminal offenses, while implementing numerous first-of-their-kind policy initiatives that have unified the District’s federal law enforcement apparatus to better serve the people, Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said today as part of the Office’s first-ever “Mid-Year Report.” The Northern District of Illinois is the third largest federal judicial district in the country, encompassing a population of approximately 9.3 million people across 18 counties. 

“Since becoming the United States Attorney on April 7, 2025, I have made the federal fight against violence my marquee priority. In doing so, my team and I have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to keep the citizens of the Northern District of Illinois safe,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “I have also reimagined how the federal government can play a larger and more impactful role in tackling the persistent scourge of violence in Chicago. That has required me to think outside the box to propose novel strategies that offer pioneering federal solutions to Chicago’s intractable violence problem. In doing so, the goal has been singular: to use a whole-of-federal-government approach to attack violent crime at the speed of violence. By moving with speed, purpose, impact, effectiveness, and accuracy, the Northern District of Illinois’s federal anti-violence apparatus is delivering relief to the people, who have suffered for too long because of Chicagoland’s difficult relationship with violence.”

 “As we look back on the first half of 2026, I can report that the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to significantly increase its violent crime prosecutions across the board, while vigorously enforcing all other federal priorities,” U.S. Attorney Boutros added. “To be sure, a lot more work still needs to be done, but it is clear that our bold strategies and policies are delivering exactly what the public wants and deserves: real, measurable reductions in violent crime and a renewed focus on holding lawbreakers accountable across the entire portfolio of criminal cases we prosecute. Although we are immensely proud of what we have achieved in 2026, our work is far from done, and we are already busy planning our next initiatives and operations to close out the second half of the year.”

Significant Surge in Office Productivity and Other Key Statistical Measures. In the first six months of 2026, federal criminal indictments across all program areas in the Northern District of Illinois were up 82% compared to the same period in 2024—the baseline timeframe immediately preceding U.S. Attorney Boutros being sworn into office. The number of defendants charged overall in the first six months of 2026 increased 81% compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, these marked improvements were achieved with substantially fewer federal prosecutors on staff than in 2024, demonstrating a profound increase in productivity and operational efficiency. 

The statistics are particularly notable when comparing year-to-date figures from 2024 to 2026 in specific anti-violence program areas, including a 154% increase in firearms charges, a 78% increase in Project Safe Neighborhood gun cases, a 50% increase in sex crime prosecutions, a 24% increase in narcotics cases, and an almost 300% surge in criminal immigration cases, such as illegal re-entry into the United States. In addition, the Office is on track to achieve a projected 433% increase in firearms charges originating from ATF Chicago’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) for full-year 2026 compared to 2024, if the current year-to-date pace holds. Furthermore, in the white-collar portfolio, U.S. Attorney Boutros has overseen the charging of approximately $2.135 billion in alleged healthcare fraud losses in the District since taking office.

“Operation New Dawn” Delivers Extraordinary Results. The sharp increase in violent crime prosecutions in the first half of 2026 was perhaps best exemplified in the tremendous success of Operation New Dawn, U.S. Attorney Boutros’s anti-violence initiative that began in the spring and concluded on July 1, 2026. Launched in special recognition of our nation’s 250th anniversary, this historic, multi-agency initiative marked the first “badgeless” operation in the District. Operation New Dawn resulted in 484 total arrests, including 179 newly charged defendants across 140 newly filed cases, the apprehension of 305 violent fugitives, and the recovery of 24 children, many of whom had been abducted. Operation New Dawn was described as “badgeless” because multiple federal agencies came together and integrated under the banner of the United States flag as opposed to the shield of any one agency.

U.S. Attorney Boutros constructed Operation New Dawn using an innovative federal law enforcement approach to fighting violent crime that represented a first for the Northern District of Illinois: eleven federal agencies worked arm-in-arm as one cohesive, unified partnership to arrest dangerous criminals responsible for serious offenses, including armed robbery, kidnapping, kidnapping resulting in death, firearms trafficking, firearm offenses, drug trafficking, immigration violations, child exploitation, and various other federal violent crimes. During Operation New Dawn, federal law enforcement engaged in rapid, targeted, and responsive interventions that interrupted violence in real time. 

“It is my view that to combat violence, federal law enforcement must move at the speed of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The remarkable results of Operation New Dawn resoundingly proved that point. Recognizing that crime doesn’t stop or operate at business hours, federal prosecutors, agents, Office and agency leaders, and others, worked many long days, nights, weekends, and holidays to make New Dawn a success. I couldn’t be prouder of the work of our Assistant U.S. Attorneys—many of whom joined our ranks within the past year-plus—and our law enforcement partners, some of whom literally endured violent attacks and attempted robberies by criminals who apparently didn’t get the message that we are in a new era of federal crime fighting in Chicago. Combatting violent crime remains among the federal government’s highest priorities both for this Office and our law enforcement partners across Chicagoland.”

