District of Rhode Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island announced today the appointment of two new Assistant U.S. Attorneys to the Criminal Division.

Alison Bittl, of Rhode Island, joins the office after serving as an Assistant Attorney General with the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General since 2017. In that role, she managed a significant felony caseload in Providence County Superior Court, handling cases from charging through disposition. She presented matters to the grand jury and conducted bail, violation and suppression hearings, and trials.  Bittl also responded to major crime scenes, including shooting and homicides, and provided guidance to local police departments on charging decisions, search and arrest warrants, and capital offense bail matters. 

Bittl has served as an instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy since 2023 and the Rhode Island State Police Academy, where she designs and teaches criminal procedure and law curriculum. She previously worked as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Providence.  Bittl holds a Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Boston University. She is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island.

Arthur T. DeFelice, of Rhode Island, joins the office after serving as a Special Assistant Attorney General, where he prosecuted criminal matters through all phases of prosecution, from investigation and grand jury proceedings through trial and post-trial litigation. He has extensive experience managing complex investigations, preparing witnesses, leading multidisciplinary teams, and litigating pretrial motions. 

DeFelice serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve Judge Advocate Corps, providing legal guidance on investigations, risk mitigation, ethics compliance, and operational matters. His prior military assignments include senior intelligence roles and service as Aide‑de‑Camp to the Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, where he coordinated engagements with domestic and international partners.

DeFelice previously worked in civil litigation and served as a law clerk with the Rhode Island Superior Court. DeFelice holds a Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University School of Law, a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the George Washington University.  He is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District Court for the District of Rhode Island. 

“These are two prosecutors who have already distinguished themselves through demanding public service,” said the First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Alison brings deep experience in violent crime and frontline prosecutorial work in our state’s busiest courts, and Arthur adds extensive courtroom, investigative, and military leadership experience. Their skill sets are different but complementary, and together they will strengthen the work of our Criminal Division.”

PROVIDENCE – A Providence attorney pleaded guilty in federal court today to wire fraud and tax evasion in connection with a scheme to defraud immigration clients and evade the payment of federal taxes.  

Joseph Molina‑Flynn, 43, formerly a practicing immigration attorney in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. He appeared before U.S. Chief District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2026. The sentence will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Wire fraud carries a statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison; tax evasion carries a statutory maximum sentence of up to five years in. Each count also carries potential fines and periods of supervised release.

Molina- Flynn admitted that between 2019 and 2023, he devised and executed a scheme to defraud some immigration clients by collecting legal and filing fees for services he did not perform and providing some clients with false information related to the status of their immigration matters. Molina-Flynn admitted that he collected approximately $98,000 from immigration clients for legal services not provided and expenses not incurred. He used the fraudulently obtained funds to operate his law practice and pay personal expenses. 

Molina-Flynn also admitted that he failed to file a federal income tax return for 2021 and took steps to conceal income and payroll tax obligations, including using his law firm’s operating account to pay personal expenses. Under the plea agreement, the parties will recommend at sentencing that the tax loss attributable to Molina-Flynn’s tax evasion is at least $550,000 but less than $1.5 million.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Molina-Flynn is required to pay $83,265 in restitution to victims of the wire fraud scheme.  He must also file accurate delinquent federal tax returns for tax years 2019 through 2023 and pay the U.S. Treasury outstanding federal taxes, interest, and penalties. 

The case was initially prosecuted by former District of Rhode Island Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert and is currently being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, the Providence Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

PROVIDENCE — A federal jury has found Justin Duffer, 36, guilty of attempted sex trafficking of a child, following a multi-day trial in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. 

According to evidence presented at trial, Duffer responded to an online advertisement and communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as an intermediary. During these communications, Duffer agreed to pay for a commercial sex act involving a person he believed to be under the age of 14 and traveled to a meeting location, where he paid an undercover officer $120 in cash before being arrested. 

“There is no acceptable circumstance in which a child becomes something to be bought, sold, or sexually exploited,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Justin Duffer believed he was paying for sexual access to a child and took concrete steps to make that happen. Protecting children from those who seek to exploit them is among the most serious responsibilities we have, and we will continue to pursue those who fuel the demand for child sex trafficking.”

“Duffer arrived at a hotel with cash in hand, fully prepared to pay to sexually abuse an innocent child. Fortunately, instead of a child, special agents and police detectives were waiting for him. Now, a jury has found him guilty and he’s off the streets and facing serious prison time,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming. “Our work relies on the expertise of our law enforcement partners like the Warwick Police Department, whose local knowledge and skill helps bring cases like this to fruition. Together, we’re working to keep children safe and bring predators to justice.”

Duffer is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2027. He was permitted to remain on release pending sentencing.  The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release, and applicable mandatory special assessments.  The sentence will be determined by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor Dean and Lee H. Vilker.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Warwick Police Department, and the Rhode Island State Police ICAC Task Force.

Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division along with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General, as part of a Heartland Fraud Surge announced the results of Operation No Doze, a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in SBA’s small business COVID-era loan programs.

During the summer surge between June 12 and Sept. 1, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic.

Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss.  And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss.

Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers.

Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years.

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

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

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

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

“We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.”

Federal and State Partners Participating in Operation No Doze

U.S. Attorney Partners:

Central District of California, District of Kansas, District of Idaho, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, District of Montana, District of New Mexico,  District of Oregon, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of California, Eastern District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Louisiana, Northern District of California, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Northern District of Iowa, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of California, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Indiana, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of West Virginia, Western District of Kentucky, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, Western District of New York, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Tennessee, Western District of Texas, Western District of Washington.

Federal and State Investigative Partners:

Amtrak, Office of Inspector General; City of Jacksonville, Office of Inspector General; Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General; Export-Import Bank of the United States; FBI; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Administration; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; HSI; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Secret Service; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; West Virginia State Police; Tampa Police Department.

Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit: In tandem with the results of Operation No Doze, the Fraud Division announced three new federal-state cooperation agreements with the Missouri Secretary of State, Nebraska Treasurer, and Kansas Treasurer to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts. On September 14, 2026, over twenty-five federal and state officials gathered for the Heartland Partnership Fraud Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, including representatives from 6 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 3 State Attorneys General Offices, 3 State Financial Offices, 3 Secretaries of State, 3 federal law enforcement partners, and 2 Members of Congress.

Federal and State Partners at the 2026 Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit

U.S. Attorney Partners:

U.S. Attorneys Office Partners (In-Person Attendance):

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matthew Price

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Thomas Albus

U.S. Attorney for District of Nebraska Lesley Woods

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David Waterman

U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser

State Partners:

Iowa: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate

Kansas: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley, Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg

Missouri: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Missouri Department of Social Services Jessica Bax

United States Congressional Representation:

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO)

These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts.

Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures)

1.) United States v. Jamie Gray (Indictment) – $55,931,875 – Western District of Missouri

Jamie Gray is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gray submitted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications claiming to own dozens of businesses that were operating before the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, the businesses Gray allegedly claimed to own were not in operation on or before February 15, 2020 (eligibility deadline). The only claimed business that actually existed was “Fur Lives Matter,” a Texas company that allegedly had no knowledge of Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray’s representations regarding ownership, employees, gross revenue, and business operations were entirely fabricated.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney for the Western District of Missouri. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert for the Western District of Missouri.

2.) United States v. Adrian Pupo Perez et al. (Indictment) – $2,400,000 – Northern District of Iowa

On July 9, 2026, a grand jury in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, charged Adrian Rafael Pupo Perez and Helen Yaima Leyva Santiesteban with 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Beginning in July 2020, Pupo Perez, Leyva Santiesteban, and more than 100 other individuals originally from Cuba allegedly sought fraudulent PPP loans and EIDLs by falsely claiming they were self-employed, among other allegedly false representations. The co-conspirators allegedly submitted approximately 470 fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of more than 100 individuals across the United States. They allegedly fraudulently sought more than $4.5 million in PPP funds, with approximately $2.4 million disbursed. Pupo Perez and Leyva Santiesteban are fugitives at this time.

Prosecuted by District Fraud Counsel Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek for the Northern District of Iowa.

3. United States v. Pu Wang and Rui Li (Indictment) – $102,397 – Northern District of Indiana

Pu Wang and Rui Li are charged with fraudulently obtaining federal grant funds for their company, Vibronix, by falsely representing that the company had no Chinese affiliates and by certifying that the funded work was performed in the United States when most of the work was allegedly performed in China. In addition to allegedly defrauding the Small Business Innovation Research federal grant program, Wang also allegedly certified in PPP loan applications that all covered employees had their primary residence in the United States. Wang was himself a covered employee and, according to the allegations, lived in China during the relevant period. Wang further allegedly certified that none of Vibronix’s board members were residents of the People’s Republic of China. Public SEC filings identified Wang as a Vibronix board member who was known to live in China at the time of the application for federal funds.

According to the indictment, Wang had received an award in 2014 sponsored by the PRC to encourage Chinese citizens who study in the United States to return to China.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for the Northern District of Indiana. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Lupa Northern District of Indiana. 

4. United States v. Eve Zou (Information) – $319,800 – Western District of Texas

Eve Zou is charged with making false and fraudulent representations to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain EIDL funds and grants purportedly for legitimate business purposes. At the time of the charged offense, Zou was an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a state agency designed to protect children, the elderly, and adults in Texas with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The information alleges that Zou instead used EIDL proceeds for personal benefit, including the purchase of real estate in Austin, Texas and investments in brokerage accounts. Zou also allegedly made multiple false statements in the applications, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. Zou allegedly obtained three SBA loans totaling $319,800.

Zou has agreed to plead guilty to the charges against her. Zou also agreed to forfeiture of all assets purchased with the fraud proceeds, which have grown in value.  As a result, the government intends to recoup more than Zou stole.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gann for the Western District of Texas. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung for the Western District of Texas.

5. United States v. Melissa Fireside (Indictment) — $1,573,350 – District of Oregon

Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds associated with her claimed businesses. The State of Oregon has charged Fireside with eight felony counts — including first-degree forgery, first-degree aggravated theft, computer crimes, and identity theft.

Fireside was charged in the District of Oregon with two counts of wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Fireside submitted an EIDL application using the identity of another person, G.F., without G.F.’s authorization. Fireside was alleged to be G.F.’s caregiver and manager of G.F.’s finances. Fireside allegedly also submitted a fraudulent PPP application supported by fabricated tax documents and bank records, falsely represented that the business was operating and had employees and substantial revenues, and then diverted the loan proceeds for her personal use. Fireside is believed to have fled the country and remains an international fugitive subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with the federal charges.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey A. Barrow for the District of Oregon. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Meyers for the District of Oregon.

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.

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Department of Justice — through its Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Rhode Island — will be observing polling locations today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island as part of its mission to secure ballot integrity, maintain transparency into the voting process, and enforce compliance with federal law. 

