District of New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – A dual citizen of Mexico and the United States who trafficked multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine was sentenced on July 14, 2026, to 104 months in prison and four years of supervised release before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal court, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Edgar Lopez Razo, Jr., 30, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Lopez Razo admitted that, from approximately February 2022 through March 2024, he participated in a scheme to traffic large quantities of controlled substances by booking a series of short-term property rentals that he and his coconspirators would use to receive deliveries of narcotics. 

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

Lopez Razo participated in a sophisticated large-scale drug-trafficking conspiracy. Lopez Razo and a coconspirator booked a series of short-term property rentals that they would systematically use to receive multi-kilogram deliveries of narcotics. Through this scheme, the coconspirators continually changed the address receiving the narcotics as a technique to evade detection by law enforcement. Lopez Razo and a coconspirator booked at least 27 rental properties to receive shipments of narcotics, in multiple locations throughout New Jersey and other states. The investigation resulted in the seizure of over 31 kilograms of cocaine, over 9 kilograms of fentanyl, and nearly 5 kilograms of heroin.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas in Newark with the investigation that led to the charges and conviction.

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 Newark comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS and local law enforcement officers with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Rosenblum of the Narcotics & International Trafficking Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: John H. Yauch, Esq.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man was convicted by a jury on July 17, 2026, for offenses arising from his illicit communications and conduct with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Gabriel Perez, 31, of Eastampton, New Jersey, was convicted of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor following a five-day jury trial that began on July 13, 2026 before United States District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court.  Sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2026. 

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

In mid-August 2024, Perez, then a 29-year-old captain in the United States Air Force, communicated on an online social media platform with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old girl. Within approximately 24 hours of learning the purported girl’s age, Perez expressed his interest in meeting her for sex. On August 28, 2024, Perez sent an obscene photograph of himself to the purported girl and arranged to meet her the next day to engage in unlawful sexual activity. On August 29, 2024, Perez drove to the pre‑arranged meeting location with condoms in his pocket and was arrested by law enforcement. 

Perez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for his conviction for attempted enticement and coercion of a minor. He also faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for his conviction for attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Each offense carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

United States Attorney Frazer credited law enforcement members with the Air Force Office of Special Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ryan Gribble, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Eastampton Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Belgiovine and Richard Shephard of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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Defense counsel: Ray Mateo, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – Two Essex County men were charged on Tuesday with trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine and firearm offenses in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Ramon Suero, 45, and Franklin Mambru, 39, both of Newark, New Jersey, were charged in a criminal complaint before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in Newark federal court with  conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Suero is also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

Suero and Mambru trafficked multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics out of a residential building in Newark, New Jersey. Following an investigation, on July 14, 2026, Suero and Mambru were arrested after law enforcement executed a search on the building. Narcotics were found throughout the building. Law enforcement recovered approximately 16 kilograms of fentanyl and 900 grams of cocaine during the search, some of which were in a hidden trap compartment that was operated remotely by key fobs. Law enforcement also recovered a firearm equipped with a large capacity magazine containing approximately 51 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition.

The counts charging Suero and Mambru with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine each carry a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The count charging Suero and Mambru with maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000. The count charging Suero with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Finally, the count charging Suero with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Botwinick of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel for Ramon Suero: Tatiana Nnaji, Esq.

Defense counsel for Franklin Mambru: Frederick R. Dunne, III, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County man was sentenced to 288 months in prison for the attempted murder of a federal officer, as well as narcotics offenses and possession of 18 firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Maloy Amador, 44, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court following his guilty plea to a four-count information charging him with attempted murder of a federal officer, discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. 

“Attempting to murder a federal law enforcement officer is among the most serious crimes our office prosecutes. The men and women of federal law enforcement put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities, and this case—where the defendant fired a gun at a federal officer—is a stark reminder of just how dangerous and life-threatening that mission can be.  Anyone who chooses to meet law enforcement with violence will face the full weight of the federal justice system.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“Mr. Amador pled guilty today to a number of charges, to include the most serious charge of attempted murder of a federal officer. In August 2025, while federal agents were executing a court authorized search warrant, Amador discharged his assault rifle at the officers with a projectile striking at least one of the officers in the vest. The FBI takes any degree of assault on a federal officer with the utmost seriousness and will see that justice is served,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.

“This guilty plea underscores the grave danger our officers face when they put on the uniform,” said New York Director of Field Operations Frank Russo of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “During this operation, one of our CBP officers later discovered bullet fragments embedded in his protective vest—an alarming reminder of how close we came to a very different outcome. We are grateful he was not physically injured, and I commend his skill, composure, and bravery in going through that door in an extremely dangerous situation. CBP will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that those who target law enforcement are held fully accountable.”

“This is a reminder of the dangers that the men and women of law enforcement put themselves in on a daily basis to keep our communities safe,” stated DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “We are very fortunate that no members of law enforcement were injured or killed during this operation. In light of these dangers, we will continue to pursue those seeking to break the law.”

“ATF remains steadfast in its commitment to identifying and holding accountable anyone who commits violence against law enforcement officers or engages in criminal activity. This plea demonstrates our shared resolve and unified approach to protecting our communities. We will continue to work alongside our partners at all levels to combat threats to public safety.”

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

On August 13, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Amador’s residence in Parsippany, New Jersey, in connection with a narcotics and firearms investigation. After law enforcement entered Amador’s residence, Amador fired a gun toward law enforcement. Following an extended exchange of gunfire between Amador and law enforcement, Amador eventually surrendered, and law enforcement placed him under arrest. At some point during the exchange of gunfire, Amador was struck in the arm. After Amador’s arrest, one of the officers who entered Amador’s residence discovered that a bullet had struck his agency‑issued electronic control device, leaving a hole in the device, and bullet fragments embedded in his ballistic vest. During a search of Amador’s residence, law enforcement recovered over two kilograms of narcotics and 18 firearms, including multiple assault rifles.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Amador to four years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited officers and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Israel Colon; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle; the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard Pantina.

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

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 

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Defense Counsel: Laura Sayler, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, N.J., man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury for his involvement in a significant drug trafficking organization operating in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Samuel Alectus, a/k/a “Capet,” 37, of Newark, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine following a jury trial that began on July 13, 2026 before United States District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court.  Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2026.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

Alectus was a member of a drug trafficking organization that had a significant presence in New Jersey.  On January 27, 2022, Alectus met up with Heidy Valdez at his apartment in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the drug trafficking organization was storing more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.  Valdez put approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine from that stash into Alectus’ car, which Alectus drove to another apartment in Linden, New Jersey.  Valdez then carried the cocaine into the Linden apartment, while Alectus left to purchase narcotics packaging materials. When Alectus returned to the Linden apartment, he and Valdez repackaged the cocaine to make it look similar to fake kilograms of cocaine they had created.  When Alectus and Valdez left, they put bags containing approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 9 fake kilograms into their vehicles.  Shortly thereafter, law enforcement seized bags containing kilograms of cocaine from Alectus’ car and from Valdez.  Law enforcement then searched the Linden apartment, where they found a large hydraulic kilogram press, narcotics packaging materials, a digital scale, and kilogram stamps.

For each offense of conviction, Alectus faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a fine of up to $10 million.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, with the investigation leading to the conviction.

The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Jake Nussbaum, of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Robert J. DeGroot and Oleg Nekritin, Esqs.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Paterson, New Jersey man was sentenced on July 15, 2026 to 96 months of imprisonment for his role in trafficking drugs and firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Rahameen Newkirk, 46, of Paterson, New Jersey, previously plead guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams to an Information charging him with one count of being a felon in possession, one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

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

In 2020 and 2021, and as part of a lengthy investigation into the illegal trafficking of firearms and narcotics in Paterson, New Jersey, undercover law enforcement purchased three AR-style rifles, as well as fentanyl and cocaine base from Newkirk.  Newkirk made thousands of dollars from this illegal activity.  Newkirk’s prior state convictions for distribution of controlled substances qualified him to be sentenced as a “career offender” under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, significantly increasing his sentencing exposure.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Williams sentenced Newkirk to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer thanks special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs in Philadelphia.

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.

The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Criminal Division.

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Defense counsel: Gary Mizzone, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – A New York-based former employee of TD Bank, N.A. was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for facilitating a money laundering network’s movement of millions of dollars through TD Bank accounts. A second New York-based former employee of TD Bank, N.A. and another financial institution was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and making false bank entries or reports as a bank employee, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

According to court documents, Wilfredo Aquino, 47, of Manhattan, New York, leveraged his position as a TD Bank assistant store manager to facilitate a money laundering network’s movement of hundreds of millions of dollars through TD Bank accounts from 2019 to February 2021. During that time, the leader of the network, Da Ying Sze, also known as David, and his co-conspirators moved approximately $474 million through TD Bank accounts by depositing cash at TD Bank stores in New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere. In February 2022, David pleaded guilty to coordinating a $653 million money laundering conspiracy, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and bribing bank employees in connection with financial transactions.

During David’s money laundering scheme, Aquino processed approximately 1,680 official bank checks at TD Bank for David and his co-conspirators, totaling more than approximately $92 million. Nearly all of these bank checks were funded with a corresponding cash deposit exceeding $10,000, which triggered TD Bank’s legal requirement to file a currency transaction report (CTR). Although Aquino knew that David was conducting these cash deposits, Aquino never identified David as the “conductor” on the CTR. Aquino also knew that TD Bank had closed other accounts linked to David for suspicious activity; one colleague even warned Aquino that David’s activity “looks like money laundering.” In February 2021, Aquino facilitated three of David’s money laundering transactions, totaling almost $2 million in cash, in a third party’s account. He failed to report David as the conductor of the transactions, thus concealing David’s role in the money laundering scheme.

Aquino accepted numerous retail gift cards from David totaling over $11,000 in return for his facilitation of this scheme, including for the three transactions in February 2021.

In January 2026, Aquino pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder monetary instruments. 

According to court documents, from January 2021 through May 2021, Edward Low, also known as “a Mang Wah Low” and “Eddie Low,” 31, of Flushing, New York, accepted bribes and leveraged his position as a TD Bank, N.A. retail employee to fraudulently obtain confidential customer information that he passed to outside co-conspirators, who used it to take over accounts and steal money from customers. Low also processed some of their illicit transactions. In total, Low received at least $26,700 in bribes and facilitated $484,572.16 in fraud at TD Bank.

Then, from May 2022 through August 2022, while employed at another financial institution, Low accepted a bribe to falsify bank records to open an account in the name of a shell company. Low’s co-conspirators then used that account to commit at least $47,195 of fraud.

In February 2026, Low pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and making false bank entries or reports as a bank employee. 

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey; Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Newark Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) New York Region made the announcement. The Department also thanks the Morristown Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section prosecuted the case.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system. 

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Defense counsel: 

Aquino – Richard J. Verde, Esq.

Low – Michael P. Koribanics, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – New York Packaging II LLC d/b/a Redi-Bag USA, a New York-based supplier of custom bags, liners, and packaging, along with the company’s CEO, Jeffrey Rabiea, have agreed to pay a total of $7.3 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by misrepresenting on customs entry forms the country of origin of polyethylene retail carrier bags (PRCBs), thereby evading antidumping duties owed to the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.

 “Antidumping duties help protect American taxpayers, workers, and businesses. This settlement agreement shows that our Office will continue to vigorously investigate and pursue allegations that businesses are evading those duties through unlawful conduct.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties, including antidumping duties assessed by the Department of Commerce.  Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost.  During the relevant time period, PRCBs from the People’s Republic of China (China) were subject to antidumping duties. 

The settlement resolves allegations that Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea knew that PRCBs they imported and supplied to customers across the United States were manufactured in China and transshipped through Hong Kong.  Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea nevertheless misrepresented on customs entry forms that the country of origin of the PRCBs was Hong Kong, thus evading antidumping duties assessed by the United States under Antidumping Duty Order No. A-570-886 (ADD Order).  When applicable, the ADD Order imposed an antidumping duty of up to 77.57% on the value of PRCBs manufactured in China and imported into the United States. 

The United States alleged that Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea concealed the PRCBs’ true country of origin by hiding information from others, including the company’s customs broker and CBP, by directing employees to cover up “Made in China” markings, directing the manufacturer to remove “Made in China” markings, and directing the cancelation of orders after learning the orders would be inspected by customs authorities. 