U.S. Attorney and ATF Special Agent in Charge Pen Op-Ed Offering New Model to Disrupt Violence in Chicago. U.S. Attorney Boutros outlined his anti-violence framework for Operation New Dawn in an April full-page Chicago Tribune Op-Ed he co-authored with ATF Chicago Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. In the Op-Ed, U.S. Attorney Boutros and Special Agent in Charge Amon discussed violence in Chicago and how they intended to use federal tools to disrupt it. The Op-Ed stated, “What is needed is clear deterrence and accountability through immediate arrest, detention and prosecution of worthy targets. Arresting and federally charging a dangerous felon in possession of a firearm before he shoots someone are far more effective—and decent—actions than prosecuting that defendant for murder after he has already killed somebody.”

U.S. Attorney Innovates Across Federal Program Areas and Responds to Challenges. Operation New Dawn was just one of many successful initiatives, strategies, and responses launched by U.S. Attorney Boutros in the first six months of this year. Some of the others include:

• Individual Self-Disclosure Program. In May, U.S. Attorney Boutros announced the formation of a first-of-its kind Program that both encourages and incentivizes individuals to voluntarily report and/or self-report criminal wrongdoing for non-violent offenses and fully cooperate with the government in its investigation and any subsequent prosecution of other offenders. Under the Program, those who fully and voluntarily self-report criminal wrongdoing that is previously unknown to the government will have the opportunity to secure one of three tiers of potential benefits: (1) letter immunity; (2) a deferred or non-prosecution agreement; or (3) criminal prosecution with substantial sentencing relief. Drawing upon more than 25 years’  experience in the criminal law field, including nearly ten years as a practice leader in private white-collar defense, nearly eight years as a federal prosecutor in Chicago handling sophisticated white-collar prosecutions, and 16 years of teaching criminal law at the University of Chicago Law School, U.S. Attorney Boutros created this ground-breaking Program to provide greater certainty and transparent, equal-access to individuals and their counsel as to what they can expect in exchange for their full, truthful, and complete reporting of criminal wrongdoing and subsequent cooperation. 
• “Davos in Chicago.” In May, U.S. Attorney Boutros assembled the highest law enforcement leadership from the entire federal apparatus in the Chicago region for the Chicago-Area Federal Agency Leadership Summit, a first-of-its-kind conference to discuss collaborative efforts to oversee important federal enforcement priorities and execute systemic solutions. The most senior leaders from more than 40 federal agencies operating in the Chicagoland region participated in the summit, as did nine U.S. Attorneys from the Seventh Circuit (Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin) and other federal districts, alongside the Head of the Department of Justice’s Trade Fraud Task Force. The day-long summit was informally dubbed “Davos in Chicago” because it drew comparisons to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, which brings together world leaders and top businesspersons for a renowned conference each January in Davos, Switzerland. Davos in Chicago laid the foundation for the extraordinary success of Operation New Dawn and continues to lay the groundwork for additional initiatives and operations that are in the pipeline.
• Grand Jury Reforms and Phase I and II Remediation Plans. In May, after learning of grand jury irregularities in one of the Office’s cases, U.S. Attorney Boutros promptly conducted a root-cause review of those and related issues. Thereafter, he formulated and implemented comprehensive and sweeping reforms and process improvements to the Office’s grand jury policies and practices as well as to the treatment of grand jury materials for discovery purposes. This initiative, designated as the Phase I Remediation Plan, went into effect immediately and is a best-in-class program to ensure the integrity of our criminal prosecutions. In addition to requiring extensive Criminal Division-wide training by Department of Justice experts from outside the District, these systemic reforms and process improvements were designed to address root-cause issues, create bright-line rules that remove discretion and judgment calls from Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and streamline and simplify the decision-making and disclosure processes for grand jury materials. The instituted changes were created with the purpose of being deeply curative and to put to rest once and for all any divergent practices that may have existed across the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including from one Assistant U.S. Attorney to another as well as from one generation to the next. Furthermore, in June 2026, U.S. Attorney Boutros sought and obtained court permission to issue a rare Special Report Regarding Federal Grand Jury Appearances that brought unprecedented clarity and transparency regarding his role as the District’s Chief Legal Advisor to all federal grand juries, especially during the tumultuous time of Operation Midway Blitz, the largest ever enforcement surge in the history of the Northern District of Illinois.

U.S. Attorney Boutros also has formulated a comprehensive Phase II Remediation Plan that is actively underway. Phase II includes the review of a large volume of grand jury minutes for pending criminal cases charged by indictment and currently at the pre-trial phase, as well as certain other grand jury minutes from adjudicated cases, including some cases going back to 2007. U.S. Attorney Boutros authorized this Phase II Remediation Plan to (i) ensure the absence of grand jury irregularities in the cases charged by indictment by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois; (ii) to address the judiciary’s, defense bar’s, and public’s concerns regarding the grand jury practices and proceedings of the District given the discovery of grand jury irregularities in various cases charged by indictment going back years; and (iii) ensure that Assistant U.S. Attorneys who have appeared before the grand jury in the Northern District of Illinois during the relevant time frame and/or as otherwise being defined, have acted in accordance with law and consistent with the highest ethical standards demanded of those who represent the United States and the people of this District. In the face of the substantial time, effort, and resources that have been required for these various studies, reviews, projects, and reform implementations, U.S. Attorney Boutros has been both unwavering and laser-focused on addressing these legacy institutional challenges, implementing root-cause reforms that dramatically reduce the likelihood of these same errors reoccurring, and continuing to deliver historic results in the Office’s core mission work. 