“This is our last stop on what has been a successful midterm primary monitoring effort,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “I am proud to say we have visited eleven states and hundreds of polling locations. We will continue this work through the midterm general elections to assure the American public of the fairness and security of the voting process.” 

“The Rhode Island United States Attorney’s Office is proud to continue its partnership with the Civil Rights Division and coordination between the federal and local levels to ensure that elections are held in compliance with all laws,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island.

The Department will be sending four members from the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section and the Rhode Island USAO to various polling sites throughout the city. 

On July 30, 2024, the Department secured a Consent Decree ensuring that the City of Pawtucket would meet its obligations under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act and Section 302 of the Help America Vote Act. United States v. City of Pawtucket et al., Case No. 24-cv-209 (D.R.I. 2024). Pursuant to this Consent Decree, the Department is authorized to observe election procedures. 

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces various federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Acts.

From now and up to Election Day on Nov. 3, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. If you would like to request election monitoring in a particular jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section at VEM@usdoj.gov, and the Civil Rights Division will determine whether monitoring is warranted.

PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Providence returned separate indictments today charging two men with illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.

According to the indictments, Edwin Aldana, 45, a citizen of Guatemala, was ordered removed from the United States on November 13, 2006. He later reentered the United States and was removed from the country again on September 7, 2020. On June 1, 2026, Aldana was arrested in Rhode Island. Aldana did not obtain the required consent from the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to reapply for admission to the United States. 

In a separate indictment, Kevin Osvaldo Lopez Lopez, 25, a citizen of Honduras, was previously ordered removed by an immigration judge and departed the United States on January 12, 2021. On July 4, 2026, Lopez Lopez was arrested in Rhode Island. Lopez Lopez did not obtain the required consent from the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to reapply for admission to the United States. 

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Lowell.

The matters were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment charging former Barrington Christian Academy teacher and athletics coach Sean Cassidy, 53, of Pawtucket, with coercion and enticement of a minor; falsely presenting as a federal employee; two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor; and possession of child pornography.

The indictment, returned on September 2, 2026, includes two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor stemming from alleged conduct in 2011 and a charge of possession of child pornography. These charges are in addition to charges of coercion and enticement of a minor and falsely presenting as a federal employee, which were initially charged by federal criminal complaint following Cassidy’s arrest on federal charges in August.

According to the federal criminal complaint previously filed in the matter, Cassidy allegedly used his position as a teacher and athletics coach to develop a relationship with a minor student and falsely represented himself as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also used multiple online platforms—email, messaging services, and encrypted accounts—to communicate with the minor under various fictitious identities. Cassidy allegedly directed the minor to engage in acts, including taking partially nude photographs of herself, claiming they were part of an FBI “training program.”

            “Children should never have to fear the adults entrusted with their safety and education. The allegations in this indictment are abhorrent and represent a profound betrayal of that trust,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “We will relentlessly pursue those who prey upon children and use every available resource to hold them accountable.”

            “Cassidy stands accused of a litany of crimes against children who were entrusted to his care. This is every parent’s nightmare – a trusted coach, teacher, and trainer allegedly using his trust and access to children to manipulate and eventually exploit kids,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming. “This case came to HSI’s attention through a tip from a vigilant parent through our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force partners. HSI works around the clock with our law enforcement partners to investigate crimes against children, but we can only do this work with the help of the parents, friends, teachers, and members of the public who are ready to come forward when they see something they know is wrong.”

The indictment further alleges that Cassidy sexually exploited a minor on two occasions in 2011 for the purpose of producing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct. Cassidy is also charged with knowingly possessing or accessing, with intent to view, child pornography through approximately June 1, 2026.

Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Coercion and enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Each count of sexual exploitation of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum sentence of thirty years. Possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of twenty years, and falsely presenting as a federal employee carries a maximum sentence of three years.

Cassidy was previously arrested on June 1 and July 17, 2026, on related Rhode Island state charges. The federal investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to review evidence and evaluate reports of Cassidy’s contacts with additional minors.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise Barton. 

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from local law enforcement partners. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Providence — A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation, including transporting gaffs from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for use in animal fighting.

Jose Rivera, 70, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to two years of probation, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Rivera previously pleaded guilty on April 13 to violating the Animal Welfare Act for his involvement in the 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Rivera admitted that he traveled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island to participate in a cockfight and that he transported gaffs and other sharp instruments he had purchased, which were designed or intended to be attached to a rooster’s leg during a fight. Rivera further acknowledged that he knew the cockfights were conducted for sport, wagering, and entertainment.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

            “This sentence sends a clear message: animal fighting is a cruel and unlawful activity, and those who cross state lines to participate in or support these operations will be held accountable,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “We remain committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle animal fighting rings and protect the welfare of animals in our communities.”

 The matter was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island.

 This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, and the Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.

A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation in which he brought gaffs from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for animal fighting. 

Jose Rivera, 70, was sentenced to two years of probation, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Rivera previously pleaded guilty on April 13 to violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection with his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Rivera admitted that he traveled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island to participate in cockfights and that he brought with him gaffs or other sharp instruments that he had purchased and which were designed or intended to be attached to the leg of a rooster in a fight against another rooster. Rivera further admitted that he was aware that the cockfights he traveled to participate in were for sport, wagering, and entertainment.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments. 

The matter was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island.

PROVIDENCE– A Georgia man has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a wide‑ranging lottery and sweepstakes scam that defrauded senior citizens in Rhode Island and multiple other states out of at least one million dollars.

Patrick Dallas, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 24 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

 According to court documents, Dallas and two co‑conspirators defrauded senior citizens through a bogus “Publishers Clearing House” (PCH) or similar sweepstakes scam and laundered the proceeds through entities and bank accounts they controlled.

Victims were told they had won large sums of money, often millions of dollars, in a PCH lottery or sweepstakes. To collect their purported winnings, victims were instructed to provide personal identifying information for “verification” and to pay upfront fees and taxes. Some victims were directed to send money, gift cards, and high‑value items such as Rolex watches and iPhones to addresses controlled by the defendants.

“These defendants preyed on seniors across the country by offering them the false promise of life‑changing winnings, only to drain their savings and exploit their trust,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “This office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who target vulnerable victims, and today’s sentence reflects our determination to hold accountable those who profit from fraud and deceit.”

“Patrick Dallas and his co-conspirators ran a predatory fraud scheme that stole from seniors by weaponizing hope, trust, and fear, convincing victims they had won life-changing prizes only to drain them of their hard-earned money and personal information,” said HSI New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming. “This sentence cannot undo the financial and emotional harm inflicted on these victims, but it delivers accountability and makes clear that those who target older Americans through lies, intimidation, and greed will face serious consequences. HSI New England is at the forefront of investigating fraud that seeks to exploit our unsuspecting, hard-working, and often vulnerable public, and we will continue working relentlessly with our partners to identify these schemes, dismantle them, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”     

Dallas’s sentencing follows last week’s sentencing of his co‑defendant, Owen Demoy Byfield, 33, who was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 24 months imprisonment, ordered to pay $1.7 million in restitution, and received a judicial order of removal, allowing for his deportation upon completion of his sentence.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Warwick Police Department.

Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta, Georgia State Patrol, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the East Providence Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

PROVIDENCE – Two members of a multi-jurisdictional conspiracy who helped orchestrate a transnational fraud and money laundering scheme that targeted elderly victims in the United States and Canada have been sentenced in federal court.

Cynthia Jia Sun, 36, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.  Sun pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, Sun and Wang were part of a conspiracy that used pop‑up messages and telephone calls to convince elderly victims that their financial accounts had been compromised or were at risk. To carry out the scheme, members of the conspiracy sent pop-up messages to seniors’ computers, often styled to appear as if they were originating from a well-known technology company.  The messages contained various false claims, including that the victims’ financial accounts had been compromised, that their computers had been hacked, or that the victims had been identified as the target of a criminal investigation.  

Victims were directed to call a supposed “live agent,” who falsely informed them that their assets were in danger of being frozen, seized, or garnished, and that the agent could assist in “protecting” their funds. During a series of calls, victims were connected with other persons who falsely claimed to be “representatives” of the victim’s financial institutions and/or government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Reserve Bank.  Those “representatives” were, in fact, members of the conspiracy. 

During these calls, some victims were instructed that, in order to protect their assets, they should initiate a transfer of their funds from their accounts via wire transfers and cryptocurrency transfers to accounts controlled by agencies the scammers purportedly represented. Other victims were told to withdraw their funds in cash and purchase gold bars and turn them over to a purported government courier who would come to their home for transfer to a secure government location.  Still others were told to simply turn the cash over to a courier for safekeeping by the government.

Sun and Wang coordinated with co‑defendants to travel to the victims’ homes to pick up cash and gold from victims, transport the money or gold, and deliver it to other members of the conspiracy.

Wang was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy on July 8, 2026, to a time-served sentence, 13 months, and 24 days.

“Sun and Wang played a direct role in a scheme designed to frighten and financially devastate elderly victims,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “When criminals manipulate seniors into handing over their life savings under the guise of government authority, the response must be decisive. This office will continue to bring the full weight of federal prosecution against anyone who targets vulnerable victims for profit.”

“Sun and her co-conspirators have fleeced victims around the country of millions of dollars. These scams rely on fear and threats to manipulate victims into acting against their good judgement,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming. “Anyone can become a victim of these scams, and I urge the public to stay alert and to be wary of high-pressure tactics. Legitimate authorities won’t contact you on the phone or through a pop-up to resolve legal issues and will never ask for cash, gold, or gift cards.”

At the time of indictment, law enforcement had identified approximately 300 victims in at least 37 states, including Rhode Island. Known losses attributed to the conspiracy exceed $5 million, and investigators identified an additional $16 million in suspected fraud proceeds laundered through a related account.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney’s Stacey A. Erickson and Denise M. Barton.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Providence and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, as part of the Rhode Island Homeland Security Task Force, a multi-agency task force focused on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

PROVIDENCE – A Jamaican national residing in Georgia has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a nationwide sweepstakes fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims.

Owen Demoy Byfield, 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 24 months imprisonment, ordered to pay $1.7 million in restitution, and received a judicial order of removal, allowing for his deportation once he completes his sentence.

Byfield pleaded guilty on January 13, 2026, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to court documents, between March 2022 and October 2024, Byfield and his co‑conspirators operated a sweepstakes scam that falsely claimed victims had won large cash prizes. Elderly victims across the United States, including Rhode Island, were contacted through mailings, commercial carriers, phone calls, text messages, and other communications and were instructed to send money or grant access to their financial accounts to obtain their supposed winnings.

The conspirators used fictitious names and directed victims to speak with individuals posing as “prize representatives.” Victims were told they needed to pay taxes, fees, or other costs, or risk being removed from a fabricated “winner list.” In one instance, Byfield used approximately $171,635 of fraudulent proceeds to make a down payment on a residence in Georgia.