“Companies that benefit from access to U.S. markets must follow U.S. law, including by paying import duties that protect American manufacturers and workers from unfair foreign competition,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will hold accountable those who evade duties owed to the United States.”

“CBP ensures that all companies comply with U.S. customs and trade laws,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “With this settlement, we are protecting the integrity of our nation’s borders and holding those who attempt to evade customs duties accountable. We continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard fair trade and support lawful commerce.”

The settlement with Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea resolves a civil lawsuit filed by relator John Maierhoffer, a former contracted sales representative for Redi-Bag USA, under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in a portion of the government’s recovery.  The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and is captioned United States ex rel. Maierhoffer v. New York Packaging II LLC, et al., Civil No. 21-20170 (D.N.J.).  As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Maierhoffer will receive approximately $1,332,250 of the settlement proceeds.

This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs.  When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules.  

In 2025, the Department of Justice launched a cross-agency Trade Fraud Task Force to enhance efforts to combat and prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security.  The Task Force augments existing coordination mechanisms within the Department of Justice, leveraging expertise from both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against any parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy.  The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Department’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at CorporateWhistleblower@usdoj.gov using the form available here.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Associate Chief Counsel, New York, Northeast Region; CBP’s Office of Trade, Trade Regulatory Audit; and CBP’s Industrial & Manufacturing Materials Center, Office of Field Operations. 

Assistant United States Attorney David Simunovich of the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Gavin Thole of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the case.

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

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Counsel for New York Packaging II LLC: Peter Baldwin, Esq., New York, NY

Counsel for Relator John Maierhoffer: Bruce Judge, Esq., Boston, MA

CAMDEN, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced  that: (i) a former U.S. Postal Service employee admitted to stealing checks from the U.S. mail and selling them to others; (ii) a Philadelphia man admitted to advertising and reselling the stolen checks; (iii) another Philadelphia man admitted to working with others to fraudulently negotiate one of the stolen checks; and (iv) a Mount Laurel man and woman were each sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for their roles in negotiating checks stolen as part of the same conspiracy.

Juawan Reed, 30, of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, a former postal worker, pleaded guilty on July 15, 2026 before District Judge Edward S. Kiel to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of public money, theft of U.S. mail, money laundering, and filing a false income tax return.  Christopher Hayman, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2026 before Judge Kiel to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud.  Tyree Holmes, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026 before Judge Kiel to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud.  Kharon Parson-Wright, 28, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Kiel on June 22, 2026, to 57 months’ imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Yasmene Johnson, 29, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Kiel on May 12, 2026, to 57 months’ imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to an Information charging her with conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.   

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

Reed stole checks from the U.S. mail while he worked at the U.S. Postal Service Camden Carrier Annex.  Reed sold or otherwise provided some of the stolen checks to Holmes and Dante Ford, who advertised some of the stolen checks on a social media platform and resold them to others.  Reed provided other stolen checks directly to Holmes and others for them to negotiate fraudulently. 

For example, in December 2022, Reed stole a $686,541.88 United States Treasury check payable to a business in Pennsauken, New Jersey.  Reed provided this stolen check to Holmes.  Co-conspirator Hayman falsely purported to be the CEO of the Pennsauken business in order to open a business bank account in the name of the business. The conspirators then deposited the stolen check, and Hayman withdrew a substantial portion of the funds before the bank detected the fraud and closed the account. 

In addition to stealing checks from the mail, Reed admitted that he created and used a stolen identity to open financial accounts, which Reed then used to launder some of the fraud proceeds.  Reed also admitted that he failed to report on his tax returns hundreds of thousands of dollars that he earned from his crimes.  Reed admitted that the bank fraud conspiracy caused an actual loss of more than $2.4 million and an intended loss of more than $20 million. 

Apart from the checks that Reed stole through his work as a postal worker, Ford, Parson-Wright and others also stole checks from blue U.S. mail collection boxes.  Ford and other members of that conspiracy then created counterfeit versions of the stolen checks or altered the stolen checks by increasing the value of the checks and changing the name of the payee either to a member of the conspiracy or somebody else recruited by the conspiracy.  Parson-Wright and Johnson admitted that they negotiated and caused to be negotiated the counterfeit or altered checks and then attempted to the withdraw the funds before the bank learned that the checks were illegitimate.  This aspect of the conspiracy involved the negotiation of checks at banks across southern New Jersey and elsewhere, with checks written for tens of thousands of dollars.

As a separate part of their conspiracy, Parson-Wright connected Johnson with a bank employee who created fraudulent debit cards in the name of victims who held accounts at the bank.  Parson-Wright and Johnson used one of the fraudulently-issued debit cards to make purchases and ATM withdrawals in New Jersey.  Parson-Wright and Johnson admitted that their roles in the bank fraud conspiracy resulted in actual losses exceeding $400,000 and intended losses exceeding $1,500,000.

Ford and three other defendants previously were sentenced in 2025 after pleading guilty to participating in a bank fraud conspiracy involving some of the stolen checks described above.  Ford was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment, co-conspirator Donovan Bunch was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment, co-conspirator Tracy Felder-Carter was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, and co-conspirator Quamell Keyes-Griffin was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

For Reed, Holmes, and Hayman, the count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest.  For Reed, the count of aggravated identity theft carries a statutory mandatory penalty of two years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, the count of theft of public money carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, the count of theft of U.S. mail carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, the count of money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the count of filing a false income tax return carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison.

Sentencing for Reed is scheduled for November 17, 2026, sentencing for Hayman is scheduled for November 16, 2026, and sentencing for Holmes is scheduled for October 27, 2026. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited postal inspectors and agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Northeast Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter, with the investigations leading to these pleas and sentences.  He also thanked the Mount Laurel Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Hudnall, for its valuable assistance in the investigation.

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

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden and Sara Aliabadi of the Special Prosecutions Division.

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Defense counsel: 

Reed:                           Todd Fiore, Esq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Holmes:                      Troy Archie, Esq., Cinnaminson, New Jersey.

Parson-Wright:           Justin Capek, Esq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Johnson:                      Stanley King, Esq., Voorhees, New Jersey.

Hayman:                     Edward Borden, Jr., Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

NEWARK, N.J. – Yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey terminated the consent decree covering the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility (Edna Mahan), marking the end of federal court oversight under the 2021 decree. The Justice Department and the State of New Jersey jointly moved to terminate the consent decree based on Edna Mahan’s successful implementation of reforms related to sexual abuse of prisoners by staff in the women’s prison, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

“We join our Justice Department colleagues in the Civil Rights Division in applauding the collaborative efforts with Edna Mahan that have resulted in this termination. Edna Mahan’s reforms have been consistent and transformational in addressing sexual abuse.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“We are proud to recognize Edna Mahan’s sustained progress and commitment to constitutional conditions that protect women from sexual abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “We credit the dedicated staff of Edna Mahan who continue to work every day toward preventing sexual abuse of women in its custody.”

In 2020, the Justice Department completed an investigation into Edna Mahan under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. In 2021, the Department and the State of New Jersey entered into a consent decree to address the investigation’s findings that New Jersey failed to keep women prisoners at Edna Mahan safe from sexual abuse by staff, in violation of the Eighth Amendment. After consistent progress over the last five years, Edna Mahan has fully complied with the agreement.

Resolution of the Edna Mahan case is another example of the Justice Department’s success in partnering with law enforcement to implement reforms that serve Americans.

The United States is represented by Eileen Ulate, Trial Attorney, Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thandiwe Boylan.

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A New York-based former employee of TD Bank, N.A. was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for facilitating a money laundering network’s movement of millions of dollars through TD Bank accounts. A second New York-based former employee of TD Bank, N.A. and another financial institution was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and making false bank entries or reports as a bank employee.

According to court documents, Wilfredo Aquino, 47, of Manhattan, New York, leveraged his position as a TD Bank assistant store manager to facilitate a money laundering network’s movement of hundreds of millions of dollars through TD Bank accounts from 2019 to February 2021. During that time, the leader of the network, Da Ying Sze, also known as David, and his co-conspirators moved approximately $474 million through TD Bank accounts by depositing cash at TD Bank stores in New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere. In February 2022, David pleaded guilty to coordinating a $653 million money laundering conspiracy, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and bribing bank employees in connection with financial transactions.

During David’s money laundering scheme, Aquino processed approximately 1,680 official bank checks at TD Bank for David and his co-conspirators, totaling more than approximately $92 million. Nearly all of these bank checks were funded with a corresponding cash deposit exceeding $10,000, which triggered TD Bank’s legal requirement to file a currency transaction report (CTR). Although Aquino knew that David was conducting these cash deposits, Aquino never identified David as the “conductor” on the CTR. Aquino also knew that TD Bank had closed other accounts linked to David for suspicious activity; one colleague even warned Aquino that David’s activity “looks like money laundering.” In February 2021, Aquino facilitated three of David’s money laundering transactions, totaling almost $2 million in cash, in a third party’s account. He failed to report David as the conductor of the transactions, thus concealing David’s role in the money laundering scheme.

Aquino accepted numerous retail gift cards from David totaling over $11,000 in return for his facilitation of this scheme, including for the three transactions in February 2021.

In January 2026, Aquino pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder monetary instruments. 

According to court documents, from January 2021 through May 2021, Edward Low, also known as “a Mang Wah Low” and “Eddie Low,” 31, of Flushing, New York, accepted bribes and leveraged his position as a TD Bank, N.A. retail employee to fraudulently obtain confidential customer information that he passed to outside co-conspirators, who used it to take over accounts and steal money from customers. Low also processed some of their illicit transactions. In total, Low received at least $26,700 in bribes and facilitated $484,572.16 in fraud at TD Bank.

Then, from May 2022 through August 2022, while employed at another financial institution, Low accepted a bribe to falsify bank records to open an account in the name of a shell company. Low’s co-conspirators then used that account to commit at least $47,195 of fraud.

In February 2026, Low pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and making false bank entries or reports as a bank employee. 

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey; Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Newark Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) New York Region made the announcement.

The IRS-CI Newark Field Office and the FDIC OIG New York Region investigated the cases. The Department also thanks the Morristown Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.

Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the District of New Jersey, prosecuted the case.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

New York Packaging II LLC doing business as Redi-Bag USA, a New York-based supplier of custom bags, liners, and packaging, along with the company’s CEO, Jeffrey Rabiea, have agreed to pay a total of $7.3 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by misrepresenting on customs entry forms the country of origin of polyethylene retail carrier bags (PRCBs), thereby evading antidumping duties owed to the United States.

“Companies that benefit from access to U.S. markets must follow U.S. law, including by paying import duties that protect American manufacturers and workers from unfair foreign competition,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will hold accountable those who evade duties owed to the United States.”

“Antidumping duties help protect American taxpayers, workers, and businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “This settlement agreement shows that our Office will continue to vigorously investigate and pursue allegations that businesses are evading those duties through unlawful conduct.”

“CBP ensures that all companies comply with U.S. customs and trade laws,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “With this settlement, we are protecting the integrity of our nation’s borders and holding those who attempt to evade customs duties accountable. We continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard fair trade and support lawful commerce.”

To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties, including antidumping duties assessed by the Department of Commerce. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost. During the relevant time period, PRCBs from the People’s Republic of China (China) were subject to antidumping duties.

The settlement resolves allegations that Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea knew that PRCBs they imported and supplied to customers across the United States were manufactured in China and transshipped through Hong Kong. Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea nevertheless misrepresented on customs entry forms that the country of origin of the PRCBs was Hong Kong, thus evading antidumping duties assessed by the United States under Antidumping Duty Order No. A-570-886 (ADD Order). When applicable, the ADD Order imposed an antidumping duty of up to 77.57% on the value of PRCBs manufactured in China and imported into the United States. 

The United States alleged that Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea concealed the PRCBs’ true country of origin by hiding information from others, including the company’s customs broker and CBP, by directing employees to cover up “Made in China” markings, directing the manufacturer to remove “Made in China” markings, and directing the cancelation of orders after learning the orders would be inspected by customs authorities. 

The settlement with Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea resolves a civil lawsuit filed by relator John Maierhoffer, a former contracted sales representative for Redi-Bag USA, under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and is captioned United States ex rel. Maierhoffer v. New York Packaging II LLC, et al., Civil No. 21-20170 (D.N.J.). As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Maierhoffer will receive approximately $1,332,250 of the settlement proceeds.