• Trade Fraud Task Force. In February, U.S. Attorney Boutros announced that the Department of Justice had selected the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago to be the lead prosecutorial partner on the Trade Fraud Task Force launched in August 2025, which brings robust enforcement against importers, purchasers, supply chain actors, and other parties who commit trade, customs, forced labor, and other adjacent federal crimes. When U.S. Attorney Boutros served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago from 2008 to 2015, he led what still stand as the Department of Justice’s largest-ever criminal trade fraud prosecutions, spanning 27 corporate and individual defendants across multiple indictments, with losses totaling approximately $260 million. Those cases provide valuable insight into how the Trade Fraud Task Force will build future criminal prosecutions. 

This month, at a press conference in Chicago attended by national leadership of the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and other law enforcement partners, the Department of Justice announced that the Trade Fraud Task Force has surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties, forfeitures, and publicly charged losses in less than one year. The Northern District of Illinois was selected as the site of this historic press event because of the District’s expansive venue and U.S. Attorney Boutros’s decades of experience in handling cases in this space, and because “the key roads for trade fraud enforcement lead from, to, and through Chicago past, present, and future,” as U.S. Attorney Boutros stated in his press comments. 

• Resource Guide to Trade Fraud Enforcement. In July, the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security released a trade fraud enforcement Resource Guide (the “Guide”), which U.S. Attorney Boutros was instrumental in developing with DOJ and HSI leadership and other team members. As the first joint comprehensive framework of its kind, the Guide is a historic and seminal roadmap for cross-border compliance and enforcement priorities. The Guide provides critical information to enterprises of all sizes and addresses a wide variety of topics, including who and what is covered by customs regulations and anti-trade fraud laws and the different types of civil and criminal resolutions available in trade fraud enforcement. On these and other topics, the Guide takes a multi-faceted approach toward setting forth the statutory and regulatory requirements and providing insights into the enforcement practices of the DOJ and DHS.

U.S. Attorney Boutros Appointed to Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and Thereafter Selected to Co-Chair Two AGAC Sub-Committees and to Serve on a Third Sub-Committee. In May, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche selected U.S. Attorney Boutros to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (“AGAC”), a select and prestigious body of United States Attorneys chosen by the Acting Attorney General to advise Department of Justice leadership on national law enforcement priorities. Created in 1973, the AGAC is comprised of an exclusive group of 18 United States Attorneys and is designed to ensure broad geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation. Members work through Subcommittees and working groups on issues including violent crime, national security, fraud, narcoterrorism, and other critical priorities as set by the President of the United States. The Committee plays a central role in ensuring that the experience of federal prosecutors in the field informs national Department of Justice strategy. 

Thereafter, in July, U.S. Attorney Boutros was appointed to Co-Chair two critical AGAC Subcommittees: (1) Artificial Intelligence and (2) White Collar, Cyber, and Crypto Crime, in addition to being appointed on a third Subcommittee, namely, (3) Counterespionage & Research Security (CRS). As U.S. Attorney Boutros stated when he learned of his various appointments, “I am deeply grateful to General Todd Blanche for giving me the opportunity to Co-Chair two cutting-edge AGAC Subcommittees. I am confident that the Subcommittees on Artificial Intelligence as well as White Collar, Cyber, and Crypto will have a strong, positive impact on these various areas at the local, regional, and national level. Our work will very much focus on innovation as well as ways to maximize effectiveness, accuracy, productivity, and efficiency. Just look at the Department of Justice’s exceptional work on the Trade Fraud Task Force, for example; through our work on the AGAC we’ll be able to bring even more awareness and support to that top enforcement priority. Similarly, artificial intelligence is a revolutionary, generational tool that dramatically impacts all performance metrics. Working through the AGAC, our Subcommittee will study and recommend ways the Department can harness the power and versatility of artificial intelligence in a responsible, thoughtful, and effective way.” The CRS Subcommittee will focus on foreign bad actors who are infiltrating our research institutions, includinfg colleges, universities, and corporations, to commit espionage, steal trade secrets and proprietary data, and bypass sanctions.

U.S. Attorney’s Office in Middle of Enormous Hiring Spree. Much of the success in increasing the Office’s caseload and executing the Office’s strategies is due to the steady hand of the more experienced federal prosecutors and freshly-installed supervisors who carry enormous responsibilities as well as the many Assistant U.S. Attorneys that U.S. Attorney Boutros has hired for the Office from federal, state, and local prosecuting offices; other federal agencies; private practice; and federal clerkships that included prior work experience. In his 15 months as United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney Boutros has already hired approximately 40 federal prosecutors in the Criminal and Civil Divisions, both in Chicago and Rockford, many of whom many have deep experience, including trial experience, handling significant cases in federal and state courts around the country. He expects to hire an additional dozen or more Assistant United States Attorneys before the end of the year, which would bring the Office’s total hires for 2026 to more than 50 Assistant U.S. Attorneys. Federal, state, and local prosecutors have joined the Office from Main Justice as well as prosecuting offices in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. The newly hired Assistant U.S. Attorneys bring a depth of knowledge and a wealth of experience that has enabled them to be immediately impactful in the Northern District of Illinois. Last year, U.S. Attorney Boutros completely redesigned the Office’s hiring process, which included him taking on a substantially more active role in the hiring of Assistant United States Attorneys. The result of those reforms and substantial efforts is that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is now hiring more applicants with diverse backgrounds and skillsets from across the country to the great benefit of the people of the Northern District of Illinois.

