Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
30 June 2026
Man who fraudulently received $32 million business tax refund check sentenced to 3 years in prisonRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – An Atlanta-area man who was found guilty of wire fraud and theft of public funds following a March bench trial was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 36 months in prison.
Christopher Dowtin, 49, of Jonesboro, Georgia, fraudulently converted two businesses’ IRS accounts to his name and address. The defendant received tax refund checks – including one for more than $32 million – that were to be paid out to these two businesses. He was sentenced on June 26.
Today in federal court in Dayton, Bondary McCall, 64, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for filing a false, retaliatory lien against the federal judge originally assigned to Dowtin’s case.
Two months after Dowtin’s arrest on the tax crimes, McCall filed a false lien in the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation claiming that Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose owed Dowtin $32 million. Judge Rose was originally presiding over Dowtin’s fraud case.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Dowtin fraudulently submitted IRS forms claiming to be the responsible party for two separate companies.
In December 2024, the IRS processed eight Change of Address or Responsible Party-Business forms associated with Dowtin. Dowtin’s requests for changes were completed and accepted. He ultimately received two tax refund checks for those companies: one in the amount of $32,495,888.58 and one in the amount of $26,156.50.
Dowtin traveled from Georgia to Ohio with the two checks to open an account in the Southern District of Ohio.
On Feb. 13, 2025, Dowtin took the checks to a Morgan Stanley office in Beavercreek, Ohio, and attempted to negotiate the funds into a brokerage account in a trust in his name. Dowtin told the Morgan Stanley financial advisor that the two companies were paying him for illegally using his “personhood.” He said the payments owed to him had been transferred to him from the IRS. The financial advisor verified that the checks were valid U.S. Treasury checks.
On Feb. 19, 2025, an executive director at Morgan Stanley contacted the United States Secret Service and IRS Criminal Investigation regarding the suspicious nature of the checks and Dowtin’s supporting paperwork. The checks were seized by law enforcement.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Robert Kuszynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; announced the sentences imposed by Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman are representing the United States in the cases.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Madison Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Medicare Kickback ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Madison man was sentenced on June 30th to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and to offer, pay, solicit, and receive kickbacks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Auzie Phillip Smith, Jr., 68, of Madison, Mississippi worked as a marketer for various diagnostic laboratories, acting as a middleman between the laboratories and the medical providers. Smith solicited and received kickbacks from the laboratories in exchange for referrals of biological specimens and orders for molecular diagnostic testing of toenails, and in turn, induced providers to refer biological specimens and orders for unnecessary molecular diagnostic testing of toenails in exchange for kickbacks. In total, the diagnostic laboratories submitted over $1.4 million in claims to Medicare that were procured by the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes, medically unnecessary, and ineligible for reimbursement, and that laboratories were reimbursed over $500,000 for these claims.
Smith was also ordered to pay $544,822.68 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; Acting Health Care Fraud Chief Jacob Foster; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Acting Assistant Chief Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
MS-13 Inmate Sentenced for Assault on Prison StaffRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A federal judge sentenced Bryan Galicia-Barillas, 29, a Guatemalan national and former inmate at Yazoo Correctional Complex on June 30, 2026, to 18 months of incarceration for assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees of the United States. Galicia-Barillas had previously pleaded guilty and was serving a sentence from 2018 for conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, involving his participation in the MS-13 gang-related murders.
Galicia-Barillas was convicted at trial on March 16, 2026, where he was found guilty of having struck a senior Bureau of Prisons official in the head with his fists during lunch on or about May 28, 2025. Galicia-Barillas will be required to serve today’s sentence consecutive to his previous sentence in the Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
Lead Defendant and 10 Others Plead Guilty in $65 Million Multinational Fraud Ring Targeting Thousands of SeniorsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Hua Wang pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting his involvement in a $65 million multinational fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly victims across the United States, including in San Diego. Videos by YouTubers from Scammer Payback and Trilogy Media helped law enforcement identify multiple defendants and uncover the structure of the fraud conspiracy.
Wang, shown below, is the lead defendant charged in the scheme. In April 2025, Wang was arrested at his residence in Flushing, New York just days after his co-defendant, Weining Su, aka “Ning Ma,” was arrested at JFK International Airport attempting to board a one-way flight to China.
Following Wang’s arrest, in August 2025, federal agents coordinated a sweeping nationwide takedown of the investigation, including arrests in Southern California, Texas, Michigan and New York. To date, more than 30 defendants have been publicly charged in related indictments.
In addition to Wang, over the past two months, nine co-conspirators, Xiao Lei Xu, Wen Chang Wang, aka “Cookies,” Jiawen Cai, aka “Johnny Cai,” Zhuhan Yin, Wenzhi Chen, Yuhui Sun, Jiaxin Jiang, Bing Shen and Chongchong Li, have also pleaded guilty in federal court and admitted their roles in the same scheme. Other defendants are scheduled to plead guilty later this month. Defendants Wen Chang Wang, Jiawen Cai, Zhuhan Yin, Yuhui Sun, Bing Shen and Chongchong Li are Chinese nationals.
Operating since at least 2019 and rooted in Southern California, the criminal network—primarily composed of Chinese nationals, many in the U.S. illegally—worked closely with India-based scam call centers. Fraudsters who took the calls posed as technical support agents, government officials, or bank employees, according to court records. Once a victim had been defrauded, victims were instructed to withdraw bulk cash, to conceal the cash in packages, and to send cash-laden packages via express mail carriers to names and addresses provided by the conspirators. The recipient names were fictitious names corresponding with fake IDs. The recipient addresses were for the short-term rental locations.
In their respective plea agreements, each defendant admitted that to facilitate receipt of victim packages, members of the conspiracy booked short-term rentals in a hub-and-spoke pattern: a hub would be booked for approximately one week; spoke locations would be booked nearby for shorter stays. After some time, members of the conspiracy would relocate to a new location and continue the pattern.
The investigation started in December 2020 after an elderly victim contacted an express mail carrier after being defrauded into sending bulk cash in the mail. That led to the discovery of 11 total packages, containing approximately $135,000 in cash. Each of the packages was addressed to a fake name and a short-term rental in the San Diego area.
The investigation also led to the discovery of several YouTube videos posted in 2020 and 2021 that helped identify other members of the conspiracy. YouTuber Pierogi from “Scammer Payback”— which is known for exposing scammers—documented his interaction with the India-based scam call centers. In a series of videos, Pierogi from Scammer Payback teamed up with two other YouTubers from “Trilogy Media” to publish videos on their respective YouTube channels.
In coordinated sting operations, Scammer Payback and Trilogy Media baited fraudsters, confronted them on camera, and published those videos to their respective YouTube channels. Videos posted in 2020 and 2021 helped law enforcement identify Zhiyi Zhang, Dudu Chen and Huajian Chen. All three are named in the indictments. The videos also helped shed light on how the conspiracy operated and led to the identification of high-level members of the organization.
After defrauding victims, members of the conspiracy laundered the proceeds of the fraud scheme. For example, in March 2021, several members of the conspiracy, including Hua Wang and Xiao Lei Xu, were operating in Las Vegas, Nevada. On March 4, 2021, co-conspirator Xiao Lei Xu was stopped by law enforcement on the way to the Los Angeles area carrying $70,000 in bulk cash that were proceeds of the scheme. Just eight days later, on March 12, 2021, Hua Wang, Xiao Lei Xu and a third co-conspirator were stopped traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles again. This time, law enforcement seized $120,860 in fraud proceeds.
In total, Hua Wang admitted that he participated from 2019 through 2023 and was responsible for over 2,000 cash packages, each sent by an elderly victim, and $64 million in victim loss.
Sentencing hearings for each of the defendants are scheduled before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson as set forth below.