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

In 2025, the Department of Justice launched a cross-agency Trade Fraud Task Force to enhance efforts to combat and prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force augments existing coordination mechanisms within the Department of Justice, leveraging expertise from both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against any parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Department’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at CorporateWhistleblower@usdoj.gov using the form available here.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Associate Chief Counsel, New York, Northeast Region; CBP’s Office of Trade, Trade Regulatory Audit; and CBP’s Industrial & Manufacturing Materials Center, Office of Field Operations.

Trial Attorney Gavin Thole of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Simunovich for the District of New Jersey handled the case.

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

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County woman was charged on with distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Brittany Malsch, 38, of Garfield, New Jersey, was charged by Complaint with possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.  Malsch had her initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court, and was remanded.

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

From at least as early as December 2025, law enforcement began investigating Malsch for her role in distributing methamphetamine from a room at a hotel located in Fairfield, New Jersey.  After confirming that Malsch was residing in the hotel, law enforcement executed a judicially- authorized search warrant for her hotel room, in which law enforcement discovered multiple bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia including packaging materials.  Officers also recovered approximately $1,720.00 in U.S. currency. 

The charge of possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine carries a minimum statutory term of 10 years, a maximum statutory term of life, and a maximum fine of $10 million. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, and the Fairfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Anthony G. Manna, with the investigation. 

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Isen Kang of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Laura C. Sayler, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender.

Two New Jersey men were sentenced this week for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that imported fentanyl analogues from China and distributed them in pill form throughout Northern New Jersey.Nine individuals have been charged and convicted for their roles in this drug trafficking organization. In total, they imported over a metric ton of fentanyl-related substances and other drugs into the United States and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to China using wire transfers and Bitcoin to pay for the drugs. Thus far, five individuals have been sentenced to a total of 685 months in prison.

On July 7, Sean Tighe, 50, of North Haledon, New Jersey, was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Tighe previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl analogue pills and participating in a money laundering conspiracy. Tighe admitted that from approximately March 2014 to September 2020, he conspired to distribute over nine kilograms of furanyl fentanyl and nine kilograms of 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, synthetic cathinones (also known as bath salts), including ethylone; and ketamine. In addition, from March 2014 to May 2019, Tighe conspired to launder funds, including five wire payments from the United States to China to purchase controlled substances and/or controlled substance analogues.

On July 8, Juan Rodriguez, 51, of Irvington, New Jersey, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl analogues. During the conspiracy, Rodriguez obtained opioid pills from Sean Tighe and distributed them in Northern New Jersey. 

Other members of the drug trafficking organization  placed orders with a source in China and imported kilogram quantities of various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues to the United States. The drugs arrived through commercial package delivery services and air freight from China and were transported to Newark, New Jersey, where co-conspirators pressed the fentanyl analogue powder into fake prescription pills. The drugs were sold in bulk and pill form directly to consumers and other downstream distributors. 

Other members of the conspiracy included Thomas Padovano, 52, of Newark, New Jersey,  who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 234 months in prison; William Panzera, 53, of North Haledon, New Jersey, who was convicted by a jury and sentenced to 144 months in prison; and  Michael Action, 51, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 96 months in prison. 

Four other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing.Bartholomew Padovano is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29. Sentencing dates for the other co-conspirators have not been yet been scheduled.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) made the announcement.

The HSI Newark Field Office the investigation, with assistance from HSI in Philadelphia, the FBI Newark Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Newark Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey, New York and Kentucky, the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Stephen Sola, Chief of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra for the District of New Jersey. Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of MNF supported the investigation.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section's (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.

This case 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.

NEWARK, N.J. – Two New Jersey men were sentenced this week for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that imported fentanyl analogues from China and distributed them in pill form throughout Northern New Jersey. Nine individuals have been charged and convicted for their roles in this drug trafficking organization. In total, they imported over a metric ton of fentanyl-related substances and other drugs into the United States and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to China using wire transfers and Bitcoin to pay for the drugs. Thus far, five individuals have been sentenced to a total of 685 months in prison, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) announced.

On July 7, Sean Tighe, 50, of North Haledon, New Jersey, was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Tighe previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl analogue pills and participating in a money laundering conspiracy, before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court. Tighe admitted that from approximately March 2014 to September 2020, he conspired to distribute over nine kilograms of furanyl fentanyl and nine kilograms of 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, synthetic cathinones (also known as bath salts), including ethylone; and ketamine. In addition, from March 2014 to May 2019, Tighe conspired to launder funds, including five wire payments from the United States to China to purchase controlled substances and/or controlled substance analogues.

On July 8, Juan Rodriguez, 51, of Irvington, New Jersey, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl analogues. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced both defendants to 5 years of supervised release.

Other members of the drug trafficking organization placed orders with a source in China and imported kilogram quantities of various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues to the United States. The drugs arrived through commercial package delivery services and air freight from China and were transported to Newark, New Jersey, where co-conspirators pressed the fentanyl analogue powder into fake prescription pills. The drugs were sold in bulk and pill form directly to consumers and other downstream distributors. 

Other members of the conspiracy included Thomas Padovano, 52, of Newark, New Jersey,  who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 234 months in prison; William Panzera, 53, of North Haledon, New Jersey, who was convicted by a jury and sentenced to 144 months in prison; and Michael Action, 51, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 96 months in prison. 

Four other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing. Bartholomew Padovano is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29. Sentencing dates for the other co-conspirators have not been yet been scheduled.

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

From approximately January 2014 through September 2020, members of the drug trafficking organization agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methylone, and ketamine. They received packages and shipping barrels laden with drugs, which arrived through commercial package delivery services and air freight from China. They distributed some of the drugs in bulk, and delivered some to a dilapidated trailer in Newark, where co-conspirators pressed the fentanyl analogues into counterfeit pharmaceutical pills and distributed them. Tighe was among the individuals who distributed the fake pills to customers and other downstream distributers, including Rodriguez.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) – Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation. He also thanked HSI in Philadelphia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.

The government is represented by Senior National Security Counsel Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra of the Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Stephen Sola, Chief of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture (MNF) Section. Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of MNF supported the investigation.

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 Newark comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS and local law enforcement officers with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

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Defense counsel: Paul Condon, Esq. for Sean Tighe; Anthony Pope for Juan Rodriguez.

NEWARK, N.J. – United States Attorney Robert Frazer announces criminal charges against 6 defendants in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid involving a doctor and other medical professionals issuing medically unnecessary prescriptions to a pharmacist in exchange for cash kickbacks. 

“The District of New Jersey remains committed to aggressively rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse committed by doctors, pharmacists, and medical professionals who betray their patients in pursuit of greed. Our Office will continue to ensure that those individuals who bilk our insurance systems to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars face swift justice.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

"The defendants in this case allegedly orchestrated a sprawling kickback scheme involving fraudulent prescriptions to fuel their own greed,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi D. Gruchacz, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG wants to ensure the public that we are committed, alongside our law enforcement partners, to dismantling schemes that abuse federal health care programs and to bringing those who perpetrate such fraud to justice.” 

“Each of the defendants had a unique role in this alleged scheme, but the common thread is a complete disrespect for the Medicare and Medicaid programs that so many Americans rely on,” said Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “The defendants defrauded these programs through kickbacks that lined their pockets, while over $20 million taxpayer dollars were quietly disappearing. The FBI will continue to root out conspiracies to commit health care fraud and restore balance to a system that will not be shaken by these disrupters.”

The following individuals were charged by Information in the District of New Jersey on July 7, 2026 and appeared before Judge Karen M. Williams in federal district court in Camden in connection with the scheme: 

• Sherif Elmasri, 45, of Morganville, New Jersey, pled guilty to a two-count Information charging him with conspiring to commit health care fraud and to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute on June 16, 2025. 
• Boris Veysman, 48, of Freehold, New Jersey, pled guilty to a two-count Information charging him with conspiring to commit health care fraud and unlawfully distribute controlled substances on June 17, 2025.
• Stephanie Cupo, 45, of South Plainfield, New Jersey, pled guilty to an Information charging her with conspiring to make false statements relating to health care matters and to use a Drug Enforcement Administration registration number issued to another person on January 7, 2026.
• Nikki Steidle, 53, of Toms River, New Jersey, pled guilty to an Information charging her with conspiring to defraud the United States, solicit and receive kickbacks, offer and pay kickbacks, and unlawfully distribute controlled substances on June 30, 2026.
• Janet Tadros, 59, of Union City, New Jersey, pled guilty to a two-count Information charging her with conspiring to commit health care fraud and to violate the Anti-Kickback statute on July 7, 2026.

Additionally, Ashlee Maixner, 39, of Lakehurst, New Jersey, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States, solicit and receive kickbacks, offer and pay kickbacks, unlawfully distribute controlled substances, and two counts of soliciting and receiving a kickback. Maixner was arraigned before Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark on June 25, 2026, and pled not guilty. 

According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:

From October 2022 to November 2025, Elmasri, a pharmacy owner, paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to several health care providers in exchange for them issuing prescriptions for high-reimbursement medications, which Elmasri selected, to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.  Elmasri personally profited from these prescriptions and the insurance claims it generated for his pharmacies.

One of the providers involved in the scheme was Dr. Boris Veysman, an emergency medicine doctor with offices in New Jersey. Elmasri paid Veysman to issue prescriptions recommended by Elmasri to Medicare beneficiaries Elmasri referred to Veysman from from approximately May 2023 to December 2024. Veysman, at times, did not examine the patients prior to issuing the prescriptions.  Maixner and Steidle were advanced practice nurses who worked for Veysman and are also alleged to have received illegal kickbacks from Elmasri for issuing prescriptions. Cupo also worked for Veysman and submitted prior authorizations with false information to increase the likelihood that the prior authorizations she prepared would be approved by Medicare and other health care benefit programs. 

Separately, Janet Tadros was the office manager of a neurology practice in Jersey City, New Jersey, who, from between December 2023 and November 2025, solicited and received cash kickbacks of approximately $3,000 per week in exchange for sending Elmasri’s pharmacies medically unnecessary prescriptions for patients who were not evaluated nor prescribed the medications and that were sent without the provider’s knowledge or authorization. 

In total, the defendants are alleged to have caused a loss of approximately $20,684,264 to Medicare and Medicaid.

Veysman, Steidle, and Maixner are separately charged with allegedly conspiring to unlawfully distribute controlled substances to patients without assessing them. 

The charges of conspiracy carry a statutory maximum of five years imprisonment as well as a maximum fine equal to twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss caused by the offense. The charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and violations of the Anti-Kickback statute each carry a statutory maximum of ten years imprisonment.  

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and special agents, task force officers, and diversion investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James.

The Department of Justice has established the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the National Fraud Enforcement Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Division will fulfill that mission by coordinating with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification of fraud against taxpayer dollars; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice. The attorneys in the National Fraud Enforcement Division will work every day to protect the financial integrity of our government and the tax system that supports it.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Healthcare Fraud Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys Nicholas Peone, Paul J. Koob, and Kraig Ahalt of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section. Valuable assistant in the investigation was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the Northern District of Illinois. 

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment against Maixner are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: 

Ryan M. Magee, Esq. for Sherif Elmasri. 

Benjamin Brafman, Esq. for Boris Veysman. 

James A. Abate, Esq. for Stephanie Cupo.

Julian Wilsey, Esq. for Nikki Steidle.  

Timothy S. Farrow, Esq. for Ashlee Maixner. 

Kathleen Theurer Platts, Esq. for Janet Tadros.

NEWARK, N.J. – Former Hudson County Parks Department Director Russell Fallacara (Fallacara) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced today. 

Fallacara, 59, of Bayonne, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an Information charging him with conspiring to defraud Hudson County of the right to officials’ honest services.