U.S. Attorney Creates Important, New eLitigation Position. In close consultation with senior colleagues in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who had been advocating for an eLitigation position for many years, for the first time in the Office, U.S. Attorney Boutros established an eLitigation Assistant United States Attorney position. The newly created eLitigation AUSA role is one of only a few across U.S. Attorneys’ Offices community and was established to create a dedicated role for the development of the Office’s eLitigation systems, controls, operations, policies, and protocols in the eLitigation space. It also will prove critical for allowing the Office to stay up to date on new emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, that when fully deployed, will revolutionize the everyday work of our Assistant United States Attorneys, including their impact and effectiveness as well as the efficiency with which they tackle our mission work.

Unified Federal Partners in the Northern District of Illinois. The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), various federal Offices of Inspector Generals, among many others, to investigate and prosecute federal crimes. State and local partners in this effort include the Chicago Police Department, Illinois State Police, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Rockford Police Department, and many other police departments and prosecutors’ offices throughout northern Illinois. 

Examples of the many significant cases prosecuted by the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office in the first six months of 2026 are featured below:

National Security / Terrorism

Man Arrested in Connection With Planned Violent Attack at Ultimate Fighting Championship Event at White House

Alex Mercado was charged as an alleged administrator and member of Signal messaging groups that included members who appeared to communicate with others regarding the planning of a violent attack targeting the UFC event at the White House. “The investigation in this case involved serious threats to public safety, including the safety of President Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. 

Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years for Threatening To Kill President Donald J. Trump 

Trent Schneider was sentenced following federal charges that he posted a video of himself stating that he would kill President Donald J. Trump, the 47th and 45th President of the United States. “As I have repeatedly stated since becoming U.S. Attorney, threats against public officials are an attack on our democracy and must be met with swift and serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.

Suburban Chicago Man Charged With Sending Threatening Letters to Two Federal Judges

James Lebuhn charged with mailing threatening letters to federal judges in Amarillo, Texas, and Fort Pierce, Fla. “The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding accountable anyone who seeks to intimidate and instill fear in members of the federal government, including the esteemed public servants on the bench,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.

Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Setting Fire to Two Rockford Churches

Marzavious Thomas was sentenced to five years in federal prison for setting fires at Bethesda Covenant Church and Crosspoint Church, causing a combined damage of more than $35,000.

Chicago Man Charged With Threatening To “Shoot Up” a Jewish Synagogue

Timothy Holmes was charged for transmitting a threat over interstate commerce after allegedly posting the threat on his X account. “Anti-Semitism has no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago is using all available legal tools to combat criminal conduct that rears its head in hateful anti-Semitism.”

Chicago Man Charged With Threatening To “Shoot Up” United States Secret Service Office

Michael Kovco allegedly transmitted threats via the official White House website targeting a Secret Service field facility. “Under my watch, political violence will be dealt with as the serious federal crime that it is,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.

Alleged Member of Criminal Cyber Hacking Group “Scattered Spider” Arrested in Finland and Extradited to United States

Peter Stokes was allegedly a member of Scattered Spider, a group of criminal cyber actors that has been involved with more than 100 network intrusions, resulting in more than approximately $100 million in ransom payments and millions of dollars in damages to the victims. 

Chicago Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

Ashraf Al Safoo was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his leadership role in the Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media.

Chinese Telecommunications Company Fined $50 Million for Conspiring To Steal Technology From Motorola Solutions

Hytera Communications Corp. Ltd. recruited Motorola employees and directed them to take proprietary and trade secret information without authorization, including information Motorola had developed through years of research and design. Hytera pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Illinois to a federal charge of conspiracy to steal trade secrets.

Drug Trafficking / Cartels / Transnational Criminal Organizations

Eight Illegal Alien Tren De Aragua Members From Venezuela Charged With Kidnappings That Resulted in Death, Racketeering Involving Murder, and Other Violent Offenses in Texas and Illinois Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigations

Three alleged members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) transnational criminal organization were charged in Chicago with conspiring to kidnap a man who was walking near Meyering Park on the city’s South Side, an offense that allegedly resulted in the victim’s murder inside an abandoned building. Five other alleged TdA members were indicted on separate offenses in the Northern District of Texas as part of a coordinated Homeland Security Task Force operation. 