“Byfield helped run a scheme that preyed on older Americans and stole from some of the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “When criminals target elderly victims, hide behind fake identities, and move fraud proceeds through complex channels, federal prosecution is not just appropriate — it is necessary. This office will continue to pursue and disrupt schemes that exploit seniors for profit.”

“Byfield and his co-conspirators hooked their victims by offering them the dream of a life-changing sweepstakes prize before extracting hundreds of thousands of dollars from them for fake ‘fees’ and ‘taxes’ that were swiftly laundered before victims could even realize they’d been scammed,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming. “After HSI’s investigation with our law enforcement partners, Byfield is not only facing federal prison time, he will be removed from the United States. Exploitation of vulnerable members of our community can’t be tolerated, and we’ll use all tools at our disposal to seek justice for victims.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.

The matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security–Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Warwick Police Department.

More information about the Department’s efforts to support older Americans is available through the Elder Justice Initiative. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877‑FTC‑HELP. Additional resources for elder fraud victims are available through the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov

PROVIDENCE – A California man who made hundreds of obscene, harassing, and threatening telephone calls to women in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and other states has been sentenced in federal court in Providence.

Justin Glauthier, 31, of Anaheim, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 36 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $400 special assessments. Glauthier previously pleaded guilty to four counts of stalking through cellular and internet communications.

According to court documents, Glauthier obtained women’s names, photographs, and other personal information from the internet and used that information to make repeated, unwanted, sexually explicit, and threatening calls. 

During dozens of calls to at least nine identified victims, Glauthier, using a false name and hiding his identity by creating voice of internet protocol phone numbers or the *67 function on his phone, made sexually explicit and threatening statements, at times claiming to know where victims lived or worked and threatening to appear at their homes or workplaces if they did not comply with his demands to continue speaking with him or describing the sexual acts he wanted or was planning to do with the victims. On some of the calls, Glauthier would tell victims that he had masturbated to their online photos and would masturbate while on a call with a victim.

An investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Providence Resident Agency and FBI’s Orange County, California, Resident Agency linked the calls to Glauthier, who was arrested in Anaheim on March 5, 2025.

“Glauthier believed he could hide behind a phone and inflict fear without consequence,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “He was wrong. The federal system held him accountable, and we will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who thinks they can use digital tools to terrorize vulnerable victims.”

“Justin Glauthier was a prolific, persistent, and pernicious cyber predator who relentlessly taunted and tormented dozens of victims with sexually explicit and threatening calls, and deliberately took steps to hide his identity,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “We are especially grateful to the courageous victims who came forward—they’re willingness to speak up enabled the FBI to identify Glauthier and ultimately stop this incessant harassment. Today’s sentence should serve a lesson to anyone who attempts to inflict this type of cruelty on others: the FBI will find you and will ensure you are brought to justice.”   

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton for the District of Rhode Island, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Restrepo of the Central District of California.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RI-DHS) supervisor has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from her misuse of her official position to improperly access and exploit the personal information and benefits of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

On August 4, 2026, Nadine Jean Baptiste, 59, of Warwick, admitted to repeatedly accessing SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information, conducting unauthorized telephonic balance inquiries, and altering PIN numbers associated with those cards. Many of the affected individuals were juveniles, homeless, or incarcerated at the time their information was accessed.

In total, EBT cards containing more than $300,000 in SNAP benefits were improperly accessed. It is further alleged that Jean Baptiste and her daughter used fraudulently accessed SNAP benefits to make personal purchases.

The investigation began in September 2023 after the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit received multiple complaints from SNAP recipients through its Fraud Hotline, reporting that they never received the EBT cards issued to them. SNAP cards are typically mailed to a recipient’s address or provided in person at a DHS office, including to homeless individuals who pick them up onsite.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Moreira.

The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, and Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity- Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, Warwick Police Department, Providence Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.

PROVIDENCE – On July 9, 2026, a Massachusetts man was charged federally for allegedly attempting to entice a person he believed to be a 14-year-old female to engage in sexual activity and travelling to Rhode Island to meet her.

Jung H. Nam, 35, is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He made his initial appearance in federal court on the complaint on July 29, 2026.

According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, in July 2025, an East Providence Police Detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated an undercover online investigation using a social application. The detective, posing as a minor, engaged in conversations with a user later identified as Nam. During these communications, Nam allegedly discussed plans to meet for sexual activity, and thereafter, traveled to Warwick, Rhode Island to meet her. 

On July 7, 2025, after arranging a meeting in Warwick, Nam arrived at the agreed‑upon location, where he was taken into custody by members of the ICAC Task Force. He was initially charged in Rhode Island District Court, and later, in January 2026, in Kent County Superior Court. Those state charges remain pending.

During a state‑authorized search of Nam’s cell phone, investigators located multiple images and videos of CSAM, including of prepubescent minors. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the ICAC Task Force, and the Rhode Island State Police.

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 Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

PROVIDENCE – On August 4, 2026, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Michael Gallo, age 33, of Cranston, in connection with an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Somerset, Massachusetts Police Department. Gallo is charged with two counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), three counts of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, one count of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and one count of receipt of CSAM. 

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, an HSI Special Agent assigned to the ICAC Task Force alleges that between June 2025 and March 2026, Gallo used online communications platforms to attempt to entice multiple minors. The affidavit further alleges that Gallo traveled from Rhode Island to Massachusetts with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor, and that he produced and received CSAM involving multiple minor victims. The affidavit describes separate periods of alleged conduct involving three minor victims.

Gallo was taken into custody and is currently being held pending further court proceedings.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee Vilker.

The investigation was conducted by HSI Providence, with assistance from the Rhode Island ICAC Task Force, the Somerset, Massachusetts Police Department, and additional law enforcement partners. 

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Providence – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island will join law enforcement partners, residents, and communities across the state on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in celebration of National Night Out.

“National Night Out provides an important opportunity to connect with the residents we serve and strengthen relationships that are essential to public safety,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “We are proud to join our law enforcement and community partners across Rhode Island and to continue working together to make our neighborhoods stronger.” 

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August.

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Personnel from the U.S. Attorney’s Office will participate in National Night Out events hosted by Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) partner agencies in communities across Rhode Island.  The events bring together law enforcement and an array of our community partners, consisting of school personnel, Substance Use Prevention Coalitions, Family Care Community Partnership, Family Services RI, PSN Strategic Committee members, and an array of social service agencies. 

U.S. Attorney’s Office personnel plan to visit the following National Night Out events:

Pawtucket Police Department
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Payne Park
225 West Avenue, Pawtucket

Central Falls Police Department
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Jenks Park/Veterans Memorial Park
416 Hunt Street, Central Falls

Providence Police Department
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
Joslin Park 
40 Florence Street, Providence

Woonsocket Police Department
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
World War II Memorial Park 
Social Street, Woonsocket

For more information, visit https://natw.org/

PROVIDENCE – On July 30, 2026, a Rhode Island woman pleaded guilty in federal court to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that moved funds between individuals in the United States and foreign countries.

Bukky Olukoga, 52, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to court documents, Olukoga owned and controlled Grace’s Property Investment LLC, a Rhode Island entity that used her prior and current residential addresses as business locations. Using bank accounts held in her name and in the name of Grace’s Property, Olukoga opened and maintained accounts at multiple financial institutions, including Santander Bank, Washington Trust, Citizens Bank, TD Bank, and Bank of America. She also created and used peer‑to‑peer mobile payment accounts, including Cash App and Zelle.

Between at least February 16, 2020, and April 17, 2022, Olukoga received funds from third parties through cash, money orders, deposits, and electronic transfers into accounts under her control. She then transferred those funds to bank accounts held by individuals and entities overseas, including recipients in Nigeria and China. Olukoga received a fee for transfers she made on behalf of third parties.

Olukoga did not possess the licenses required to operate a money transmitting business at the state or federal level.

 As part of her plea agreement, Olukoga agreed to forfeit approximately $203,969 in assets involved in or derived from the offense, including U.S. currency and funds seized from bank and investment accounts.

 This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.

 The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

PROVIDENCE – A Providence man who worked as a drug runner for a transnational narcotics trafficking organization pleaded guilty today in federal court in Rhode Island to methamphetamine and fentanyl charges. 

Kyle Lemay, 20, pleaded guilty conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Lemay is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2026. The sentence imposed by a federal district judge will be based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to court documents, Lemay worked as a runner for a transnational narcotics trafficking organization operating out of the Dominican Republic. During the investigation, agents seized more than fourteen pounds of crystal methamphetamine and 275 grams of fentanyl from Lemay’s Providence residence.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie M. White. 

The matter was investigated by the DEA Providence District Office with assistance from the Newport Police Department and Providence Police Department. 

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 effort to dismantle criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad. The HSTF places particular emphasis on crimes involving children and employs all available tools to identify, investigate, prosecute, and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF Providence includes agents and officers from the DEA Providence District Office, the Newport Police Department, and the Providence Police Department, with prosecution led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Boston Field Division, in partnership with Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar L. Perez, announce additional federal charges against two defendants related to the ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activities committed by members and associates of East Side/Congress gang and affiliated Providence-area street gangs.

Arraignments have now been completed for all defendants arrested in connection with the racketeering indictment. Nineteen defendants were ordered detained pending trial, two were released on bond, and four defendants remain at large, Jose Bautista, Marcus McClain, Marlon McClain, and Randy Winfield. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners continue efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining defendants.

On July 22, 2026, additional charges were filed against defendants Dele Souza and Keshawn Jones for narcotics and firearms offenses. Both Souza and Jones were previously named in the June 17, 2026 racketeering indictment charging twenty-three associates and members of The Enterprise. Three additional individuals were charged with related offenses.

According to court documents, the Enterprise operated in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and elsewhere since at least 2013. Prosecutors allege that members and associates advanced the Enterprise’s interests through acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud schemes, and other criminal conduct. The indictment further alleges that the distribution of controlled substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and Percocet, served as a significant source of income for the Enterprise.

Court documents also describe alleged violent crimes committed by members and associates, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking, wire fraud, and other financial crimes involving fraud against unemployment insurance programs, COVID 19 relief programs, tax filings, and other federal benefit programs.

            “For more than a decade, members and associates of this enterprise used violence, firearms, narcotics trafficking, and fraud to strengthen their influence, enrich themselves, and retaliate against rivals,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “The charges in this case allege a pattern of criminal conduct that reached into neighborhoods, businesses, government programs, and communities throughout Rhode Island. This indictment reflects years of work conducted by the ATF, the Providence Police Department, and our law enforcement partners to dismantle an organization that prosecutors allege relied on fear, intimidation, and criminal activity to maintain its power.”