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

From 2019 through 2024, the conspiracy involved more than $1.5 million in bribes and kickbacks.  The payments were made by business owner William A. Murray (Murray), so that Murray’s company would be awarded contracts to work on various Hudson County Parks Department projects, including but not limited to landscape maintenance, paving, and general contracting projects. The bribes and kickbacks often came in the form of cash payments to Hudson County officials, including Fallacara and former Parks Department Director Thomas DeLeo (DeLeo). Fallacara received over $400,000 in cash bribes and kickback payments. At other times, the bribes and kickbacks came in the form of free home repairs and renovations for both DeLeo and Fallacara. In exchange for these bribes and kickbacks, at the time that each served as Parks Department Director, DeLeo and Fallacara each took official action to approve contracts awarded to Murray’s company by Hudson County. 

On March 3, 2026, DeLeo pleaded guilty before Judge Cecchi to a two-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. On March 17, 2026, Murray pleaded guilty before Judge Cecchi to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud.

The conspiracy to commit honest services fraud charge that Fallacara pleaded guilty to carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.   

United States Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Goldberg, Chief of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit.

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Defense counsel: Jeffrey Garrigan, Esq. 

TRENTON, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey business owner was sentenced to 27 months in prison for defrauding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of over $2 million, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Victor Madera, 67, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was sentenced on July 1, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court. He previously pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to defraud SNAP and one count of engaging in SNAP benefits fraud.

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

Madera owned a medium-sized grocery store in East Orange, New Jersey and was an authorized participant in SNAP.  SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that uses federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households, providing those households the opportunity to maintain a more nutritious diet by increasing their purchasing power of eligible food products. Between May 2017 and November 2024, employees at Madera’s business illegally exchanged SNAP benefits for cash. The employees entered inflated dollar amounts for allegedly eligible SNAP transactions and provided SNAP recipients a percentage of the transaction’s value in cash, keeping the remainder. As a result of this conduct, Madera received SNAP redemptions far in excess of the true value of food and other SNAP-eligible items actually received by SNAP recipients. Madera, through his business, unlawfully exchanged over $2.2 million of SNAP benefits for cash. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Madera to 1 year of supervised release and ordered him to pay over $2.2 million in restitution and forfeiture. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Stephen Turano, Esq.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A former Marine pled guilty to sending false and fraudulent military orders and United States District Court Orders to various banks to obtain relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, forging a document with a judge’s signature, and impersonating a Federal Protective Services Inspector when searching a house, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Nicholas Cabral, 33, Sewell, New Jersey pled guilty to a three-Count Information, which charged him with one count of bank fraud, one count of counterfeiting and using an official court seal, and one count of impersonating a federal officer to conduct an unlawful search. The plea hearing took place before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court.

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

The Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA), 50 U.S.C.A § 3901 et. seq., postpones or suspends certain civil obligations to enable service members to devote their full attention to duty and to relieve stress on their families. The act covers obligations related to, among other things, outstanding credit card debt, mortgage payments, pending trials, taxes, termination of leases, eviction from housing, and life insurance protection. The SCRA covers all active-duty service members while on active duty. 

Between November 2011 and May 30, 2014, Cabral served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a Private First Class.  His separation from the Marine Corps was due to a disability that existed before his military service.  After discharge, Cabral never again served in the U.S. Military as either an active-duty or reserve member.

After his military discharge, and before July 4, 2019, Cabral decided to use the SCRA to have financial institutions change his annual credit interest rates and give him relief from payments and fees.  To convince the financial institutions that he was eligible for relief under the SCRA, Cabral mailed false and fraudulent military orders purportedly issued by the Department of the Army and the Department of the Navy.

In those false orders, Cabral represented that he currently was a Captain in the U.S. Army or a Lieutenant and then a Captain in the U.S. Marines who was called for active duty for a period of at least 180 days. The fraudulent orders were purportedly signed by a military official.  Between July 2019 and November 2022, Cabral mailed at least 9 fraudulent military orders to various financial institutions to obtain benefits under the SCRA.  Once received, at least one financial institution granted Cabral’s request and returned fees associated with his account; adjusted his Annual Percentage Rate; suspended all annual fees, late fees, returned-payment fees, cash advance fees, and authorized user card fees; and adjusted the minimum monthly payment to $0 for the duration of his fictitious deployment.

Additionally, Cabral mailed fraudulent court orders to various financial institutions in September 2024.  The fraudulent court orders were purportedly based on civil complaints filed pursuant to the SCRA in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.  The fraudulent court orders alleged that the financial institutions failed to appear on September 19, 2024 before the New Jersey District Court Judge Kevin McNulty for a hearing on a motion that Cabral had filed.  The fraudulent court orders made findings of facts that, among other things, Cabral was an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces and entitled to protection under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act.  The court orders also found that the financial institutions failed to appear and had violated the SCRA.  The fraudulent court orders required the financial institutions to remove any negative remarks on Cabral’s credit report and purportedly found that Cabral was in compliance and had made timely payments based on the SCRA.  The fraudulent court orders bore the forged signature of the Honorable Kevin McCarthy.

Finally, Cabral was never employed by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS) as an Inspector.  Despite that fact, on December 10, 2025, Cabral called the Washington Township Police Department (WTPD) non-emergency telephone number and reported that he observed the front door of a residence in Sewell, New Jersey ajar.  As the WTPD Officer arrived at that residence, Cabral arrived driving a marked “Homeland Security Police” Dodge Charger with its overhead emergency lights on.  Cabral emerged from the FPS-marked police vehicle while wearing a gold-colored badge and semi-automatic handgun in a holster on his belt.  When asked by the WTPD Officer if he was a Homeland Security officer, Cabral responded “Homeland, yeah.”

After speaking with the WTPD Officer, Cabral drew his semi-automatic pistol from the holster and entered the residence.  While inside the house, Cabral shouted “police department” while searching the residence.  Cabral admitted to driving the “Homeland Security Police” vehicle on other occasions without permission.

The bank fraud charge to which Cabral pled guilty carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a statutory maximum fine equal to the greatest of $1,000,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss, whichever is greatest.  The Seals of Court charge to which Cabral pled guilty carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and the impersonation of a federal law enforcement officer to conduct a search carries a statutory maximum prison sentence of 3 years. Both of those violations also carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Cabral’s sentencing is scheduled for November 10, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Maltese, Postal Inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen, Deputy U.S. Marshals of the United States Marshal Service, under the direction of United States Marshal Nicholas Ricigliano,  Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., Special Agents of the Defense Logistics Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Defense Logistics Agency Inspector General David Opatz and Detectives and officers of the Washington Township Police Department, under the direction of Sergeant Robert Durham, Captain Tim Breen and Chief Robert Durham, with the investigation.  U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanks the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Agents of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General and U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service.   

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Richardson of the Criminal Division in Camden.

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Defense counsel: Jerome Ballarotto, Esq. Trenton.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in prison for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy that funneled unserialized guns from Pennsylvania into New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Evander Theus, 27, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner on February 11, 2026 in Trenton federal court to an Information charging him with conspiracy to traffic firearms.

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

Between April 2025 and August 2025, Theus, who was not a licensed firearms dealer, conspired with others to sell and traffic 47 firearms in Middlesex, New Jersey, which either had a defaced serial number or were privately made firearms (also known as “ghost guns”) lacking a serial number.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner sentenced Theus to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; and personnel with the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard G. Shephard and R. Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

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Defense counsel: Andrea G. Aldana, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton.

NEWARK, N.J. – A resident alien in New Jersey was arrested and charged with illegally voting in a federal election and making false statements while applying for United States citizenship, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced today.

Marian Charitun, 62, of Middlesex County, was charged by criminal complaint with voting by an alien in a federal election, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 611; and procurement of citizenship or naturalization unlawfully, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a). He had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.

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

 In order to register to vote and vote in federal elections, a person must be a United States citizen. Charitun was not a citizen of the United States when he registered to vote in New Jersey. On his voter registration form, however, Charitun falsely certified and attested that he was a United States citizen. After his application to register was approved, Charitun, still without United States citizenship, voted in the November 8, 2022 midterm election that was held in part for the purpose of electing a Member of the United States House of Representatives.

Then, after illegally voting in a federal election, Charitun applied to become a United States citizen by submitting an application for naturalization (an “N-400”).  An N-400 requires the applicant to swear under penalty of perjury that the information provided in the application is complete, true, and correct. However, Charitun falsely claimed in his N-400 to have never registered to vote or to have voted in any federal elections.

If convicted, the count of voting by an alien in a federal election carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in prison. The count of unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the investigation.

This case was brought under the United States Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of elections conducted in the District of New Jersey.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Bleiberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man and one of the leaders of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues was sentenced yesterday to 96 months and 19 days in prison, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer and Assistant Attorney General A. Duva announced.

“This sentence drives home a simple message: leaders of drug‑trafficking networks will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. For years, Action directed an operation that pumped deadly fentanyl analogues into neighborhoods across New Jersey, putting our citizens at risk. This result reflects the weight of that threat and this Office’s continued resolve to dismantle criminal enterprises that profit from endangering the public.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“Placing another defendant behind bars in this case reflects Homeland Security Investigations’ focus on stopping the flow of fentanyl and other harmful illicit drugs into our neighborhoods,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “Working alongside our federal, state, and local partners, HSI Newark not only dismantled a significant trafficking organization, but also disrupted the illicit financial networks that sustained it, including the money laundering scheme at its core. We will continue to pursue the criminal organizations responsible for America’s drug crisis, targeting both their distribution pipelines and their financial infrastructure, and ensuring every participant is held accountable.”

Defendant Michael Action, 51, of Bloomfield, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to drug trafficking conspiracy and money laundering. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence yesterday in Newark federal court. The other leader of the organization, Thomas Padovano, and co-conspirator William Panzera, were previously sentenced to 234 months and 144 months in prison, respectively. Six other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing.

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

From approximately January 2014 through September 2020, Action, Padovano and other members of the drug trafficking organization agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methylone, and ketamine. Action received packages and shipping barrels laden with drugs, which arrived through commercial package delivery services and air freight from China. Action distributed some of the drugs in bulk, and delivered some to Padovano for storage in a dilapidated trailer in Newark, where Padovano and one or more co-conspirators pressed the fentanyl analogues into counterfeit pharmaceutical pills and distributed them. Action additionally engaged in financial transactions that involved expenditure of the drug proceeds.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Action to 5 years of supervised release on count one and 3 years supervised release on count two, to run concurrently. Additionally, the court ordered a $5 million forfeiture money judgment against Action. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer and Assistant Attorney General A. Duva made the announcement. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) – Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation. He also thanked HSI in Philadelphia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.

The government is represented by Senior National Security Counsel Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra of the Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Stephen Sola, Chief of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture (MNF) Section. Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of MNF supported the investigation.

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 Newark comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS and local law enforcement officers with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

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Defense counsel: Ernesto Cerimele, Esq.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County man with a felony criminal record was convicted by a federal jury for possessing a loaded revolver, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.  

Michael Webb, 42, of Camden, New Jersey, was convicted on June 18, 2026, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition following a jury trial before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, 2026.

According to the evidence presented at trial, publicly filed documents, and statements made in court:

In May 2024, members of the United States Marshals Service’s Regional Fugitive Task Force in Camden, New Jersey, received a request from Colorado for assistance with arresting Webb based on a warrant for violating the conditions of his Colorado parole.  On May 13, 2024, Task Force officers went to the area of 34th and Rowe Street in Camden, after receiving information that Webb might be staying at this location.  Later that day, a Task Force officer saw Webb leave a residence, enter a car, and drive down Rowe Street.  When the Task Force officer tried to stop Webb’s car, Webb fled the scene.  He sped away from the officer, crashed into a parked car, and ran away.  While Webb was running away from the Task Force officer, he pointed a gun at a Camden resident.  Webb ran through private property and jumped over fences, until he finally reached a black metal gate that he was unable to climb over.  The Task Force officer arrested Webb near this black metal gate and saw a fully loaded silver revolver in the grass on the opposite side of the gate. Webb’s DNA was found on the silver revolver.

Webb was previously convicted of fourteen felonies, including bias-motivated crime causing bodily injury in Colorado in 2021 and aggravated assaults with firearms in Camden in 2017 and 2019.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; deputy marshals and task force officers with the United States Marshals Service in the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Acting U.S. Marshal Nicholas A. Ricigliano, Jr.; and officers of the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gabriel Rodriguez; and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, with the investigation leading to the conviction. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josephine J. Park and Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.

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Defense counsel: James P. Maguire, Esq. and Giselle R. Pomerleau, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – An illegal alien from El Salvador was charged with possessing machineguns in North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Erick Marquez Cruz, age 21, of North Bergen, New Jersey was charged by criminal complaint with possession of machineguns. Cruz had his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was ordered detained.