DefendantNext EventDate/Time25-cr-1097-TWR Hua WangSentencing HearingSeptember 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Weining SuChange of PleaJuly 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. 25-cr-1762-TWR Hongsen CaoChange of PleaJuly 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. 25-cr-1765-TWR Xiao Lei XuSentencing HearingJuly 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Wen Chang WangSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Jiawen CaiSentencing HearingSeptember 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Zhuhan YinSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Ziyue ZhaoSentencing HearingSeptember 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Wenzhi ChenSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Jiaxin WangSentencing HearingSeptember 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Yuhui SunSentencing HearingSeptember 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Jiaxin JiangSentencing HearingAugust 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Bing ShenSentencing HearingJuly 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.Chongchong LiSentencing HearingJuly 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Rookard.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 25-cr-1097-TWR
Hua Wang Age: 48 Flushing, NY
Weining Su, aka “Ning Ma” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Case Number 25-cr-1762-TWR
Hongsen Cao, aka “Shawn Cao,” Age: 24 Los Angeles, CA
Case Number 25-cr-1765-TWR
Xiao Lei Xu, aka “Xiaolei Xu” Age: 39 Flushing, NY
Wen Chang Wang, Age: 26 Detroit, MI
Jiawen Cai, aka “Johnny Cai” Age: 28 Flushing, NY
Xinyu Shao Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Zhuhan Yin, aka “Iron Yin” Age: 30 Flushing, NY
[Redacted]
Ziyue Zhao, aka “Chris Zhao” Age: 30 Flushing, NY
Guangli Lin Age: 30 Flushing, NY
Wenzhi Chen Age: 23 Austin, TX
[Redacted]
Jiaxin Wang Age: 24 Flushing, NY
[Redacted]
Haotian Zhang, aka “Kevin Z” Age: 28 Flushing, NY
Dudu Chen, aka “Norris Chen” Age: 31 In Custody
Yuhui Sun, aka “Ian Sun” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Jiaxin Jiang, aka “YiYi” Age: 26 In Custody
Dexiao Lin, aka “Prozac” Age: 27 Flushing, NY
Zhiyi Zhang, aka “Cream Pablo” Age: 29 Los Angeles, CA
Zhiwei Chen Age: 30 Levittown, NY
Bing Shen Age: 41 Flushing, NY
Zetian Zhang Age: 29 Flushing, NY
Huajian Chen, aka “Marco Chen” Age: 24 Austin, TX
Chongchong Li Age: 29 Los Angeles, CA
Jianhao Gao, aka “Gh Ghao” Age: 31 Flushing, NY
Case Number 25-cr-2208-TWR
Cheng Li Age: 28 In Custody
Case Number 25-cr-3371-TWR
Kaiwen Zhang Age: 32 Irvine, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 – Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud - Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1349, 2326
Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison; a maximum $1 million fine
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison; a maximum $500,000 fine or twice the amount of monetary instruments involved in the offense, whichever is greatest
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD)
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Mountain View (CA) Police Department
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FLDE)
Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT)
Irvine (CA) Police Department
La Verne (CA) Police Department
Mesa (AZ) Police Department
Sarpy County (NE) Sheriff’s Department
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
For further information, see previous press release.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Lamar Woman Sentenced and Ordered to Pay over $1.4M for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that Patricia Jones, 44, of Lamar, Benton County, Mississippi was sentenced by Senior District Judge Sharion Aycock. After pleading guilty on an earlier date, Jones was sentenced to 50 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay $1,422,022 to her victims.
According to court documents, Patricia Jones submitted false and fraudulent IRS forms in order to obtain Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funds. ERC was designed to encourage employers to continue to pay employees during the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant submitted these forms on behalf of herself and others, attempting to claim over $3.8 Million in fraudulent refunds and generating over $1.4 Million in fraudulent payments by the IRS to Jones and others.
U.S. Attorney Leary stated, “On April 7th, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. Its core mission is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The initiative is working thanks to the hard work of federal investigators and prosecutors who devote themselves to these often-complex cases. I congratulate these men and woman who seek to ensure that taxpayer funded benefits go to where they are intended.”
“Today’s sentencing of Patricia Jones reaffirms our commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s tax system,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office. “Individuals who cheat the American taxpayer undermine public trust and siphon resources intended to support our communities. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are highly trained financial investigators, skilled at following the money, uncovering complex fraud schemes, and ensuring that individuals who attempt to cheat the American taxpayer are held fully accountable. We remain committed to protecting public trust by taking action against those who misuse federal relief programs.”
This case was investigated by the IRS and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Dabbs.
The National Fraud Enforcement Division efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Kyle Man Pleads Guilty in $3.2 Million Corporate Embezzlement CaseRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Kyle man pleaded guilty in a federal court in Austin to embezzling more than $3.2 million from his former employer, Austin Freight Systems (AFS), announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents, Mitchell David Slentz, 34, was in charge of accounting operations at AFS, overseeing all accounting activities, financial reporting and internal controls, including submitting requests to JP Morgan Chase Bank to make payments to AFS’s vendors. Beginning no later than October 2023 and continuing at least until about March 2025, Slentz fraudulently misappropriated money from AFS through 147 payments, and deposited approximately $3,277,937.35 into his personal bank accounts through the use of interstate wire communications.
Using the criminally derived money, Slentz paid $25,000 on July 24, 2024, and $33,887.83 on Sept. 3, 2024, for student loan debt. Additional fraudulent activities were revealed through financial analyses of several of Slentz’s accounts. Furthermore, Slentz gambled extensively on an online gambling platform, depositing and/or winning more than $1 million through online gambling.
Slentz was charged via information on May 14 and made his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin M. Howell on June 8. On June 29, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived proceeds. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Austin White Collar Crime Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Somers is prosecuting the case.
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Keene Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearms While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Keene Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession
of Firearms While on Federal Supervised Release
CONCORD – Christian Torruellas of Keene, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 14, 2026.
According to the record, Torruellas was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including two prior federal convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm. On October 16, 2024, a confidential informant working with law enforcement negotiated with Torruellas to purchase a .38 caliber Taurus revolver and ammunition for $1,700. The sale occurred at Torruellas’ home in Keene, where Torruellas showed the informant multiple additional firearms. Torruellas then offered to sell the informant a .22 Ruger pistol and ammunition for $2,300. The informant left Torruellas’ home to get money from law enforcement and returned to purchase the .22 Ruger and ammunition. Torruellas was then on supervised release for his most recent federal conviction.
The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The ATF led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Requires Egg Producers to End Coordinated Benchmark Manipulation that Artificially Inflated Prices Across the CountryRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, together with 17 State Attorneys General, filed a civil lawsuit against Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (Cal-Maine); Hickman’s Egg Ranch Inc. (Hickman’s); and Centrum Valley Holdings LLC, Versova Holdings LLC, and Versova Management Cooperative (Versova) for unlawful coordinated manipulation of egg prices. At the same time, the Department filed proposed settlements that will, if approved by the court, prevent these companies from engaging in such coordinated manipulation in the future.
“No product more quintessentially represents affordability than the price Americans pay for eggs,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “These actions prove this Department’s continued commitment to protecting competition and providing real relief for everyday Americans’ pocketbooks.”
“Food affordability is a top priority of the Antitrust Division,” said Former Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “These settlements resolve years of conduct that dragged on Americans’ finances and their everyday lives. I thank and recognize the dedicated work of the Division’s talented staff and state partners.”
“The Antitrust Division is steadfast in our work to protect our nation’s citizens from illegal conduct that makes daily life less affordable,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Sarrine of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We are proud that these settlements will keep egg prices competitive and keep money in the hands of consumers across the country.”
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, the complaint alleges that Cal-Maine, Hickman’s, and Versova coordinated to artificially inflate the daily quotations of Urner Barry Publications, a market reporting company whose publications affect prices that grocery stores, restaurants, and others pay for eggs nationwide.