            “These arrests represent a significant victory for the City of Providence in the culmination of a long-term effort to identify, investigate, and dismantle the network of violent criminal activity perpetrated by the East Side gang and its affiliates,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco. “This case highlights the experience and expertise of ATF agents in investigating complex and violent criminal organizations. Working with the Providence Police Department and other law enforcement partners, agents identified incidents of violence, conducted witness interviews, and used crime gun intelligence tools such as the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze evidence and hold violent criminals accountable.  ATF remains firmly committed to working with our law enforcement partners to build safer, stronger communities.”

            “This indictment is the result of years of dedicated work by the Providence Police Department and our law enforcement partners to address violence, drug trafficking, and organized criminal activity that has impacted our neighborhoods," said Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez. "This case demonstrates our shared commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting the safety of our residents. We remain committed to working with our community and our partners to reduce violence and strengthen public safety throughout Providence.”

             “These arrests have made the cities and streets of Rhode Island a safer place,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “Organized street gangs have preyed on the Providence area for far too long. From drug trafficking, to robberies, extortion, and various frauds, these groups have been a stain on society and only act to further their own self-interests at enormous costs to their own communities. Their violent acts of retaliation and retribution have shattered lives and broken families across the region. IRS-CI is proud to, and will continue to work closely with our Federal, State, and Local law enforcement partners to ensure that those who seek to do harm to communities across New England see their day in court.”

New Charges Against Dele Souza

Federal agents executed an arrest warrant for Dele Souza on June 17, 2026. During the arrest and subsequent consent search of Souza’s residence, investigators recovered a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol and quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. Souza was charged with additional offenses including:

• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl/cocaine

New Charges Against Keshawn Jones

On the same day, investigators executed arrest and search warrants for Keshawn Jones. Agents recovered approximately 65.59 grams of cocaine from the residence. Jones was charged with additional federal narcotics offenses.

The defendants charged in the indictment are as follows:

*Not yet in custody

(1)         JAMES ADAMS a/k/a “Money Man,” a/k/a “DopieDeniro,” a/k/a “Man”

*(2)         JOSE BAUTISTA a/k/a “JJ” 

(3)         JEMEL BLYDEN a/k/a “Mel,” a/k/a “Jemel Waite”

(4)         JAMON BROWN a/k/a/ “Sheek”       

(5)         KEVEND CASTILLO a/k/a “Kev”

(6)         RYAN DACRUZ a/k/a “Lil Ry,” a/k/a “Cryan”           

(7)         LATRELLE FISHER a/k/a “Trelle”       

(8)         TERRANCE FISHER a/k/a “Baby Moondo,” a/k/a “Doodoo”

(9)         NELSON GOMES GONCALVES a/k/a “Nelly”

(10)       AYSHA GONZALEZ a/k/a “Easha,” a/k/a “Veronica” a/k/a “GetThatMoney”

(11)       KESHAWN JONES a/k/a “Kemoney”

(12)       JORDAN KOMHLAN a/k/a “Drowze”             

(13)       TYREESE McCANTS a/k/a “Reese”

*(14)      MARCUS McCLAIN a/k/a “Petey,” a/k/a “Pistol Pete”

*(15)      MARLON McCLAIN a/k/a “Marl,” a/k/a “Cuzzy”

(16)       DARIO MERCADO a/k/a “Jose”

(17)       ROMEO MERCADO a/k/a “Romey”

(18)       SCOTT MONROE a/k/a “Skizz,” a/k/a “Sleezy”

(19)       ISAIAH ORTIZ a/k/a “Loso”

(20)       DENZEL RICHARDSON a/k/a “Deezy,” a/k/a “Richie Rebel”

(21)       GARY RUSPUS a/k/a “Lil G”

(22)       JEFFREY SIMS a/k/a “Jeffery Sims” a/k/a “Smoove,” a/k/a “Smooth”     

(23)       DELE SOUZA a/k/a “Deydey”

(24)       MARK VARELA

(25)       KELVIN VILORIO

*(26)       RANDY WINFIELD, a/k/a “Hardbody”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John P. McAdams, Paul F. Daly, Jr., and Special Assistant United States Attorney John M. Moreira.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Providence Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, HSTF, and numerous additional federal, state, and local law enforcement partners including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Rhode Island State Police, Central Falls Police Department, Cranston Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Warwick Police Department, West Warwick Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit - Plymouth County, Shrewsbury (MA) Police Department, Worcester County (MA) District Attorney’s Office

Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia.

The charges contained in the indictments and complaints are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time.

The investigation into this case is ongoing

Providence — A Barrington Christian Academy teacher and athletics coach was arrested and appeared in federal court in Rhode Island today on federal charges stemming from an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

Sean Cassidy, 53, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, appeared before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan and is charged by criminal complaint with coercion and enticement of a minor and false impersonation of a federal employee. 

 According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, the investigation began on May 29, 2026, after the parent of a 14‑year‑old Barrington Christian Academy student reported concerns about an inappropriate relationship between Cassidy—a physical education teacher and athletics coach—and his daughter. On May 30, 2026, the Rhode Island ICAC Task Force initiated an investigation, later joined by HSI.

As described in the affidavit, investigators interviewed the minor and several other witnesses; executed search warrants on Cassidy’s residence, vehicle, workspace, electronic devices, and online accounts; and conducted forensic review of communications and digital evidence. The affidavit alleges that beginning no later than December 2025, Cassidy cultivated a relationship of trust with the minor through his roles as her coach and teacher, engaged in extended private communications with her using personal email accounts, and falsely claimed to be an agent with a covert Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) program. 

The affidavit further alleges that Cassidy used multiple online platforms—email, messaging services, and encrypted accounts—to engage in communications with the minor under various fictitious identities and directed her to engage in acts, including taking partially nude photographs of herself, that he told her were part of the FBI “training program.”

Cassidy was previously arrested on June 1 and July 17, 2026, on related Rhode Island state charges. The federal investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to review evidence and evaluate reports of Cassidy’s contacts with additional minors.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise Barton. 

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from local law enforcement partners. 

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

PROVIDENCE– First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda today announced that Trevor J. Griffin has been appointed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division of the District of Rhode Island.

“Trevor Griffin’s civil litigation experience, commitment to public service, and dedication to serving the people of Rhode Island make him an outstanding addition to our Civil Division,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “We are pleased to welcome him back to the office.”

Griffin joins the office from Morrissey, Hawkins & Lynch in Boston, where he represented clients in complex civil litigation in state and federal court.  His practice included drafting complaints, motions, discovery, and other litigation filings.

Prior to entering private practice, Griffin served as a 3L Legal Intern with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, where he drafted motions, briefs, and legal memoranda in civil and criminal matters and represented the United States under attorney supervision during court appearances and legal proceedings. 

He also served as a 2L Legal Intern with the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means, researching state and federal law and preparing legal memoranda and bill summaries on legislative matters. Earlier legal experience included an internship with Fidelity Management & Research, where he conducted legal research on tax matters and prepared memoranda for senior counsel. 

Before attending law school, Griffin worked as a Senior Associate in the Tax Group at CBIZ & MHM in Providence, where he advised private equity and venture capital clients on complex tax compliance matters. 

Griffin earned his Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law, where he participated in the Community Business Clinic, providing legal services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

PROVIDENCE –Three U.S. Postal Service employees pleaded guilty today in federal court in Rhode Island for their roles in a mail‑theft scheme at the Providence U.S. Mail Processing and Distribution Center.  

Fernando Camacho, 31, of Providence, Angel Rivera, 30, of Providence, and Cyril Murray, 46, of Pawtucket each pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal mail and theft of U.S. Mail by a postal employee.  They are scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2026.  The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

 According to court documents, Camacho, Rivera, Murray, and several co-conspirators participated in a scheme that operated between early 2023 and early 2024. As part of this conspiracy, the group of postal service employees sorted through the mail and removed brightly colored envelopes that they believed to contain cash, checks, or gift cards. They concealed those envelopes in backpacks and removed them from the facility to later distribute amongst the group. Camacho admitted that during his participation in the scheme, between $40,000 and $95,000 in cash, gift cards, and checks were stolen. Rivera admitted that during his participation in the scheme, between $95,000 and $150,000 in cash, gift cards, and checks were stolen. Murray, a supervisor at the mail distribution center, admitted that during his participation in the scheme, between $95,000 and $150,000 in cash, gift cards, and checks were stolen.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White. 

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Providence and Smithfield Police Departments.

PROVIDENCE – A former employee of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Middletown, Rhode Island, has been sentenced in U.S. District Court for transmitting threats in interstate commerce.

Luis Sanchez Pardella, 38, of Newport was sentenced on July 23, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to time served plus an additional 14 days, to be followed by six months in a residential reentry center, two years of supervised release, and no contact with the victim. 

According to court documents, between July 2022 and February 2023, Pardella made numerous, and at times threatening, telephone calls to at least eight of his former colleagues at NUWC. In one instance, Pardella left a voicemail stating, “I will kill you and your wife when I see you on the street.”

Additionally, between December 2022 and February 2023, Pardella made multiple threatening telephone calls to the Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Police Department, stating that an officer and his wife “will be going to jail,” that “the Portsmouth Police Department is corrupt,” and, in reference to the officer’s wife, “write down (name redacted) is dead… the wife of one of your cops is dead.”

“These targeted and deeply disturbing threats are not just words — they are calculated attempts to instill fear in public servants and their families,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “No one who dedicates their career to serving their community should be subjected to this kind of harassment and intimidation. Today’s sentencing reflects our commitment to ensuring that individuals who terrorize others through threats of violence are held fully accountable.”

“No one should be subjected to repeated harassment, threats, and intimidation for simply doing their jobs, especially public servants, but that’s exactly what happened when Luis Sanchez Pardella unleashed his vitriolic words on his former colleagues,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “His actions instilled genuine fear in the victims he targeted, disrupting their lives, and eroding their sense of security. While today’s sentence holds him accountable for his crimes, the FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure others who engage in this kind of egregious behavior are also brought to justice.”    

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr. 

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Providence Police Departments, and the Federal Air Marshal Service.

PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation in which he brought roosters from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for animal fighting. 

Luis Castillo, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. Dubose to two years of probation, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Castillo previously pleaded guilty on January 21, 2026, to violating the Animal Welfare Act, in connection with his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Castillo admitted that he travelled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island with roosters to participate in cockfighting for, sport, wagering, and entertainment.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments. 

The matter was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island.

A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation in which he brought roosters from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for animal fighting. 

Luis Castillo, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. Dubose for the District of Rhode Island to two years of probation. 

Castillo previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 21 to violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection with his role in a 2022 cockfighting operation. As part of his plea, Castillo admitted that he travelled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island with roosters to participate in cockfighting for, sport, wagering, and entertainment.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation, and Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments. 

The matter was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A man who spent more than two decades evading justice is now in custody following a coordinated multi-state law enforcement operation led by the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force (RI VFTF) and the FBI.

After more than 20 years as a fugitive, Ronald L. Fischer, one of Rhode Island's Most Wanted fugitives, was apprehended following an intensive investigation conducted by the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force with the assistance of numerous law enforcement partners.