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

On June 25, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cruz’s residence in North Bergen, New Jersey. Among other items, law enforcement found inside Cruz’s bedroom a 3D printer used to manufacture firearm components and various firearm components, including approximately 17 3D-printed frames, multiple 3D-printed magazines, and approximately 70 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). 

An image of some of the firearm components and MCDs seized from Cruz’s residence is depicted below.

MCDs, which themselves are classified as machineguns by statute, are capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons that release multiple rounds of ammunition with the single pull of a trigger. 

The charge of possession of a machinegun carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant as a result of the offense, or twice the gross loss to a person other than the defendant as a result of the offense, whichever is greatest. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka, and officers of the North Bergen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert J. Farley, Jr., with the investigation leading to the charges. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shriram Harid of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Laura Sayler, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender. 

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County man who trafficked kilos of fentanyl from his family home was sentenced on June 26, 2026, to 210 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release before the Honorable U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler, in Newark federal court, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. 

Plinio Junior Pineda Lopez, 35, Oakland, New Jersey was convicted following a four-day trial before Judge Chesler in Newark federal court of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of cocaine.

“The defendant transformed his family home into a staging ground for fentanyl trafficking, prioritizing profit over public safety. Fentanyl already destroys families, and this defendant took that danger one step further by bringing it directly into a home with young children. This significant sentence holds him accountable for helping spread a drug responsible for unprecedented loss of life, and serves as a warning to others engaged in the fentanyl trade.” 

– U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“Plinio Junior Pineda Lopez’s sentencing marks a major victory in Homeland Security Investigations’ fight against the dangerous fentanyl threat,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “By dismantling this trafficking network, we and our partners removed cartel-level quantities of fentanyl from the streets and prevented countless overdoses. We remain committed to using every law enforcement tool and partnership available to stop those who endanger American lives.”

According to documents filed in this case and evidence at trial:

Lopez directed and conspired with others to distribute large quantities of fentanyl between Florida and New Jersey. Following an extensive investigation of Lopez’s drug activity in Jacksonville, Miami, and Bergen County, law enforcement arrested Lopez on July 11, 2023, in Wallington, New Jersey when he attempted to conduct a narcotics transaction involving over one kilogram of fentanyl. Following his arrest, and pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant, law enforcement searched Lopez’s home and recovered an extensive quantity of fentanyl and cocaine that was hidden in air ducts and appliances throughout his home, where children were present. Through this investigation, law enforcement recovered a total of approximately nine kilograms of fentanyl and approximately one kilogram of cocaine.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas in Newark; HSI Miami, HSI Jacksonville, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO), the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, the Oakland Police Department, and the Westwood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Pontillo, with the investigation that led to the charges and conviction.

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

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Goldberg, Chief of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson of the Organized Crime/Gang Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Carol Dominguez, Esq.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia man was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Marvin Murphy, 50, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 24, 2026 before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb. He also received 3 years’ supervised release and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.  Murphy was previously convicted on March 18, 2025 after a two-day bench trial before Chief Judge Bumb. Murphy was remanded into custody after the verdict.  

According to documents filed in this case and evidence at trial:

From June 2021 through July 13, 2021, Murphy conspired with Carl Lee Holloway, Lavinston Lamar, and others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. On June 23, 2021, Holloway traveled to San Diego, California, to meet with an undercover agent posing as a drug dealer.  Holloway and the undercover agent discussed arranging a drug deal in New Jersey during which the undercover agent would deliver at least 10 kilograms of cocaine for Holloway and his associates.  During the meeting, Holloway called Murphy, and the two proceeded to communicate about the drug deal during the subsequent weeks.

On July 13, 2021, Holloway, Murphy, and Lamar separately arrived at a hotel in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, each with bags containing U.S. currency collectively totaling over $340,000.  They met with undercover agents inside a hotel room. They briefly inspected one of the kilograms of cocaine that undercover agents previously brought into the room.  After the inspection, agents entered the room and arrested Holloway, Lamar, and Murphy.

Chief Judge Bumb previously sentenced Holloway to 120 months in prison after Holloway pleaded guilty to his involvement in the same conspiracy.  Chief Judge Bumb also previously sentenced Lamar to 114 months in prison, which was later reduced to 100 months, after Lamar pleaded guilty to his involvement in the same conspiracy and to violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas in Newark and Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy in San Diego; and the Mount Laurel Police, under the direction of Chief Timothy Hudnall, with the investigation leading to this sentence.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

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Defense counsel:  Margaret Grasso, Esq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man was sentenced to 320 months in prison to be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.

“The defendant preyed on children for his own sexual gratification and the sexual gratification of other adults. Today, he was held accountable. Prosecuting those who victimize children by feeding the market for child pornography will always be a top priority of our Office.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the victims of Nunez and others,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “The fact that the subject was brazen enough to watermark his victims’ images highlights the importance of getting this predator off the street as the utmost priority.”

Julio Nunez, 29, of West New York, New Jersey, was sentenced on June 22, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court. 

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

From 2020 through 2024, Nunez posed as a woman to entice hundreds of young boys to send him CSAM.  Nunez repeatedly victimized many of these children, returning year after year to solicit CSAM from his victims.  Nunez proudly shared and profited from the images and videos that he had created. He wanted the world to know that it was he—“The Artist,” as he grotesquely styled himself—who created the CSAM and he watermarked “his” content with this moniker to communicate to other abusers that this was his work.  In this regard, Nunez is directly responsible for the feeding of the market that results in immeasurable harm to victims of sex abuse. Since Nunez’s arrest, the FBI has identified CSAM that Nunez created on other offenders’ electronic devices. This investigation has led to the arrest and prosecution of other offenders not just in the United States, but around the world. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit, the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, for investigating the case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Taj Moore of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Defense counsel: Candace Hom, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man on June 23, 2026 admitted his role in an armed carjacking involving an assault rifle, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Elijah Lott, 28, of Scotch Plains, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to three counts of an indictment charging him with one count of carjacking, one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking and one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

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

On August 6, 2020, Lott and two accomplices committed a gunpoint carjacking with an assault rifle in Irvington, New Jersey. During the carjacking, the accomplices ordered the victims to get out of the car while pointing firearms at them. Then, one of Lott’s accomplices got into the car and drove away. 

The conspiracy to commit carjacking offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 5 years in prison. The carjacking and conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence offenses each carry maximum potential penalties of 20 years in prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; members of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda and Chief of Police Sharonda Morris; and members of the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Tracy Bowers, with the investigation leading to the charges and guilty plea. 

The investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI).  The Newark VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark.  As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community.  The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, Union County Jail, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark, and Assistant United States Attorney Vincent D. Romano of the National Security Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Christopher D. Adams, Esq.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County man was sentenced yesterday to 90 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Anthony Brown, 31, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch on February 17, 2026 in Trenton federal court to an Indictment charging him with possessing firearms as a convicted felon.

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

During the evening of October 3, 2023, Trenton Police Officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Brown. During the stop, Brown exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Brown then led law enforcement on a foot pursuit along the Delaware and Raritan Canal while he clutched a dark-colored cross-body style bag in his hands. Brown attempted to discard his bag in brush adjacent to the canal before he dove into the canal. Officers caught up with Brown, assisted him getting out of the canal, and subsequently arrested him. Inside Brown’s bag were two semi-automatic handguns. Brown’s status as a felon—at the time, he had prior felony convictions—prohibited him from possessing firearms. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Brown to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the supervision of Director Steve Wilson; and members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard G. Shephard and Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

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Defense counsel: Aidan P. O’Connor, Esq., of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia man was charged for his role in stealing $2 million from a Glassboro business, and another Philadelphia man was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment for his role in the same theft, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Ruben Cruz, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as Davenport, Florida, was charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to transport stolen property, transportation of stolen property, and conspiracy to launder money.  He made his initial appearance and was arraigned yesterday in Camden federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal.

Ricky Rivas-Ortiz, 43, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania previously pleaded guilty to an information charging him with transporting stolen property.  U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn sentenced Rivas-Ortiz earlier today in Camden federal court to 21 months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment. 

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

Over the 2021 July 4th holiday weekend, Cruz and Rivas-Ortiz burglarized a Glassboro business, stealing a safe that contained more than $2 million in money orders and cash.  After the burglary, Cruz and another co-conspirator proceeded to negotiate money orders from the stolen safe in a manner designed to conceal their control of the money orders.  One method they used to launder the proceeds was depositing the stolen money orders in piecemeal fashion.  For example, Cruz deposited some of the stolen money orders on the same day at different banks that were next door to each other and deposited other stolen money orders at the same bank branch over several consecutive days. 

For Cruz, the count of conspiracy to transport stolen property carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest.  The count of transportation of stolen property carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest.  The count of conspiracy to launder money carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the value of the laundered money, whichever is greatest. 

The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment against Cruz are merely accusations, and Cruz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, and agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to these charges and this sentence.  He also thanked the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns, and the Elk Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Lance Hitzelberger, for their valuable assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

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Defense counsel: 

Rivas-Ortiz:            Claressa Lowe, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender.

Cruz:                         Brian O’Malley, Haddon Township, New Jersey.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A South Jersey psychiatrist admitted to issuing invalid prescriptions for Adderall, Vyvanse, and Xanax, and other drugs, often to his sexual partners and known drug addicts, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. 

“Licensed medical professionals who prescribe powerful controlled substances outside the bounds of legitimate medical care put lives at risk and undermine public trust in the medical profession. As admitted in court, Morelli issued unlawful prescriptions for highly addictive drugs to sexual partners, known drug addicts, and others without a legitimate medical purpose—even after receiving repeated warnings about abuse, overdose, and diversion. This Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable medical providers who exploit their prescribing authority and contribute to the prescription drug crisis in our communities.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“Medical professionals hold a position of enormous trust, and when that trust is abused for personal gain or exploitation, the consequences can be devastating,” said DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “The conduct admitted to in this case represents a betrayal of patients, the medical profession, and public trust. DEA will continue working alongside our partners to investigate and prosecute medical practitioners who exploit patients and illegally distribute controlled substances for personal benefit.”

Louis Morelli, 73, of Cape May County, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel to an information charging him with 17 counts of causing, with the intent to defraud and mislead, prescription drugs to be dispensed without valid prescriptions.

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

Morelli owned and operated his own psychiatry practice in Smithville, New Jersey, where he worked as a licensed psychiatrist.  Over several years, Morelli issued invalid prescriptions for Adderall, Vyvanse, and Xanax to 17 different patients, and he caused these prescription drugs to be distributed outside the scope of the usual course of professional practice and for reasons other than medical necessity and legitimate medical purpose.  Morelli issued the prescriptions with the intent to defraud and mislead the pharmacies that were dispensing the prescription drugs, as well as the insurers, government benefits programs, and other third parties who paid for the drugs.  

Morelli admitted that he had sex with some of the patients for whom he wrote invalid prescriptions.  On some occasions, Morelli wrote the prescriptions in exchange for sexual activities, images, or videos.  For example, one of Morelli’s patients sent a message asking for a prescription drug, and Morelli responded with. “Your ass for my script…lol.” Morelli engaged in similar conversations with other patients, while issuing prescriptions and engaging in sexual activities with them. 

Morelli also issued invalid prescriptions to patients whom he knew had histories of drug addiction and overdoses.  Morelli also prescribed drugs to patients after receiving information, including from local law enforcement officers, suggesting that the patients intended to illegally trade, distribute, or otherwise re-sell the prescribed drugs.  

Morelli admitted that at least one of his invalid prescriptions involved the conscious or reckless risk of death or serious bodily injury, and that at least one of the prescriptions resulted in either death or serious bodily injury.   

For example, in 2019, Morelli received a message from a patient’s mother that the patient was abusing the drugs that Morelli had prescribed.  The mother wrote that the patient had stopped breathing the day before.  A couple of months later, Morelli learned that the same patient “took a lot of Xanax and drank some beers,” “took 50 benzos in a short amount of time,” and “told a friend” the patient planned “to shoot up.”  The patient’s mother also warned Morelli that the patient was “grooming” him to ask for prescriptions and asked Morelli to stop prescribing the drugs.  Despite these communications, Morelli continued to prescribe the drugs to the patient. 