Defendants produce and sell eggs to grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses that ultimately sell or provide eggs to American consumers. Defendants and other egg producers also bid to acquire eggs on spot markets, including the Egg Clearinghouse. Urner Barry considers this bidding information when it issues daily price quotations that influence wholesale egg prices. Every year, billions of eggs are sold with prices based on Urner Barry’s price quotations.
As the complaint alleges, Defendants conspired to inflate Urner Barry’s price quotations by agreeing to: (1) submit a large number of bids; (2) cause multiple Defendants to bid in order to signal to Urner Barry that a diverse set of market participants needed to buy eggs; (3) submit a large number of bids in the hours leading up to the publication of Urner Barry’s price quotations; (4) submit bids that were unlikely to lead to executed trades; and (5) execute trades at premium prices.
As the complaint also alleges, egg price quotations dropped significantly from their peak after Defendants learned of the Department’s investigation and were instructed to preserve documents in March 2025.
The proposed settlements result from the Department’s focus on anticompetitive practices that lead to higher food prices. If approved by the court, these settlements will prohibit Defendants from:
- Communicating with competitors regarding bidding strategies and the prices, timing, and number of bids;
- Communicating with competitors regarding certain information about bids, prices, supply, and demand that they may share with a benchmark publication;
- Agreeing with competitors on the number, pricing, or other terms of bids or transactions;
- Communicating with competitors regarding bids or transactions that are not based on legitimate business needs;
- Communicating with competitors regarding bids or transactions that are intended to affect a benchmark publication.
Additionally, the proposed settlements will require that Defendants adopt antitrust compliance programs, appoint antitrust compliance officers, monitor meetings of cooperatives and joint ventures, and report potential violations of the proposed settlements.
The Attorneys General of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin joined the Department in the complaint and proposed settlements.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlements, along with competitive impact statements, will be published in the Federal Register. Any interested person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlements within 60 days following the publication to Zachary Trotter and John Thornburgh, Acting Chief and Assistant Chief, Chicago Office, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Rookery Building, 209 S. LaSalle St., Ste. 600, Chicago, Illinois 60604. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa may enter the final judgments upon finding they are in the public interest.
Anyone with information about anticompetitive conduct in agricultural industries or any other violations of the antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov.
Cal-Maine is headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi; Hickman’s is headquartered in Buckeye, Arizona; and Versova is headquartered in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Note: See the Complaint here, the Proposed Final Judgments for Cal-Maine here, Hickman’s here, and Versova here, and the Stipulation and Order for Cal-Maine here, Hickman’s here, and Versova here.
Irondequoit woman arrested, charged with attempting to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic JihadRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Justice Department announced today that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel.
“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”
“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Providing financial support to a designated foreign terrorist organization is a serious federal crime that directly fuels violence and puts innocent lives at risk,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “This arrest reflects the FBI’s relentless focus on identifying and stopping individuals who seek to finance terrorism, glorify violence, or support extremist organizations. FBI Buffalo’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will aggressively pursue anyone who seeks to promote extremism or provide financial support to terrorist organizations that threaten the safety and security of the American people.”
In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”
An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji.
Washburn pictured with two hand grenades in front of Hamas flag.
Washburn made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Illegal Alien from El Salvador Charged with Possession of 70 Machinegun Conversion Devices in Hudson CountyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An illegal alien from El Salvador was charged with possessing machineguns in North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Erick Marquez Cruz, age 21, of North Bergen, New Jersey was charged by criminal complaint with possession of machineguns. Cruz had his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was ordered detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 25, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cruz’s residence in North Bergen, New Jersey. Among other items, law enforcement found inside Cruz’s bedroom a 3D printer used to manufacture firearm components and various firearm components, including approximately 17 3D-printed frames, multiple 3D-printed magazines, and approximately 70 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs).
An image of some of the firearm components and MCDs seized from Cruz’s residence is depicted below.
MCDs, which themselves are classified as machineguns by statute, are capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons that release multiple rounds of ammunition with the single pull of a trigger.
The charge of possession of a machinegun carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant as a result of the offense, or twice the gross loss to a person other than the defendant as a result of the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka, and officers of the North Bergen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert J. Farley, Jr., with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shriram Harid of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Laura Sayler, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender.
cruz.complaint.pdfIllegal Alien Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
William Alexander Ruiz-Ponce, age 28, of Honduras, who is present in the United States without authorization, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson further sentenced Ruiz-Ponce to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, in February 2025, Ruiz-Ponce used social media applications and text messages to convince someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl in Denham Springs, Louisiana, to have an illegal sexual relationship with him. Ruiz-Ponce traveled to Denham Springs to meet the supposed 14-year-old girl and engage in sexual acts. An undercover law enforcement officer posed as the 14-year-old girl, and officers arrested Ruiz-Ponce when he arrived at the agreed-upon location. During their conversation, Ruiz-Ponce sent the undercover officer sexually explicit images of himself, including photos of his genitals. Ruiz-Ponce also asked for the undercover officer’s location and expressed his desire to engage in illegal sex acts in person.
U.S. Attorney Wall stated, “Make no mistake, our office will aggressively prosecute those despicable individuals who continue to attempt to solicit our children. This conviction is further proof of that effort.” He praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Ross lead the prosecution.
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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Human Smuggler Who Assaulted Aliens Sentenced to 72 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Miguel Martinez-Meraz, 56, of Rancho San Felipe, Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States Chief District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 72 months in prison. Martinez-Meraz previously pleaded guilty to Transportation of an Illegal Alien for Profit and Reentry of a Removed Alien.
On January 16, 2025, Martinez-Meraz was apprehended by United States Border Patrol agents in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. At the time of his arrest, Martinez-Meraz was with a Chinese national who was unlawfully present in the United States. During the investigation, agents located the Chinese national’s brother who had been left behind in the desert. Martinez-Meraz admitted that he served as a foot guide for the two migrants through the desert near Ajo, Arizona. One of the migrants told agents that Martinez-Meraz beat his brother and held him at knifepoint to force him to continue moving.
Martinez-Meraz committed these offenses while under supervised release for a previous conviction.
Agents from United States Border Patrol-Ajo Station conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arturo Aguilar, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00975-TUC-JGZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-114_Martinez-Meraz# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Houston businesswoman admits to under-reporting millions in incomeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The owner of a high-end flower business has entered a guilty plea to making and subscribing a false tax return, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Le Hao Tran owned and operated a flower business in Houston called Blooming Gallery LLC. She also owned HTX Rental and Delivery Service LLC. Both companies provided goods or services for high-end events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. At times, her clients paid via checks - sometimes exceeding tens of thousands of dollars. In one instance, a corporate client paid her over $2.7 million for floral services at a corporate gathering.
Tran admitted she failed to report to the IRS all the income she received from these businesses for the 2019 through 2022 tax years. Often, she would divert money and hide income from the IRS by taking customer checks to check-cashing businesses. She would also at times deposit checks in her bank account without accounting for those checks in her business books and records.
Tran pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return for the 2022 tax year. In that year alone, she earned over $9 million in gross income yet reported approximately only $7 million. By under-reporting this income, she paid to the IRS less than she actually owed.
In total, Tran admitted her conduct resulted in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,391,167 and has paid this amount in restitution.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing Sept. 11. At that time, Tran faces up to three years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 possible fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Houma Man Sentenced for Possessing over 7 Pounds of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – VAN VESSEL, (“VESSEL”), age 50, of Houma, Louisiana was sentenced on June 24, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Lance Africk to 262 months imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court records, during the early morning hours of May 18, 2025, Houma Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by VESSEL for not having operating headlights and taillights. VESSEL fled from officers at a high rate of speed, but ultimately crashed his vehicle, and was arrested. A search of the vehicle VESSEL crashed revealed over seven (7) pounds of methamphetamine packaged in a large, vacuum sealed bag, located on the passenger floorboard. VESSEL later admitted to law enforcement that he knew the methamphetamine was in the vehicle, and that he possessed this methamphetamine for distribution purposes.
