District of Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man is facing federal indictment stemming from an unauthorized computer access scheme involving a Maryland medical system.

Matthew Bathula, 41, of Clarksville, is charged with two counts of unauthorized access to a protected computer, and one count of aggravated identity theft while working as a pharmacy clinical specialist for Company A, a medical system located in the District of Maryland.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.

“Bathula’s alleged actions are a reprehensible invasion of privacy. He betrayed the trust of his employer and co-workers, as he gained access into the private worlds of nearly 200 victims without their knowledge or consent,” Hayes said. “We, along with our law-enforcement partners, are committed to holding individuals accountable who commit cybersecurity crimes, thereby harming unsuspecting people.”

“Matthew Bathula is accused of weaponizing technology to spy on hundreds of unsuspecting victims for eight years,” Paul said. “I am proud of the swift and thorough response by FBI Baltimore’s team of investigators who handled this case with urgency, care, and sensitivity. They worked diligently to identify and notify each of the 195 victims, who are located around the country, in just four months. The FBI will always investigate, pursue, and hold accountable those who hide behind screens and keyboards to exploit and violate the privacy of others.”

According to the indictment, between July 2016 and September 2024, Bathula intentionally accessed Company A computers without authorization and obtained information from protected computers. Through this unlawful access, Bathula obtained victims’ usernames, passwords, cookies, images, videos, and other data.

Bathula also used various cyber intrusion techniques — such as keylogging, cookie managers, mailbox-rule creation, and file masquerading — to obtain access to personal and professional accounts of people who were current or former employees, in a relationship with a current or former employee, and others affiliated with Company A. This enabled Bathula to access victims’ online services such as Google Photos, iCloud Photos, Gmail, and Microsoft 365, and social media accounts. Additionally, the mailbox rule Bathula created automatically deleted incoming emails with the subject heading Critical Security Alert. This rule prevented Company A cybersecurity personnel from knowing their accounts were compromised.

Bathula’s repeated exportation of browser cookies allowed him to import cookies into an internet browser and access victims’ accounts on other devices without their authorization.  This enabled Bathula to maintain unauthorized access to victims’ accounts on his personal electronic devices from locations outside of Company A’s network.

Additionally, between February 2023, and continuing through July 2024, Bathula installed a spyware software program on one or more of Company A’s computers.  Through using the software, Bathula conducted video surveillance of people present at Company A, and recorded victims without their consent, including people engaged in breast pumping.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Bathula faces up to 10 years in federal prison for unauthorized access to a protected computer (Company A), five years for unauthorized access to a protected computer (victims) and a maximum of two years for aggravated identity theft. By statute, the aggravated identity theft must run consecutive to any sentence imposed on Count Two.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Several aliens, unlawfully in the United States, recently pled guilty and received their sentences, including a Portugal citizen and national, who destroyed government property. These prosecutions are in connection with the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the prosecutions with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Austin sentenced Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins, 30, to time served — totaling 103 days — after he pled guilty to using his van to ram government vehicles while attempting to escape immigration officers. Judge Austin also ordered Sousa-Martins to pay $1,000 in restitution.

Additionally, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan sentenced:

• Sergio Gonzalez-Suchite, 36, to time served after he pled guilty to illegally entering the United States. Law enforcement found the Guatemalan citizen and national in Trappe, Maryland.
• Nelson Mejia-Amaya, 36, to time served after he pled guilty to illegally entering the United States. Law enforcement discovered the Honduran citizen and national in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
• Esner Gudiel Garcia-Ortiz, 33, to time served after he pled guilty to illegally entering the United States. Law enforcement encountered the Guatemalan citizen and national in Ocean City, Maryland.

In addition, Nery Adelso Asmen-Raymundo, 43, is charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien. Authorities removed Asmen-Raymundo from the U.S. on two prior occasions – once in November 2009, and again in March 2010. Law enforcement found the Guatemalan citizen and national in Baltimore.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO and FBI for its work in these investigations. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted these federal cases.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to drug trafficking crimes in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy.

Jeremy Bethea, 46, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Through an investigation, law enforcement caught Bethea and his co-conspirators with more than 400 grams of fentanyl, more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine”, and a quantity of cocaine intended for distribution.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to the plea agreement, from August 2022, through October 2023, Bethea conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Bethea and his co-conspirators regularly obtained quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine to sell to customers in the Baltimore area.   

Beginning in November 2022, and continuing through May 2023, undercover investigators conducted 15 controlled purchases of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine from Bethea. In January 2023, Bethea sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover investigator.

Additionally, from June 2023 through August 2023, investigators received authorization to utilize a federal wiretap to intercept communications from three cellphones. The cellphone users included Bethea and other members of the conspiracy.During the wiretap investigation, law enforcement intercepted numerous conversations between Bethea and his co-conspirators discussing and coordinating fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine sales.

Then on April 17, 2023, as a result of the intercepted calls, BPD officers stopped a vehicle enroute to a planned drug transaction. During the traffic stop, law enforcement encountered Bethea and recovered several hundred gelcaps from the source of supply. A DEA laboratory performed an analysis of the substance found inside the recovered gel caps and confirmed it as fentanyl with a total weight of more than 400 grams.

During the investigation, investigators also discovered that Bethea used a Sharp-Leadenhall residence to store fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine for distribution. On August 22, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence. Investigators uncovered 105 grams of crack cocaine packaged for retail sale and more than 300 grams of marijuana at the location. 

Bethea faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute. He also faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tsuei who is prosecuting this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – An illegal alien, who is a citizen of Romania, will serve more than two years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Maria Roza Tomescu, 22, to 28 months in prison for her role in a Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits fraud conspiracy.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region; Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Chief Gregory Der, Howard County Police Department (HCPD).

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, was a federally funded, national program established by the United States to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among lower income families.  Each SNAP recipient receives an EBT authorization card that acts as a debit card and which electronically stores personal identifying information and other data concerning the applicant.

According to her plea agreement, Tomescu participated in a conspiracy to defraud the United States and multiple recipients of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits. In 2022, Tomescu and her co-conspirators obtained EBT information from victims throughout the U.S., including in Maryland, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, and other states. They used skimming devices and other means to carry out the conspiracy.

The co-conspirators played various roles in skimming operations, including acquiring skimming equipment, shipping equipment to co-conspirators, and installing or removing the equipment at the point of sale (POS) terminals at various commercial establishments. They also monitored the activity at POSs where skimming equipment was installed and duplicated victims’ EBT cards using the information collected from the skimming devices. Co-conspirators then fraudulently purchased large bulk items using cloned EBT cards containing numerous victims’ personal identifying information.

On August 5, 2022, Tomescu and two co-conspirators entered two stores — a Columbia Wal-Mart and a Laurel 7-Eleven — and placed skimming device on the point-of-sale terminals at the front of the stores. At both stores, Tomescu served as the diversion as a co-conspirator installed the device. Then on August 27, Tomescu used a stolen Maryland EBT number and PIN to spend more than $900 of a victim’s benefits on Red Bull at a Severn, Maryland, Sam’s Club.

In 2025, Baltimore County Police Department officers stopped a vehicle Tomescu was driving. She then presented officers with a false Italian driver’s license. After law enforcement discovered Tomescu’s identity, officers arrested her. Then through further investigation, law enforcement discovered Tomescu opened two bank accounts using the false identity. Tomescu used the bank accounts to deposit checks that parishioners issued to churches.  Through her criminal activities, Tomescu obtained $7,457.50 in fraudulent funds.

Due to the loss of their SNAP benefits, at least 15 victims were unable to obtain food items until after the replenishment of their funds the following month. The total loss attributed to the conspiracy in Maryland is approximately $343,756.

Judge Rubin previously sentenced co-conspirator Fabritio Sardaru, 22, an illegal alien who is a citizen of Romania and Ireland, to two years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USDA-OIG, MCPD, and HCPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Inspector General, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Higgins who prosecuted the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore convicted sex offender is facing indictment stemming from child sexual exploitation charges.

Tarif Jahmil Alston, 43, is charged with five counts of receipt of child sexual abuse material, two counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS); Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City; and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to the federal indictment, Alston used a BitComet program on his cellphone to distribute and receive child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement found Alston, a convicted sex offender, in possession of more than 1,700 visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. At the time of his arrest, Alston failed to comply with registering as a sex offender. Alston has more than five prior convictions for failing to register as a sex offender in Baltimore.

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

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Alston faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison for each count of receipt of child sexual abuse material, a minimum of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years for distribution of child sexual abuse material, and a minimum sentence of 10 years and maximum sentence of 20 years for possession of child sexual abuse material.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, USMS, and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn and Elliot Higgins who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man is headed to federal prison for 13 years for his role in an armed robbery spree.

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Derek Lynn Davis, 36, of Greenbelt, Maryland, to 13 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for interfering with interstate commerce by robbery and using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Davis and his co-conspirators stole more than $3,000, from multiple businesses they robbed, and terrorized nine victims.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to court documents, beginning in July 2023, and continuing through August 2023, Davis, with the assistance of different co-conspirators, robbed six businesses at gunpoint.  Sometimes the co-conspirators robbed multiple businesses within one day.

Davis and his co-conspirators typically entered these establishments, armed with firearms, and then demanded victims to open the cash register. In fear of their lives, victims complied with Davis’s demands, giving him access to the cash registers. Additionally, during one robbery, Individual-1 discharged his firearm as a victim opened the cash register. The round struck the ground near where two victims were standing.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn Williams who prosecuted this case. 

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

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A former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) employee is facing indictment for his role in a scheme to evade Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in connection with COVID-19 research grants.

David M. Morens, 78, of Chester, Maryland, is charged with conspiracy against the United States; destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations; concealment, removal, or mutilation of records; and aiding and abetting. Morens served as a senior advisor in NIAID’s Office of the Director from 2006 through 2022.

“These allegations represent a profound abuse of trust at a time when the American people needed it most — during the height of a global pandemic,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “As alleged in the indictment, Dr. Morens and his co-conspirators deliberately concealed information and falsified records in an effort to suppress alternative theories regarding the origins of COVID-19. Government officials have a solemn duty to provide honest, well-grounded facts and advice in service of the public interest — not to advance their own personal or ideological agendas.”

“Circumventing records protocols with the intention of avoiding transparency is something that will not be tolerated by this FBI,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Not only did Morens allegedly engage in the illegal obfuscation of his communications, but he received kickbacks for doing so. If you have engaged in activity conspiring against the United States, we will not stop until you face justice.”

“When public officials deliberately circumvent the law to hide their communications from the public, they undermine the public’s trust and the integrity of our institutions. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when transparency was needed most,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Our office will continue to hold accountable those who seek to evade their legal obligations for their own gain.”

“Public officials who disregard their legal obligations undermine the transparency that keeps our federal programs strong. The deliberate mishandling and concealment of records in a federal investigation is not just a breach of duty, it is a betrayal of public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Marcus L. Sykes, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who seeks to evade the law is held fully accountable.”

As a senior advisor, Morens counseled Senior NIAID Official 1 and other senior-level NIAID staff on senior-level policies, developed recommendations and solutions for issues impacting the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and wrote and edited manuscripts. Morens also provided guidance and expertise to senior staff members on epidemiological studies and issues related to infectious disease planning and management. Additionally, Morens gathered information from grantees and others in the scientific community to establish facts about the nature of COVID-19. This enabled Morens to understand NIH and NIAID’s historical activities in coronavirus research, assist in formulating policy and procedures, and brief Senior NIAID Official 1 so he could then relay information to the President of the United States, Congress, and the public.

According to the indictment, Morens, Co-Conspirator 1, Co-Conspirator 2, and others conspired during the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud and commit several offenses against the United States after NIH terminated Co-Conspirator 1’s grant. NIH terminated the grant, Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence (bat coronavirus grant), based on allegations that COVID-19 emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan, China. NIAID awarded the grant to Company #1 and Co-Conspirator 1, who made a subaward to the WIV.

Following the termination, Morens and Co-Conspirator 2 pledged to help Co-Conspirator 1 restore the termination of the bat coronavirus grant and counter the narrative that COVID-19 leaked from a lab. In anticipation that their communications would be requested through a FOIA Request, Morens, Co-Conspirator 1, and Co-Conspirator 2 agreed in writing to intentionally hide from public view their communications by corresponding using Morens’s personal Gmail account, rather than his official NIH email account.

The indictment alleges that the conspirators used Morens’s personal Gmail account to exchange non-public NIH information; correspond about their efforts to influence NIH to fund Company #1; exchange edits to drafts of letters addressed to NIH leadership for Company #1 and Co-Conspirator 1; and “back-channel” information to Senior NIAID Official 1. According to the indictment, each of these matters fell within Morens’s role as senior advisor and constituted federal records that needed to be created, maintained, and exchanged on government systems.

Additionally, the indictment further alleges that Morens and Co-Conspirator 1 conspired to pay illegal gratuities. The indictment states that Co-Coconspirator 1 gifted Morens wine for his “behind-the-scenes shenanigans,” and arranged for its delivery to Morens’s residence in Maryland.  Morens then allegedly identified an official act that he could perform to “deserve” the gift, which was a scientific commentary in a prominent medical journal advocating that COVID-19 had natural origins. The indictment further alleges that Co-Conspirator 1 suggested he would provide Morens with additional things of value, including meals at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, New York, and Washington, D.C.