Each of the 17 charges to which Morelli pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum term of three years in prison, for a total maximum term of 51 years in prison.  Each charge is also punishable with a $250,000 fine.  Morelli has voluntarily surrendered his Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Registration and agreed to immediately surrender and abandon his licenses to practice medicine or psychiatry.  Sentencing for Morelli is scheduled for October 27, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the following agencies and agency personnel with the investigation:  special agents, task force officers, and diversion investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James; special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy;  special agents of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office, under the direction of Fernando McMillan; and special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew D’Aversa and Sara Aliabadi of the U.S Attorney’s Office in Camden. 

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Defense Counsel: Edwin J. Jacobs, Jr. and Patrick C. Joyce, Esquires.

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County man admitted to illegally voting in a federal election, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Eliezer Kadoch, a resident of Toms River, New Jersey, who is not a citizen of the United States, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of voting by an alien in a federal election before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Brendan Day in Trenton federal court.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Kadoch, 39, is a citizen of France and has never been a citizen of the United States.  In November 2022, Kadoch voted in the midterm election that was held in part for the purpose of electing a Member of the United States House of Representatives.

The voting by an alien charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in prison and a $100,000 fine.  Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Day on October 26, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the investigation.

This case was brought under the United States Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of elections conducted in the District of New Jersey.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.

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Defense Counsel: Yosef Jacobovitch, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – Rapper “P-Dice” was sentenced on June 23, 2026, to 63 months of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon when he fired a gun at a pregnant woman, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced today.

Justin Pope, a rapper who goes by “P-Dice,” 38, of Clifton, New Jersey, previously pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with two counts of unlawfully possessing ammunition as a convicted felon.

“The defendant’s brazen and violent conduct could have cost lives. Pope fired multiple shots at close range at a pregnant woman in a public parking lot and took to social media to taunt law enforcement as he continued to endanger the community. This sentence holds him accountable not only for unlawfully possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, but for the potentially deadly harm of his actions.  Our Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of individuals who use firearms and ammunition to threaten lives and undermine the safety of our communities.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

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

On the evening of July 12, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired in a public parking lot in Clifton, New Jersey.  The surveillance footage showed Pope and a pregnant woman arguing in a car.  During the argument, the woman grabbed a gun from Pope and waved it at him before giving it back. The woman struck Pope in the face with her hand and got out of the car.  As she did, Pope pointed the gun at her and fired two close range shots.  Then, Pope exited the car and approached the woman. In an attempt to escape, the woman got back into the car, but Pope violently yanked at the woman’s arm, trying to pull her back out.  When this was unsuccessful, Pope climbed over the pregnant woman and kicked at her to push her from the car. 

One of bullets that Pope fired traveled across the street into a quick service restaurant, where it lodged in a menu display behind the counter.  The restaurant was open for business with employees present at the time.  Law enforcement recovered the bullet.

The next day, Pope posted a video of himself on social media firing a gun in the air in a residential neighborhood, taunting police, stating, “Can’t find me . . . Police. Y’all never gonna find me.”  Shortly after his taunts, law enforcement recovered his ammunition.  Later, Pope recorded and posted another video, in which he was driving a vehicle, taunting, “Can’t find me.  Fucking pigs. Police.  Y’all never gonna find me.” 

A few hours after posting the second video on social media, law enforcement arrested Pope as he tried to get on a bus in New York City that was headed out of state.  Pope was witnessed  brandishing a firearm to bus employees.  At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered a loaded gun, which was later identified as a privately made 9mm firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” with a large capacity magazine attached.  Ballistics testing showed that this was the same gun Pope used to shoot at the pregnant victim the night before.

Pope had previously been convicted of aggravated assault in New Jersey in connection with the shooting of a child. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Pope to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; officers of the Clifton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Rinaldi; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under Officer in Charge Patrick Murray; officers of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Thomas Adamo; officers of the Passaic Police Department, under Chief Luis Guzman; and officers of New York City Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Edward Caban, with the investigation leading to the charges. 

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.

The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Criminal Division.

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Defense counsel for Pope: Georgina Pallitto, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County man was indicted for conducting a scheme to trade on material nonpublic information (MNPI) he stole from a public relations firm where his girlfriend worked, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Justin Jennings, 27, of Rockaway Township was charged by indictment with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme, eight counts of securities fraud for insider trading, and two counts of transacting in criminal proceeds.

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

Between February 2022 and October 2024, Jennings made well-timed trades in the securities of eight publicly traded companies in the days before major corporate announcements, typically announcements of mergers and acquisitions, based on MNPI. At the time of these trades, Jennings was romantically involved with an account executive at a public relations firm that was entrusted with MNPI regarding these announcements. Jennings’ profitable bets came after he gained access to confidential information, including draft press releases, from his girlfriend’s employer-issued laptop without her knowledge or permission. In total, Jennings made over $2.7 million in illegal trading profits from the scheme.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud charge, 20 years in prison on each of the insider trading charges, and 10 years in prison on each of the transacting in criminal proceeds charges.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also filed a civil complaint against Jennings based on the same conduct.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, New Jersey, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Webman and Farhana C. Melo of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

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

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Defense counsel: Robert G. Stahl, Esq. and Laura K. Gasiorowski, Esq., Mountainside, New Jersey.

NEWARK, N.J. – A real estate developer was charged yesterday for his role in a scheme to bribe Newark, New Jersey employees and for conspiring to sell law enforcement identification cards embossed with the insignia of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.

Menashe Davidovitz, 31, of Airmont, New York, was charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with the business and transactions of a federally funded local government and organization. Davidovitz was also charged with one count of conspiracy to sell false seals and one count of conspiracy to sell official insignia. 

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

From June 2024 through November 2024, Davidovitz conspired with others to provide City of Newark employees with cash and other benefits in exchange for the employees’ official action in matters related to City of Newark properties that Davidovitz owned. Specifically, Davidovitz paid bribes in order to obtain permits and certificates, including certificates of occupancy, which were required before his properties could be occupied or sold. Davidovitz also paid bribes to local officials for their help in resolving violations at his properties. 

Further, from October 2021 through January 2023, Davidovitz worked with his co-conspirators, including Jonathan Ledesma, a former U.S. Air Marshal, to sell “Law Enforcement Family Member” cards that identified their bearers as “family member[s]” of Ledesma, “a Federal Officer.” These cards were embossed with the apparent insignia of DHS as well as a QR code that was linked to Ledesma’s cell phone. Though Davidovitz was not authorized to sell the insignia of the DHS, or any colorable imitation of the insignia, he received approximately $30,000 in proceeds from the sale of these cards. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shawn A. Rice with the investigation leading to the charges. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel:

Jerome A. Ballarotto, Esq., Trenton, New Jersey

John W. Mitchell, Esq., Bedford, New York

NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to 350 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a dark-web site dedicated to discussing and trafficking in CSAM, announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.

“By serving as a moderator on a dark web forum devoted to the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, the defendant did not merely enable exploitation—he curated and sustained a marketplace of depravity. This sentence marks a critical measure of accountability and affirms my Office’s unwavering commitment to vindicating the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable. We will persist in our efforts to expose and dismantle these clandestine networks, wherever they operate.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“The court’s sentence holds Drew Holzlein accountable for his role in helping run a community on the dark web dedicated to trafficking in visual depictions of minors being subjected to horrific acts of sexual abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Those who engage in this disgusting conduct will be investigated and prosecuted. The clear message in this case and others just like it is that Holzlein and his co-conspirators will not skate by because of the anonymity afforded by the dark web. We will still find you.”    

“This offender provided access to a platform where multiple perpetrators conspired to create and share CSAM,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The arrest of this moderator led FBI Newark and the FBI Child Exploitation Operational Unit to investigate and disrupt the activities of additional child exploitation offenders and abusers. The FBI will continue to track down these criminals, ensure that they are held accountable for their crimes, and secure justice for their victims.” 

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

Drew Holzlein, 57, of Manchester, New Jersey, was a member and moderator of a website on the dark web that was dedicated to the proliferation of CSAM. From approximately 2019 until his arrest in January 2024, Holzlein was an active participant on this site and shared thousands of sexually explicit images of nude, prepubescent minors with the site’s many users. A search of Holzlein’s home in January 2024 recovered multiple electronic devices containing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of prepubescent children.  Holzlein was interviewed during the search and admitted to law enforcement that he was an active member on this dark-web site for years and served as a moderator on the site. Holzlein was previously convicted in New Jersey state court of two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit, the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Manchester for investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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A New Jersey man was sentenced today to 350 months in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a dark web site dedicated to discussing and trafficking in CSAM. 

“The court’s sentence today holds Drew Holzlein accountable for his role in helping run a community on the dark web dedicated to trafficking in visual depictions of minors being subjected to horrific acts of sexual abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Those who engage in this disgusting conduct will be investigated and prosecuted. The clear message in this case and others just like it is that Holzlein and his co-conspirators will not skate by because of the anonymity afforded by the dark web. We will still find you.”    

“By serving as a moderator on a dark web forum devoted to the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, the defendant did not merely enable exploitation — he curated and sustained a marketplace of depravity,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “This sentence marks a critical measure of accountability and affirms my Office’s unwavering commitment to vindicating the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable. We will persist in our efforts to expose and dismantle these clandestine networks, wherever they operate.”

“This offender provided access to a platform where multiple perpetrators conspired to create and share CSAM,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The arrest of this moderator led FBI Newark and the FBI Child Exploitation Operational Unit to investigate and disrupt the activities of additional child exploitation offenders and abusers. The FBI will continue to track down these criminals, ensure that they are held accountable for their crimes, and secure justice for their victims.”

According to court documents, Drew Holzlein, 57, of Manchester, New Jersey, was a member and moderator of a website on the dark web that was dedicated to the proliferation of CSAM. From approximately 2019 until his arrest in January 2024, Holzlein was an active participant on this site and shared thousands of sexually explicit images of nude, prepubescent minors with the site’s many users. A search of Holzlein’s home in January 2024 recovered multiple electronic devices containing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of prepubescent children. Holzlein was interviewed during the search and admitted to law enforcement that he was an active member on this dark web site for years and served as a moderator on the site. Holzlein was previously convicted in New Jersey of two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. 

The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and the FBI Newark Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine for the District of New Jersey 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Barnegat Township illegal alien was charged with assaulting and injuring a federal officer by hitting the officer with his van, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Eduardo Cruz Garcia, 39, was charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer while the officer was engaged in official duties and inflicting bodily injury to the officer.  Cruz Garcia had his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin T. Quinn in Trenton federal court and was ordered detained.

“As alleged, the defendant weaponized his vehicle and conducted an egregious assault on a federal law enforcement officer during the course of his official duties. The job is hard enough.  Law enforcement must be able to carry out their duties without fear of obstruction or even worse, assault. Our office will hold accountable those whom harm officers to ensure they can protect our communities without repercussions.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“The FBI considers assault on a federal officer a severe and significant violent crime.  We will continue to work with our valued law enforcement partners to ensure that incidents such as these are treated with the gravity they deserve, so that men and women of federal law enforcement can continue to serve, safely returning home unharmed,” said FBI Newark SAC Stefanie Roddy. 

"Let these charges against Cruz Garcia be a staunch reminder that assaulting and obstructing ICE law enforcement, as alleged here, is a serious crime and a felony,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark acting Field Office Director Arthur J. Wilson Jr. “Violence against our federal law enforcement officers as ICE carries out our daily mission in accordance with U.S. immigration law will not be tolerated. I want to thank our federal partners for their critical assistance in locating the defendant and ensuring that justice is sought."

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

On June 15, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stopped a white van driven by Cruz Garcia as part of an investigation.  Multiple federal agents wearing vests that identified them as “ICE Police” surrounded the van with their vehicles and approached the van from the driver side and passenger side. The agents attempted to speak with Cruz Garcia and the passenger and asked them to open the van’s windows, but they refused.  Instead of complying with the agents’ requests, Cruz Garcia fled the scene by driving the van forward while the victim, an ICE agent, was standing next to the van.  Weaponizing his vehicle, Cruz Garcia struck the victim agent causing the agent’s body to be wedged in between the van and one of the ICE vehicles. The victim agent fell to the ground yelling in pain. Cruz Garcia did not stop and continued driving, striking another ICE vehicle parked nearby, before fleeing the scene.