 During the past 48 hours, Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers assigned to the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, working alongside FBI Special Agents, FBI intelligence analysts and Rhode Island State Police, pursued newly developed investigative leads regarding Fischer's whereabouts. Information received by the Task Force was rapidly analyzed, corroborated, and determined to be credible and actionable, ultimately leading investigators to New York.

Once the intelligence was confirmed, members of the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force immediately deployed to New York and coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of New York, and the United States Coast Guard to locate and apprehend Fischer.

Investigators determined Fischer was operating a 56-foot sailing vessel, The Silver Lining, which was registered under the name Richard Graydon, an alias used by Fischer. Working from a U.S. Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat, Deputy U.S. Marshals and U.S. Coast Guard personnel located and intercepted the vessel approximately one hour offshore. Fischer was taken into custody without incident.

 Fischer was arrested on a United States Marshals Service Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution warrant. Fischer had been a fugitive since fleeing Rhode Island during his criminal trial in 2005. He was subsequently convicted in absentia of First-Degree Sexual Assault after failing to appear for trial and remained wanted for Failure to Appear, First Degree Sexual Assault, and Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

Following his arrest, Fischer was transported aboard the U.S. Coast Guard vessel to Coast Guard Station Staten Island, New York, where custody was transferred to Deputy U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement officials. 

“You can run, but you cannot hide from justice.  Thanks to the determined, coordinated efforts of the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service, our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and the dedicated prosecutors in this office, Ronald Fischer will now return to Rhode Island to face the consequences he sought to evade for more than 20 years, said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.”

The successful apprehension of Ronald Fischer was the result of exceptional collaboration between the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rhode Island State Police, Portsmouth Police Department and the United States Coast Guard. This investigation exemplifies the power of intelligence-driven fugitive investigations and the effectiveness of coordinated federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships.

"This arrest demonstrates that time does not erase accountability," said Wing Chau, U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. "For more than twenty years, Ronald Fischer believed he had successfully escaped justice. The men and women of the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, together with our partners, remained committed to ensuring that day would eventually come. Thanks to outstanding investigative work, exceptional intelligence analysis, and seamless coordination between agencies, Fischer is finally in custody. We hope today's arrest brings a measure of justice and long-awaited closure to the victim and everyone impacted by these crimes."

The investigation was significantly enhanced by the outstanding work of FBI intelligence analysts, whose ability to rapidly collect, analyze, and develop actionable intelligence proved instrumental in identifying Fischer's location. Their analytical efforts, combined with the investigative experience and operational capabilities of Deputy U.S. Marshals, FBI Special Agents, Coast Guard personnel, and Task Force Officers, directly contributed to the successful conclusion of this operation.

"The arrest of Ronald Fischer is the result of outstanding teamwork and an unwavering commitment to justice," said Colonel Darnell Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. "I commend the members of the United States Marshals Service, the United States Coast Guard, the FBI, and our Rhode Island State Police Troopers whose professionalism and determination brought one of Rhode Island's most wanted fugitives into custody. Their efforts demonstrate that those who seek to evade justice will not succeed, and that law enforcement agencies at every level will always work together to hold dangerous individuals accountable."

The Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency partnership dedicated to locating and apprehending the most dangerous violent fugitives in Rhode Island and throughout the United States. The Task Force is comprised of personnel from the United States Marshals Service, Rhode Island State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Portsmouth Police Department.

Combining investigative expertise, intelligence analysis, and operational resources, the Task Force conducts intelligence-driven fugitive investigations resulting in the apprehension of violent offenders throughout Rhode Island, across the United States, and internationally. Regardless of how much time has passed, the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force remains committed to ensuring violent fugitives are located and brought before the courts.

This investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as official reports are completed, and court proceedings continue.

PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $1,121,422 to the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety through the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated National Criminal History Improvement Program. 

Rhode Island’s criminal justice agencies will use the funding to modernize technology, strengthen criminal history reporting, and improve the quality of criminal history records relied upon by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and for firearm background checks. 

“Maintaining accurate criminal history records requires ongoing coordination among our state and local criminal justice partners,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “This funding will support those collaborative efforts and help ensure information used throughout Rhode Island’s criminal justice system remains reliable, complete, and current.”

"A modern and secure criminal records system is essential to protecting public safety and ensuring justice is administered efficiently," said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. "This funding will allow us to update our technology, strengthen the integrity of our criminal history records, and ensure compliance with the FBI's Next Generation Identification standards. These investments will help us make better-informed decisions while improving service to the public.”

Planned initiatives include replacing outdated Livescan fingerprinting equipment, reducing criminal history record backlogs, enhancing the security and reliability of the Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, strengthening reporting to state and federal criminal justice databases, and supporting compliance with FBI Next Generation Identification standards.

PROVIDENCE – Two Dominican nationals were sentenced on July 9, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for fraud schemes involving the use of stolen identities of American citizens to fraudulently obtain Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and unemployment benefits.

Jesus Matos Perez, 52, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to illegal entry, false representation of a social security number, health care and wire fraud. 

According to court documents, Matos Perez used the stolen identities of two American citizens for approximately ten years to fraudulently obtain approximately $75,000 of Medicaid, SNAP, and unemployment benefits. 

William Jose Alejandro Arias Amador, 45, a citizen of the Dominican Republic was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to false representation of a social security number, health care and wire fraud. 

According to court documents, upon his release from the Adult Correctional Institution, Arias Amador, who had amassed a significant criminal history in the identity of a United States citizen, fraudulently obtained Medicaid and SNAP benefits using the stolen identity and social security number of the same individual.  

“The message from these sentences is straightforward,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “If you steal identities and exploit government programs for personal gain, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and seek meaningful consequences.  Protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded benefit programs from fraud remains a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice.”

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Moreria.

The matters were investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations

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.

PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island today to attempted enticement, interstate travel, and child pornography charges contained in a superseding indictment.

Robert Consorti, 64, of Wilmington, MA, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to two counts of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, interstate travel for the purpose of illicit sexual activity, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026.  The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, including applicable mandatory minimum sentences.

Consorti was charged in a superseding indictment following an extended investigation that followed his arrest in October 2024 when he arrived at a Warwick hotel expecting to meet with and engage in illicit sexual contact with a fourteen-year-old girl. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Consorti was communicating with a law enforcement officer posing as the girl when he made the arrangements. 

According to court documents, a review of Consorti’s electronic devices uncovered evidence supporting the offenses charged in the superseding indictment.

Consorti admitted that he began communicating online with a 13-year-old, travelled interstate to meet the child for unlawful sexual activity, and took substantial steps toward carrying out that plan before his arrest prevented that meeting from occurring.  

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.

The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the East Providence Police Department, the Wilmington, MA Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police ICAC Task Force.

The ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations.

This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

PROVIDENCE- The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs has awarded the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety a $72,173 grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s FY25 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grant Program. 

This funding will support evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, recovery services, and re-entry planning within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, helping prepare participants for successful reintegration into the community.

 The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grant Program helps state correctional agencies provide treatment programs that reduce substance abuse, support rehabilitation, and improve public safety.  The program includes substance use disorder treatment, recovery planning, and transitional services that address housing, employment, family reunification, and continued treatment following incarceration. 

 “Recovery and public safety are closely connected,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “This funding strengthens evidence-based treatment and recovery services that help individuals build healthier futures and contribute to safer communities.”

“Substance use treatment is an important part of reducing recidivism and improving public safety,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “This grant will help ensure that individuals leaving incarceration have access to the recovery resources they need to successfully reenter our communities.”

 The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

PROVIDENCE, RI – A Newport man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to federal charges of enticement of a minor, attempted enticement of a minor, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Kyle Patrick Tormey, 41, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2026, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to three counts of an indictment charging him with enticement of a minor, attempted enticement of a minor and possession of CSAM.

Torney was initially charged by way of a federal criminal complaint in April 2024.  He will be sentenced on September 29, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to court documents, Tormey repeatedly communicated with a minor female on various social media platforms, persuading her to provide him with photographs of herself and to meet with him to engage in sexual activity in exchange for payment.  During the investigation, law enforcement executed federal search warrants and recovered electronic communications and images that formed the basis for the possession of CSAM charges.   

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and West Warwick Police Department with assistance from the Newport Police Department.

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

Note: The press release has been updated to clarify that AUS is a subsidiary of Ant Group.

PROVIDENCE- Alibaba Group Holding Limited (Alibaba) — one of China’s largest companies — and its U.S.-based payment processor, AUS Merchant Services Inc. (AUS, and formerly known as Alipay US), have entered a non-prosecution agreement to pay $600 million to resolve the Justice Department’s allegations that they violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by failing to prevent merchants from selling and importing illegal pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, listed chemicals, and pill presses into the United States through the Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com e‑commerce platforms.

Alibaba operates e-commerce platform Alibaba.com, one of the world’s largest business-to-business (B2B) online marketplaces, and e-commerce platform AliExpress.com, a global business-to-consumer online marketplace. AUS is a subsidiary of Ant Group, which operates Alipay, one of the largest mobile and digital payment platforms in the world.   

Alibaba admitted that, between January 2016 and December 2024, it failed to prevent merchants using its Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com platforms from engaging in approximately 80,000 product sales involving imports into the United States, including List I and II chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical counterfeiting equipment. These sales violated the FDCA and other federal laws. The combined gross merchandise value of these transactions exceeded $200 million. During the investigation, federal law enforcement conducted over 40 undercover purchases of pharmaceuticals and counterfeiting equipment that were illegal to be imported into the United States. 

Although Alibaba maintained policies restricting the sale of prohibited products on Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com, employees raised concerns that the company’s compliance controls were inadequate and failed to prevent the sale and importation of illegal products. Alibaba also provided merchants and buyers with a private, in-platform messaging service that some merchants used to facilitate unlawful transactions. In some instances, merchants used Alibaba's messaging service to direct buyers to third-party encrypted messaging platforms to facilitate those unlawful transactions. Alibaba derived some profit related to those sellers' illegal activities on Alibaba.com by charging membership, marketing, advertising, shipping, and payment-processing fees.

AUS admitted that, between January 2020 and December 2023, it accepted U.S. dollar-denominated payments through credit cards and wire transfers routed through U.S. bank accounts before transferring the funds offshore for settlement on behalf of its customers. When AUS implemented its own transaction-monitoring system for those transactions, it failed to fully incorporate certain wire-transfer data. As a result, its transaction monitoring did not always identify transactions involving payments from high-risk jurisdictions or multiple payors on a single invoice. Additionally, AUS admitted that its anti-money laundering compliance program failed to prevent some Alibaba merchants from using its payment processing and settlement services to facilitate the sale and importation of prohibited products into the United States. In certain instances, rather than systematically restricting merchants identified as selling prohibited merchandise, AUS instead reported those merchants to Alibaba. In at least one instance, a merchant subsequently continued selling prohibited products to U.S. buyers after AUS had investigated and reported the merchant.