If convicted, Morens faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy against the United States, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of concealment, removal, or mutilation of records. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Bijon A. Mostoufi for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Greenbelt, Maryland – A former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) employee is facing indictment for his role in a scheme to evade Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in connection with COVID-19 research grants.

David M. Morens, 78, of Chester, Maryland, is charged with conspiracy against the United States; destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations; concealment, removal, or mutilation of records; and aiding and abetting. Morens served as a senior advisor in NIAID’s Office of the Director from 2006 through 2022.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche; FBI Director Kash Patel; Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; and Inspector General T. March Bell, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

“These allegations represent a profound abuse of trust at a time when the American people needed it most—during the height of a global pandemic,” Blanche said. “As alleged in the indictment, Dr. Morens and his co-conspirators deliberately concealed information and falsified records in an effort to suppress alternative theories regarding the origins of COVID-19. Government officials have a solemn duty to provide honest, well-grounded facts and advice in service of the public interest—not to advance their own personal or ideological agendas.”

“Circumventing records protocols with the intention of avoiding transparency is something that will not be tolerated by this FBI,” Patel said. “Not only did Morens allegedly engage in the illegal obfuscation of his communications, but he received kickbacks for doing so. If you have engaged in activity conspiring against the United States, we will not stop until you face justice.”

“When public officials deliberately circumvent the law to hide their communications from the public, they undermine the public’s trust and the integrity of our institutions. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when transparency was needed most,” Hayes said. “Our office will continue to hold accountable those who seek to evade their legal obligations for their own gain.”

“As a public official, Morens was held to a higher standard and expected to dutifully follow the law,” Paul said. “Morens allegedly violated the law by circumventing the required processes for retaining official documents.”

“Public officials who disregard their legal obligations undermine the transparency that keeps our federal programs strong. The deliberate mishandling and concealment of records in a federal investigation is not just a breach of duty, it is a betrayal of public trust,” Bell said. “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who seeks to evade the law is held fully accountable.”

As a senior advisor, Morens counseled Senior NIAID Official 1 and other senior-level NIAID staff on senior-level policies, developed recommendations and solutions for issues impacting the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and wrote and edited manuscripts.  Morens also provided guidance and expertise to senior staff members on epidemiological studies and issues related to infectious disease planning and management.

Additionally, Morens gathered information from grantees and others in the scientific community to establish facts about the nature of COVID-19. This enabled Morens to understand NIH and NIAID’s historical activities in coronavirus research, assist in formulating policy and procedures, and brief Senior NIAID Official 1 so he could then relay information to the President of the United States, Congress, and the public.

According to the indictment, Morens, Co-Conspirator 1, Co-Conspirator 2, and others conspired during the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud and commit several offenses against the United States after NIH terminated Co-Conspirator 1’s grant. NIH terminated the grant, Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence, based on allegations that COVID-19 emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan, China. NIAID awarded the grant to Company #1 and Co-Conspirator 1, who made a subaward to the WIV.

Following the termination, Morens and Co-Conspirator 2 pledged to help Co-Conspirator 1 restore the termination of the bat coronavirus grant and counter the narrative that COVID-19 leaked from a lab.  In anticipation that their communications would be requested through a FOIA Request, Morens, Co-Conspirator 1, and Co-Conspirator 2 agreed in writing to intentionally hide their communications, from public view, by corresponding using Morens’s personal Gmail account, rather than his official NIH email account.

The indictment alleges that the conspirators used Morens’s personal Gmail account to exchange non-public NIH information; correspond about their efforts to influence NIH to fund Company #1; exchange edits to drafts of letters addressed to NIH leadership for Company #1 and Co-Conspirator 1; and “back-channel” information to Senior NIAID Official 1.  According to the indictment, each of these matters fell within Morens’s role as senior advisor and constituted federal records that needed to be created, maintained, and exchanged on government systems. 

Additionally, the indictment further alleges that Morens and Co-Conspirator 1 conspired to pay illegal gratuities.  The indictment states that Co-Conspirator 1 gifted Morens wine for his “behind-the-scenes shenanigans,” and arranged for its delivery to Morens’s residence in Maryland.  Morens then allegedly identified an official act that he could perform to “deserve” the gift, which was a scientific commentary in a prominent medical journal advocating that COVID-19 had natural origins. The indictment further alleges that Co-Conspirator 1 suggested he would provide Morens with additional things of value, including meals at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, New York, and Washington, D.C.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Morens faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy against the United States, 20 years for each count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations, and three years for each count of concealment, removal, or mutilation of records.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and HHS-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Bijon A. Mostoufi who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Washington, D.C., woman learned her fate in federal court today, in connection with a multi-million-dollar money laundering scheme. 

Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Lorena Perez Herrera, 29, to two years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiring to engage in a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy.  Additionally, Judge Maddox ordered Herrera to pay $1,473,125.58 in restitution. Herrera, who pled guilty to participating in the money laundering conspiracy in March 2025, admitted that nearly $1.5 million in money laundering occurred pursuant to her direct participation in the conspiracy.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with  Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG).

According to court documents, beginning in 2020, and continuing into November 2023, Herrera conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud. The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the conspiracy.

The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others. 

Herrera and her co-conspirators worked with each other to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of shell entities; and receive and launder fraud proceeds. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland previously charged 14 defendants in connection with the money laundering conspiracy.  Thirteen have pled guilty.  Faizou Gnora, 28, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice.   

In connection with this prosecution, Adanegbe Gift Osemwenkhae, 39, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Emily Gil Arias, 28, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Fatoumata Boiro,  32, of Largo, Maryland; Lawrence Ogunsanwo, 33; Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland; Martin Ogisi, 37, of Severn, Maryland; Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; and Kevin Colon, 34, of Curtis Bay, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Additionally, Yahya Sowe, 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland, Victor Killen, 33, of Hyattsville, Maryland, Gedeon Agbeyome, 31, of Montgomery County, Maryland, and Areal Harris, 27, of Hanover, Maryland, previously pled guilty, admitting to conspiring to commit money laundering.

Agbeyome also admitted engaging in aggravated identity theft and Parker acknowledged engaging in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  As part of their plea agreements, Gift and Sowe admitted that they served as managers or supervisors of the money laundering conspiracy.  The overall conspiracy involved more than $20 million of money laundering, involving more than 15 different victim entities.

The District Court previously sentenced:

• Killen to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution of $7,070,656.46, and a $3 million forfeiture order   
• Agbeyome to 72 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, along with restitution of $2,938,424.65, and a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture
• Ogunsanwo to 40 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $5,648,816.23
• Parker to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release and restitution of $8,306,930.95
• Ogisi to 33 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $11,077,044.17
• Colon to 27 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release and restitution of $2,515,159.63
• Harris to 24  months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $3,159,482.83
• Ndjouandjouaka to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $733,941.48

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.

The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes praised the Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their assistance.  She also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Jared M. Beim, who prosecuted the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her assistance.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Today, an illegal alien from Portugal pled guilty and received a federal sentence for destroying government property.

Magistrate Judge Charles Austin sentenced Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins, 30, to time served — totaling 103 days — for using his van to ram government vehicles while attempting to escape immigration officers. Judge Austin also ordered Sousa-Martins to pay $1,000 in restitution.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea and sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to the guilty plea, on December 24, 2025, ICE officers conducted a traffic stop on Sousa-Martins’s vehicle.  The officers boxed in Sousa-Martins’s vehicle by positioning their government vehicles behind, in front, and to the side of his vehicle. After officers exited their vehicles, and identified themselves, they directed Sousa-Martins to exit his vehicle, but he refused.

Officers then broke the Sousa-Martins’s driver’s side window and attempted to remove him. In response, Sousa-Martins placed his vehicle in drive, drove a short distance forward, and then drove back and forth between the government vehicles before backing into the government vehicle directly behind him.  After the initial collision, Sousa-Martins continued reversing his vehicle, pushing the government vehicle parked directly behind him back into another government vehicle. The collisions caused damage to both government vehicles.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and ICE-ERO for their work in this investigation. 

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Washington, DC, man is headed to prison for robbing several United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers at gunpoint.

After an eight-day trial, a federal jury convicted DeAngelo Lewis, 30, on numerous federal charges in connection with the 2022-armed robbery of seven mail carriers. Charges include armed robbery of postal carriers; bank fraud; theft of mail; and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty verdict with Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Washington Division; Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD); and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).

Evidence presented at trial established that beginning in January 2022, and continuing through at least October 2022, Lewis and his co-conspirators committed numerous armed robberies. Lewis and his co-conspirators robbed seven mail carriers at gunpoint as they delivered mail in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. The co-conspirators took the mail carriers’ postal-service keys, which open public mail collection boxes and neighborhood cluster boxes.  With access to these boxes, Lewis and his co-conspirators stole personal and business checks that people placed in the mail. They then altered the checks and negotiated them at various banks, stealing almost $1 million of victims’ money in the process. 

According to trial testimony, as USPS carriers walked their routes, sorted mail in their trucks, or filled neighborhood cluster boxes, one or more masked individuals approached them. The individual(s) then pointed or flashed firearms and demanded the carrier’s mailbox key.  During one encounter, a masked individual struck one carrier in the face even though the carrier already handed over his key. Doorbell cameras or business CCTV systems captured at least two of the robberies. 

Additionally, a black Mercedes sedan and a blue Dodge Challenger — which are cars Lewis was known to drive — were frequently seen leaving the scenes of the robberies. Navigation data seized from Lewis’ phone also revealed that he searched for post offices near each of the robberies shortly before they occurred. Lewis would use this information to begin searching for a mail carrier to target in that area.

Law enforcement identified Lewis and his co-conspirators after seeing them on bank surveillance cameras depositing stolen and altered checks at various bank branch locations. Then, when law enforcement searched Lewis’s Marlow Heights, Maryland, apartment, officers found approximately 1,500 checks, with a face-value of nearly $3 million, that had not yet been deposited at banks. The checks were sorted in envelopes based on where they were stolen from. Postal inspectors found at least 60 instances where Lewis already deposited checks worth nearly $1 million. Law enforcement also found check-altering materials and five of the seven stolen postal-service keys in Lewis’ nightstand and on the floor in the apartment.

Social media, along with a search of Lewis’ phone, revealed that he recruited others to allow him to use their accounts to deposit stolen and altered checks in exchange for a percentage of the proceeds. Postal inspectors testified that recruiting others via Instagram, Telegram, and other platforms enables fraudsters like Lewis to deposit far more checks than they could get away with if they attempted to use their accounts. 

On October 27, law enforcement arrested Lewis after officers observed him exiting a white Dodge Challenger. Lewis and two co-conspirators just finished stealing mail from three blue public-collection boxes in Potomac, Maryland. One of the co-conspirators was wearing a USPS shirt.  Law enforcement found a sixth key – which was robbed from a mail carrier only a week before in the same area – in the vehicle.

Lewis faces a minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in federal prison for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, namely a robbery on January 31, 2022, and a minimum of five years and a maximum of life for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, namely a robbery on October 20, 2022.  Those minimum sentences must be served consecutive to each other and any other sentence imposed, for a total of at least 12 years.  Additionally, Lewis faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for armed robbery, and a maximum of 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud. He is also facing additional time for charges related to bank fraud, mail theft, and unlawful possession of postal keys. A sentencing date is pending.

Co-conspirators Marking Long, 24 of Washington, D.C., and Enrico Hood-Jackson, 32, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud in connection with the scheme. Hood-Jackson also pled guilty to armed robbery and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPIS, PGPD, and MCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren S. Gardner and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Jaskiw who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Laurel man was sentenced to almost two years in federal prison in connection with a nursing credentials scam.

The Honorable Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Patrick Nwaokwu, 55, to 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for committing wire fraud.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

According to his plea agreement, Nwaokwu conspired with others to sell fraudulent nursing diplomas and educational transcripts to individuals. He also assisted the purchasers with fraudulently obtaining nursing licensures they needed to attain employment in the health care field.  Nwaokwu engaged in the scheme through multiple entities, including Nursing School 1, located in Virginia, and Palm Beach School of Nursing, located in Florida. As a result of the scheme, Nwaokwu and his co-conspirators caused more than $1.5 million in actual losses.

Beginning in 2018, Nwaokwu conspired with Musa Bangura, 67, of Manassas, Virginia, to recruit potential purchasers in Maryland and elsewhere who were looking to obtain nursing degrees.  Nwaokwu sold purchasers fraudulent Nursing School 1 documents. These documents falsely confirmed that the purchasers completed the necessary courses and clinical training at Nursing School 1 to obtain nursing degrees.

Nursing School 1 is no longer licensed, so Nwaokwu, Bangura, and others backdated the false documents that they sold to purchasers to make it appear that they attended Nursing School 1 before it lost its licensure.