United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Goliath Ventures CEO Pleads Guilty to Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Christopher Alexander Delgado (34, Apopka) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each fraud count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the money laundering count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 8,2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
“Delgado provided fraudulent information to solicit investor funds and then spent his ill-gotten gains on his extravagant lifestyle,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt fraud schemes and prosecute fraudsters who steal investors’ hard-earned savings. We will also continue to work with investigators to locate and seize assets traceable to Delgado’s scheme.”
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Delgado was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Goliath Ventures (“Goliath”), formerly known as Gen-Z Venture Firm. From at least January 2023 through at least January 2026, Delgado and his co-conspirators operated Goliath as a “Ponzi scheme,” which is a form of investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Delgado’s scheme involved soliciting victims to invest substantial sums of money under false and fraudulent promises of monthly returns generated through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Victims were induced to give money to Goliath through personal referrals, professional marketing materials, luxury events, charitable sponsorships, and some monthly payments of purported returns, all of which were designed to establish Goliath’s bona fides with investors. As reflected in a companion civil asset forfeiture action, the United States has identified at least $400 million paid by investors to Goliath.
Although Goliath represented that it would place the victim investors’ funds in cryptocurrency liquidity pools, in reality, the funds were primarily used to pay purported returns to earlier investors, to return principal to investors who requested it, and for Goliath’s extravagant business gatherings, holiday parties, luxury travel accommodations, and to fund Delgado’s and other Goliath employees’ luxury lifestyles. With victim investors’ funds, Delgado purchased at least six residential properties, each worth between $1.15 million and $8.5 million, and millions of dollars’ worth of high-end vehicles, watches, and jewelry, including Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Rolex watches, several dozen Louis Vuitton bags, wallets, luggage, and custom Tiffany jewelry. In the plea agreement, Delgado has admitted to causing a minimum of $250 million in losses to investors.
Delgado has agreed to forfeit 8 real properties, 11 vehicles, 30 watches, more than 50 luxury bags and wallets, and at least 29 pieces of high-end jewelry which were purchased with or are traceable to proceeds of the offense. He has also agreed to forfeit several bank and cryptocurrency accounts which were seized by the United States.
If you believe you are a victim of these offenses and have not already completed the IRS’s online questionnaire, please consider visiting this link. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire, please email Goliathvictims@ci.irs.gov. Information about victims’ rights and upcoming hearings is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/goliath_ventures.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Hannah Nowalk Watson. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Cream.
Plea AgreementGhanaian National Extradited to U.S. Pleads Guilty in Romance and Inheritance Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as, “Dada Joe Remix,” a citizen of Ghana, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a felony. Boateng was arrested in Ghana on an extradition warrant on May 27, 2025. In June 2025, Boateng was extradited to the United States, and he has remained in custody since his arrest.
In his plea agreement, Boateng admitted that he and his co-conspirators engaged in a romance and inheritance fraud scheme from 2013 through March 2023, targeting the elderly from Arizona and around the United States. The co-conspirators pretended to be romantically involved with the victims through online dating sites, text, or other electronic communications. The co-conspirators also falsely represented that they had received an “inheritance” of gold and jewels and that to release such items to the victims, taxes and other fees would be required.
In addition to pleading guilty, Boateng agreed to pay restitution totaling approximately $4.4 million dollars, which was the direct loss caused by his involvement in the scheme. Boateng’s sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2026, before United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Sierra Vista office conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Tucson is handling the prosecution. The following partners provided essential support for the extradition: FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana; the Office of Attorney General and Ministry of Justice; the Republic of Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, Ghana Police Services – INTERPOL, and the Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs.
CASE NUMBER: 23-CR-00695-TUC-AMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-113_Boateng# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Georgia Thief Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Sampson County Identity Theft and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Roderick Michael Bates, 56, to over 4 years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from a local farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg.
“This Georgia criminal chose poorly coming up here to steal from a local business in Sampson County,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let this be a message to out-of-state criminals who think they can swindle the good people of the Eastern District of NC. We will find you, no matter where you are, and put you behind bars. Cheaters.Never.Win.”
Bates used stolen identities with fake driver’s licenses to secure financing for farm machinery and equipment from a local Sampson County business. Using these identities, he fraudulently purchased high-value items totaling more than $65,000, including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and 12-foot and 16-foot dump trailers. He then had the business ship the items to him hundreds of miles away, outside the state of North Carolina. The law enforcement officers arrested him during the delivery and recovered the stolen equipment.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI collaborated on this investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D.
Fresno Man sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm After a Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — David Richard Garcia Jr., 34, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 11 years and five months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 23, 2025, Garcia was found to be in possession of a Glock 22 .40‑caliber handgun. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County including, robbery, assault, and evading a peace office with willful disregard for safety.
According to court documents, Garcia possessed a firearm during a violent crime spree that created extreme danger to the community. He came to law enforcement’s attention as a suspect in a series of catalytic converter thefts, and evidence later tied him to multiple thefts and the tools used to commit them. According to the Garcia, he was gambling thousands of dollars a day using proceeds from the thefts. During one incident, he threatened a vehicle owner with a firearm after being interrupted mid‑theft. Leading up to his arrest, Garcia led officers on a nearly 50‑minute high‑speed chase through city streets, running red lights, colliding with another vehicle, driving into oncoming traffic, and continuing to flee even after crashing into a boulder that obstructed his windshield. The pursuit ended only after he crashed into a power pole, trash cans, and the fence of a middle school.
Garcia pleaded guilty on Feb. 23, 2026.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Four Former Oakdale-Area Law Enforcement Leaders and One Business Owner Plead Guilty to Falsifying Police Reports and Bribery to Perpetrate Decade-Long Visa Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA – On June 30, 2026, Glynn Dixon, 62, of Forest Hill, pled guilty in federal court for his role in a decade-long scheme involving bribery and a conspiracy to commit visa fraud and mail fraud after his four co-conspirators, Chandrakant Patel, 40, of Oakdale, Chad Doyle, 55, of Oakdale, Michael Slaney, 64, of Oakdale, and Tebo Onishea, 38, of Glenmora, each pled guilty to the same in recent weeks. The defendants were originally indicted on July 2, 2025. Dixon, Doyle, Onishea, and Slaney each face up to 5 years in prison. Patel faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
At the time of the offenses, four of the defendants were serving in high-profile law enforcement positions: Doyle as Oakdale Chief of Police; Slaney as Oakdale Marshal for Ward 5; Dixon as Forest Hill Chief of Police; and Onishea as Glenmora Chief of Police. Patel was a business owner.
“These defendants’ disgraceful fraud endangered our community and undermined the public trust in the immigration system solely to line their own pockets,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “These guilty pleas confirm the depth of corruption uncovered here and the strength of the evidence developed during an incredible investigation by our law enforcement partners working together, and our Office looks forward to advocating for prison time for each defendant that reflects the seriousness of the crimes they committed.”
“HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of our immigration system and lawful immigration benefits,” said Matt Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans. “When anyone, including public officials, exploits immigration relief programs or commits fraud against the government, HSI and our law enforcement partners will investigate, dismantle these schemes, and work to bring those responsible to justice.”
"These guilty pleas demonstrate accountability for officials who breach public trust and misuse federal systems," said Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, of the IRS-CI Atlanta field office. "This case shows how IRS Criminal Investigation special agents tracked the funds, uncovered irregularities, and dismantled a network."
“Mr. Patel and his law enforcement co-conspirators corrupted the process that helps actual victims of violent crime to allow people to remain in our country under an alleged fraud." said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI's New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI will continue to work with our federal partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure people who engage in this type of corrupt criminal activity are brought to justice.”
The case involves the abuse of U nonimmigrant status, or “U-Visas.” Congress created the U-Visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crime while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of that criminal activity. Foreign nationals are eligible for a U-Visa if they meet certain criteria, including but not limited to, if they were a victim of qualifying criminal activity that occurred in or violated laws of the United States, or possessed information about the criminal activity.