As part of the non-prosecution agreement, Alibaba and AUS accepted responsibility for the acts of their officers, directors, employees, and agents in connection with the above conduct. Alibaba agreed to pay a criminal monetary penalty of $125 million and to forfeit $200 million. AUS agreed to pay a criminal monetary penalty of $85 million and to forfeit $190 million. Alibaba and AUS also agreed to enhance their compliance programs and to continue cooperating with the department in any ongoing or future criminal investigation relating to this conduct.

The Justice Department reached this resolution with Alibaba and AUS based on several factors, including their good-faith efforts to implement and refine compliance measures, engagement in remedial measures, absence of prior criminal history, commitment to cooperation with federal agencies, and the nature and seriousness of the offense. Alibaba and AUS also received some credit for their cooperation with the department’s investigation and affirmative acceptance of responsibility.

“This resolution reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to holding companies accountable when their platforms are used to facilitate the unlawful sale of illegal pharmaceuticals, related pharmaceutical equipment and other prohibited products in the United States,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island. “The $600 million resolution with Alibaba Group and Alipay US, the largest monetary settlement in the history of the District of Rhode Island, achieves meaningful accountability while securing significant compliance measures designed to strengthen oversight, prevent future violations, and better protect American consumers. The outcome would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of the dedicated prosecutors, investigators, and numerous federal, state, and local partners, whose collaboration and commitment were critical to the success of this investigation.”

“Today’s resolution reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to ensuring that companies operating e-commerce and digital payment platforms keep illegal, unapproved, misbranded, and dangerous foreign pharmaceuticals off their marketplaces,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Companies operating online marketplaces — whether based in the United States or abroad — must implement appropriate safeguards to prevent bad actors from exploiting their platforms. If they fail to do so, the Department will hold them accountable.”

“Without active compliance, criminals use e-commerce sites to carry on and profit from illicit activity,” said Assistant Attorney General Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Alibaba and AUS have documented steps taken to improve their screening and compliance and provided a commitment to ongoing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement in the future. As a result, another channel for illegal pharmaceuticals and associated equipment is now closed.”

“Online platforms that facilitate the sale and distribution of counterfeit and other illegal pharmaceuticals, and equipment used to make counterfeit drugs, pose a grave threat to public health and safety,” said Justin Green, Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “The FDA remains committed to pursuing those who facilitate the distribution of counterfeit and other illegal pharmaceuticals and counterfeiting equipment into the United States, regardless of where they operate.”

“AUS’s Anti Money Laundering Compliance Program failed to prevent payments on behalf of bad actors, including Alibaba merchants associated with illegal goods,” said Inspector General Jennifer L. Fain of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). “The FDIC OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of financial misconduct and ensure that financial institutions and other designated businesses fully comply with federal requirements to deter, detect, and prevent money laundering.”

“As one of the world’s largest online retailers, Alibaba has an obligation to safeguard consumers from dangerous and illegal products, and to maintain integrity throughout its payment processes including those carried out by AUS, a U.S.-licensed money services business,” said Chief Jarod Koopman of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “This investigation revealed that the companies failed to meet those basic responsibilities. Today’s resolution underscores IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to following the money and ensuring that companies operating in the United States comply fully with federal law.” 

“This non-prosecution agreement, financial resolution, and required compliance reforms makes clear that global e-commerce companies must build systems that prevent the sale and distribution of illegal products before they reach the United States and the U.S. banking system,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Homeland Security Investigations, together with the broader law enforcement community, remains unflinchingly committed to identifying and dismantling schemes that allow criminal opportunists and other bad actors to exploit weaknesses in online marketplaces, payment services, and other digital spaces.” 

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the U.S. Postal Service is not used as a tool to distribute illegal pharmaceuticals and other dangerous goods to our communities,” said Acting Inspector in Charge J. Buck Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)’s Boston Division. “Today’s settlement should serve as a reminder that we will remain steadfast with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of the U.S. Mail.” 

The FDA Office of Criminal Investigation’s Rhode Island Task Force, FDIC Office of Inspector General’s New York Field Office, IRS-CI’s Global Illicit Financial Team, Homeland Security Task Force New York-Financial, and USPIS investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julianne Klein for the District of Rhode Island; Assistant Director Patrick Runkle and Trial Attorneys Cadesby B. Cooper and Colin W. Trundle of the Civil Division's Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch; and Trial Attorneys Rachel Agress and Elysa Wan of the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section. Senior Counsel Sarah Hawkins of FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel provided critical assistance.

Alibaba NPA/AUS NPA:

Note: The press release has been updated to clarify that AUS is a subsidiary of Ant Group.

View Alibaba non-prosecution agreement here. View AUS Merchant Services non-prosecution agreement here.

Alibaba Group Holding Limited (Alibaba) — one of China’s largest companies — and its U.S.-based payment processor, AUS Merchant Services Inc. (AUS, and formerly known as Alipay US), have entered a non-prosecution agreement to pay $600 million to resolve the Justice Department’s allegations that they violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by failing to prevent merchants from selling and importing illegal pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, listed chemicals, and pill presses into the United States through the Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com e‑commerce platforms.

Alibaba operates e-commerce platform Alibaba.com, one of the world’s largest business-to-business (B2B) online marketplaces, and e-commerce platform AliExpress.com, a global business-to-consumer online marketplace. AUS is a subsidiary of Ant Group, which operates Alipay, one of the largest mobile and digital payment platforms in the world.   

Alibaba admitted that, between January 2016 and December 2024, it failed to prevent merchants using its Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com platforms from engaging in approximately 80,000 product sales involving imports into the United States, including List I and II chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical counterfeiting equipment. These sales violated the FDCA and other federal laws. The combined gross merchandise value of these transactions exceeded $200 million. During the investigation, federal law enforcement conducted over 40 undercover purchases of pharmaceuticals and counterfeiting equipment that were illegal to be imported into the United States. 

Although Alibaba maintained policies restricting the sale of prohibited products on Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com, employees raised concerns that the company’s compliance controls were inadequate and failed to prevent the sale and importation of illegal products. Alibaba also provided merchants and buyers with a private, in-platform messaging service that some merchants used to facilitate unlawful transactions. In some instances, merchants used Alibaba's messaging service to direct buyers to third-party encrypted messaging platforms to facilitate those unlawful transactions. Alibaba derived some profit related to those sellers' illegal activities on Alibaba.com by charging membership, marketing, advertising, shipping, and payment-processing fees.

AUS admitted that, between January 2020 and December 2023, it accepted U.S. dollar-denominated payments through credit cards and wire transfers routed through U.S. bank accounts before transferring the funds offshore for settlement on behalf of its customers. When AUS implemented its own transaction-monitoring system for those transactions, it failed to fully incorporate certain wire-transfer data. As a result, its transaction monitoring did not always identify transactions involving payments from high-risk jurisdictions or multiple payors on a single invoice. Additionally, AUS admitted that its anti-money laundering compliance program failed to prevent some Alibaba merchants from using its payment processing and settlement services to facilitate the sale and importation of prohibited products into the United States. In certain instances, rather than systematically restricting merchants identified as selling prohibited merchandise, AUS instead reported those merchants to Alibaba. In at least one instance, a merchant subsequently continued selling prohibited products to U.S. buyers after AUS had investigated and reported the merchant.

As part of the non-prosecution agreement, Alibaba and AUS accepted responsibility for the acts of their officers, directors, employees, and agents in connection with the above conduct. Alibaba agreed to pay a criminal monetary penalty of $125 million and to forfeit $200 million. AUS agreed to pay a criminal monetary penalty of $85 million and to forfeit $190 million. Alibaba and AUS also agreed to enhance their compliance programs and to continue cooperating with the department in any ongoing or future criminal investigation relating to this conduct.

The Justice Department reached this resolution with Alibaba and AUS based on several factors, including their good-faith efforts to implement and refine compliance measures, engagement in remedial measures, absence of prior criminal history, commitment to cooperation with federal agencies, and the nature and seriousness of the offense. Alibaba and AUS also received some credit for their cooperation with the department’s investigation and affirmative acceptance of responsibility.

“Today’s resolution reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to ensuring that companies operating e-commerce and digital payment platforms keep illegal, unapproved, misbranded, and dangerous foreign pharmaceuticals off their marketplaces,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Companies operating online marketplaces — whether based in the United States or abroad — must implement appropriate safeguards to prevent bad actors from exploiting their platforms. If they fail to do so, the Department will hold them accountable.”

“Without active compliance, criminals use e-commerce sites to carry on and profit from illicit activity,” said Assistant Attorney General Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Alibaba and AUS have documented steps taken to improve their screening and compliance and provided a commitment to ongoing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement in the future. As a result, another channel for illegal pharmaceuticals and associated equipment is now closed.”

“This resolution reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to holding companies accountable when their platforms are used to facilitate the unlawful sale of illegal pharmaceuticals, related pharmaceutical equipment and other prohibited products in the United States,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda for the District of Rhode Island. “The $600 million resolution with Alibaba Group and Alipay US, the largest monetary settlement in the history of the District of Rhode Island, achieves meaningful accountability while securing significant compliance measures designed to strengthen oversight, prevent future violations, and better protect American consumers. The outcome would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of the dedicated prosecutors, investigators, and numerous federal, state, and local partners, whose collaboration and commitment were critical to the success of this investigation.”

“Online platforms that facilitate the sale and distribution of counterfeit and other illegal pharmaceuticals, and equipment used to make counterfeit drugs, pose a grave threat to public health and safety,” said Justin Green, Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “The FDA remains committed to pursuing those who facilitate the distribution of counterfeit and other illegal pharmaceuticals and counterfeiting equipment into the United States, regardless of where they operate.”

“AUS’s Anti Money Laundering Compliance Program failed to prevent payments on behalf of bad actors, including Alibaba merchants associated with illegal goods,” said Inspector General Jennifer L. Fain of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). “The FDIC OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of financial misconduct and ensure that financial institutions and other designated businesses fully comply with federal requirements to deter, detect, and prevent money laundering.”

“As one of the world’s largest online retailers, Alibaba has an obligation to safeguard consumers from dangerous and illegal products, and to maintain integrity throughout its payment processes including those carried out by AUS, a U.S.-licensed money services business,” said Chief Jarod Koopman of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “This investigation revealed that the companies failed to meet those basic responsibilities. Today’s resolution underscores IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to following the money and ensuring that companies operating in the United States comply fully with federal law.” 

“This non-prosecution agreement, financial resolution, and required compliance reforms makes clear that global e-commerce companies must build systems that prevent the sale and distribution of illegal products before they reach the United States and the U.S. banking system,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Homeland Security Investigations, together with the broader law enforcement community, remains unflinchingly committed to identifying and dismantling schemes that allow criminal opportunists and other bad actors to exploit weaknesses in online marketplaces, payment services, and other digital spaces.” 