Additionally, beginning in 2018, and continuing through at least July 2021, Nwaokwu conspired with Johanah Napoleon, 50, of West Palm Beach County, Florida, and Geralda Adrien, 56, of Broward County, Florida, to sell false and fraudulent RN and LPN degrees from Palm Beach School of Nursing to individuals in Maryland.  Nwaokwu generally charged $17,000 for RN degrees and $6,000-$10,000 for LPN degrees.  He instructed purchasers to list Palm Beach School of Nursing on their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) applications but to leave their graduation date blank, so the date could be backdated. This would make it appear that the student graduated before Palm Beach School of Nursing lost its licensure.

By providing these fraudulent documents, Nwaokwu and his co-conspirators assisted the purchasers with obtaining fraudulent nursing licenses from state licensing agencies, including the Maryland Board of Nursing, and ultimately employment in the health care field.  The scheme enabled these unqualified individuals to apply for licensure and practice as nurses.  As a result, Nwaokwu and his co-conspirators consciously and recklessly exposed Maryland patients to potential harm, risk of death, and serious bodily injury.

Bangura previously received a 13-month federal-prison sentence for his role in the scheme. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and HHS-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy who prosecuted the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict against a Baltimore man, who is a Honduran citizen unlawfully present in the United States, convicting him of sexually abusing and exploiting three minor victims. The jury found Jose Adan Lopez-Guevara, 39, guilty of 14 counts of sexually exploiting a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office (PGCSAO).

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2015 and 2024, Lopez-Guevara sexually abused three minors, ranging from 2 to 11 years old at the time of the abuse.  Lopez-Guevara produced images and videos of himself, and the victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, many of which were found on the dark web.

In December 2024, HSI initiated an investigation after its investigators in Portland, Maine, observed previously unseen child sexual abuse material videos on the internet.  After identifying Minor Victim 1 in the videos, and determining that he lived in Maryland, investigators quickly referred the matter to HSI Maryland.

Then on December 12, HSI executed several search warrants in Maryland and discovered Lopez-Guevara in possession of two phones. Investigators forensically examined the phones and discovered additional images of Lopez-Guevara sexually abusing Minor Victim 1. Law enforcement also found depictions of Lopez-Guevara abusing Minor Victim 2 and Minor Victim 3. Additionally, law enforcement found hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on the phone associated with an encrypted messaging application.

Lopez-Guevara faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for each count of sexual exploitation of a child, and 20 years in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Honorable Richard D. Bennett scheduled sentencing for July 28, at 11 a.m.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, MSP, BCPD, PGCSAO, for their work in the investigation, along with the Center for Hope for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Victoria Liu who are prosecuting the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court, today, to bank-fraud charges in connection with a real-estate scheme.

Jacob Rappaport, 41, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Rappaport, an attorney, represented Alexander Schultz, 31, formerly of Pikesville, Maryland and Schultz’s company, Limitless Management — a company that bought, sold, and managed real estate in Maryland — on various real estate transactions.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Edwin Bonano, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), Southeast Region; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Pittano, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region.

According to court documents, in January 2020, Coventry Realty, LLC, an organization controlled by Schultz and others, purchased Coventry Manor, a Baltimore apartment complex, for $5.5 million. Then in March 2021, Coventry Realty, LLC obtained a new loan from Bank B for approximately $6.2 million for Coventry Manor.

In December 2021, Schultz and others agreed to sell Coventry Manor to Buyer #1. According to the agreement, Buyer #1 would assume the Bank B loan instead of seeking new financing. Rappaport, acting on behalf of Limitless Management, prepared two separate contracts for sale.

The first contract given to Bank B reflected that Buyer #1 was purchasing Coventry Manor from Coventry Realty for $7.8 million. Rappaport also drafted a side agreement that he did not disclose to Bank B.

In this side agreement, which Schultz and Buyer #1’s representative signed, it listed Coventry Manor’s true purchasing price as approximately $6.9 million. It also stated that Coventry Realty would provide approximately $847,619.05 in “seller credits” to account for the difference between the fake purchase price of $7.8 million and the actual purchase price of $6.9 million. Rappaport prepared both the $7.8 million contract of sale and the separate $6.9 million agreement.   

Rappaport participated in conversations with Schultz, and others to plan the scheme. Additionally, when the attorney who initially represented Buyer #1 indicated that he would not participate in the scheme, Rappaport assisted in identifying a different lawyer who would participate in the fraud scheme.

Prior to settlement, Rappaport and his co-conspirators determined that only $512,251.12 of the agreed upon seller credits should appear on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement as concessions from the seller to the buyer. The co-conspirators agreed to reflect a fictitious “Reno Credit,” for $85,000 on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement to lower the amount owed by Buyer #1 at closing. Bank B was unaware that Rappaport agreed to hold $335,367.93 in his attorney trust account for the purpose of concealing from the bank where the funds would eventually go, namely back to Buyer #1.  

On April 14, 2022, Coventry Realty completed the settlement to execute the sale. As agreed upon, the HUD-1 Settlement Statement reflected a fraudulent sale price of $7.8 million, fraudulent a “Reno Credit” of $85,000, and a $335,367.93 “seller fee” that was paid to the law firm where Rappaport was employed.

Settlement Company A initiated a wire transfer to Rappaport’s attorney trust account for $351,617.93. As a result of this transaction, Rappaport received a $16,250 payment. Then on April 19, Rappaport’s attorney trust account initiated a $335,367.93 wire transfer to Buyer #1’s company, which the lender thought was the “seller fee,” payable to Rappaport’s law firm.

Additionally, Rapport negotiated contracts for Shultz and other co-conspirators in connection with a residential homes wholesaling scheme. Through the scheme, Schultz and his co-conspirators identified homes for sale under market value and then placed contracts on these residences.  Schultz and others only owned the homes for a short period of time, sometimes for less than a day, and then sold the properties to a third-party buyer at or near market value.

In September 2021, Schultz and other co-conspirators identified 42 residential homes in Baltimore. Rappaport assisted Schultz and the other co-conspirators by negotiating a contract sales price of $87,500 per home or $3,675,000 collectively. As part of the scheme, the homes were sold to Buyer #2 for $112,500 per home or $4,725,000 collectively. Then the co-conspirators agreed to fraudulently inflate the purchase price to $165,000 per home or $6,930,000 collectively. Lender A did not know the true purchase price was $112,500 per home.

On December 9, 2021, the 42 residential homes were purchased for $3,675,000 and then sold to Buyer #2 on the same day for $6,930,000. The HUD-1 Settlement Statement reflected that Buyer #2 provided $1,931,545.96 as a down payment that came from a third-party not affiliated with the transaction, but Lender A believed the funds came from Buyer #2.  The co-conspirators, including Schultz, received $2,921,604.09 from the sale that went to Rappaport’s attorney trust account in order to conceal from Lender A the true sales price and the source of the down payment. After settlement, approximately $2 million was wired by Rappaport from his attorney trust account back to the unaffiliated third party. As a result of this transaction, Rappaport received $5,500.

Rappaport faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, June 23, at 10 a.m.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, FHFA-OIG, and FDIC-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Hanover, Maryland, woman learned her fate in federal court, in connection with a multi-million-dollar money laundering scheme. 

Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Areal Harris, 27, to two years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiring to engage in a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy.  Additionally, Judge Maddox ordered Harris to pay $3,159,482.83 in restitution. Harris, who pled guilty to participating in the money laundering conspiracy in May 2025, admitted that at least $1.3 million in money laundering occurred pursuant to her direct participation in the conspiracy.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG).

According to court documents, beginning in 2021, and continuing into February 2024, Harris conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud. The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the conspiracy.

The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others. 

Harris and her co-conspirators worked with each other to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of shell entities; and receive and launder fraud proceeds. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland previously charged 14 defendants in connection with the money laundering conspiracy.  Thirteen have pled guilty.  Faizou Gnora, 28, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice.   

In connection with this prosecution, Yahya Sowe, 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland, Gedeon Agbeyome, 31, of Montgomery County, Maryland, and Victor Killen, 33, of Hyattsville, Maryland, previously pled guilty, admitting to conspiring to commit money laundering.

Additionally, Adanegbe Gift Osemwenkhae, 39, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Emily Gil Arias, 28, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Fatoumata Boiro,  32, of Largo, Maryland; Lawrence Ogunsanwo, 33; Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland; Martin Ogisi, 37, of Severn, Maryland; Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Kevin Colon, 34, of Curtis Bay, Maryland; and Lorena Perez Herrera, 29, of Silver Spring, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Agbeyome also admitted engaging in aggravated identity theft and Parker acknowledged engaging in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  As part of their plea agreements, Gift and Sowe admitted that they served as managers or supervisors of the money laundering conspiracy.  The overall conspiracy involved more than $20 million of money laundering, involving more than 15 different victim entities.

The District Court previously sentenced:

• Agbeyome to 48 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, along with restitution of $2,938,424.65, and a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture
• Ogunsanwo to 40 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $5,648,816.23
• Parker to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release and restitution of $8,306,930.95
• Ogisi to 33 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $11,077,044.17
• Ndjouandjouaka to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $733,941.48
• Colon to 27 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release and restitution of $2,515,159.63
• Killen to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution of $7,070,656.46, and a $3 million forfeiture order.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes praised the Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their assistance.  She also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Jared M. Beim, who prosecuted the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her assistance.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man, who previously decided to stand trial stemming from bank-fraud crimes, changed his mind and pled guilty on the first day of his federal trial.

Eric Tano Tataw, 39, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, pled guilty to bank fraud in connection with multiple fraudulent COVID-19 relief loans for his company, National Telegraph, LLC. Tataw also admitted that he attempted to obstruct justice by providing fake documents to a subpoenaed grand-jury witness and instructed her to bring the documents to the grand jury.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland, Special Agent in Charge David Richeson, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Washington Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.

According to the guilty plea, beginning in April 2020, and continuing through May 2021, Tataw executed a scheme to defraud a financial institution, along with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Through the scheme, Tataw sought to obtain two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for his company.

On his loan applications, Tataw made several materially false statements, including inflating the number of employees and annual monthly payroll amounts. Tataw also submitted false earning statements in the names of individuals who did not work for National Telegraph, including Witness 1.

Additionally, Tataw submitted false tax documents in support of the applications. As a result, Tataw fraudulently obtained $163,302 in PPP funding and misused most of these funds on personal expenses. In October 2020, Tataw also attempted to defraud the SBA by applying for a fraudulent $150,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). On his EIDL application, Tataw made materially false statements, including inflating National Telegraph’s annual gross and net revenue. Through the scheme, Tataw admitted that he intended to defraud approximately $313,302, of which he actually obtained approximately $163,302.

Then in August 2023, law enforcement agents served Witness 1 with a federal grand-jury subpoena. In the subpoena, law enforcement instructed Witness 1 to produce records relating to Tataw, his spouse, and National Telegraph.

Tataw then met Witness 1 at a Landover, Maryland, laundromat where he gave the witness false earnings statements that purported to represent a salary National Telegraph paid her through 2021. Tataw instructed Witness 1 to give the false documents to the grand jury and testify that she was a National Telegraph employee between 2020 and 2021.

Additionally, Tataw gave Witness 1 a blank W-2 and asked her to go to a tax preparer to amend her tax filings to falsely show that she received wages from National Telegraph. As a result, Tataw corruptly acted to obstruct or impede a grand-jury proceeding.

Tataw faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for bank fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

He is also facing a separate indictment, charging him with conspiring to provide material support to armed separatist groups in Cameroon and making threatening communications to injure or kidnap Cameroonian civilians. The case is still pending.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, DSS, and FBI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Wenner and Philip Motsay who are prosecuting the case, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Hoffman and Paralegal Specialist Andrew Murray, for their valuable assistance.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury indicted a Maryland man today, in connection with child sexual exploitation crimes.

Gleybar Josue Ramirez-Clemente, 21, of Frederick, Maryland, is charged with sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Ramirez-Clemente pretended he was a minor while engaging with the victim on a social media platform and when he eventually sexually exploited the child.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, Interim Chief Kevin Meyer, Frederick Police Department (FPD), and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County.

According to the indictment, from July through October 2025, Ramirez-Clemente used his Instagram internet-based account to solicit a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. On August 18, 2025, Ramirez-Clemente then coerced the minor to produce two sexually explicit videos. Then on November 26, law enforcement found Ramirez-Clemente in possession of child sexual abuse material.

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

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Ramirez-Clemente faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child, a minimum of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life for coercion and enticement, and a maximum sentence of 10 years for possession of child sexual abuse material.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, FPD, and State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court today, in connection with an arson conspiracy.

U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Stephen Kennedy, 34, of Temple Hills, Maryland, to 45 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit arson, arson affecting interstate commerce, commercial robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, carrying an explosive device during the commission of a felony, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Chuang also ordered Kennedy to pay $367,354.82 in restitution. In February 2025, after a five-day trial, a federal jury found Kennedy guilty of these charges.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Acting Maryland State Fire Marshal​ Jason M. Mowbray​​; Fire Chief Thelmetria Michaelides, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department; Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to court documents, from at least January 2021 to January 2022, Kennedy and co-conspirators, including co-defendant Donnell Kelly, conspired to commit arsons at 7-Eleven convenience stores. The co-conspirators set the fires so they could later steal the cash contained in ATMs in the stores.