Cruz Garcia’s actions injured the victim’s thigh and shin, and his injuries required medical attention at a hospital.

The charge of assaulting a federal officer while the officer was engaged in official duties and inflicting bodily injury carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the criminal charge.  He also thanked special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations – Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations – Newark Field Office, under the direction of acting Field Officer Director Arthur J. Wilson Jr., the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and the Stafford Township Police Department, for their assistance in the investigation. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Suggs of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Benjamin West, Assistant Federal Public Defender.

TRENTON, N.J. – Five individuals were arrested on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to traffic firearms, and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

The charges are the result of a months-long investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, into narcotics and firearms trafficking in Trenton, New Jersey.

“As this investigation makes clear, our office is laser focused on ensuring public safety for the people of New Jersey. The conduct alleged by these individuals involved the interstate transportation of firearms sold for profit and large quantities of cocaine delivered on demand. I am proud of the unrelenting efforts of our law enforcement partners through the Homeland Security Task Force as we identify and dismember groups that threaten our communities.” 

– U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“These charges highlight the commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations that pose a threat to our communities. “This extensive Homeland Security Task Force investigation, led by our special agents in Trenton, focused on individuals alleged to have orchestrated a complex narcotics and firearms trafficking operation spanning Ohio and New Jersey. We remain steadfast in our mission to pursue those who endanger public safety and to protect the communities we serve,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas.

Kenny Scaley-Sandoval, 32, a Guatemalan citizen without legal status in the U.S. residing in Trenton, New Jersey; Kelvin Tavarez, 30, of Trenton, New Jersey, Enoc Pimentel, 39, of Clifton, New Jersey, and Andy Nazario, 44, of Clifton, New Jersey, all had their initial court appearances on June 10, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin T. Quinn in Trenton federal court. Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, and Pimentel were detained.

Timothy Rios, 32, of Lorain, Ohio, was arrested in Virginia and had an initial court appearance on June 10, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight in the Eastern District of Virginia. Rios was detained and is pending transportation to New Jersey.

Defendant Name

Charge(s)

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and

Conspiracy to traffic firearms

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

In August 2025, law enforcement began investigating certain drug distribution and firearms trafficking activities in and around Trenton, New Jersey. HSI obtained over 3.8 kilograms of cocaine related to the drug distribution conspiracy involving Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, and Pimentel. HSI also obtained 16 handguns and rifles related to the firearms trafficking conspiracy involving Scaley-Sandoval and Rios. In addition, while executing a court-authorized search warrant on June 10, 2026, officers recovered a quantity of cocaine along with drug distribution materials and cash from Nazario’s attic.

The count charging Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez and Pimentel with conspiracy to distribute cocaine carries a maximum potential penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $5 million.

The count charging Scaley-Sandoval and Rios with conspiracy to traffic firearms against carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.

The count charging Nazario with possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1 million.

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations – Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Acting U.S. Marshal Nicholas A. Ricigliano, Jr., the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, and the Mount Laurel Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tim Hudnall, for their assistance in the investigation.

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

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

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

                                                            ###

Defense counsel:  

Kenny Scaley Sandoval: Andrea G. Aldana, Esq.

Kelvin Tavarez: Suzanne Axel, Esq.

Enoc Pimentel: Mark Davis, Esq.

Timothy Rios: TBD

Andy Nazario: John Holliday, Esq.

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County woman was sentenced for distributing over 1,500 pills containing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Denise Manco, 49, of Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to one count of distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Quraishi imposed the 151-month sentence on June 8, 2026 in Trenton federal court.

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

Between August 2022 through March 2023, undercover law enforcement officers executed several controlled purchases of pills from Manco. These pills were presented by Manco as containing ecstasy or MDMA, but in fact contained methamphetamine. Officers also executed a search warrant of Manco’s Ocean County residence, where officers seized a variety of controlled substances and various items associated with drug manufacturing and distribution, including binding powder, scales, and glassine bags. Manco’s prior state convictions for distribution of controlled substances and manslaughter qualified her to be sentenced as a “career offender” under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, significantly increasing her sentencing exposure.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Manco to five years of supervised release following Manco’s term of imprisonment. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, and the New Jersey Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Victory L. Kuhn, Esq., for the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

                                                ###

Defense counsel: Serguel Mawuko Akiti, Esq., of Lowther Walker LLC.

Yesterday, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security seized the domains CFAKE.com and SOCFAKE.com, which are domains that were being used to publish thousands of digitally forged images and videos depicting famous women as nude and sometimes engaged in sexual activity, without their consent. According to the probable cause affidavit supporting the seizure warrants, the digital forgeries were made to appear to be sexual images of famous women, including politicians, first ladies of multiple countries, royalty, journalists, television presenters, athletes, entertainers, and others. The website allowed people to browse by tags that included topics like “rape,” “forced,” and “degradation.” 

“These domain seizures mark a significant victory in the fight against deepfake pornography,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act, championed by First Lady Melania Trump, gives us the tools we need to combat the abuse and exploitation of women and children through these fabricated images. The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce this law and deliver justice for victims.”

“These groundbreaking seizures are a massive win against deepfake pornography,” said U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act was a priority for First Lady Melania Trump to stop the abuse and exploitation of women and children. This is the first of many wins to stop these deepfake pornographic websites.” 

“Taking down CFAKE.com and SOCFAKE.com halted the publication of non‑consensual, sexually explicit digital forgeries that harmed the women they depicted,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We were honored to be part of this coordinated international operation and to help halt this ongoing abuse. The Criminal Division stands ready to enforce the TAKE IT DOWN Act to uphold basic principles of consent and human dignity.”  

“These seizures stopped a website that trafficked in humiliation, exploitation, and the violation of personal privacy on a massive scale,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “For the victims whose images were distributed without their consent, the harm is not virtual — it is deeply personal and often enduring. Through sophisticated cyber investigative work and close coordination with our domestic and international law enforcement partners, including authorities in France, this Office played a key role in disrupting the infrastructure that enabled this conduct. Those who use the internet to exploit others should not mistake online anonymity for immunity.” 

By issuing a federal warrant to seize the domains, a federal judge found probable cause to believe that the domains were being used to commit federal criminal violations of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a statute enacted in May 2025. The TAKE IT DOWN Act makes it a federal crime to publish digital forgeries that appear to depict an identifiable adult in a sexually explicit manner without the depicted person’s consent, when what is depicted is not a matter of public concern, and the posting is meant to cause harm or actually harms the person.  

The website was brought to the attention of U.S. law enforcement by Italy’s Polizia di Stato -Postal and Cybersecurity Police. The United States investigated and developed evidence that it was able to share with French authorities through use of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, Cybercrime Section (J3) and French gendarmerie (Section de recherches de Paris) then conducted their own parallel investigation, resulting in an arrest on June 10 in Nice, France on French criminal charges along with seizures of cryptocurrency.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Jersey Field Office is leading the investigation, with assistance provided by HSI Rome, the DHS Cybercrime Lab, and the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), the CCIPS Cybercrime Lab, and Office of International Affairs. 

Deputy Chief for Computer Crime Michael “Mick” Stawasz and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao of the Criminal Division’s CCIPS and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the District of New Jersey and Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit for the District of New Jersey are handling the litigation.   

Significant assistance in this investigation was provided by the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section.  The United States also thanks France and Italy for their coordination in this matter. 

NEWARK, N.J. – Yesterday, the United States Departments of Justice and Homeland Security Investigations seized the domains CFAKE.com and SOCFAKE.com, which are domains that were being used to publish hundreds of thousands of deepfake pornographic images and videos of women without their consent, announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.  The digital forgeries were made to appear to be sexual images of female celebrities, including heads of state, first ladies of multiple countries, royalty, legislators, government officials, journalists, television presenters, athletes, entertainers, and others. The website allowed people to browse by tags that included topics like “rape,” “forced,” “degradation,” and “slave.”

“These seizures stopped a website that trafficked in humiliation, exploitation, and the violation of personal privacy on a massive scale. For the victims whose images were distributed without their consent, the harm is not virtual—it is deeply personal and often enduring. Through sophisticated cyber investigative work and close coordination with our domestic and international law enforcement partners, including authorities in France, this Office played a key role in disrupting the infrastructure that enabled this conduct. Those who use the internet to exploit others should not mistake online anonymity for immunity.” 

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

By issuing a federal warrant to seize the domains, a federal judge found probable cause to believe that the domains were being used to commit federal criminal violations of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which makes it a federal crime to publish digital forgeries that appear to depict someone in a sexually explicit manner without the depicted person’s consent. The First Lady of the United States championed the law. This is the first seizure of a domain for violating the TAKE IT DOWN Act.

According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:

Italian officials brought the website to the attention of U.S. law enforcement. The United States investigated and developed evidence that it was able to share with French authorities through use of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office Cybercrime Division and French Gendarmerie Nationale then conducted their own parallel investigation, resulting in an arrest this morning in Nice, France on French criminal charges. 

“These domain seizures mark a significant victory in the fight against deepfake pornography,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act, championed by First Lady Melania Trump, gives us the tools we need to combat the abuse and exploitation of women and children through these fabricated images. The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce this law and deliver justice for victims.”

“This groundbreaking seizure is a massive win against deepfake pornography,” said U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act was a priority for First Lady Melania Trump to stop the abuse and exploitation of women and children. This is the first of many wins to stop these deepfake pornographic websites.” 

“Taking down CFAKE.com halted the publication of non‑consensual, sexually explicit digital forgeries that harmed the women they depicted,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We were honored to be part of this coordinated international operation and to help halt this ongoing abuse. The Criminal Division stands ready to enforce the TAKE IT DOWN Act to uphold basic principles of consent and human dignity.”  

By issuing a federal warrant to seize the domains, a federal judge found probable cause to believe that the domains were being used to commit federal criminal violations of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a statute enacted in May 2025. The TAKE IT DOWN Act makes it a federal crime to publish digital forgeries that appear to depict an identifiable adult in a sexually explicit manner without the depicted person’s consent, when what is depicted is not a matter of public concern, and the posting is meant to cause harm or actually harms the person.  

The website was brought to the attention of U.S. law enforcement by Italy’s Polizia di Stato -Postal and Cybersecurity Police. The United States investigated and developed evidence that it was able to share with French authorities through use of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, Cybercrime Section (J3) and French gendarmerie (Section de recherches de Paris) then conducted their own parallel investigation, resulting in an arrest on June 10, 2026in Nice, France on French criminal charges along with seizures of cryptocurrency.

U.S. Attorney Frazer would like to thank U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Jersey Field Office, which is leading the investigation, with assistance provided by the DHS Cybercrime Lab and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) Cybercrime Lab.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit for the District of New Jersey and Deputy Chief for Computer Crime Michael “Mick” Stawasz and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao of the Criminal Division’s CCIPS are handling the litigation.  

Significant assistance in this investigation was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section.  The United States also thanks France for their coordination in this matter.

                                                                                                                             ###

NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man was arraigned on a conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and wire fraud charge for a scheme to defraud his former employer, an international electronics manufacturer with U.S. headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, by conspiring to funnel marketing business to a Florida company controlled by his co-defendant, Anthony William Rossi III, in exchange for approximately $6.7 million in kickbacks, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Brian Normann, 46, of Orlando, Florida, was arraigned on June 2, 2026 before Senior U.S. District Judge William J. Martini.  Rossi, 75, of Mount Dora, Florida, was arraigned before Judge Martini on May 27, 2026.  Normann and Rossi were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 12, 2026 in a one-count indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and wire fraud.

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

Between in or around approximately 2015 to in or around August 2020, Normann and Rossi conspired to enrich themselves by: (1) depriving the Victim Company of Normann’s honest services as an employee and fiduciary, including through Normann’s repeated referral of marketing and promotional work to GS Line, Inc., a marketing company that Rossi controlled, in exchange for kickbacks GS Line paid to Normann without the Victim Company’s knowledge or consent; and (2) fraudulently obtaining and using funds from the Victim Company by overbilling it for services GS Line provided, and by billing the Victim Company for services that neither GS Line nor Rossi actually provided. 