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the U.S. Postal Service is not used as a tool to distribute illegal pharmaceuticals and other dangerous goods to our communities,” said Acting Inspector in Charge J. Buck Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)’s Boston Division. “Today’s settlement should serve as a reminder that we will remain steadfast with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of the U.S. Mail.” 

The FDA Office of Criminal Investigation’s Rhode Island Task Force, FDIC Office of Inspector General’s New York Field Office, IRS-CI’s Global Illicit Financial Team, Homeland Security Task Force New York-Financial, and USPIS investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julianne Klein for the District of Rhode Island; Assistant Director Patrick Runkle and Trial Attorneys Cadesby B. Cooper and Colin W. Trundle of the Civil Division's Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch; and Trial Attorneys Rachel Agress and Elysa Wan of the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section. Senior Counsel Sarah Hawkins of FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel provided critical assistance.

PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls man involved in narcotics trafficking has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for distribution of fentanyl.

Christian Carrion, 33, was sentenced on June 25, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 5 years imprisonment to be followed by 4 years of supervised release on one count of distribution of fentanyl. 

According to court documents, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted an investigation that identified Carrion as involved in fentanyl distribution. As part of that investigation, Carrion sold approximately 56 grams of fentanyl to another individual in May 2025. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan. 

The matter was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. 

           Providence - A West Warwick man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island to possession with intent to distribute a Schedule III controlled substance.

            Edmond Paolucci, 67, pleaded guilty on June 23, 2026, to possession with intent to distribute Mesterolone, a Schedule III controlled substance.  Under the terms of his plea agreement, additional charges pending against him will be dismissed at sentencing. Paolucci is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2026.

            According to court documents, investigators executed a search warrant at Paolucci’s residence and seized more than 128,000 pills and more than 1,000 liquid-filled glass vials containing at least seven different steroids and other pharmaceuticals.  Additional controlled substances were recovered from a post office box linked to the investigation. 

            The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, at least four years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million, and a mandatory special assessment.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

            This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

            The matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Mansfield, Massachusetts Police Department

            Providence- A Rehoboth, Massachusetts man has been charged federally for allegedly attempting to entice a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female to engage in sexual activity and travelling to Rhode Island to meet her, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks.

            The charges stem from Operation Red Card, a multi-agency human trafficking and child exploitation enforcement initiative conducted by the Rhode Island State Police (RISP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

            Richard Lallier, 34, is charged by way of federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted interstate travel for illicit sexual conduct with a minor, and attempted transmission of obscene material to a minor. He was ordered detained at his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

            “Behind every child exploitation case is an adult who made a deliberate decision to target a minor.  The responsibility for that conduct rests solely with the offender,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to identifying those individuals, protecting children, and holding offenders accountable.”

            According to court documents, for two days, beginning on June 16, 2026, Lallier communicated with a person he believed was a 15-year-old female, who was an undercover RISP Detective. It is alleged that, believing he was communicating with the minor, Lallier sent sexually explicit messages, videos of his genitalia, discussed meeting for sexual activity, and traveled to Rhode Island to meet her.

            “Child sexual exploitation cases are among the most disturbing the FBI works, and they’re also some of the most impactful. We’re gratified to help take Richard Lallier off the street,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Know that your FBI is working 24/7 before, during, and after the World Cup to ensure those seeking to exploit our most vulnerable won’t get away with it. If child predators can’t or won’t keep themselves away from kids, the FBI stands ready to step in and shut them down.” 

          "I commend the outstanding work of our detectives, our partners at the FBI, NCIS, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and the United States Attorney's Office whose coordinated efforts led to this arrest,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and the Director of the Department of Public Safety. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who target children and ensure they are brought to justice.”

            Lallier was arrested on June 17, 2026, by members of the RISP and FBI after he arrived at the location where it is alleged he had arranged to meet with the person he believed he had been communicating with. 

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor Dean and Denise Marie Barton.

            The matter was investigated by the RISP and the FBI, with valuable assistance provided by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. 

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Providence- A federal grand jury in Rhode Island has indicted a former Wyatt Detention Facility programs counselor, two former Wyatt detainees, and a Massachusetts woman for their alleged roles in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility. 

Adrina Hamrick Cannnon, 51, of Cranston, RI, Randy Diaz-Pizarro, a/k/a Fresh, 34, of Boston, MA, Jaquori Lyons, a/k/a Gizzle and Tottie Y Gizzle, 28, of Boston, MA, and Bernice Carvalho, 25, of Boston, MA, are all charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. Hamrick Cannon and Carvalho are also charged with providing contraband to a prison inmate and Diaz-Pizzaro and Lyons are also charged with being an inmate of a prison who obtained contraband. 

Hamrick Cannon was arrested on May 21, 2026, and was arraigned on the indictment that same day. Carvalho appeared and was arraigned on the indictment on May 26, 2026. Diaz-Pizarro and Lyons were both arraigned on the indictment on June 24, 2026.

 According to charging documents, on dates between June 25, 2024 and July 10, 2025, while Diaz-Pizarro and Lyons were inmates at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center, Hamrick Cannon and Carvalho did provide and Diaz-Pizarro and Lyons did receive pieces of paper containing a detectable amount of MDMB-4en-PINACA, a Schedule I controlled substance. Diaz-Pizarro and Lyons were inmates at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center on the dates of the alleged offense conduct because each of them had been detained in federal cases that had been charged in the District of Massachusetts. 

Diaz-Pizarro was charged in the District of Massachusetts on February 7, 2024, with drug and firearm offenses. Diaz-Pizarro was detained after his arrest in that case. Diaz-Pizarro pled guilty in that case on January 13, 2025, and was sentenced to a term of 120 months imprisonment. He is currently serving that sentence. (24-cr-10039-WGY). Lyons was charged by complaint, on May 24, 2023, and thereafter, on July 19, 2023, by indictment in the District of Massachusetts with drug, firearm, and conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity offenses. (23-cr-10186-ADB). In that case, Lyons was detained after his arrest. He is awaiting trial on that case.

A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M Barton.

The matter was investigated by FBI and members of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.

Providence: First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda announced charges against two defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicaid. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. 

“Fraud against public health care programs is not a victimless crime.  It undermines trust in essential government programs and drains resources intended to provide care and assistance to the members of our community that need it most,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “The District of Rhode Island is proud to participate in this nationwide effort to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who abuse these programs for personal profit.”

The charges announced on June 23, 2026, are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. This Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.   

This coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including: 

• Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.

The following individuals were charged in the District of Rhode Island: 

Mareli Arias Batista, 57, of Providence, Rhode Island, was charged by indictment with false representation of a social security number, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, false statement in application for a passport, use of a false passport, and bank fraud, in connection with a scheme to obtain benefits using the identity of another person. Among other benefits, Batista fraudulently obtained approximately $28,236.42 in Rhode Island Medicaid benefits. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Moreira of the District of Rhode Island and the Social Security Administration.

Balni Pimentel Lara, 59, of Providence, Rhode Island, an alien living unlawfully in the United States, was charged by indictment with false representation of a social security number, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and health care fraud, in connection with a scheme to obtain benefits using the identity of another person. Among other benefits, Lara fraudulently obtained approximately $24,018.86 in Rhode Island Medicaid benefits. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Moreira of the District of Rhode Island and the Social Security Administration. 

 The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.

Descriptions of each case involved in the enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.

The District of Rhode Island worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations Providence, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations Providence, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

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.

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts man who unlawfully entered the United States and was found in possession of a loaded firearm following a Providence traffic stop, has been sentenced to federal prison. 

Everton Luis Teixeira Da Silva, 23, of Framingham, Massachusetts, was sentenced on June 18, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 12 months and one day in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States.  The court also imposed a sentence of time served for unlawfully entering into the United States. Da Silva was not ordered to serve a term of supervised release due to pending deportation proceedings following completion of his prison sentence. 

Da Silva pleaded guilty in February 2026 to possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien unlawfully present in the United States and unlawful entry into the United States. 

According to court documents, on August 17, 2025, during a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Da Silva was a passenger conducted by the Providence Police Department, Da Silva fled from officers on foot.  During the pursuit, he discarded a firearm and approximately $900 in cash.  Following his apprehension, police immediately recovered the firearm and identified it as a green 9mm pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition and bearing an obliterated serial number.  Further inquiry by investigators into Da Silva’s background following his arrest determined that he entered the United States unlawfully.  

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

The matter was investigated by the FBI and the Providence Police Department.

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

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Boston Field Division, in partnership with Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Chief of Police, Providence Police Department, announced federal charges against twenty-six individuals. The indictment alleged that several Providence-area street gangs, including the East Side gang, the Congress gang, and their various subsets and associates constituted a criminal enterprise. Three additional defendants are charged with related offenses. The charges are the result of a multi-agency investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.

            According to court documents, the Enterprise operated in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and elsewhere since at least 2013. The indictment alleges that members and associates of the enterprise worked together to advance the interests of the organization through acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud schemes, and other criminal activity.

            Court documents further allege that members and associates of the enterprise distributed controlled substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, and Percocet, and that narcotics trafficking served as a significant source of income for the enterprise.

            The indictment further alleges that members and associates of the enterprise participated in violent acts, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking, wire fraud, and other criminal conduct. The indictment also alleges that certain members and associates participated in fraud schemes involving unemployment insurance benefits, COVID-19 relief programs, tax filings, and other financial crimes.

            The indictment charges twenty-three defendants with participation in the racketeering conspiracy and three additional defendants with related offenses.

            The matter was investigated by ATF, the Providence Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and numerous additional federal, state, and local law enforcement partners including the Providence Police Department Intelligence Unit.

            The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time.

            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.

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

PROVIDENCE: Journey to Hope, Health and Healing (Journey) and its former CEO, Kenneth L. Richardson, Jr., have agreed to pay $10.2 million to resolve allegations that the opioid treatment provider submitted false claims to the Rhode Island Medicaid program and Medicare for substance use disorder treatment services that were not provided.

Journey, when owned and led by Richardson, operated outpatient treatment facilities in Rhode Island that provided substance use disorder treatment services, including methadone-assisted treatment and mental health care services.

The settlement resolves allegations made by the State of Rhode Island and the United States in a complaint in intervention, that between January 2015 to July 2021, Journey and its management knowingly submitted false claims to the Rhode Island Medicaid program for millions of dollars.

In April 2023, the United States and the State of Rhode Island filed a complaint in intervention (complaint) under the federal and state False Claims Acts and alleged that Journey failed to provide required treatment plans and adequate counseling services to certain patients receiving methadone treatment. The complaint also alleged that Journey maintained patient caseloads at a volume so high that it was physically impossible for counselors to provide required counselling services.

The complaint further alleged that Journey and its management knowingly falsified documents by altering and backdating records to make it appear to accreditation officials and Rhode Island Medicaid auditors that they were complying with the accreditation requirements necessary to bill Rhode Island Medicaid.