Kennedy, Kelly, and other co-conspirators traveled to 7-Eleven locations while they were open for business and deployed explosive devices to set fire to the buildings. On at least one occasion, a co-conspirator demanded the contents from the store’s cash register.  The co-conspirators burned the stores to force their closure and then shut off power to the security cameras, which enabled them to return to the unguarded locations to burglarize the ATMs. 

This scheme resulted in losses to the ATM company of at least $90,000.

In October 2024, Kelly, who also pled guilty to conspiracy to commit arson, received a 10-year prison term, followed by three years of supervised release.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF Baltimore Field Division’s Arson & Explosive Investigations Group, Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Additionally, Ms. Hayes recognized the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, ATF Washington Field Division, U.S. Marshals Service, and Alexandria, Virginia Fire and Police Departments for their assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rosenthal and Christopher Sarma who prosecuted this case. 

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison for more than seven years for possessing a loaded ghost gun and ammunition as a convicted felon.

U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Sequan Branch-Green, 29, to 90 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with the charge.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, on January 10, 2024, BPD officers responded to the 1900 block of Aisquith Street in connection with an individual with an outstanding arrest warrant. Upon arriving at the scene, officers identified the individual as Branch-Green.

When law enforcement investigated Branch-Green’s vehicle, officers found a firearm in plain view between the driver’s seat and the center console. Officers then recovered the firearm and identified it as a Polymer 80 9mm Luger handgun loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. Polymer 80 firearms are commonly known as “ghost guns” as they do not possess a serial number and are untraceable by law enforcement.

Additionally, law enforcement recovered more than 100 grams of narcotics, which were packaged for resale, from the vehicle’s center console.

Branch-Green is a convicted felon, so he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He has an extensive criminal history and was on supervised probation for separate offenses in both Carroll County and Baltimore City at the time of this incident. Branch-Green is currently pending violation-of-probation hearings in both jurisdictions.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins who prosecuted this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today that a federal grand jury indicted a former Social Security Administration (SSA) employee in connection with a social security disability theft scheme.

Najee Alexander Corbett, 37, of Baltimore, is charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of government property, and false statements. Through his position, the former SSA customer service representative could access sensitive SSA databases containing benefit claimants’ personally identifiable information.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Michael McGill, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) – Philadelphia Field Division.

According to the indictment, beginning in February 2023, and continuing through April 2023, Corbett willfully devised a scheme to defraud the SSA. Through the scheme, Corbett fraudulently obtained Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, designated for other individuals, for his and his associates’ personal use.

As part of the scheme, Corbett targeted SSI claimants diagnosed with mental health disorders. Corbett then altered claimant records in the database to include bank accounts he controlled and his residential mailing address to receive their SSI benefit funds.

Additionally, in furthering the scheme, Corbett changed the date of benefit eligibility payments for the selected claimants in SSA’s database which generated back payments in the claimants’ names. Corbett then caused claimants’ SSI benefit payments to be transmitted to bank accounts he controlled and mailed to his home.

Through the scheme, Corbett received $116,537.62 in SSI disability payments and retained $71,304.62.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Corbett faces up to 20 years for wire fraud; up to 20 years for mail fraud; up to 10 years for theft of government property; up to five years for false statements; and a mandatory two years — which runs consecutive to any other sentence — for aggravated identity theft. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the SSA-OIG for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Hyattsville, Maryland, man learned his fate in federal court today, in connection with a multi-million-dollar money laundering scheme. 

Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Victor Killen, 33, to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to engage in a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy.  Judge Maddox also ordered Killen to pay $7,070,656.46 million in restitution and a $3-million order of forfeiture. Killen, who pled guilty to participating in the money laundering conspiracy in December 2025, admitted that at least $3 million in money laundering occurred pursuant to his direct participation in the conspiracy.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with  Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG).

According to court documents, beginning in 2021, and continuing into February 2024, Killen conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud. The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the conspiracy.

The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others. 

Killen and his co-conspirators used and controlled several different encrypted electronic communication accounts, which they used in furtherance of the money laundering, including to supervise and manage the money laundering conspiracy. The co-conspirators worked with each other to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of shell entities; and receive and launder fraud proceeds.

Pursuant to the conspiracy, the co-conspirators often engaged in multiple financial transactions in quick succession, frequently layering wire-fraud proceeds in multiple subsequent transactions.  These financial transactions made it more difficult for the victims and law enforcement to recover the fraud proceeds. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland previously charged 14 defendants in connection with the money laundering conspiracy.  Thirteen have pled guilty.  Faizou Gnora, 28, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice.   

In connection with this prosecution, Yahya Sowe, 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland, Gedeon Agbeyome, 31, of Montgomery County, Maryland, and Areal El-Lovieta Harris, 24, of Hanover, Maryland, previously pled guilty, admitting to conspiring to commit money laundering.

Additionally, Adanegbe Gift Osemwenkhae, 39, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Emily Gil Arias, 28, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Fatoumata Boiro,  32, of Largo, Maryland; Lawrence Ogunsanwo, 33; Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland; Martin Ogisi, 37, of Severn, Maryland; Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Kevin Colon, 34, of Curtis Bay, Maryland; and Lorena Perez Herrera, 29, of Silver Spring, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Agbeyome also admitted engaging in aggravated identity theft and Parker acknowledged engaging in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  As part of his plea agreement, Gift and Sowe admitted that they served as managers or supervisors of the money laundering conspiracy.  The overall conspiracy involved more than $20 million of money laundering, involving more than 15 different victim entities.

The District Court previously sentenced:

• Agbeyome to 48 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, along with restitution of $2,938,424.65, and a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture
• Ogunsanwo to 40 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $5,648,816.23
• Parker to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release and restitution of $8,306,930.95
• Ogisi to 33 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $11,077,044.17
• Ndjouandjouaka to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $733,941.48
• Colon to 27 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release and restitution of $2,515,159.63

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which seeks to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a collaborative and comprehensive response to the growing threat to public safety and national security. The HSTF integrates personnel, including law enforcement agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff, from federal agencies to combat crime in our communities.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes praised the Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their assistance.  She also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Jared M. Beim, who prosecuted the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her assistance.

The resolution in MJM-23-304 and today’s sentence does not impact the pending charges in United States v. Victor Killen, MJM-25-334, which the United States is continuing to pursue.

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

Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison for his role in robbing multiple local commercial businesses and then later assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal while at the U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore.

U.S. District Court Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Sharif Northington, 23, of Baltimore, to 10 years in prison for interfering with commerce by robbery, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Northington also received one year in prison, consecutive to the 10-year sentence, for intentionally assaulting an officer and employee of the United States. In September 2024, following a court proceeding at the U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore, Northington threatened and then assaulted the Deputy U.S. Marshals escorting him to his cell.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to court documents, in November 2022, Northington conspired with co-conspirators Devin Grimes, 27, of Baltimore, and John Hyman, 21, of Baltimore, to commit armed commercial robberies and at least one armed carjacking.  During each robbery and carjacking, the co-conspirators used a firearm while demanding money, a vehicle, and/or other items.

On November 29, Northington, Grimes, and Hyman — who were wearing masks and hoods — entered a Northeast Baltimore 7-Eleven convenience store. Grimes brandished a handgun and then proceeded to rob the store with Northington and Hyman.  The suspects stole money from the cash register and then fled the store.  But unknown to the suspects, the stolen cash included a money tracker which helped law enforcement officers track their movements. In response, both BPD and BCPD dispatched officers, detectives, and aviation squads to locate the suspects.

The co-conspirators then went to a carry-out restaurant, less than a mile away. Upon entering, Grimes went to the back of the restaurant and brandished a handgun. He then confronted a delivery driver and robbed the man of the keys in his pocket.  Then Grimes returned to the register and demanded the cashier open the register. Grimes then removed money from the register before the three co-conspirators fled the store in the delivery man’s vehicle.

BPD and BCPD aviation units soon located and apprehended the co-conspirators. During the arrests, law enforcement recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, money, and a money tracker from Grimes.  Law enforcement also discovered additional cash in the vehicle. 

In December 2024, Judge Hollander sentenced Grimes to 10 years in federal prison. Then in September 2025, Judge Hollander sentenced Hyman to 10 years in prison for his role in the crimes.        

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the ATF, USMS, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sippel who prosecuted this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Several Baltimore-area men are facing charges today, stemming from a joint-agency takedown of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the 500 block of Sheridan Avenue in North Baltimore. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced it filed charges against the men in connection with the operation.

Omar Gilliam, 43, Derrell Washington Coates, 42, Kevin Harris, 34, and Darren Farmer, 36, are each charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base, commonly referred to as crack cocaine. Stephen Oliver, 38, is charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, Gilliam and Oliver are charged with firearm trafficking and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person due to each having a prior felony conviction.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the charges with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City.

“These charges underscore our continued commitment to making Baltimore and all of Maryland safer. This collaboration is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we work together with a shared commitment to public safety,” Hayes said. “We will continue working side by side with our partners to disrupt criminal activity and deliver justice for the communities we serve.”

“This operation highlights the power of coordinated teamwork,” Doerrer said. “ATF remains firmly committed to holding the most violent individuals in our community accountable using every available tool to protect public safety.” 

“This takedown is a strong example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement at every level works together with a shared commitment to public safety,” Worley said. Through the dedication of our Northern District Action Team and the support of our federal, state, and local partners, we were able to dismantle a dangerous group responsible for trafficking drugs and contributing to violence in our communities. Our work continues, and together, we are making Baltimore and our region safer.”

“Residents in every neighborhood of our city have concerns about the guns and drugs that fuel violence in their community. Today’s takedown once again reaffirms that we have made it our mission, as law enforcement, to find purveyors of violence and crime and hold them accountable. This investigation reflects the power of strong collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement partners,” Bates said. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Baltimore Police Department, ATF Baltimore, the U.S. Marshal’s Office, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their partnership and commitment to public safety. As our Firearm & Drug Trafficking Unit prepares to prosecute the defendants, we will continue working together to dismantle similar networks that put lives at risk and undermine the safety of Baltimore’s communities.”

According to the criminal complaint, between August 2025 and March 2026, ATF and BPD partnered to investigate the North Baltimore DTO. During the investigation, law enforcement identified specific members and located potential stash locations through confidential informants.

Beginning in August 2025, ATF used a confidential informant (CI-1) to buy narcotics from Gilliam, Harris, and Washington Coates.  In October 2025, ATF then used a second confidential informant (CI-2) to buy narcotics from the same DTO members. Then in December 2025, CI-2 began purchasing narcotics and firearms from Oliver, and in March 2026, CI-2 purchased firearms from Gilliam. Farmer began distributing narcotics to CI-2 in January 2026.

In total, law enforcement conducted 15 controlled purchases from Gilliam, two of which included firearms. Washington Coates participated in seven of those controlled purchases, and Harris participated in one. In addition, law enforcement conducted eight controlled purchases from Oliver, along with two separate controlled purchases of firearms, and law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases from Farmer, some of which also involved Gilliam and Harris.

Law enforcement continued monitoring Gilliam, Oliver, Harris, Washington Coates, Farmer, and others participating in drug trafficking activities in different Baltimore-area locations. Then on April 8, authorities arrested four of the defendants on the federal charges, while also executing federal search warrants at three addresses in the 500 Block of Sheridan Avenue, along with another Baltimore City property, and a Baltimore County residence. Law enforcement arrested the fifth defendant, Farmer, today.

During the arrest and search operation, officers recovered numerous firearms, along with nearly 400 grams of suspected narcotics.

A complaint is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation, along with the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Maryland and Baltimore County Police Department for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Stanton Lawyer who is prosecuting this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A former Baltimore City School police officer and Dunbar High School football coach is heading to federal prison in connection with federal wire-fraud and tax-evasion charges.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Lawrence Earl Smith, Jr. 52, of Perry Hall, Maryland, today, to one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for creating and executing a scheme to submit fraudulent overtime slips. Smith received overtime payments, totaling more than $200,000, for time that he never worked. He also evaded paying more than $60,000 in federal income taxes for 2017, 2019, and 2020. Judge Gallagher ordered Smith to pay $215,352 in restitution to Baltimore City Public Schools, and $61,233.40 restitution to the IRS.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office.

According to court documents, from May 2005 until August 2022, Smith was employed as a Baltimore City School police officer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith was authorized to receive overtime pay to provide security for COVID-19 testing and food sites and he acted as a liaison with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). He was also authorized to assist BPD in its investigations and to receive overtime pay if he received a BPD request outside of his regular hours for “emergencies” and situations that required an immediate response.

Beginning in January 2019 until August 2022, Smith claimed more than 3,330 hours of fraudulent overtime, totaling at least $200,000 in additional earnings, for hours that he never worked. In several of these instances, Smith was nowhere near the COVID-19 testing or food sites nor assisting BPD. Instead, Smith was at his Baltimore County residence, on his boat in or near the Baltimore Inner Harbor, or out of town on trips, including to Las Vegas, Florida, and the Caribbean. Smith also falsely claimed tax exempt status while failing to file state and federal income tax returns.