Alleged Boss of Violent Sinaloa Cartel Indicted in Chicago on Drug, Firearm, and Material Support of Terrorism Charges

Jesus Omar Ibarra Felix, also known as “El Chuta,” allegedly led an armed security group known as the Las Fuerzas Especiales de Chuta (FECH), which engaged in armed conflict on behalf of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization previously headed by Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo.” Ibarra Felix’s group allegedly provided armed security in support of Guzman Loera’s four sons, collectively known as “the Chapitos,” who took over leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel after Guzman Loera’s arrest in 2016.

Man Sentenced to More Than 26 Years in Prison for Using the Dark Web To Distribute Narcotics

Darren Hughes operated a vendor store on the Nemesis Market, one of the world’s largest dark web marketplaces. In a three-year period, Nemesis Market processed more than 400,000 orders, including more than 55,000 orders for stimulants, including meth, cocaine, crack cocaine, and other controlled substances, and 17,000 orders for opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone.

Co-Creator of Dark Web Marketplace Pleads Guilty in Chicago to Drug Conspiracy Charge

Raheim Hamilton operated Empire Market—one of the largest dark web marketplaces of its kind at the time. The online market facilitated more than four million transactions between vendors and buyers valued at more than $430 million. The illegal products and services available on the site included controlled substances, compromised or stolen account credentials, stolen personally identifying information, counterfeit currency, and computer-hacking tools.

Chicago Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Selling Heroin and Cocaine on the Dark Web

Tommy Spaulding sold large amounts of drugs on dark-web vendor stores known as AVALANCHE and ETHER_MART. Spaulding managed the vendor stores’ finances, including distributing money to others to purchase the drugs and helping to operate the stores. Four other defendants were convicted as part of this investigation.

Man Who Transported $9 Million in Illicit Cash Proceeds for Mexico-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison

Ricardo Tello transported bulk cash proceeds for Mexico-based traffickers who distributed cocaine to U.S. cities. Tello also used his logistics company to support the drug traffickers by exporting nearly 50 loads of plastic sheeting that had been used to smuggle at least 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

Violent Crime / Firearms

Eight Defendants Charged as Part of Federal Investigation Into Violent Home Invasion in Winnetka, Ill.

The eight defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and kidnapping in connection with the alleged home invasion, which occurred on the afternoon of March 8, 2026. Some of the defendants forcibly entered the home, kept an individual in the residence captive for approximately an hour, and used firearms to physically restrain the victim. All eight defendants have been ordered to remain detained in federal custody without bond.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Firearm in Downtown Chicago Federal Courthouse

James Lake allegedly illegally possessed a loaded gun in the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. An inspector with the U.S. Marshals Service took Lake into custody and seized the gun.

Suburban Chicago Man Charged With Robbing Undercover Federal Task Force Officer

Marcus Lewis and a juvenile allegedly beat a federal task force officer with a firearm and robbed the officer of $10,000 in government funds that the officer planned to use to purchase cocaine from the pair. “FBI task force officers and agents are first responders in the fight against violent crime in our neighborhoods and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The dangerous and brave work they do requires them to put their lives on the line every day. We all owe our law enforcement agents and task force officers a debt of gratitude for their dedication to the mission and their commitment to public safety.”

Chicago Man Convicted of Plotting To Kill Two Witnesses in Cousin’s Murder Trial

Chris Yates sought the killings of two individuals he believed would testify against his cousin, who was set to go to trial in Cook County for allegedly fatally shooting a woman in 2020. Yates was arrested before the killings could be carried out.

Federal Judge Sentences Man to Eight Years in Prison for Robbing U.S. Postal Service Carrier in Chicago

The carrier was delivering mail when Henry Moorer approached on foot and demanded postal property. Moorer then pulled a semiautomatic handgun from the pocket of his sweatshirt and displayed the butt of the firearm before grabbing the property from the carrier.

Rockford Man Sentenced to More Than Six and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Robbing a United States Post Office With a Firearm

Anthony Johnson walked approximately one block from his residence in Rockford to the Post Office, where he reached for a firearm in his waistband and told the clerk to give him all the money in the cash register. “The U.S. Postal Service serves a critically important government function, and its employees must be allowed to perform their duties for the American people safely and securely,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize cases that involve threats, violence, and intimidation against federal officials.”

Man Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Handgun on Chicago Train and Doing So While on Court-Ordered Supervised Release

Gerald Pittman was arrested aboard the Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line train while possessing a loaded gun. Pittman had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. One of Pittman’s prior felonies was a federal drug trafficking conviction, for which Pittman was on court-supervised released at the time of his arrest on the Blue Line. Shortly before Pittman’s arrest and federal prosecution, U.S. Attorney Boutros expanded the Project Safe Neighborhoods program to include the economic centers in downtown Chicago and the entire rail system operated by the CTA, including all train lines operating in every neighborhood from every part of the city. The expansion represented the first time anywhere in the country that the PSN program was deployed on mass transit and the first time in Chicago that the city’s downtown economic corridors were given the federal PSN designation.

Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and Injuring Law Enforcement Agent During Arrest Attempt

Andrew Vesely illegally possessed two guns and injured a DEA agent who was attempting to arrest him. “As I have repeatedly stated since becoming United States Attorney, criminal attacks on law enforcement constitute a direct assault on the rule of law as well as our justice system and will be met with swift, firm, and unequivocal legal consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.

Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Returns Indictment Against Operation Midway Blitz Defendant for Alleged Vehicle-Ramming Attack on Federal Immigration Agent

Diego Emmanuel Reyes allegedly rammed his sport utility vehicle into the rear of a vehicle driven by the ICE agent, who was engaged in the performance of his official duties on the Southwest Side of Chicago, and upon doing so, accelerated his SUV forward pushing the agent’s vehicle. “What this defendant did on October 4, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, during Operation Midway Blitz was a dangerous and brazen act of violence against a federal agent as well as an attack on the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Federal agents perform risky, essential work every single day to enforce our federal laws and keep our communities safe. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will never tolerate such conduct and will continue to hold accountable those who seek to assault, impede, intimidate, or interfere with lawful federal operations.”

Illegal Alien Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Feloniously Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers During Arrest

Francisco Javier Acevedo-Caldera, who had recently been bonded out of the Kane County Jail, resisted ICE officers who attempted to arrest him. Acevedo-Caldera kicked one of the officers, head-butted the other officer, and then bit a Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy who offered to help, puncturing the Deputy’s skin.

Illegal Alien Who Fired Shots Near Border Agents During Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge

Hector Gomez fired at least two shots in proximity of Border Patrol agents on Nov. 8, 2025. Gomez had previously been convicted of a felony firearm offense in state court and was prohibited under federal law from possessing a gun.

Man Who Committed Two Chicago Carjackings Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

Edmond Singleton and two co-defendants conspired to commit a pair of carjackings on a single night of violence.

Man Sentenced to 14 and a Half Years in Prison for Carjacking Vehicle at Gunpoint in Backyard of Chicago Residence

Damarri Conner carjacked a vehicle in the backyard of a home in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood. A woman and her daughter had just returned home in another vehicle when Conner and co-defendant Kenneth Merritt sprang from a hiding place and attacked them. Merritt is awaiting sentencing.

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Trafficking Firearms and Drugs

Efrain Jacobo sold seven firearms in a series of transactions in Joliet, Ill. Unbeknownst to Jacobo, the buyers were undercover law enforcement officers.

Federal Law Enforcement Seizes 22 Firearms and Multiple Kilograms of Narcotics From Chicago Storage Unit; Alleged Drug Trafficker Arrested

Mario Neustadter allegedly sold fentanyl and meth to an undercover law enforcement officer. Law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Neustadter’s storage unit on the day of his arrest and discovered 22 firearms.

Federal Indictment Charges Reputed Chicago Gang Member With Illegally Possessing Firearms

Alexander Martinez-Quiroz recorded himself firing shots into the air from a handgun. While firing the shots, Martinez-Quiroz allegedly called out that he is a member of a certain street gang.

Federal Law Enforcement Seizes Eleven Firearms, Ammunition, and Twenty Machine Gun Conversion Devices From Chicago Residence; Two Suspected Gang Members Arrested

Law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of two alleged gang members’ residence in Chicago and discovered a short-barrel rifle, ten handguns, 20 machine gun conversion devices, assorted ammunition, and firearm accessories.

Child Exploitation / Human Trafficking

Stephenson County, Ill. Man Sentenced to 150 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children

Matthew Kaufman enticed multiple children to engage in sexually explicit conduct and recorded it.

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 48 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

Tercalo Thomas enticed a prepubescent minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, which he recorded. Thomas then trafficked the images as barter to amass a vast collection of images of other children’s sexual abuse.

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 37 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Nearly 100 Children

Shaun Healy used Snapchat to contact and persuade young girls to create and send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Healy often posed as a young girl himself to gain his victims’ trust and induce them to produce the sexually abusive material.

Man Sentenced to More Than 33 Years in Prison for Operating Online Chat Group That Shared Child Pornography

Christopher Martin operated and led a group chat on the instant-messaging mobile application Kik. Martin moderated the chat and enforced the rules, the primary rule being that if members wanted to stay in the group, they had to constantly share photos and videos of child pornography.

Violent Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison

Dennis Williams trafficked five young victims, including a 15-year-old girl. Williams also caused a 17-year-old girl, whom he also assaulted repeatedly, to assist him in trafficking the victims.

Chicago Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography

Denikos Hawkins induced two children to engage in sexual acts with him. When one of the victims stopped responding to Hawkins on Instagram, he threatened to send the videos of her to her school and to “everyone” she knew.

Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking a Minor in Chicago Suburb

Kennard Cameron recruited and enticed a 15-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts in a motel in Lansing, Ill.

Chicago Man Charged With Transporting Child Pornography on Flight to Mexico

Thomas Neal allegedly possessed images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone when he flew from Chicago to Mexico City. At the time of his arrest, Neal was employed as a teacher at a high school in the Northern District of Illinois.