According to court documents, the defendants engaged in U-Visa fraud from December 2015 through July 2025 by fabricating police reports that falsely documented armed robberies that never occurred and then providing these fictitious reports to noncitizens who used them to support fraudulent U-Visa applications. The foreign nationals pursuing U-Visas would pay Patel thousands of dollars to be named as “victims” in these fabricated incidents, and Patel then secured false police reports by coordinating with defendants Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea, each of whom used their positions in law enforcement to certify the fraudulent reports. Court records also show that Patel attempted to bribe an agent of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office with $5,000 in February 2025 to obtain such a report. In addition, the defendants submitted falsified documents via the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers, constituting additional mail fraud charges.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Fraud Detection and National Security Division, as part of the Homeland Security Task Force under Operation Take Back America. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Danny Siefker, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Joanne Henry-Mills and Denise Duhon.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (“TCOs”), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETFs”) and Project Safe Neighborhood (“PSN”).
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 1:25 cr 00173.
###CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov
United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDL
Four Contractors Indicted for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Related to Parts Provided to the US MilitaryRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - A federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a 19 count indictment on June 17, 2026 against David Turner, 59, of Walkertown, North Carolina, Roger Wolfgram, 56, of Augusta, Georgia, Adam Boudet, 39, of Augusta, Georgia, and Alex Bath, 50, of Maryville, Tennessee, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and charging Turner and Wolfgram with money laundering. The defendants appeared in court on June 30, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment. They were released pending trial, which has been set before the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, on September 8, 2026, in the United States District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that Turner, Wolfgram, Boudet, and Bath conspired together to obtain contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to provide to the military certain original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, such as fuel injectors, turbochargers, and generators, but instead provided unapproved aftermarket parts. The indictment alleges that the defendants fraudulently concealed the true source of certain parts by, among other things, creating fake labels, creating false documents, and altering documents to make it appear as though the parts were OEM parts when in fact, they were not. The indictment also alleges that Turner and Wolfgram entered into a kickback agreement whereby Turner would receive a portion of the profits that resulted from the sale of the aftermarket parts at OEM prices. The indictment also alleges that Turner and Wolfgram conspired to commit money laundering by concealing the proceeds of the fraud when Wolfgram paid Turner’s kickbacks to a company Turner created.
If convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, the defendants face a term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release of up to three years. If convicted of money laundering, Turner and Wolfgram face a term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and supervised release of up to three years.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge Jason Sargenski of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
This indictment is the result of an investigation by DCIS and IRS-CI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Dykes will represent the United States.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is 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.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Former USPS Mail Carrier Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison for Mail Theft and Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that Tameka Babulal, a/k/a “Tameka Williams,” a/k/a “Sharniece Williams,” a/k/a “Meek Williams,” a former United States Postal Service (“USPS”) mail carrier assigned to Mount Vernon, New York, was sentenced to 39 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel for abusing her position as a mail carrier to steal checks, credit cards, financial mail, and personal identifying information from victims on her mail route, and using that stolen mail and information to commit fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentence imposed by Judge Seibel included 15 months on BABULAL’s mail theft, fraud, and false statement offenses, followed by a mandatory consecutive 24-month sentence for aggravated identity theft.
“Postal workers are entrusted with some of the most sensitive materials Americans send and receive: checks, credit cards, tax documents, Social Security information, and financial mail,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Tameka Babulal betrayed that trust by stealing from the very people on the mail routes she was paid to serve and then using their mail and identities to commit fraud. Today’s sentence makes clear that those who corrupt the mail system from within and exploit the public’s trust for personal gain will be held accountable.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, public filings, and statements made in court proceedings:
From in or about December 2022 through May 23, 2024, BABULAL conspired with others in a scheme to possess, steal, and misuse mail stolen from the USPS in Mount Vernon, New York. BABULAL stole hundreds of mail items from hundreds of victims whose mail she touched, including checks, credit cards, financial mail, tax documents, Social Security cards, and other sensitive materials. She kept those items at the Hempstead, New York, residence she shared with her husband and co-conspirator, Joel Babulal. BABULAL’s victims included elderly people in their 90s, young adults in their early 20s, business owners, churchgoers, military personnel, and other everyday people.
When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Babulal residence on May 23, 2024, officers recovered, among other things, dozens of checks, treasury checks, and money orders in victims’ names, including blank or washed checks; 51 credit cards in other people’s names; unopened financial mail appearing to contain credit cards or checks; several Social Security cards and tax documents in other people’s names; bundles of unopened mail and packages; and a USPS postal bin filled with victims’ undelivered mail.
Using the mail and other items she stole from victims on her mail route, BABULAL carried out an extensive credit card, check, and identity theft fraud scheme involving dozens of victims. BABULAL’s credit card scheme involved at least around $40,922.41 in fraudulent transactions using stolen credit cards. Additionally, BABULAL’s check fraud scheme involved $13,510 in fraudulent transactions using stolen checks, and her possession of an additional at least $78,705.05 in checks and money orders. To commit her crimes, BABULAL used various means of identification of her victims. For example, BABULAL and her co-conspirators used their victims’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, and other identifying information to fraudulently open accounts, submit credit-card applications, activate payment cards, and attempt transactions.
The Government’s investigation also revealed that BABULAL made false statements to obtain her USPS position. In her USPS employment application, she falsely claimed that she had previously worked at a Taco Bell restaurant under a supervisor named “Mark Khan.” In fact, “Mark Khan” was not a real person, and both the name “Mark Khan” and the phone number she listed for him were used by BABULAL’s husband and co-conspirator, Joel Babulal.
On March 18, 2026, BABULAL pled guilty before Judge Seibel to conspiracy to steal and unlawfully possess mail, theft of mail by a postal employee, unlawful possession of mail, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false statements. BABULAL’s husband, Joel Babulal, pled guilty to conspiring with his wife and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2026.
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In addition to the prison term, BABULAL, 38, of Hempstead, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPS, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reyhan Watson, John Sarlitto, and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.
Former St. Louis Building Inspector Admits $1.6 Million FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former building inspector with the City of St. Louis on Tuesday admitted steering $1.64 million meant for the repair of decrepit buildings in St. Louis to himself and relatives.
Adebanjo “Banjo” Popoola, 57, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to three counts of wire fraud. Popoola was a building division inspector with the City of St. Louis at the time and was responsible for managing important aspects of two programs designed to help stabilize and rehabilitate city properties, Stable Communities STL and Prop NS. Stable Communities STL was funded through federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and intended for privately-owned properties. Prop NS was intended for residential properties owned by the City’s Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) and was funded through City issued general obligation bonds. Popoola was primarily responsible for identifying properties for rehab or stabilization; developing the scope of work; seeking, reviewing and awarding bids; inspecting the work that had purportedly been completed on each property and then certifying that the work had been completed so funds could be disbursed to the contractors.
On Tuesday, he admitted having his sister, a Texas resident who had never visited St. Louis, incorporate Farst Construction LLC, in Missouri in October of 2022. His future wife set up a different company in February of 2021, Premier Finish Contractors LLC.
From about June 12, 2023, through Nov. 22, 2024, Popoola caused Farst to be awarded $1.4 million in construction contracts as part of the City’s Stable Communities STL program. From about Feb. 22, 2023, through March 8, 2024, Popoola steered $339,500 in Prop NS contracts to Farst. From Oct. 9, 2023, through May 7, 2024, Popoola steered about $1.3 million from the Stable Communities STL program and about $853,100 from the Prop NS program to Premier. Of the $7.19 million ARPA funds disbursed through the Stable Communities STL program, Farst received $1.79 million and Premier received $1.53 million, or 42% of the total funds disbursed.
Private building owners and representatives of the LRA reported that on multiple projects, Farst and Premier failed to perform the rehabilitation and stabilization work for which the companies were paid but Popoola falsely certified that the work had been performed completely and properly.