Additionally, Smith fraudulently caused his employer to abstain from withholding payroll taxes while his income remained unreported. Smith’s employer never withheld or paid his federal income taxes, due to Smith’s false Forms W-4. Since he never filed tax returns to report income, Smith evaded taxes for 2017, 2019, and 2020, causing him to owe the IRS $61,233.40.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education, for its valuable assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adeyemi Adenrele and Jared M. Beim who prosecuted the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man received a federal-prison sentence for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Reginald Dargan, 34, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a loaded firearm after a prior felony conviction and for violating the terms of his federal supervised release.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, on November 8, 2024, BPD responded to a call for an aggravated assault at an East Baltimore residence.  Upon arrival, BPD officers met with the victim who indicated that Dargan assaulted her. She also stated that he possessed a handgun. 

While speaking with officers, the victim received a text message from Dargan asking her to let him in the back door.  The officers then went to the back of the house and arrested Dargan.  Then law enforcement recovered a Polymer 80, aka a “ghost gun,” .40 caliber pistol bearing no serial number, and one high-capacity magazine loaded with 13 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition from Dargan’s waistband.

Dargan was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition because he was previously convicted of a conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to brandish, use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and interference with commerce by robbery.  Dargan was on federal supervised release as a result of this offense when he unlawfully possessed the firearm and ammunition, in violation of his release conditions.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Safe Home. These programs bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Project Safe Home is an initiative under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to reduce domestic violence and prevent escalation to lethal violence by targeting offenders who use or possess handguns with a history of Domestic Violence.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin who prosecuted the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A California man pled guilty in federal court today, to charges stemming from his involvement in a cross-country money laundering conspiracy involving proceeds from marijuana trafficking.

Nicholas Parks, 53, of Winnetka, California, admitted to conspiring to commit money laundering. Parks acknowledges that he and his co-conspirators laundered $329,071 between October 2020 and January 2021 in connection with the scheme.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland.

According to the guilty plea, Park admits that from October 2020 through January 2021, he participated in a conspiracy to launder proceeds he and his associates generated through selling marijuana in Maryland. As part of the conspiracy, female co-conspirators transported marijuana from California to Maryland, usually via commercial air travel.  Parks traveled separately from the co-conspirators to Maryland, but he sold the marijuana with local co-conspirators after arrival.

When the co-conspirators finished distributing the drugs, Co-Conspirator 1 used a couple of methods to launder the funds. Co-Conspirator 1 either drove U.S. currency across the country to California or provided the proceeds to a Maryland laundering contact. The contact then moved the money through financial institutions, resulting in two levels, or layers, of laundering transactions.

HSI agents identified several occasions that the co-conspirators laundered marijuana trafficking proceeds. Law enforcement used evidence obtained through multiple methods, including controlled money drops, text messages between co-conspirators, along with recorded calls and meetings, to link the co-conspirators to the conspiracy.

On October 15, 2020, Texas Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of Co-Conspirator 1 in Carson County, Texas. During the stop, officers recovered approximately $109,071 in U.S. currency from Co-Conspirator 1’s vehicle. Officers also seized Co-Conspirator 1’s cell phone.

Following a search of Co-Conspirator 1’s phone, law enforcement uncovered a lengthy text message exchange between Parks and Co-Conspirator 1. The text-message exchange appeared to show Parks’ involvement in the money laundering and drug trafficking conspiracy.

Messages included detailed ledgers of drug sales Parks and his associates conducted along with the money owed to each of them for their participation.  The most recent messages showed that Parks provided Co-Conspirator 1 with U.S. currency to transport from Maryland back to California. Additionally, the text messages revealed that Co-Conspirator 1 was supposed to drop off a portion of the proceeds to a location in Oklahoma.  Based on the messages, the amount of U.S. currency found in Co-Conspirator 1’s vehicle was consistent with the remaining money bound for California and money he was paid for his services.

Co-Conspirator 1 later confirmed to HSI agents that the money found in his vehicle consisted of proceeds from the marijuana trafficking conspiracy in Maryland.  He also admitted he was driving the money back to California and was supposed to make a drop in Oklahoma.   

Then between December 2020, and January 2021, HSI agents conducted three controlled money drops. Co-Conspirator 1 unknowingly used confidential informants (CI) to receive and launder the drug trafficking proceeds from Maryland. On each occasion, Co-Conspirator 1 provided U.S. currency to one of two CIs, who then deposited the funds in a bank account HSI controlled.  Then co-conspirators withdrew the funds in California and transported it to other individuals who were believed to grow marijuana in the state.  Over the course of the three controlled money drops, Co-Conspirator 1 provided the CIs with approximately $220,000.

Parks faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for Monday, July 27, at 2:30 p.m.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI for its work in the investigation and Texas Highway Patrol for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Levin who is prosecuting the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to prison after a federal jury convicted him in connection with an armed carjacking at a local gas station.

The jury found Ron Wardlow, 26, guilty of carjacking, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Wardlow was previously convicted of a robbery at the same Baltimore gas station where he was later arrested.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty verdict with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to evidence presented at trial, on February 27, 2025, Wardlow approached Victim 1 and Victim 2 at a Fells Point gas station. Wardlow, who was wearing a mask and gloves, approached the victims and asked them for a ride.

When Victim 1 refused, Wardlow followed Victim 1 around the car and pulled out a 9mm Glock loaded with an extended magazine that held 31 rounds. Wardlow then pointed the gun at Victim 1 and demanded the car keys. Victim 1 complied and gave Wardlow the keys. Wardlow entered the car and drove off. Then the victims called 911 to report the carjacking.

Some of the victims’ digital devices remained in the car, which enabled them to track the devices. Activity stopped in the Liberty Heights neighborhood, so the victims assumed Wardlow tossed them from the car.

Later, the victims went to the spot where the devices were. There, they found Victim 1’s car still running, but then the car backed up and drove away. Victim 1 again called the police to alert law enforcement to the car’s location.

Then officers from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT) located the car at a nearby gas station.  When law enforcement arrived at the gas station, Wardlow saw them and fled on foot. 

Officers pursued Wardlow with the assistance of aerial surveillance. Law enforcement eventually found Wardlow hiding in the cellar entryway of a nearby residence. When officers searched Wardlow, they found the mask and gloves he wore during the carjacking. Additionally, officers found a bag in the car that contained the loaded Glock 9mm Wardlow pointed at Victim 1.

Wardlow faces a minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in federal prison for the brandishing of the firearm during the carjacking, which is to be imposed consecutive to any other sentence. Wardlow faces a maximum of 15 years for the carjacking and 15 years for possessing a firearm as a felon. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for Wednesday, July 29, at 11 a.m.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation and RATT for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Levin and John Sippel who are prosecuting the case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A former supervisory official with the U.S. Census Bureau pled guilty in federal court today, to conspiring with a subcontractor to receive $790,000 in kickbacks.

Camille T. Jones, 47, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud in connection with a procurement fraud scheme.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, Department of Justice Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Eric Arcand, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General (DOC-OIG).

According to court documents, as part of her guilty plea, Camille Jones admitted that she steered a large employee assistant program contract to a prime contractor and a subcontracting company, YMJ Consulting, which is owned by Camille Jones’s relative, Yolanda M. Jones. The contract was worth millions of dollars. In exchange for steering the contract and modifications, Jones received kickbacks from YMJ Consulting and Yolanda Jones.

Additionally, Camille Jones attempted to obstruct the investigation by drafting a service agreement between YMJ Consulting and a mental health company that she owned to make the kickbacks appear like legitimate consulting payments between the two companies.  Both Camille Jones and Yolanda Jones signed the agreement in 2024 but backdated it to 2020. Yolanda Jones then provided the document to law enforcement during the investigation.

Camille Jones further admitted that she used her official position to share the Census Bureau’s confidential procurement information with another government contractor.  While receiving preferential treatment, the contractor hired another one of Camille Jones’s relatives for a minimal-work job.  Camille Jones largely performed the work but the relative received $83,000.

Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at 10:30 a.m.  Camille Jones faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Additionally, on August 14, 2025, Yolanda Jones pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud. She is awaiting sentencing. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOC-OIG for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Acting Chief Edward P. Sullivan, DOJ Criminal Division Public Integrity Section, who are prosecuting the case. 

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today, that a federal grand jury indicted a Nigerien national, residing in Frederick, Maryland, in connection with a romance fraud scheme.

Ali Habou Maman, 58, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and wire fraud. Maman and his co-conspirators allegedly assumed fictitious identities, posed as love interests, and developed what victims believed were romantic relationships to further the scheme.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to the indictment, beginning in October 2022, Maman and his co-conspirators allegedly colluded to commit wire fraud to personally enrich themselves. Maman and co-conspirators attempted to fraudulently obtain money and property from victims for their own personal benefit through romance, investment, and other fraudulent schemes. Maman and co-conspirators exchanged messages via WhatsApp about creating accounts with U.S. banks to receive funds from the victims.

On January 5, 2023, Maman filed articles of organization with the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation for DDK Logistics LLC. In the articles of organization, Maman identified himself as the only authorized person and resident agent for DDK, and provided his Frederick, Maryland, home address as DDK’s business address. Maman opened 13 bank accounts for DDK at multiple different financial institutions.

Additionally, Maman identified himself as DDK’s owner, or chief executive officer, who had 100-percent beneficial ownership interest in the company. When financial institutions inquired, Maman told them DDK provided computer chips for vehicles and engaged in trading automotive parts.  But DDK did not have significant physical operations, engage in legitimate business activities, earn gross revenues, incur costs for goods sold, incur administrative expenses associated with business operations, report wages for employees to the State of Maryland, nor employ a significant number of workers.

Through the conspiracy, Maman and co-conspirators used DDK’s bank accounts to receive funds from victims. Co-conspirators used email, phone, and messaging applications to induce victims to turn over money and property. 

While posing as romantic partners, co-conspirators told victims that they suffered various crises that required urgent financial assistance. Then the co-conspirators used other ruses, such as false investment and business opportunities, to fraudulently obtain funds from victims.

Maman and his co-conspirators created fictitious documents, websites, and other records to support the claims they made to their victims. Co-conspirators then directed victims to send money to Maman via the DDK Accounts, including by personal check, cashier’s check, and wire transfer. After Maman received the victims’ funds, he made outgoing wire transfers from DDK’s accounts to bank accounts belonging to third parties in several different countries, including the United States, China, India, and Indonesia. Maman retained a portion of the funds as a fee.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Maman faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of the charged counts. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which seeks to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a collaborative and comprehensive response to the growing threat to public safety and national security. The HSTF integrates personnel, including law enforcement agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff, from federal agencies to combat crime in our communities.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended HSI and the FBI for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Levin and Adeyemi Adenrele who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland unsealed an indictment, charging a treasurer who works for several political candidates and organizations, in connection with an embezzlement scheme.

James Appel, 58, of Annapolis, Maryland, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. The indictment alleges that, in 2024, Appel stole approximately $100,000 from a Maryland State Delegate’s campaign accounts and embezzled an additional $100,000 from an Anne Arundel County community organization. It is further alleged that Appel reported the stolen funds as his own assets on a loan refinance application for his yacht.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to the indictment, in May 2023, Appel transferred $100,000 from Politician 1’s Account A to Politician 1’s Account B, which was an account for which he was the sole designated representative. Then in April 2024, Appel contacted a bank about refinancing a loan on his Pacific Mariner 65 Motoryacht. The bank advised Appel that he needed to provide information about his assets, including the balances of his bank accounts.

In May 2024, Appel transferred campaign funds from Politician 1’s Account B into his business account before eventually moving the money into his personal financial accounts.  Specifically, on May 13, Appel transferred $40,000 from Politician 1’s Account B to his business account.

Then, on May 13, Appel transferred $20,000 from his business account to one of his personal accounts and transferred another $40,000 from his business account to pay part of the outstanding balance from his line of credit. Additionally, on May 30, Appel transferred $60,000 from Politician 1’s Account B to his business account. On the same date, Appel then transferred $60,000 from his business account to his personal account. In total, Appel embezzled $100,000 from Politician 1’s campaign accounts.

On June 5, Appel transferred $100,000 from the Anne Arundel community organization account to his business account. On the same day, Appel transferred that $100,000 from his business account to his personal account. Additionally, on June 5, Appel emailed the bank about a refinancing loan for the yacht. In the email, he wrote: “I will be able to pull [bank] statements dates 6/18 and 6/22 for our checking account and [money market account] and they will show balances of 70k and 100k.”

Then in August 2024, Appel submitted false and fraudulent information about his assets to the bank. He also prepared, signed, and submitted a false and fraudulent campaign report to the Maryland Board of Elections. This report falsely inflated the total balance of Politician 1’s campaign accounts.

Additionally, in January 2025 and January 2026, Appel prepared, signed, and submitted false and fraudulent campaign reports to the Maryland Board of Elections. These reports falsely inflated the total balance of Politician 1’s campaign accounts. In 2026, Appel also falsely and fraudulently represented the status and amount of Community Organization 1’s assets to its board members.   

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Appel faces a maximum of up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire-fraud count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each money laundering count. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor for its valuable assistance. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Wenner and Ari D. Evans who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man is headed to federal prison for more than a decade for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing drugs, some of which contained fentanyl. 