Trade Fraud / Financial Fraud / Other Fraud

Trade Fraud Task Force Surpasses $1 Billion in Recoveries and Charged Losses in Less Than One Year

The Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF) selected the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office as its lead prosecutorial partner. Two Chicago cases contributed to the TFTF surpassing the $1 billion milestone in enforced trade fraud matters in less than a year. As alleged, Raj Kohli and Veena Kohli’s California-based company, together with foreign manufacturers and other U.S. entities, imported and brought into the United States approximately 563 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. According to court documents, the gold jewelry from the Kohlis’ criminal prosecution had an estimated total value of more than approximately $693 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $38 million in United States customs duties.

Separately, Narain Gulabani, who owned a gold jewelry importer and wholesaler in Naperville, Ill., was charged with falsely declaring the country of origin for imported gold jewelry. The charges allege that Gulabani, together with foreign manufacturers and other U.S. entities, imported or caused to be imported into the United States approximately 242 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Oman or Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. According to court documents, the gold jewelry from Gulabani’s criminal prosecution had an estimated total value of more than approximately $240 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $13.6 million in United States customs duties.

Engineer for Illinois Company Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trade Fraud, Counterfeiting, and Other Fraud Schemes

Shaun Brouwer manufactured and sold counterfeit versions of his employer’s products and asked a vendor in China to create fake payment documents to lower the perceived value of some of the counterfeit items to avoid attracting attention from U.S. customs officials and avoid paying additional customs duty fees. He further engaged in fraud related to the Covid-relief Paycheck Protection Program. He was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.

Former Accountant for Middle Eastern Jewelry Exporter Sentenced to Prison for Evading More Than $1.89 Million in U.S. Customs Duties

A former accountant for a gold jewelry exporter in the United Arab Emirates, Ravi Kapadia, conspired to avoid United States Customs duties on imports from India and falsely declare that the jewelry originated in Oman and was sentenced to ten months in federal prison.

Texas Man Who Orchestrated $20 Million Cryptocurrency Scam Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

Robert Dunlap orchestrated a cryptocurrency scam that bilked nearly 1,000 investors out of more than $20 million. Dunlap made numerous false and misleading statements to potential and actual investors, including claims that his so-called Meta-1 Coin was backed by as much as $1 billion in art and $44 billion in gold.

Foreign National Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Conducting “Tech Support” Fraud Scheme That Victimized Senior Citizens in United States

Kartik Saini and co-schemers falsely represented to victims that their computers had been hacked and their bank accounts had been compromised. Saini or a co-schemer then convinced the victims to transfer significant funds to various bank accounts, claiming the companies would safely hold the money while the purported cyber hack was investigated by law enforcement.

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Stealing More Than $10 Million in Interstate Shipments

Aivaras Zigmantas stole more than $10 million in goods, including liquor and commercial-grade copper, from interstate shipments.

Federal Judge Sentences Man to Four Years in Prison for $2 Million COVID-Relief Fraud

James Townsend schemed to fraudulently obtain more than $2 million in small business loans under the CARES Act. Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Boutros and consistent with the Administration’s priorities to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal fraud in the federal government entitlement and benefit programs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has been taking a fresh look at Covid-19 fraud.

Illinois Investment Advisor Indicted on Fraud Charges for Allegedly Swindling Clients in Ponzi Scheme

Paaris Kopsaftis, who operated Illinois-based Blackwater Assets, Inc., allegedly used investor funds to pay his bills.

Former CEO of Chicago Charter School Network Charged With Misappropriating More Than $103,000

Timothy King allegedly embezzled $103,833 from Urban Prep Academies to pay off his personal credit card.

Two Plead Guilty to Operating Nearly $12 Million Fraudulent Loan Program Harming Dozens of Victims

Mark Carroll and Luke Curry operated a scheme that caused borrowers, lenders, and investors to turn over nearly $12 million through sham loan programs and investments.

Public Corruption

Former Suburban Chicago Police Officer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison on Corruption Charges

Antoine Larry was serving as a patrol officer for the Phoenix, Ill. Police Department when he conspired with another officer to corruptly solicit cash and drugs from the occupants of vehicles during traffic stops.

Deputy District Director to United States Congressman Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Covid-Relief Benefits

Gerard Moorer allegedly fraudulently pocketed nearly $32,000 in benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

Federal Indictment Charges Former Chicago Housing Authority Director and Construction Company Owner With Engaging in $4.8 Million Kickback Scheme

Ryan Ross, a former property director for the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), was allegedly given more than $421,000 in kickbacks from the owner of a construction company in exchange for steering that owner more than $4.8 million in construction and renovation work at CHA properties.

Former Federal Prison Employee Convicted of Sexually Abusing Two Inmates

Danny Spyker abused two male inmates at the Federal Correctional Institute in Thomson, Ill. Spyker worked as a cook supervisor when he knowingly engaged in sexual acts with the two inmates.