In 2019 and 2020, GS Line paid Normann approximately $6.7 million in kickbacks, including kickbacks paid through Rossi, without the Victim Company’s knowledge or consent.  Normann used the money to fund his lifestyle, including to purchase a luxury property for approximately $2 million, and to fund his personal brokerage accounts.

The conspiracy charge in the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to Normann’s and Rossi’s indictment.  

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kozar, Co-Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s General Crimes Unit in Newark.

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

                                                                                             ###

Defense counsel:  

Lynn A. Neils, Esq. (for Brian Normann).

Mary E. Carpenito, Esq. (for Anthony William Rossi III).

TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was sentenced on June 9, 2026 to 300-months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Malachi A. Muhammad, 51, of Somerset, was previously convicted on April 11, 2025 of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin, and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon, following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court. On June 9, 2026, Judge Castner imposed a 300-month sentence of imprisonment.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

On August 19, 2021, officers from the Lawrence Township Police Department responded to calls from concerned citizens about a car stopped in the middle of Route 1 near the Quaker Bridge Mall. Officers found Muhammad, the only occupant and driver of the car, initially unresponsive and believed that he was asleep or having a medical emergency. After officers woke him up, they noticed the handle of a handgun in between his legs. Officers secured the loaded handgun, took Muhammad out of the vehicle, and arrested him. In the vehicle, officers found 91 pills of methamphetamine, 468 wax folds of fentanyl and heroin, 5 bags of cocaine, and five additional firearms, including two semi-automatic rifles, and over 150 rounds of ammunition.  The drug and gun evidence introduced at trial is depicted below:

In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner imposed three years of supervised release following Muhammad’s term of imprisonment. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., the Lawrence Township Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief Kevin Reading, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Linda Estremera, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict.

The government is represented by Attorney-in-Charge Tracey Agnew and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

                                                                                                               ###

NEWARK, N.J. – A former retail banker at TD Bank, N.A., Leonardo Ayala, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for accepting bribes and facilitating the laundering of more than $5.5 million to Colombia, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Ayala, 26, previously pleaded guilty before the Honorable Esther Salas to a two-count Information charging him with conspiring to launder monetary instruments and for receipt of bribes by a bank employee. Judge Salas imposed the sentence in Newark federal Court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Ayala accepted bribes and exploited his position as a retail banker at TD Bank to help launder narcotics proceeds to Colombia. From June to November 2023, Ayala opened fraudulent accounts, issued over 150 debit cards to shell companies, and unblocked debit cards that TD Bank had restricted due to suspicious activity. These bank accounts and debit cards were used to make more than 12,000 ATM withdrawals in Colombia, funneling approximately $5.5 million out of the United States. In exchange, Ayala received more than $6,000 in bribes from his co-conspirators. 

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey; Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Newark Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) New York Region made the announcement.  U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the Morristown Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

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

                                                            ###

Defense counsel: Stephen Natoli, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – On June 8, 2026, an Arizona woman was charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer for punching a federal agent in the face, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

“As alleged, this defendant responded to lawful orders from federal officers by lashing out with violence and punching an officer in the face. Assaulting law enforcement officers is unacceptable.  Period.  Federal officers must be able to carry out their responsibilities without being subjected to violence, intimidation, or obstruction.  This Office will continue to prosecute those who, as alleged here, assault officers and interfere with the lawful execution of their duties.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“Violent acts committed during what should be peaceful protests will not be tolerated,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “Homeland Security Investigations remains resolute in ensuring that individuals who threaten or attack law enforcement face the full force of the law.”

Mariano Anthony Perez, 31, of Phoenix, AZ, was charged by complaint with forcibly assaulting a federal officer involving physical contact and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on June 8, 2026 on that charge. 

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

On June 5, 2026, officers and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were engaged in official duties relating to security and crowd-control operations during a demonstration near the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark.

As part of their duties, HSI special agents and officers, including Victim-1, an HSI special agent, were assigned to perimeter enforcement for Delaney Hall. The assignment required HSI personnel to clear demonstrators from the road leading to and from Delaney Hall for law enforcement vehicles to enter the facility.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., several HSI special agents first saw Perez walking back and forth past the entrance to the facility. The special agents issued numerous commands to Perez to move back, but Perez did not respond. Minutes later, Victim-1 was standing by the facility entrance while several law enforcement vehicles were trying to enter the facility. Perez attempted to walk past Victim-1 toward the vehicles but was physically pulled back by Victim-1, who told Perez in sum and substance that Perez could not walk that way. Notwithstanding that directive, Perez pushed past Victim-1 and continued walking in that same direction.

Victim-1 followed behind Perez and called for Perez to stop. Victim-1 then attempted to grab hold of Perez. At that point, Perez abruptly turned around and punched Victim-1 in the face with a closed fist. Victim-1 sustained injuries to his upper and lower lip from Perez’s punch.

The assault was captured on video footage both from publicly accessible social media accounts and from pole cameras in the area, as shown below:

The charge of assaulting a federal officer resulting in physical contact carries a maximum potential penalty of 8 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of HSI- Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Criminal Division in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                        ###

Defense counsel: Linda Foster, Assistant Federal Public Defender. 

NEWARK N.J. – A Bronx man was sentenced to 70 months in prison for distributing fentanyl in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Juan Jose Patino Parra, 35, of the Bronx, New York, previously pled guilty to knowingly and intentionally distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper yesterday, in Newark federal court, sentenced Patino Parra to 70 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment. 

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

On August 15, 2024, law enforcement arrested Patino Parra immediately after he delivered nearly 1 kilogram of fentanyl to a buyer in Fort Lee, New Jersey. A search of Patino Parra’s vehicle uncovered additional packages of fentanyl.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chana Y. Zuckier of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.

                                                            ###

Defense counsel: Paul Condon, Esq.

NEWARK, N.J. – A former Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Recruiter has pleaded guilty to engaging in a fraudulent scheme to defraud a credit union by using her position to obtain the personally identifying information of U.S. Army recruits and recruit candidates and then submitting fraudulent bank account applications to the credit union on the recruits’ behalf, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Jane Crosby, 35, of Jersey City, New Jersey pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court. 

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

Between around September 2023 and December 2023, Crosby submitted “Pre-Active Duty Membership” bank account applications to a credit union on behalf of seven U.S. Army recruits or purported recruits, without their knowledge or consent.  Such accounts are intended to facilitate the direct deposit of soon-to-be service members’ salaries once they join the military.  These applications included the victims’ names and Social Security numbers as well as copies of their passports, driver’s licenses, and/or Social Security cards.  Once these credit union accounts were opened, Crosby, posing as the victims, applied for approximately $266,000 in loans and credit card accounts and used the accounts to deposit fraudulent checks and withdraw funds. 

The bank fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.  The aggravated identity theft count carries an additional consecutive mandatory minimum term of two years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Joel Kirch, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Kober of the Criminal Division in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                            ###

Defense counsel: Thomas Ambrosio, Esq. and Harley D. Breite, Esq.  

A Passaic County man was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS).

Mohamed Sagha, 22, of Wayne, New Jersey was charged by complaint with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS. He made his initial appearance today in federal court. He was ordered detained. 

“As alleged, the defendant sought to support ISIS and expressed interest in violence directed at targets within the United States, including places of worship,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “Those who seek to advance the objectives of foreign terrorist organizations should expect a swift and coordinated response from federal law enforcement. This Office will continue working relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and prosecute individuals who support terrorism and threaten the safety of our communities.”

“The defendant allegedly wanted to attack targets in the United States in support of ISIS and its hateful ideology, but the FBI detected and put a stop to his violent plans,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This should be a stark reminder to the American people of the FBI’s resolve to pursue anyone who tries to harm Americans and provide material support to terrorist organizations, and we will work with our Justice Department partners to make sure they face justice.”

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

From approximately December 2025 to June 2026, Sagha participated in one or more online chat groups wherein ISIS supporters discussed, among other things, potential attacks on targets within the United States, including places of worship. In or around October 2025, he met a confidential human source (“CHS”) online, whom he believed to be a member of ISIS. 

In his discussions with the CHS, Sagha expressed an intent to assist one of the members of an ISIS-supporters online chat group with an attack on a place of worship. He also told the CHS he was contemplating carrying out an attack of his own, possibly on a National Guard location or on a Jewish place of worship. He then shared images and/or videos of both locations with the CHS, and stated that they were near his residence in Wayne, New Jersey.

During these conversations, the CHS repeatedly held himself out as an ISIS fighter, sending Sagha messages and photographs that indicated the CHS was in ISIS territory in Syria. These included a photograph of the CHS in the back of a truck holding an ISIS flag, as well as a photograph of the CHS leaning against a vehicle over which the ISIS flag was draped, holding what appeared to be an AK-47-style assault rifle. Sagha, in turn, repeatedly expressed a desire to travel to ISIS territory, and even made an unsuccessful attempt at doing so in early March, 2026.

Between on or about May 31 and June 2, Sagha and the CHS discussed the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for the CHS and other ISIS fighters referred to as “brothers.” VPN technology enables users to conceal their online activities, mask their locations and identities, and communicate with greater anonymity. In the hands of members of a foreign terrorist organization, the technology can assist efforts to evade detection, maintain communications, and further the organization’s activities. Sagha ultimately purchased a VPN, sent it to the CHS — whom he believed to be a member of a terrorist organization — and explained to the CHS how to use the VPN.

The count of attempt to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization has a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of life of supervised release. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer and Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg made the announcement. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the special agents of the FBI Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, officers of the New York City Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Wayne Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Rooney, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Senior National Security Counsel Sammi Malek of the National Security Unit, and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Jay Rezai of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County man was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS), U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer and Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg announced.

“As alleged, the defendant sought to support ISIS and expressed interest in violence directed at targets within the United States, including places of worship. Those who seek to advance the objectives of foreign terrorist organizations should expect a swift and coordinated response from federal law enforcement. This Office will continue working relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and prosecute individuals who support terrorism and threaten the safety of our communities.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

“The defendant allegedly wanted to attack targets in the United States in support of ISIS and its hateful ideology, but the FBI detected and put a stop to his violent plans,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This should be a stark reminder to the American people of the FBI’s resolve to pursue anyone who tries to harm Americans and provide material support to terrorist organizations, and we will work with our Justice Department partners to make sure they face justice.”

Mohamed Sagha, 22, of Wayne, New Jersey was charged by complaint with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS. He made his initial appearance today in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda D. Wettre. He was ordered detained.

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

From approximately December 2025 to June 2026, Sagha participated in one or more online chat groups wherein ISIS supporters discussed, among other things, potential attacks on targets within the United States, including places of worship. In or around October 2025, Sagha met a confidential human source (“CHS”) online, whom Sagha believed to be a member of ISIS. 

In his discussions with the CHS, Sagha expressed an intent to assist one of the members of an ISIS-supporters online chat group with an attack on a place of worship. Sagha also told the CHS he was contemplating carrying out an attack of his own, possibly on a National Guard location or on a Jewish place of worship. Sagha then shared images and/or videos of both locations with the CHS, and stated that they were near Sagha’s residence in Wayne, New Jersey.

During these conversations, the CHS repeatedly held himself out as an ISIS fighter, sending Sagha messages and photographs that indicated the CHS was in ISIS territory in Syria. These included a photograph of the CHS in the back of a truck holding an ISIS flag, as well as a photograph of the CHS leaning against a vehicle over which the ISIS flag was draped, holding what appeared to be an AK-47-style assault rifle. Sagha, in turn, repeatedly expressed a desire to travel to ISIS territory, and even made an unsuccessful attempt at doing so in early March, 2026.

Between on or about May 31, 2026 and June 2, 2026, Sagha and the CHS discussed the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for the CHS and other ISIS fighters referred to as “brothers.” VPN technology enables users to conceal their online activities, mask their locations and identities, and communicate with greater anonymity. In the hands of members of a foreign terrorist organization, the technology can assist efforts to evade detection, maintain communications, and further the organization’s activities. Sagha ultimately purchased a VPN, sent it to the CHS—whom he believed to be a member of a terrorist organization—and explained to the CHS how to use the VPN.

The count of attempt to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization has a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of life of supervised release. 

U.S. Attorney Frazer and Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg made the announcement. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, and officers of the New York City Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Wayne Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Rooney, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Senior National Security Counsel Sammi Malek of the National Security Unit, and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Jay Rezai of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Linda Foster, Assistant Federal Public Defender.