The Honorable Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Anthony McNair, 37, to 140 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition and possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute. McNair, who received a 210-month federal sentence in the District of Columbia for multiple counts of robbery last year, will serve his Maryland sentence consecutive to the District of Columbia sentence.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to the guilty plea, on April 21, 2022, PGPD officers conducted a traffic stop on McNair’s vehicle for multiple traffic violations in Suitland, Maryland. Prior to the traffic stop, officers observed McNair as he continued driving his vehicle for an additional 18 seconds before coming to a complete stop. Based on training and experience, officers knew that the “slow roll” technique is a way for individuals to attempt to hide contraband before officers approach a vehicle.

When officers approached, they smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Then McNair provided the officers with a driver’s license that belonged to someone else. After McNair handed an officer three bags of marijuana, totaling 19.5 grams, officers directed him to exit the vehicle.

In response, McNair began to rev the car engine in an apparent attempt to flee from the scene. The officers removed McNair from the vehicle and detained him. Law enforcement then recovered a firearm with nine rounds of .45 caliber ammunition from McNair’s vehicle. They also discovered approximately 43.4 grams of a white powdery substance in a clear glassine baggie; 26 blue pills; drug paraphernalia; a digital scale; and a box of sandwich baggies. This is McNair’s sixth felony conviction, and as a convicted felon, McNair is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rosenthal and Patrick D. Kibbe, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanay Mitchell, who prosecuted the case. 

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A St. Mary’s County, Maryland, man is headed to federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Jerod Adam Taylor, 40, of Lexington Park, Maryland, to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, today, in connection with the charge.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, on November 7, 2024, officers responded to a reported incident at Taylor’s Lexington Park residence. Upon arrival, an owner of the residence let law enforcement into the house and informed them that Taylor lived in the basement.

Taylor later confirmed to law enforcement that he lived in the basement of the residence for slightly more than three years. When officers searched the area of the basement where Taylor lived, they uncovered at least 10 firearms that he knowingly possessed. Taylor is a convicted felon, so he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Law enforcement also found 69 privately made firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition, dozens of machinegun conversion devices, two 3D printers, body armor, and various gun-manufacturing tools.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Sarma and Caroline A. Schechinger who prosecuted this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced a Brooklyn Park man to prison in connection with a federal investigation that led to a drugs and firearms seizure.

Steven Keith Staggers Jr., 31, received a 79-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized two firearms, at least 180 rounds of ammunition, and cocaine.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

Beginning in mid-2023, BPD started investigating Staggers after law enforcement observed him posting public videos of himself with a firearm on social media. Staggers, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

In September 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Staggers’ Brooklyn Park residence that yielded two Glock pistols, approximately 96 rounds of ammunition, an extended firearm magazine, approximately 28 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, and cutting agents used to prepare controlled substances for distribution. Additionally, investigators seized a cell phone, the contents of which revealed that Staggers was also attempting to sell firearms to other individuals.

Then in November 2024, investigators seized a second cell phone that belonged to Staggers. A court authorized search of this cell phone revealed that Staggers continued attempting to transfer firearms to other individuals. It is believed that he knew these individuals were prohibited from possessing firearms.

On February 4, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at the new residence where Staggers lived in Curtis Bay, Maryland. During this search warrant, investigators seized approximately 98 rounds of ammunition.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III, who prosecuted the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – An Ecuadorian alien pled guilty in federal court today to illegally re-entering the United States after her prior removal.

Vanessa Yalixa Munoz-Baque, 31, pled guilty to the re-entry charges after she was previously removed from the U.S. in August 2023. Munoz-Baque illegally re-entered the U.S., again, on November 3, 2023, and began residing in Frederick, Maryland. Law enforcement discovered her illegally present in the U.S. upon her arrest for attempted murder.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to the guilty plea, on September 11, 2024, local law enforcement apprehended Munoz-Baque in Frederick. Authorities charged her with attempted murder and assault after she placed a knife to her victim’s neck and stabbed him in the leg. Then in March 2025, Munoz-Baque pled guilty to first-degree assault and received a 25-year sentence, with all but three years suspended.

Munoz-Baque was originally deported after law enforcement apprehended her at the border in Eagle Pass, Texas, on June 17, 2023. Authorities subsequently charged Munoz-Baque with unlawfully attempting to enter the U.S. without inspection.

Law enforcement placed her in expedited removal proceedings, and an immigration judge ordered Munoz-Baque’s removal to Ecuador. After her removal, Munoz-Baque never obtained consent from the Attorney General of the United States, or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, for readmission into the country.

Munoz-Baque faces a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison for the re-entry offense. Sentencing is set for Thursday, June 25, at 2:30 p.m.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ICE-ERO for its work in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason D. Medinger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Shea who are prosecuting this case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland gynecologist agreed to a settlement in connection with federal False Claims Act violation allegations.

Valinda R. Nwadike, MD, agreed to pay the United States $507,500 to resolve allegations for her role in a telemarketing scheme designed to defraud Medicare and TRICARE.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the settlement with Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Allison Russo, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) – Mid-Atlantic Field Office.

In April 2023, the U.S. filed a complaint against Nwadike, alleging that she violated the False Claims Act. The U.S. contends that from November 1, 2014, through January 1, 2018, Nwadike created and signed thousands of fraudulent prescriptions for compounded drugs and durable medical equipment, such as knee braces, which TRICARE and Medicare ultimately paid for. Additionally, the U.S. alleges that Nwadike wrote and signed the prescriptions after a cursory phone call with the patient, but without physically examining the patient or reviewing their medical history. As a result of Nwadike’s role in the telemarketing scheme, the U.S. paid for thousands of medically unnecessary prescriptions for compounded creams and durable medical equipment.

“When physicians write prescriptions for medically unnecessary drugs and equipment, they abuse our federal health care programs,” Hayes said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work with our partners at DCIS and HHS-OIG to hold fraudulent providers accountable. We’re committed to protecting taxpayer dollars using all available tools, including civil settlement.”

“Civil enforcement is an important approach to safeguarding the integrity of the Medicare program,” Dixon said. “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that Medicare program dollars are only paid for services that are actually needed and appropriate for patients.”

“This settlement highlights DCIS’ unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of TRICARE, the DoD’s primary health care program, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not wasted on fraudulent schemes,” Russo said. “Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime. It directly harms the American taxpayer and undermines the efforts of honest healthcare providers who are dedicated to serving our military members and their families.  The DCIS, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our military healthcare system.”

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HHS-OIG and DCIS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Shea and Roann Nichols, who handled this case, along with Investigator Ann Thiel.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A criminal complaint against an El Salvadorian illegal alien, who attacked federal law enforcement during a traffic stop, is one of several prosecutions the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland recently announced in connection with the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the prosecutions with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland filed a criminal complaint against Santos Alvarenga-Rodriguez, 47, for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers in Howard County, Maryland. According to court documents, law enforcement gave Alvarenga-Rodriguez verbal commands to exit his vehicle, but he refused, leading to a physical altercation that caused injuries to officers.

Additionally, a violent Ecuadorian alien pled guilty in federal court to illegally re-entering the United States after her prior removal. Vanessa Yalixa Munoz-Baque, 31, pled guilty to the re-entry charges after she was previously removed from the U.S. in August 2023. Munoz-Baque illegally re-entered the U.S., again, on November 3, 2023, and began residing in Frederick, Maryland. Then on September 11, 2024, local law enforcement apprehended Munoz-Baque in Frederick on attempted murder and assault charges.

In addition, Edgar David Vasquez-Garcia, 34, a Guatemalan illegal alien, received an 18-month, federal-prison sentence for illegally re-entering the United States. Vasquez-Garcia, 34, pled guilty to the charge after he was previously deported from the U.S. in July 2014. Then in October 2023, law enforcement discovered Vasquez-Garcia back in the U.S. after they arrested him in Edgewood, Maryland, on second-degree assault charges, for which he was later found guilty.

U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Cesear Geovany Gomez, 36, in connection with illegally re-entry charges. According to court documents, on July 28, 2017, authorities deported Geovany Gomez back to Guatemala, but he never sought, nor obtained, the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for re-admission. Geovany Gomez was deported from the U.S. on two prior occasions, and following his latest illegal re-entry, he was convicted for first-degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Also, U.S. District Court Judge Ajmel A. Quereshi sentenced Jairo Mendez-Miranda, 29, for illegally entering the United States. Earlier this month, law enforcement arrested Mendez-Miranda in Montgomery County, Maryland, after officers checked the license plate of the vehicle he was driving. The officers then discovered a restriction code indicating he may not be legally present in the United States. Authorities previously deported Mendez-Miranda on two other occasions.

Additionally, a federal grand jury indicted a Mexican illegal alien in connection with re-entry charges. Fortunado Cuatlatl-Flores, 44, is charged with illegally re-entering the United States after he was previously removed from the country following an aggravated felony. According to court documents, on February 20, 2026, law enforcement encountered Cuatlatl-Flores in Wicomico County, Maryland, while performing an area-enforcement operation. Cuatlatl-Flores was previously convicted of felony child sexual abuse.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO and HSI for its work in these investigations. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted these federal cases.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A member of a violent extremist network pled guilty to child sex abuse charges in federal court today, stemming from a November 2025 arrest.

Erik Lee Madison, 20, of Halethorpe, Maryland, pled guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child and cyberstalking. Madison sexually exploited at least 10 minor female victims. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACOPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to court documents, from November 2024 until November 2025, Madison, a member and associate of “764,” a criminal organization of Nihilistic Violent Extremists, used the internet to create and share extreme content — such as gore, violence, and child pornography — to extort and blackmail vulnerable teenagers. Madison used the internet to sexually exploit minor females and encourage them to engage in self-harm. The minor female victims were from various locations inside and outside of the United States.

Madison used the internet to cause minor females to produce or stream sexually explicit conduct, cut themselves with razors, and cut signs and words on their bodies. Additionally, Madison coerced the female minor victims into using their blood to write various signs, along with Madison's monikers, on a wall and then they streamed it to Madison. He also encouraged the victims to injure animals.

Then Madison extorted the victims through a variety of methods, including threatening to harm them and their families, “leak” or disseminate depictions of the victims engaging in cutting and sexually explicit conduct, “dox” the victims and their family members, and threatening to “swat” victims and their family members.'

 Members of “764” use known online social media communications platforms as mediums to support the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sex abuse material with vulnerable, juvenile populations. These individuals often conduct coordinated extortions of teenagers, blackmailing the victims to comply with the group’s demands.

Madison faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. He also faces a mandatory maximum sentence of 10 for cyberstalking. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, June 16, at 11:30 a.m.

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

The Justice Department remains vigilant against the threat of Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) networks, like 764, that operate within the United States and around the globe. NVEs often target vulnerable individuals, including minors, using social media platforms to share child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and gore material, and groom victims toward committing acts of violence. Victims are often extorted, coerced, compelled, and blackmailed into complying with NVE demands, including self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder. For more information on how to protect children and others, read about the online risks here: Parents, Caregivers, Teachers — FBI and the FBI’s March 2025 public service announcement.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, AACOPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation.

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

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A Texas woman was sentenced Friday to 25 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release for conspiring with another person to sexually abuse a child outside the United States.

Anika Bywater, 29, formerly of Gonzalez, Texas, pleaded guilty on Dec. 10, 2025, to conspiracy to engage in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places.  According to court documents and information provided at the sentencing hearing, Bywater was living in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, when she and another person created two separate videos of themselves sexually abusing the victim. Law enforcement officers learned of the conduct when they discovered videos of the abuse circulating on the internet.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes of the District of Maryland; and Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division made the announcement.

The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s law enforcement attaché office in Mexico City and the Washington Field Office.

Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood of the District of Maryland prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Baltimore, Maryland – A Texas woman learned her fate in federal court for her role in conspiring with another person to sexually abuse a child outside the United States.

U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Anika Bywater, 29, formerly of Gonzalez, Texas, to 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to engage in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. In December 2025, Bywater pled guilty to these charges.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, Department of Justice Criminal Division, and Assistant Director Heith Janke, FBI – Criminal Division.

According to court documents, and information provided at the sentencing hearing, while living in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, Bywater and another person created two separate videos of themselves sexually abusing a young child.  Law enforcement officers learned of the conduct when they discovered videos of the abuse circulating on the internet.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Child Exploitation Operational Unit for its work in the investigation, and the FBI’s law enforcement attaché office in Mexico City and Washington Field Office for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood and Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds, Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), who prosecuted the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Nigerian national received a federal prison term for his role in a multi-million-dollar wire fraud and money laundering scheme.

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced James Junior Aliyu, 31, who resided in South Africa at the time of his criminal conduct, to 90 months in federal prison in connection with the conspiracy. Judge Boardman also ordered Aliyu, who was extradited from South Africa to the United States to face these criminal charges, to repay $2,389,130 to the victims.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland, and Special Agent in Charge Brian McDonough, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) – Washington Field Office.

In August 2025, Aliyu pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Aliyu acknowledged that he conspired with others, including Kosi Goodness Simon-Ebo, 31, and Henry Onyedikachi Echefu, 34, to deceive and defraud multiple American victims. All three are Nigerian citizens who resided in South Africa at the time of the crimes.