After paying subcontractors for purported work on the stabilization projects, Popoola, his sister and wife shared in and personally used about $1.64 million. Popoola and his wife had joint bank accounts where the city funds were deposited and shared. He had the same arrangement with his sister. Popoola admitted using Prop NS and Stable Communities STL funds for residential mortgage payments, multiple vehicle purchases and repairs, travel expenses, his September 2023 Hawaii wedding, casino gambling, and other dining and entertainment expenses.
Popoola also admitted concealing his connection to the companies on city Employee Secondary Employment Questionnaires in 2022 and 2023. Popoola falsely stated that he had no personal interest, directly or indirectly, in a contract with the City of St. Louis and he also falsely represented that he had no interest in any business. His sister and wife falsely certified on contract documents that “No officer, employee, or member of the governing body of the City of St. Louis, Missouri who exercises any functions or responsibilities in connection with the carrying out of the Project to which this Contract pertains shall have any private interest, direct or indirect, in this contract.”
Popoola is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6. Wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and fine. He will also be ordered to repay the money.
The FBI investigated the case, with substantial cooperation from the City of St. Louis Comptroller’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case.
Former Soldier-Turned-Contractor Found Guilty of Stealing over $1 Million of MREs in El PasoRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A federal jury convicted a former U.S. Army civilian contractor in El Paso for stealing more than 200 pallets of Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) valued at approximately $1,120,000, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. The case is being prosecuted in support of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Joseph Lavar Davis, 47, was named along with three other co-defendants in a two-count indictment on Feb. 12, 2025, for conspiracy to commit theft of government property and a substantive count of theft of government property between Feb. 24, 2020, and Aug. 12, 2020.
On Aug. 12, 2020, FBI and Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division agents executed a search warrant at a civilian warehouse in El Paso, where they found about 100 pallets of MREs. The investigation revealed that the owner of the company using the warehouse was purchasing the MREs from individuals who had stolen them from Ft. Bliss.
Each of the indicted individuals played a role in the scheme, which involved a civilian contractor who knew how to request and pick up the MREs, a soldier to assist in picking up and transporting the MREs, an intermediary between the buyer of the MREs and these two individuals, and the civilian who sold the MREs online.
The investigation showed a scheme involving false paperwork to obtain MREs from Ft. Bliss, truck rentals to transport the MREs, coordination among the co-conspirators to pick up and deliver the MREs, communications and financial transactions between the co-conspirators.
While in the Army, Davis held a position in food service supply where he gained knowledge of the process to obtain MREs. Upon retirement, he was hired into a similar position as a civilian contractor and used that position to exploit the process and steal MREs from Ft. Bliss.
Davis created false requests, rented trucks to transport the MRE pallets, and picked up or arranged for others to pick up the MREs from Ft. Bliss. Davis also coordinated various individuals involved to obtain, deliver, and receive payment for the MREs. Davis both negotiated the sales price and received payment for the MREs.
“Joseph Davis betrayed the very country he once swore to protect in an effort to satisfy his own selfish ambition and a jury of his peers held him accountable for it,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. “Rooting out fraud that undermines our government and our military readiness is a priority of this administration. I want to thank our Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen, as well as our support staff and law enforcement partners, for their excellent work in bringing this fraudster to justice. Their dedication resulted in a win for the Western District of Texas, a win for Justice, and a win for the American people.”
"This conviction should send a clear message the FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division make it a priority to bring to justice those who resort to theft of government property for ill-gotten gain”, said Jarod Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “We are stronger when we work together to seek justice and will continue to combat these issues through strong partnerships.”
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen are prosecuting the case.
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.
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Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of MailRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Evan Aldric Harris, 30, of Evergreen, Alabama, pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the plea today.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our citizens depend upon the U.S. Postal Service to reliably deliver the mail, and this despicable defendant violated the public trust placed in him as a postal employee by seeking to enrich himself through the theft of mail. I applaud the excellent investigative work by the USPS Inspector General and the aggressive prosecution by my office to hold this thief accountable.”
According to court documents, the defendant was caught on video opening and removing the contents of mail he was tasked with sorting while working as an employee of the United States Postal Service at the Pensacola Processing and Delivery Center. When interviewed by law enforcement, the defendant admitted that he had opened greeting cards and stole gift cards out of them.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Harris faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and restitution.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Former N. Charleston Councilmen, Co-conspirators Sentenced in Public Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Four more defendants charged in a North Charleston public corruption scheme have been sentenced.
- Jerome Sydney Heyward, 63, a former North Charleston City Councilmember, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for extortion, bribery, and money laundering.
- Mike A. Brown, 47, former North Charleston City Council Member, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for accepting a bribe from Aaron Hicks in exchange for his support of a rezoning application.
- Michelle Stent-Hilton, 58, of North Charleston, and Donavan Laval Moten, 48, founder of Core4Success Foundation, were each sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for paying Heyward $20,000 kickbacks in exchange for his support of their applications for grant funds.
“These defendants, who broke the public trust, have been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Thank you to our law enforcement partners at the FBI and SLED for thoroughly investigating these instances of public corruption.”
“Public corruption undermines the trust that citizens place in people with power and tarnishes the goodwill of those who use their positions to act in good faith,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “The FBI and our partners are committed to rooting out public corruption and bringing accountability to the bodies of government and organizations meant to serve the people.”
“Pay to play politics is an egregious abuse of the public’s trust,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “Elected officials should be serving the community – not lining their own pockets. SLED is proud to work together with our state and federal partners to bring those who unlawfully profit off their positions to justice.”
Heyward was charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle taxpayer funds from North Charleston. Heyward agreed to support Moten and Stent-Hilton’s applications, submitted on behalf of their non-profits, for violence reduction grants. In exchange, Moten and Stent-Hilton each agreed to pay Heyward $20,000. Thereafter, Heyward conspired with Rose Lorenzo to launder the funds to conceal the nature and source of the kickbacks.
Previously, co-defendants Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks and Hason Fields were sentenced. Rose Lorenzo pleaded guilty for her role in the conspiracy, and her sentencing will be scheduled at a future date.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Heyward to 72 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. He was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.
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Former DeSoto County Elementary Teacher Sentenced for Possession of Child Exploitation MaterialsRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – An Olive Branch, Mississippi man was sentenced today to nine years in prison for possessing images and videos of children under 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Prior to his arrest, he was an elementary school teacher.
According to court documents, Mitchell Cantrell, 37, was downloading and viewing child sexual abuse content from the internet. The content found on his electronic devices included sexual materials involving preteens, toddlers, and infants. The Southaven Police Department identified and investigated this case and worked with the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute Cantrell.
In addition to his prison term, Cantrell was sentenced to ten years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender where he lives, where he works, and where he is a student.
Scott Leary, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi stated, “As Americans we are unfortunately divided on so many issues. There are, however, certain issues upon which we should all agree. Foremost is society’s responsibility to protect children. There is simply no room for child exploitation in our country. I thank the citizens of this great state for standing with federal and state law enforcement in combating these crimes. With the advent of advanced technology, investigating child exploitation is becoming more complex – we must remain vigilant. We should all be proud of the great job the Southaven Police Department did in investigating this case. The Project Safe Childhood initiative is working; federal and state law enforcement are working together to protect our kids. Perhaps one day we can stamp out this scourge.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
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
Former Bullard High School Students Appear in Federal Court for Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms Across State Lines After Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four‑count indictment charging Harman Pahal, 21, Cameron Chouanmasay, 20, Colton Malone, 21, Julian Calderon, 20, and Jaskarn Batth, 20, all of Fresno, with participating in a years‑long firearms trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
The defendants were arraigned on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Erin Guy Castillo and entered pleas of not guilty. A status conference is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2026.
According to court documents, between December 2024 and April 2026, the defendants conspired to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, traveled across state lines to unlawfully acquire firearms, and illegally imported firearms into California. None of the defendants were licensed to deal, manufacture, or import firearms.