Immigration

Illegal Alien Facing State Murder Charge Now Charged in Federal Court With Illegally Possessing Firearm in Chicago

An illegal alien unlawfully residing in the United States, who is charged in state court with murdering an 18-year-old Loyola University student, was charged in federal court with illegally possessing a firearm. “Given the senseless, cold-blooded nature of the murder of a young student with a bright future ahead of her, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will take no chances that this illegal alien perpetrator will be released back into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Immigration Fraud, Possession of Child Pornography, and Tax Offenses

Jose Gregorio Sosa Cardona fabricated foreign law enforcement reports and other documents to falsely corroborate his clients’ asylum claims. A court-authorized search of Sosa Cardona’s electronic devices turned up thousands of photos and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Illegal Alien With Extensive Criminal Record Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Unlawfully Re-Entering United States After Multiple Deportations

Manuel Alberto Cortes Cuan was unlawfully present in the United States on June 17, 2025, when he was arrested in Lyons, Ill. Cortes Cuan was previously deported from the United States on five occasions. Each deportation occurred after Cortes Cuan sustained criminal convictions while unlawfully present here. The prior offenses of convictions included theft, escape, trespassing, aggravated assault, and aggravated DUI.

Illegal Alien With Violent Criminal Record Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Re-Entering United States After Seven Deportations

Jefry Estrada-Pastrana was unlawfully present in the United States on Jan. 20, 2026, when he was arrested in Chicago. Estrada-Pastrana was previously deported from the United States on seven occasions. During the times in which he was illegally present in the United States, Estrada-Pastrana was convicted of criminal offenses including robbery and aggravated fleeing. Estrada-Pastrana was sentenced to ten months in prison for his illegal re-entry conviction. 

Illegal Alien Who Possessed a Dangerous Weapon in Cook County Jail and Committed an Attempted Vehicular Hijacking Indicted for Allegedly Unlawfully Re-Entering U.S. After Deportation

Hector Daniel Gamboa-Mantalvo, a Mexican national who resided in Palatine, Ill., was removed from the United States in July 2020. Gamboa-Mantalvo was later discovered in the United States in 2023 when he was arrested for committing an attempted vehicular hijacking. In April, he was indicted on federal immigration charges.

Foreign National Residing in Chicago Suburb Indicted for Allegedly Bringing Illegal Aliens Into United States and Forcing Them To Work

Fredy Hernandez allegedly brought four individuals from Honduras into the U.S. in 2022 and 2023 and forced them to work for his private financial gain.

Healthcare Fraud

United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Announces Charges Against Two Chicago-Area Defendants as Part of Department of Justice’s National Healthcare Fraud Takedown

In the first matter, a defendant was charged with participating in a scheme to defraud Medicare out of approximately $240 million in reimbursements for over-the-counter Covid-19 test kits that were either never provided or never requested by Medicare beneficiaries, all within a span of less than six months. In the second matter, a healthcare provider was charged with orchestrating a scheme to defraud the Illinois Medicaid program out of more than $75 million for purported behavioral health counseling and therapy services that were never provided.

The charges filed in federal court in Chicago were part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown. The charges continue the trend of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago as well as the Midwest Strike Force to bring criminal healthcare fraud prosecutions, especially against gatekeepers, that dismantle significant schemes that syphon taxpayer funds from Medicare and Medicaid. Two Foreign Nationals Indicted in Chicago as Part of $10 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

Burhan Mirza and Kashif Iqbal allegedly used nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and private healthcare benefit programs for items and services that were not provided. “Every fraudulent submission in this case diverts much needed monies from senior citizens and disabled persons who rely on Medicare to fund critically important health needs,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The defendants didn’t just steal from a government program; they did damage to the promise of healthcare in this country and the peace of mind that comes with it.”

Suburban Chicago Chiropractor Convicted of Healthcare Fraud

Seung Han Lim and his clinic fraudulently billed more than $600,000 to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for services not rendered.

PDF version of the Mid-Year Report is available here: NDIL USAO Mid-Year Report_July 2026.pdf

CHICAGO — The former Chief of Police in the village of Summit, Ill., has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for corruptly accepting money from a local businessman to help facilitate the transfer of a liquor license.

A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago in December 2025 convicted JOHN KOSMOWSKI, 58, of Lockport, Ill., of bribery conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice.  On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger sentenced Kosmowski to three years in federal prison. 

Evidence at trial revealed that Kosmowski conspired with a Summit building inspector—WILLIAM MUNDY—to accept $10,000 from businessman KRZYSTOF HODUREK in 2017.  Kosmowski and Mundy accepted the money intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with the transfer of a liquor license to another person.  Kosmowski received a cash payment from Hodurek in 2017 and then gave Mundy a portion of it.

Mundy pleaded guilty prior to trial to bribery and tax offenses.  He is awaiting sentencing.  Hodurek pleaded guilty last year to a federal wire fraud charge in connection with an unrelated scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits from the state of Illinois.  As part of his guilty plea, Hodurek admitted to participating in the bribery scheme with Kosmowski and Mundy.  Hodurek is awaiting sentencing.

The obstruction conviction against Kosmowski stemmed from a meeting he had with Mundy in which Kosmowski informed Mundy of the federal investigation into the bribe.  During the meeting, Kosmowski sought to corruptly persuade Mundy to mischaracterize the purpose of the payment by falsely suggesting that it was a loan.

Kosmowski’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Marta Grijalva, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. 

“Defendant was a sworn law enforcement official who put personal profit over the public that he had a duty to protect,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Corruption by law enforcement officials strikes at the heart of government, eroding public confidence in those very officials that the public trusts to ensure their safety.”