According to his plea agreement, from February 2017 until at least July 2017, Aliyu conspired with others to perpetrate a business email compromise scheme. Aliyu and his co-conspirators, including accomplices residing in Maryland, gained unauthorized access to email accounts associated with individuals and businesses they targeted. As part of the scheme, co-conspirators sent false wiring instructions to the victims’ email accounts from “spoofed” emails, which are messages from forged sender addresses. Co-conspirators then sent messages to deceive the victims into sending money to bank accounts the perpetrators controlled called “drop accounts.”

During the same time frame, Aliyu and his accomplices conspired to commit money laundering by disbursing the fraudulently obtained funds in the drop accounts to other accounts. Co-conspirators moved the stolen money by initiating account transfers, withdrawing cash, and obtaining cashier’s checks. They also wrote checks to other individuals and entities to hide the true ownership and source of these assets.  In total, Aliyu and his co-conspirators attempted to defraud victims of at least $10.4 million, and the victims suffered an actual loss of at least $2,389,130.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI’s Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force and USSS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa, and South African Police Service.  Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing Aliyu’s extradition from South Africa.  OIA and the Department of Justice Canada’s International Assistance Group provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of both Echefu and Simon-Ebo.  Ms. Hayes also recognized Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy who prosecuted the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Jamaican national is heading to federal prison for more than three years in connection with a lottery fraud scheme.

U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Tavoy Farquharson, 34, to 40 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, today, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Judge Hurson also ordered him to pay $3,962,826 in restitution.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Javan S. Wilson, U.S. Treasury, Office of Inspector General (Treasury OIG); and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to public filings, beginning in October 2020, and continuing through at least January 2024, Farquharson conspired with others to use the mail to obtain money from victims across the United States. Many victims impacted by the scheme were elderly.

Perpetrators use a lottery fraud scheme to lead victims to believe they won a large cash prize through a lottery or sweepstakes. When it’s time to collect the purported winnings, the victim is falsely led to believe that they must pay taxes or other fees in advance.  The victim never receives their winnings, but instead, loses their advanced fees or payments.

In this case, Farquharson and his co-conspirators solicited victims and led them to believe that they won a lottery or sweepstakes. Then they misled the victims to think that they were required to pay taxes and other fees in advance to the attention of Farquharson’s co-conspirators. Some victims of the scheme lost most of their life savings.  In total, the court found that the victims lost more than $3.5 million, with Farquharson receiving more than $700,000 of the victims’ funds.   

Brothers Dwayne Henry, 34, and Wayne Henry, 36, both of Landover Hills, Maryland, along with Nickoy Campbell, 30, a Jamaican national, also participated in the scheme. They all previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Campbell and Dwayne Henry pled guilty to the charges, and earlier this month, they received their prison sentences.

Wayne Henry faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in federal prison, including a mandatory sentence of two years consecutive to any other imposed sentence for aggravated identity theft. Sentencing for Wayne Henry is slated for Wednesday, September 2.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which seeks to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a collaborative and comprehensive response to the growing threat to public safety and national security. The HSTF integrates personnel, including law enforcement agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff, from federal agencies to combat crime in our communities.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older, and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available. Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers through assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis.  The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.  English, Spanish, and other languages are available.  Learn more about the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at www.elderjustice.gov.  Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPIS, HSI, Treasury OIG, and PGPD for their investigative efforts.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Motsay who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Guatemalan illegal alien was sentenced in federal court today to 18 months in prison, for illegally re-entering the United States.

Edgar David Vasquez-Garcia, 34, pled guilty to the charge after he was previously deported from the U.S. in July 2014. He never sought nor obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for re-admission.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.

In October 2023, Vasquez-Garcia law enforcement arrested Vasquez-Garcia in Edgewood, Maryland, on second-degree assault charges. Then in May 2024, a jury convicted Vasquez-Garcia of second-degree assault, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence, with five years suspended.

Vasquez-Garcia first illegally entered the United States through Mexico in July 2014. Law enforcement then detained Vasquez-Garcia, and he admitted he was in the U.S. illegally. Authorities expedited removal proceedings and deported Vasquez-Garcia from Brownsville, Texas. At some point thereafter, Vasquez-Garcia re-entered the U.S. and then traveled to Maryland.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced an illegal alien from Togo, today, for his role in a money laundering scheme totaling nearly $3 million in losses.

U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Gedeon “Papa Kwam” Agbeyome, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to six years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft. Judge Maddox also ordered him to pay $2,938,424.65 in restitution and issued a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture. 

As part of the scheme, Agbeyome received at least $2.8 million in proceeds from a business email compromise fraud scheme. Agbeyome used bank accounts that he opened and controlled through shell entities and the identities of other real people.  He then pocketed a portion of the fraud proceeds in exchange for engaging in the financial crime.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG).

According to court documents, from June 2021 through May 2023, Agbeyome participated in a significant money laundering conspiracy that led to the prosecution of at least 14 individuals.  As part of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators created shell entities that did not have significant physical operations, business premises, legitimate business activities, gross revenues, cost of goods sold, nor reported wages for employees.  The co-conspirators used the shell entities to open and control bank accounts that they then used to receive fraud proceeds.

Additionally, Agbeyome admitted he participated in an underlying wire-fraud conspiracy. This scheme involved defrauding a victim trust that was established to remediate environmental contamination at a California manufacturing facility.  Agbeyome also admitted that he used three real people’s personal identifying information in connection with the wire fraud conspiracy.  Agbeyome used the stolen identities to open multiple bank accounts and to conceal his connection to a CashApp account.  Agbeyome and his co-conspirators then used these financial accounts to launder money.

As part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators used a business email compromise scheme to deceive the victim entities. Co-conspirators tricked the victims into sending money to the shell entity bank accounts Agbeyome controlled, and others, through look-a-like email addresses. The victims typically thought they were sending money to contractors or vendors.

After gaining access to the fraudulently obtained funds, Agbeyome engaged in multiple financial transactions in quick succession. He did this to conceal the nature, location, source, and ownership of the funds, and to control the wire-fraud proceeds. These illegal acts helped promote the underlying business email compromises and other fraud schemes.

Agbeyome and his co-conspirators met in person, and used phone calls, Telegram, WhatsApp, and text messages to communicate.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which seeks to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a collaborative and comprehensive response to the growing threat to public safety and national security. The HSTF integrates personnel, including law enforcement agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff, from federal agencies to combat crime in our communities.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, Jared M. Beim, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber, for her valuable assistance.

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

Baltimore, Maryland – CVR Management, LLC, a professional services corporation in Greenbelt, Maryland, along with the Center for Vein Restoration, Center for Vascular Medicine (CVM), LLC, and Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD, FACS, agreed to pay the United States $4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for medically unnecessary vein treatment procedures.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the settlement with Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) – Mid-Atlantic Field Office.

According to the United States, CVR, over a six-year period, knowingly submitted claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for chronic venous insufficiency treatment procedures that were medically unnecessary. Specifically, the government alleges that chronic venous insufficiency can be treated by sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or endovenous laser ablation.  The condition refers to the improper functioning of the vein valves where blood, which normally should move upwards toward the heart, instead pools in the veins such that the walls of the veins weaken and become distended manifesting as varicose veins, cramping, swelling, or skin discoloration on the affected leg and sometimes as ulcers or skin necrosis on the legs.

The United States further alleges that neither Medicare, Medicaid, nor TRICARE cover the treatment of varicose veins for cosmetic reasons alone.  Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency must be accompanied by certain other conditions and after the patient undergoes a specified period of alternative treatment options that prove unsuccessful.  Between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, CVR knowingly billed Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and endovenous laser ablation procedures that were not clinically indicated and were medically unnecessary.   

“Billing for medically unnecessary procedures saps public confidence in the health care system and is a drain on the public fisc,” Hayes said. “We will hold accountable health care providers that knowingly engage in such conduct.”

“The Medicare and Medicaid programs cover medically necessary procedures, and health care providers are required to submit accurate claims for the services provided,” Dixon said. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and additional law enforcement partners to evaluate and pursue allegations of inaccurate billings to federal health insurance programs.”

“This settlement demonstrates DCIS’s commitment to collaborate with its investigative partners to hold fraudulent providers accountable,” Dillard said. “DCIS will continue to safeguard the military community and aggressively work to help maintain public trust in TRICARE, the DoD’s primary health care program.”

CVR Management, LLC provides health care management services and manages the operations of  the Center for Vein Restoration, a multi-state collection of physician-led vein treatment practices and medical centers specializing in diagnosing and treating vein disease, notably chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.  It operates 16 locations in Maryland.  The Center for Vascular Medicine, a related practice group, specializes in the treatment of deep venous and arterial disorders in the legs, feet, and pelvic areas. CVM operates several offices located in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Lakhanpal is the entities’ CEO and president and CVM’s chairman of the board.

The federal share of the civil settlement is $3,395,634.93. Additionally, the total Medicaid recovery is $604,365.07, with eight Medicaid participating states, and the District of Columbia, slated to receive $325,208.84 of the civil settlement and the United States $279,156.23 of the Medicaid recovery.  State Medicaid programs are jointly funded by the federal and state governments.

This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Karen Fulton and Jane Doe, both former employees of CVR.  Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The relators’ share of the proceeds of the settlement will be $752,000. The qui tam actions are captioned U.S. ex rel. Fulton v. CVR Management, LLC, et al., No. 15-cv-3591 (D. Md.) and U.S. ex rel. Jane Doe v. Center for Vein Restoration, LLC, et al., No. 20-cv-1943 (D. Md.), respectively.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HHS-OIG and DCIS/DODIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tarra DeShields and Roann Nichols who handled this case, along with Investigator Ann Thiel. 

The United States’ settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

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

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Guatemalan illegal alien after he pled guilty to illegally entering the United States.

U.S. District Court Judge Ajmel A. Quereshi sentenced Jairo Mendez-Miranda, 29, to time served in prison for the illegal entry charge. Earlier this month, law enforcement arrested Mendez-Miranda in Montgomery County, Maryland. The officers then discovered Mendez-Miranda may not be legally present in the United States. Authorities previously deported Mendez-Miranda on two other occasions.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to court documents, on November 10, 2015, United States Border Patrol officers encountered Mendez-Miranda, a citizen and national of Guatemala, in Zapata, Texas. Authorities determined that he entered the U.S. without inspection by an immigration official and he was subsequently deported to Guatemala on November 20, 2015.

On August 2, 2016, Border Patrol encountered Mendez-Miranda again after he illegally re-entered the U.S. near Roma, Texas.  Then on August 9, 2016, law enforcement arrested Mendez-Miranda and deported him a second time to Guatemala.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Sarma who prosecuted the federal case.

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

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The Justice Department announced the seizure of four domains as part of an ongoing effort to disrupt hacking and transnational repression schemes conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). The affidavit supporting the seizure warrant can be found here. The seized domains – Justicehomeland[.]org, Handala-Hack[.]to, Karmabelow80[.]org, and Handala-Redwanted[.]to – were used by the MOIS in furtherance of attempted psychological operations targeting adversaries of the regime by claiming credit for hacking activity, posting sensitive data stolen during such hacks, and calling for the killing of journalists, regime dissidents, and Israeli persons. For example, the MOIS used the Handala-hack[.]to domain to claim credit for a March 2026 destructive malware attack against a U.S.-based multinational medical technologies firm.

“Terrorist propaganda online can incite real-world violence — thanks to our National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, this network of Iranian-backed sites will no longer broadcast anti-American hate,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our cyber assets will remain ever-vigilant to root out and deactivate networks that pose a threat to American citizens.”

"Iran thought they could hide behind fake websites and keyboard threats to terrorize Americans and silence dissidents,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We took down four of their operation's pillars and we're not done. This FBI will hunt down every actor behind these cowardly death threats and cyberattacks and will bring the full force of American law enforcement down on them.”

“Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism worldwide, used the seized domains to dox and harass dissidents and journalists, incite violence against Jewish communities, and spread Tehran’s anti-American propaganda,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.  “NSD is committed to dismantling Iran’s cyberwarfare infrastructure and detecting and preventing Iran’s cyber-enabled terrorism.”

“Unleashing terroristic ideology into the cybersphere is a direct threat to our national security.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to collaborating with our law-enforcement partners to identify threats, shut them down, and hold bad actors accountable,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “We will not hesitate to use all our resources and available tools to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and security of our nation.”

"The Iranian regime exploits cyberspace to advance authoritarian objectives, suppress democratic institutions, and undermine our national and economic security,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul. “The FBI will act swiftly, deliberately, and proactively to disable cyber threats to America and use every available authority to ensure those responsible are identified, apprehended, and held accountable.”

The FBI’s investigation revealed that the four seized domains were linked to each other through shared leak sites, Iranian IP ranges, and a common operational "playbook." That playbook includes: destructive and disruptive cyber-attacks; and “faketivist” psychological operations using data stolen via hacking.