Under the settlement agreement, Journey and its CEO will pay $10.2 million to the United States and the State of Rhode Island to resolve their alleged liability under the federal and state False Claims Acts. The settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Acts by former Journey employees Sara Quaresma and Michael Delmonico. Under those provisions, private parties may file civil actions on behalf of the government and receive a portion of any recovery. Under the settlement agreement, the whistleblowers will receive approximately $2.04 million of the settlement proceeds.

The matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, Peter Cote, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the R.I. Office of the Attorney General; the R.I. Executive Office of Health and Human Services; and the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.

The case was handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany Wong with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Bolan; Special Assistant Attorney General Kate Constance Brody of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control and Patient Abuse Unit; and Genevieve M. Allaire Johnson, the former Director of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control and Patient Abuse Unit.

Providence- A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island to charges stemming from a series of bank robberies. 

Joseph Hickson, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to his role in the robberies of a TD Bank in Cranston, Rhode Island and a Washington Trust Bank in East Providence, Rhode Island. 

Hickson is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.  The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

According to court documents, Hickson robbed TD Bank on April 28, 2019 and Washington Trust Bank on May 28, 2019. During each robbery, Hickson passed bank tellers a note indicating that he had a gun and specified the currency denominations he wanted. 

Collaborative investigative efforts by the Cranston Police Department, the East Providence Police Department, and the Franklin, Massachusetts Police Department developed Hickson as a suspect in the Rhode Island robberies, in addition to a robbery that occurred on May 16, 2019, at the Digital Federal Credit Union in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Hickson was arrested on May 29, 2019, at a casino in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Hickson admitted his involvement in the robberies and subsequent search warrants recovered evidence from Hickson’s car and residence linking him to the crimes. Hickson was thereafter charged with bank robbery by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and pleaded guilty, serving a prison term in Massachusetts before being brought back to Rhode Island to face his federal bank robbery charges in this district.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cranston Police Department, the East Providence Police Department, and the Franklin, MA Police Department. 

PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man convicted of production and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island.

Jeremy Giguere, 38, was sentenced on June 3, 2026, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 140 years of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Giguere pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, to four counts of production of CSAM and one count of possession of CSAM. 

According to court documents, in September 2024, the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a report regarding disturbing CSAM videos uploaded to Giguere’s online photo storage account, linked to devices belonging to him. A state search warrant was executed at his residence on October 16, 2024. As a result of the search, almost five hundred CSAM videos and images were recovered from Giguere’s personal devices. Law enforcement determined through diligent investigation that Giguere also produced videos of himself sexually abusing a minor child and uploaded those videos to the storage account.

“The sentence imposed in this case reflects the depravity of these offenses and the devastating harm caused by the sexual exploitation of a child,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “By sentencing this predator to 140 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, the Court has ensured that he will never again prey on an innocent child. Our message is clear: engaging in the sexual exploitation of a child will result in this Office using every resource at its disposal to ensure the end result is a very long sentence in federal prison.”

“This sentence underscores the extraordinary gravity of this defendant’s conduct and stands as a powerful reflection of the lifelong harm he inflicted on a child,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming.  “It sends a clear message that those who prey on children and create or trade in this kind of material will face the full force of federal prosecution. Homeland Security Investigations New England will continue to leverage every lawful investigative method and strengthen our partnerships at all levels of government to safeguard our neighborhoods and shield our most vulnerable from exploitation.”

“I commend the investigators, forensic examiners, and prosecutors whose dedication and professionalism helped bring this case to a just conclusion,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “The lengthy sentence reflects the abhorrent nature of these crimes and our collective commitment to protecting children from exploitation.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rhode Island State Police, the Rhode Island ICAC Task Force, and the Warwick Police Department. 

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

To report suspected online child sexual exploitation and/or abuse, call the Know2Project Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline® at https://report.cybertip.org/.

PROVIDENCE – An inmate housed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls pleaded guilty today in federal court in Rhode Island to possession of prison contraband and possession with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, including fentanyl.

Brian Slutzkin, “aka” Lello Brian Bongiorno, age 41, admitted that he possessed controlled substances that he concealed on his person while incarcerated at the Wyatt Detention Facility, with the intent to distribute them to others. 

Slutzkin is scheduled to be sentenced on September 24, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to court documents, a search of Slutzkin revealed a sock hidden on his person containing seven balloons crafted from latex gloves. Examination determined the balloons contained distributable quantities of a powder containing fentanyl, pills containing oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen, strips containing buprenorphine and naloxone, and marijuana. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and investigators at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility.

Providence- A federal grand jury in Rhode Island has returned an indictment charging Alberto Rivera, 26, of Cranston; Richard Robinson, 35, of Providence; Brian Medina, 30, of Providence; and Nelson Gomes Goncalves, 25, of East Providence, with Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy, kidnapping, and firearms offenses related to the alleged armed robbery and abduction of a victim in November 2022. 

 According to the indictment, on or about November 23, 2022, the defendants allegedly conspired to rob a victim of a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and U.S. currency by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury.

The indictment further alleges that the defendants kidnapped and transported the victim from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. The indictment also charges the defendants with carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White.

 The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). 

PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national, living unlawfully in the United States, has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Luis Alberto De Los Santos, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 12 months and one day imprisonment.  De Los Santos pleaded guilty on February 5, 2026, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. As part of his sentence, De Los Santo faces possible deportation charges. 

 According to information presented to the court, De Los Santos is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who entered the country on a travel visa in 2021 and was required to depart the U.S. in 2022. 

On April 25, 2025, Providence Police observed De Los Santos with a group of individuals in the Hartford neighborhood. De Los Santos, who was wearing a ski mask, fled from police with the firearm before discarding the weapon behind a building and continuing to flee. Through their investigation, law enforcement discovered the defendant had been in possession of a .22 caliber pistol.  

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman.

The matter was investigated Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Providence Police Department. 

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. 

PROVIDENCE, RI – A Massachusetts man who admitted to participating in a murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting a federal witness connected to a criminal matter before the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island. 

Kareem Pires, 27, of Wareham, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to 8 years imprisonment. Pires pleaded guilty on February 26, 2026, to conspiracy to tamper with a witness or informant by killing or attempting to kill in a murder-for-hire plot. 

According to court documents, Pires participated in a conspiracy to arrange for the killing of a federal witness connected to a pending federal criminal case. The agreement between Pires and co-defendant Elijah Melton to kill a witness in an official proceeding in the District of Massachusetts, formed while Melton was awaiting trial at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island.

“This sentence sends a clear message that threats and acts of violence against witnesses will be met with serious consequences,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Protecting the integrity of the justice system depends on the willingness of witnesses to come forward and testify without fear of intimidation or retaliation.  Our office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to investigating and prosecuting anyone who seeks to obstruct justice through violence.”

“Harvard Street gang member Kareem Pires’s recent confession to plotting to kill a witness in a federal trial has now landed him behind bars for the next eight years. The FBI was able to foil this cold and calculated plan aimed at subverting the course of justice, thanks to a cooperating witness who worked with us to expose it,” said Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “No one involved in the administration of justice should ever be the subject of threats or violence, and the FBI will continue to bring all its resources to bear to disrupt deadly plots like this one.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Peter I. Roklan.

The matter was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts, with the assistance of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island; Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; Somerville, Dedham, Malden, Brockton, Quincy, and Wareham, Massachusetts Police Departments.

PROVIDENCE – Four members of a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy involving the kidnapping of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier at gunpoint, and kilogram quantities of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to Rhode Island, have been sentenced in federal court to lengthy federal prison terms.  

District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. sentenced Edgar Medina, 41, of Johnston, to 30 years’ imprisonment; Ronald Hall, 43, of Providence, to 20 years’ imprisonment; Andres Garay, 39, of Providence, to 10 years’ imprisonment; and Alijah Parsons, 34, of Providence, to 60 months’ imprisonment.

After a 13-day trial, a jury convicted Edgar Medina on February 13, 2026, of kidnapping, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and aiding and abetting possession and attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Medina was previously convicted of drug trafficking and firearms charges, in 2004.

The jury also returned guilty verdicts against Parsons for the conspiracy, possession, and attempted possession with intent to distribute charges, and against Garay for attempted possession with intent to distribute. Garay was previously convicted of federal drug trafficking charges, in 2010 and 2014.

Prior to trial, Hall pleaded guilty to kidnapping and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. He was previously convicted of offenses involving firearms and/or controlled substances in 2000, 2005, 2012, 2013, and 2014, as well as conspiracy to commit murder in 2000. 

Irving Medina, 33, of Providence, the fifth member of the conspiracy, pleaded guilty on March 14, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced in March 2024 to 70 months of incarceration, to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.

According to court documents and witness testimony, on June 1, 2021, Edgar Medina and Ronald Hall kidnapped a USPS letter carrier at gunpoint while searching for cocaine they believed was missing from a package delivered in Pawtucket. They drove the letter carrier to his own home, intending to search the residence, and interrogated the USPS employee at gunpoint. Upon finding the home locked and a neighbor outside, Medina and Hall and ultimately returned the USPS employee near the original abduction point.  Photographs subsequently found in co-conspirators’ cellphones revealed additional photographs of USPS employees, taken both before and after the kidnapping.

During the investigation, Postal Inspectors learned of several packages that had been previously shipped from fictitious people and addresses in Puerto Rico to addresses in Rhode Island associated with Edgar Medina.  Agents also intercepted additional packages that a Rhode Island State Police K-9 alerted for the presence of narcotics. Court-authorized searches of the packages resulted in the discovery of a total of more than three kilograms of cocaine. Postal Inspectors arranged for controlled deliveries of those packages on June 8, 2021, under surveillance by U.S. Postal Service Inspectors, members of the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force. As the packages were delivered, Edgar Medina, Andres Garay, and Ronald Hall were arrested. 

“The individuals participated in a significant drug trafficking conspiracy that relied on violence and intimidation,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “These sentences hold the defendants accountable for conduct that endangered both the public and a federal employee carrying out his duties. I thank the prosecutors in this office, the Postal Inspectors, and our partners in law enforcement for their diligent work throughout this investigation.” 

“The sentencing of these defendants sends a strong and unmistakable message: anyone who threatens, targets, or harms letter carriers will be relentlessly pursued and held fully accountable,” said J. Buck Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “Violence, kidnapping, and drug trafficking offenses that endanger postal employees and the communities they serve will be met with an aggressive law enforcement response and unwavering prosecution.  The safety of our employees and the protection of our communities remains a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Postal inspectors will continue to work alongside our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who commit violent crimes or seek to intimidate public servants carrying out their duties.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Lowell and Sandra Hebert. 

The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Providence Domicile, with assistance of USPIS task force officers from the Rhode Island State Police, Groton, Connecticut Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police; with significant assistance from the Pawtucket and Providence Police Departments; the U.S. Marshal Service; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.