The Domains handala-hack[.]to and handala-redwanted[.]to

As alleged in court documents, after the U.S.-Iran conflict began on February 28, 2026, the MOIS-controlled domains handala-hack[.]to and handala-redwanted[.]to published personally identifiable information (“PII”) associated with targeted individuals. The domain handala-hack[.]to also claimed responsibility for hacks conducted by the group. Specifically:

• On March 11, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-hack[.]to domain, claimed credit for conducting a destructive malware attack against a U.S.-based multinational medical technologies firm. The Handala Hack persona claimed the hack was retaliation for “ongoing cyber assaults against the infrastructure of the Axis of Resistance.”
• As of March 9, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-redwanted[.]to domain, posted the names and sensitive PII of approximately 190 individuals associated with or employed by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and/or Israeli government. The Handala Hack posting contained threats indicating the individuals were being monitored, their residences were known, and that consequences would soon follow.
• On March 6, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-hack[.]to domain, posted names and confidential data corresponding to individuals Handala Hack claimed worked for the IDF. The post stated, in part, “Your iPhone 12 Pro Max holds no security for us; we even know your exact location…,” and urged “People of the Axis of Resistance! See these names and respond to these Zionist pigs yourselves.”
• On March 6, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-hack[.]to domain, claimed it stole 851 gigabytes of confidential data from members of the Sanzer Hasidic Jewish community, including “documents of financial cooperation, witchcraft ceremonies, and secret correspondences with Netanyahu ...” The post continued “We warn the leaders and members of the Sanzer Hasidic community: No place is safe for you. Betrayal of the oppressed leads to nothing but disgrace and shame. Expect more documents to be revealed. Handala Hack[.]”

These threats and the related information were not just publicly posted. The FBI’s investigation also revealed that the email account Handala_Team@outlook[.]com was used to send death threats to Iranian dissidents and journalists living in the United States and abroad. In those communications, Handala Hack offered bounties and openly called for Mexican cartel “partners” to commit acts of violence against Handala Hack’s targets. Specifically, on or about March 1, 2026, the Handala_Team@outlook[.]com account was used to email two victims, located in the United States and abroad. In an email with the subject line “Death to [redacted victim names],” the sender wrote:

"We the Handala Hack team, the loyal followers of the supreme leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, declare war on all the enemies of Islam in the West. Our partners, the CJNG [Jalisco New Generation Cartel] cartel in America and Canada have been given a list of our enemies who are responsible for our great leaders [sic] death. [Redacted names], you laughed like hyenas during the [redacted] show. We have hacked and revealed your home addresses in [redacted] and [redacted] to our partners in the CJNG who are in [redacted U.S. state] and [redacted foreign country] now. Both of you will be executed soon, and we have offered a reward of $250,000 for the operatives who kills [sic] and beheads both of you. ALLAHU AKBAR[.]"

The domain handala-hack[.]to was also used as part of a broader effort to intimidate and harass Iranian dissidents and journalists living in the United States and abroad. According to investigators, threat actors associated with the domain directed online threats toward individuals who publicly criticized the Iranian government. In those cases, the MOIS attempts to embarrass and discredit its targets by circulating messages and content intended to damage their reputation. By leveraging online platforms linked to the domain, MOIS sought to amplify its online threats, pressure critics, and discourage independent reporting, while creating fear among members of the Iranian diaspora critical of the regime.

The Domains Justicehomeland[.]org and Karmabelow80[.]org

The domains Justicehomeland[.]org and Karmabelow80[.]org were the official websites of a shell hacktivist entity used by MOIS. On or about July 15, 2022, and September 9, 2022, MOIS actors used the Justicehomeland[.]org domain to claim responsibility for stealing sensitive documents  from Albanian government organizations. The motivation for leaking this information appears to be the Albanian government’s decision to support an Iranian dissident group called Mujahedeen e-Khalq or “MEK.” MEK has, in the past, openly advocated for the overthrow of the Iranian government.

In addition to these enforcement actions, the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse. Read more about this reward offer on the Rewards for Justice website.

The FBI Baltimore Field Office is investigating the case, in coordination with FBI Cyber Division.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case.

WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department announced the seizure of four domains as part of an ongoing effort to disrupt hacking and transnational repression schemes conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). The affidavit supporting the seizure warrant can be found here. The seized domains – Justicehomeland[.]org, Handala-Hack[.]to, Karmabelow80[.]org, and Handala-Redwanted[.]to – were used by the MOIS in furtherance of attempted psychological operations targeting adversaries of the regime by claiming credit for hacking activity, posting sensitive data stolen during such hacks, and calling for the killing of journalists, regime dissidents, and Israeli persons. For example, the MOIS used the Handala-hack[.]to domain to claim credit for a March 2026 destructive malware attack against a U.S.-based multinational medical technologies firm.

“Terrorist propaganda online can incite real-world violence — thanks to our National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, this network of Iranian-backed sites will no longer broadcast anti-American hate,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our cyber assets will remain ever-vigilant to root out and deactivate networks that pose a threat to American citizens.”

"Iran thought they could hide behind fake websites and keyboard threats to terrorize Americans and silence dissidents,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We took down four of their operation's pillars and we're not done. This FBI will hunt down every actor behind these cowardly death threats and cyberattacks and will bring the full force of American law enforcement down on them.”

“Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism worldwide, used the seized domains to dox and harass dissidents and journalists, incite violence against Jewish communities, and spread Tehran’s anti-American propaganda,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.  “NSD is committed to dismantling Iran’s cyberwarfare infrastructure and detecting and preventing Iran’s cyber-enabled terrorism.”

“Unleashing terroristic ideology into the cybersphere is a direct threat to our national security.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to collaborating with our law-enforcement partners to identify threats, shut them down, and hold bad actors accountable,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “We will not hesitate to use all our resources and available tools to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and security of our nation.”

"The Iranian regime exploits cyberspace to advance authoritarian objectives, suppress democratic institutions, and undermine our national and economic security,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul. “The FBI will act swiftly, deliberately, and proactively to disable cyber threats to America and use every available authority to ensure those responsible are identified, apprehended, and held accountable.”

The FBI’s investigation revealed that the four seized domains were linked to each other through shared leak sites, Iranian IP ranges, and a common operational "playbook." That playbook includes: destructive and disruptive cyber-attacks; and “faketivist” psychological operations using data stolen via hacking.

The Domains handala-hack[.]to and handala-redwanted[.]to

As alleged in court documents, after the U.S.-Iran conflict began on February 28, 2026, the MOIS-controlled domains handala-hack[.]to and handala-redwanted[.]to published personally identifiable information (“PII”) associated with targeted individuals. The domain handala-hack[.]to also claimed responsibility for hacks conducted by the group. Specifically:

• On March 11, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-hack[.]to domain, claimed credit for conducting a destructive malware attack against a U.S.-based multinational medical technologies firm. The Handala Hack persona claimed the hack was retaliation for “ongoing cyber assaults against the infrastructure of the Axis of Resistance.”
• As of March 9, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-redwanted[.]to domain, posted the names and sensitive PII of approximately 190 individuals associated with or employed by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and/or Israeli government. The Handala Hack posting contained threats indicating the individuals were being monitored, their residences were known, and that consequences would soon follow.
• On March 6, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-hack[.]to domain, posted names and confidential data corresponding to individuals Handala Hack claimed worked for the IDF. The post stated, in part, “Your iPhone 12 Pro Max holds no security for us; we even know your exact location…,” and urged “People of the Axis of Resistance! See these names and respond to these Zionist pigs yourselves.”
• On March 6, 2026, Handala Hack, via the Handala-hack[.]to domain, claimed it stole 851 gigabytes of confidential data from members of the Sanzer Hasidic Jewish community, including “documents of financial cooperation, witchcraft ceremonies, and secret correspondences with Netanyahu ...” The post continued “We warn the leaders and members of the Sanzer Hasidic community: No place is safe for you. Betrayal of the oppressed leads to nothing but disgrace and shame. Expect more documents to be revealed. Handala Hack[.]”

These threats and the related information were not just publicly posted. The FBI’s investigation also revealed that the email account Handala_Team@outlook[.]com was used to send death threats to Iranian dissidents and journalists living in the United States and abroad. In those communications, Handala Hack offered bounties and openly called for Mexican cartel “partners” to commit acts of violence against Handala Hack’s targets. Specifically, on or about March 1, 2026, the Handala_Team@outlook[.]com account was used to email two victims, located in the United States and abroad. In an email with the subject line “Death to [redacted victim names],” the sender wrote:

"We the Handala Hack team, the loyal followers of the supreme leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, declare war on all the enemies of Islam in the West. Our partners, the CJNG [Jalisco New Generation Cartel] cartel in America and Canada have been given a list of our enemies who are responsible for our great leaders [sic] death. [Redacted names], you laughed like hyenas during the [redacted] show. We have hacked and revealed your home addresses in [redacted] and [redacted] to our partners in the CJNG who are in [redacted U.S. state] and [redacted foreign country] now. Both of you will be executed soon, and we have offered a reward of $250,000 for the operatives who kills [sic] and beheads both of you. ALLAHU AKBAR[.]"

The domain handala-hack[.]to was also used as part of a broader effort to intimidate and harass Iranian dissidents and journalists living in the United States and abroad. According to investigators, threat actors associated with the domain directed online threats toward individuals who publicly criticized the Iranian government. In those cases, the MOIS attempts to embarrass and discredit its targets by circulating messages and content intended to damage their reputation. By leveraging online platforms linked to the domain, MOIS sought to amplify its online threats, pressure critics, and discourage independent reporting, while creating fear among members of the Iranian diaspora critical of the regime.

The Domains Justicehomeland[.]org and Karmabelow80[.]org

The domains Justicehomeland[.]org and Karmabelow80[.]org were the official websites of a shell hacktivist entity used by MOIS. On or about July 15, 2022, and September 9, 2022, MOIS actors used the Justicehomeland[.]org domain to claim responsibility for stealing sensitive documents  from Albanian government organizations. The motivation for leaking this information appears to be the Albanian government’s decision to support an Iranian dissident group called Mujahedeen e-Khalq or “MEK.” MEK has, in the past, openly advocated for the overthrow of the Iranian government.

In addition to these enforcement actions, the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse. Read more about this reward offer on the Rewards for Justice website.

The FBI Baltimore Field Office is investigating the case, in coordination with FBI Cyber Division.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Virginia woman pled guilty to a superseding indictment in federal court today. The charges stem from her attempt to help her boyfriend tamper with evidence after authorities arrested him for participating in a SNAP benefits fraud scheme.

Dominique Collins, 38, of Stafford, Virginia, is charged with tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. Collins attempted to help her boyfriend Brendyn Andrew, 34, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, alter an email account associated with the scheme.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region, and Special Agent in Charge David Richeson, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Washington Field Office.

According to the guilty plea, in March 2025, Collins spoke to Andrew on the phone while he was detained at the Chesapeake Detention Facility in Baltimore, Maryland. During the conversation, Andrew asked Collins to delete a Google email account to make it unavailable for use in an official proceeding. Collins then submitted a request to Google to delete the email account.

Collins faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is set for Thursday, July 2, at 9:30 a.m.

In January 2026, Andrew pled guilty to a federal 10-count superseding indictment, including SNAP benefits fraud, possessing unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and witness tampering. Andrew’s sentencing is slated for May 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended USDA-OIG and DSS for their work in the investigation, and the Montgomery County Police Department for its investigative assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy who are prosecuting the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a Mexican illegal alien today, in connection with illegal re-entry charges.

Fortunado Cuatlatl-Flores, aka Furtunado Cuatlatl-Cuatle, 44, is charged with illegally re-entering the United States after he was previously removed from the country following a conviction for an aggravated felony.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to court documents, on February 20, 2026, law enforcement encountered Cuatlatl-Flores in Wicomico County, Maryland, while performing an area-enforcement operation. After encountering Cuatlatl-Flores, law enforcement checked the license plate and registration on the vehicle the illegal alien was driving.

When ICE-ERO officers investigated further, they discovered a restriction code that indicated that Cuatlatl-Flores may not be legally present in the United States. ICE-ERO officers then conducted a vehicle stop.

During a brief investigative interview, Cuatlatl-Flores provided a Mexican voter identification card, with the name ‘Fortunato Cuatlatl’ on it, affirming his identity. Cuatlatl-Flores also admitted he is a citizen and national of Mexico who entered the U.S. without permission. Based on Cuatlatl-Flores’s admission, and confirmation of his identity, law enforcement took him into custody. Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered Cuatlatl-Flores was previously removed from the U.S. twice, following a felony child sexual abuse conviction.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Cuatlatl-Flores faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended Salisbury ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills who is prosecuting the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Guatemalan illegal alien received his sentence in federal court today, for illegally re-entering the United States.

U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Cesar Geovany Gomez, 36, to time served (approximately 130 days) in prison in connection with the charge. Geovany Gomez was deported from the U.S. on two prior occasions, and following his latest illegal re-entry, was convicted for first-degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to court documents, on July 28, 2017, authorities deported Geovany Gomez back to Guatemala, but he never sought, nor obtained, the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for re-admission. The deportation stemmed from law enforcement detaining Geovany Gomez after he re-entered the U.S. without inspection on June 16, 2017. Geovany Gomez had first illegally entered the U.S. through Mexico on March 5, 2012. Then immigration officials ordered his removal through expedited proceedings 14 days later.

After his second deportation in July 2017, Geovany Gomez re-entered the U.S. again on an unknown date. Then on December 12, 2024, after an incident that occurred in April of the same year, Geovany Gomez pled guilty to first-degree assault in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County. He’s currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, with all but five years suspended in connection to the assault.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills who is prosecuting this federal case.

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

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