The indictment alleges that the defendants, who met while attending Bullard High School, used social media to advertise and sell firearms and repeatedly traveled from Fresno to Texas to obtain additional weapons for resale. During trips in December 2024, the defendants allegedly acquired multiple firearms—including Draco‑style AK‑type pistols and other handguns—and returned with them to California to sell.
They also allegedly discussed and attempted multiple firearm sales through online platforms. The indictment charges all five defendants with conspiracy, unlicensed dealing and manufacturing of firearms, interstate travel with intent to unlawfully deal firearms, and unlawful importation of firearms into California.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of conspiracy to deal commit unlawful firearms dealing, engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and interstate importation of firearms without a license. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted of the count of interstate travel to unlawfully deal in firearms. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Five Charged in Alleged Athens to Chicago Gun Trafficking Tied to GangsRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. — U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced that five people have been charged in a 23-count indictment in the Middle District of Georgia as members of an alleged firearms trafficking ring operating between Athens and Chicago providing weapons to gang members, with some of the guns linked to acts of violence—including a murder in Chicago committed by a juvenile—in this Homeland Security Task Force investigation led by ATF.
The federal indictment in Case No. 3:26-cr-00006, filed on April 15 and unsealed on June 23, charges the following individuals:
Anthony Edmond, aka “Chapo,” aka “Chapo Barksdale,” of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; seven counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm; six counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of transfer of a firearm to a convicted felon; one count of possession of a machinegun; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of conspiracy to traffic in stolen motor vehicles; three counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison.
Rafael Enriquez, aka “Ritchie Rich,” aka “Ralph,” of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; five counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm; four counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of conspiracy to traffic in stolen motor vehicles; and three counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison.
Elijah Lucena, aka “Eli,” aka “GMT Eli,”of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of false statement during purchase of a firearm; one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of ten years in prison.
Keontice Reed, aka “Manman,” aka “GMT Manman,”of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; one count of false statement during purchase of a firearm; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and is facing up to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Melvin Griffin, aka “Memo600,” of Snellville, Georgia, and Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison.
The defendants have had or will have their initial appearances at times determined by the Court.
According to the indictment and other statements made in court, Edmond is allegedly a member of the Chicago-based gang known as the Black Disciples (BD) and is an associate of another Chicago-based street gang known as the Conservative Vice Lords (CVL), who was directed by the other defendants to make straw purchases of firearms from gun stores in Georgia, which were transported and distributed to criminal street gang members in the Chicago area.
From at least March 27, 2020, to Nov. 10, 2021, Edmond allegedly unlawfully purchased dozens of firearms from gun shops in Georgia for members and associates of the BD and the CVL, and between Sept. 18, 2020, to July 24, 2021, he allegedly bought at least 22 firearms in Georgia, some of which were converted into fully automatic weapons and used to commit numerous crimes of violence.
Two Glock pistols allegedly purchased by Edmond from a gun shop in Athens on May 15, 2021, and texted to Enriquez in United States v. Edmond, et al.
Each time he bought the firearms, Edmond allegedly falsified the required ATF Form 4473 by attesting that he was the true buyer and that he was not acquiring the firearms on behalf of another person.
Guns allegedly purchased by Edmond posted on Enriquez’s social media account and distributed in Chicago to gang members in United States v. Edmond, et al.
During this time, Edmond made multiple trips from Georgia to Illinois to transport the firearms that he purchased in Georgia to gang members in Chicago, including to Reed, a member of a Chicago-based street gang known as the Mickey Cobras and an associate of the CVL, and to Griffin, a convicted felon, member of the BD, and an associate of the CVL. In addition, two unindicted co-conspirators who are both convicted felons—one is an upper-level member of the CVL and the other is a member of the BD—allegedly asked Enriquez and Edmond to acquire guns for them. In 2021, Enriquez and Lucena, a convicted felon and member of the CVL, allegedly made at least one trip from Illinois to Georgia to retrieve firearms purchased for them by Edmond, which were provided to criminal street gang members.
The defendants would allegedly coordinate the purchases and transfers over the phone and through social media, calling the firearms "pipes," "straps," "licks," and "blicks." They also used coded language when discussing specific gun calibers, such as referring to 10mm pistols as "dimes," .45-caliber pistols as "four nickels" or just "nickels," 5.7-caliber pistols as "fifty sevens," and 5.56-caliber pistols as "AR pistols." Edmond was allegedly supplied with machinegun conversion devices (small plastic or metal components designed to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons) by Enriquez, a convicted felon and member of the CVL, which he then installed on several Glock pistols that he distributed. They used coded terms, including referring to the Glock switches as "Nintendos" in reference to the Nintendo Switch video game system.
As alleged, at the direction of the conspirators, Edmond also purchased ammunition, extended magazines, drum magazines, and he test-fired the guns in the Athens area, including while they were converted to fully automatic functioning with the magazines inserted.
A screenshot of Edmond allegedly firing a fully automatic Glock pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device and magazine he was reportedly brokering for sale on Sept. 22, 2021, in United States v. Edmond, et al.
From April 14, 2021, to Feb. 15, 2026, police recovered 20 firearms allegedly purchased by Edmond in Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia. In one example, on Oct. 6, 2021, Chicago Police Department officers recovered a Glock pistol from the bedroom of a known juvenile criminal street gang member. A forensic examination of the Glock pistol and fired cartridge casings collected from three separate crime scenes in Chicago revealed that the weapon was allegedly used in three separate violent incidents: the firearm was discharged at the scene of a murder in Chicago on June 20, 2021; the firearm was used by the juvenile to shoot and injure a rival gang member on a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus on Sept. 24, 2021; and it was fired 11 times by the juvenile on N. Drake Avenue in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2021, damaging three cars. This Glock pistol was allegedly purchased by Edmond on May 15, 2021, at a gun store in Athens, just 36 days before it was allegedly used in a murder in Chicago.
This investigation and prosecution are part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threaten the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF is comprised of agents and officers from the ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case with critical assistance from the Chicago Police Department; FBI-Atlanta; the Rockford, Illinois, Police Department; the Athens Clarke County Police Department; and other state and local law enforcement partners.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Felon who Fatally Shot St. Louis County Barbershop Patron Sentenced to 125 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a felon who fatally shot someone in a barbershop in 2023 to 125 months in prison.
Nolan Ryan Thomas, now 34, pleaded guilty in March in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that on Nov. 10, 2023, St. Louis County police were called to a barbershop in the 11600 block of West Florissant Avenue, where a patron had been shot in the leg. Police found Thomas hiding in a nearby wooded area, with suspected narcotics and near a handgun. The victim later died of his injury. While in jail, Thomas admitted shooting the victim but said he did so in self-defense. Thomas is a felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm.
Judge Schelp ordered Thomas’ sentence to run consecutive to any sentence he receives for pending charges in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nichole Frankenberg prosecuted the case.
Federal grand jury indicts 11 Venezuelan & Colombian illegal aliens for sex, drug, firearm traffickingRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Eleven illegal aliens from Venezuela and Colombia have been charged federally in a case involving the sex trafficking of a minor and an adult, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking. Ten were arrested today in Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida.
“These defendants—ten of whom are currently illegally present in this country—allegedly engaged in a panoply of illicit trafficking activity, from drugs to firearms to human beings,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We have no tolerance for anybody who commits such crimes in our communities and we will prosecute them to fullest extent of the law.”
“We will continue to work hard to keep Ohio safe and get narcotics, firearms, and violent criminals off the streets,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “These indictments would not be possible without the strong partnerships with our state, local, and federal partners.”
“Today’s enforcement actions are the result of continued coordination with our law enforcement partners to investigate networks of criminals who illegally possess and sell firearms,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. “The ATF will continue to hold accountable those who violate federal firearms laws.”
“This indictment demonstrates the Homeland Security Task Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from transnational criminal organizations that profit from exploiting vulnerable individuals and trafficking dangerous drugs and firearms,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “HSI, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety.”
A Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) investigation led to the 30-count indictment that was returned on June 11 and unsealed today.
According to the indictment, from July through August 2025, four of the defendants conspired to sex traffic a minor between the ages of 14 and 18 years old and an adult victim. The charging document details that, in relation to this alleged conspiracy, defendants traveled interstate to promote prostitution. Additional charges included creating online commercial sex advertisements in the central Ohio area.
From at least May 2025 until April 2026, defendants allegedly participated in a narcotics conspiracy involving MDMA or ecstasy. Finally, the indictment alleges that some of the defendants unlawfully possessed firearms as illegal aliens and illegally trafficked at least nine firearms.
Those indicted and a list of their charges includes:
NameAgeResidenceNationalityJean Pierre Alejandro Guillen Salcedo30Hilliard, OhioVenezuelanBriyi Daniela Ordonez-Iter21Hilliard, OhioColombianKeivar Elian Guillen Salcedo26Charlotte, NCVenezuelanDervin Alejandro Colmenares Quintero29MexicoVenezuelanTaidin Adreina Ferrer Guillen34Hilliard, OhioVenezuelanJohn Alexandre Fajardo-Ulzcategui27Smyrna, TennesseeVenezuelanPedro Angel Colls-Flores34Columbus, OhioVenezuelanJulian David Patino Pena33Columbus, OhioColombianJose Ruben Sanchez-Pena34Smyrna, TennesseeVenezuelanAlismar Daniela Contreras-Arevalo20Columbus, OhioVenezuelanTherry Brayant Leon Gavida34Jacksonville, FloridaVenezuelanDominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit announced the charges. The Columbus Division of Police, DEA, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and United States Marshals Service have provided significant assistance in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Sheila G. Lafferty and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Columbus comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Operating Multi-Kilo Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Daniel Don Juan (35, Georgia) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on April 12, 2025, agents from the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) in Jacksonville were contacted by HSI agents in Savannah regarding a traffic stop conducted by the Turner County Georgia Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). One of Don Juan’s co-conspirators had been pulled over for a traffic violation. During the stop, TCSO and Georgia State Police conducted a dog sniff around the co-conspirator’s vehicle during which the dog alerted to drugs being present inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search, the officers located approximately seven kilograms of fentanyl.
Agents determined that this co-conspirator was transporting the drugs from Lawrenceville, Georgia, to Jacksonville, Florida. According to Don Juan’s co-conspirator, on the morning of April 12, 2025, the co-conspirator was instructed by Don Juan to meet an individual at a store in Lawrenceville to pick up “7 pieces,” which was later determined to mean the seven kilograms of fentanyl. Once the co-conspirator arrived in the store parking lot, a male arrived in a separate vehicle and placed a box containing the seven kilograms of fentanyl in the back of co-conspirators vehicle.
Already serving a federal prison term for a prior drug conspiracy conviction, Don Juan used a contraband cellphone and instructed this co-conspirator to deliver this box to Jacksonville. Don Juan provided specific instructions on the route to Jacksonville as well as a meeting location and information regarding the person his co-conspirator was to meet in Jacksonville to deliver the box containing the drugs. Agents learned that this co-conspirator had made several trips to deliver drugs for Don Juan in the past, including within the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Highway Patrol, the Turner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Cannizarro and Elisibeth Adams.
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.
Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to 200 Months’ Imprisonment for Federal Civil Rights and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Leon Wilson, a former correctional officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (“MDC-Brooklyn”), was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 200 months in prison for willfully depriving an individual of his constitutional rights and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Wilson was convicted at trial in October 2025 on both counts of the indictment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ryan Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region, United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Leon Wilson used the authority entrusted to him as a federal correctional officer not to protect the public, but to engage in a dangerous and unjustified pursuit that culminated in gunfire on the streets of Brooklyn,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This sentence demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting constitutional rights and prosecuting those who abuse the power of their badges.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for its work in this case.
“We rely on Correctional Officers to do their work with honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, Wilson chose to exploit his authority," stated DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Geach. “The DOJ OIG will continue working with its law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who violates their oath and engages in this type of conduct.”
“Leon Wilson’s flagrant abuse of authority injured a civilian and gravely endangered the lives of countless other New Yorkers. The FBI New York’s Civil Rights Task Force is dedicated to holding accountable public servants who use their badge as a shield to hide behind while engaging in violent criminal activity,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
Wilson was on duty at MDC-Brooklyn on September 4, 2023, when he chased a civilian car (the BMW) out of the facility’s staff parking lot and off MDC-Brooklyn property. Wilson had no authority to pursue the BMW past MDC-Brooklyn’s property line, but he did so anyway and ultimately chased the car to the edge of the Brooklyn Bridge, approximately 3.5 miles from the facility. During the chase, Wilson exceeded the speed limit, passed other vehicles, and ran red lights. Approximately two minutes after the chase began—and nearly a mile from MDC-Brooklyn—Wilson fired several gunshots at the BMW, one of which penetrated the rear of the vehicle and struck the backseat passenger in the chest and lungs. Wilson continued to chase the BMW for several minutes after firing his weapon. He never reported the on-duty shooting to the NYPD, MDC-Brooklyn or Bureau of Prisons personnel.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity and Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid, Eric Silverberg, and Raffaela Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Daniel Arakawa and Melissa Bennett.
The Defendant:
LEON WILSON
Age: 51
Bronx, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-465 (PKC)
Eight Charged in International Cargo Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging eight defendants—VAGAN GULIAN, ZHIRAYR GUMRUYAN, SEVAK KOCHARIAN, ARAIK SETRAKIAN, VITALY KOSHELAN, ARKADIY PASTIN, JASHANPREET SINGH, and EDGAR BEZHANIAN—with conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property in connection with an international, organized scheme to steal cargo from commercial shippers.
GULIAN, GUMRUYAN, and SETRAKIAN were arrested in California and will be presented in the Central District of California; KOSHELAN was arrested in Florida and will be presented in the Southern District of Florida; SINGH was arrested in Pennsylvania and will be presented in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; PASTIN was arrested in New York and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron; and KOCHARIAN is in custody in connection with a pending case and will be presented in the Southern District of New York. BEZHANIAN is at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter.
“As alleged, the defendants were members of a sophisticated, international enterprise whose members stole millions of dollars’ worth of merchandise and sold those stolen goods on the black market,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Organized cargo theft is an attack on the integrity of our nation’s commercial supply chain and our markets more generally. Those who conspire to disrupt commerce and harm consumers will be met with a coordinated law enforcement response. Our Office is committed to ridding our supply chains of organized crime, and we will pursue those who exploit global commerce for illicit gain.”
“These eight defendants allegedly were members of an international network to steal merchandise and resell these stolen goods at the direct expense of sellers, shippers, and buyers,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force works to dismantle illegal operations designed to generate illicit profits both domestically and internationally.”
As alleged in the Indictment and documents submitted to Court:
Between in or around March 2023 and the present, the defendants, together with others known and unknown, carried out a large-scale, organized scheme to steal cargo from commercial shippers (the “Cargo Theft Enterprise”). In total, the Cargo Theft Enterprise stole goods worth at least approximately $10 million. The Cargo Theft Enterprise operated throughout the United States and targeted high-value merchandise including electronics, liquor, meat, fish, eggs, clothing, skincare products, and cryptocurrency mining machines, among numerous other items. The defendants and other members of the Cargo Theft Enterprise perpetrated their scheme by diverting, possessing, transporting, and selling numerous loads of stolen merchandise. The Cargo Theft Enterprise relied on the coordinated efforts of at least one “dispatcher” located abroad and facilitators, drivers, and workers located in the United States.
In a typical theft, at least one member of the Cargo Theft Enterprise fraudulently impersonated a legitimate shipping carrier, or other shipping supply chain personnel and companies, to obtain a contract to transport goods from a shipping company to a customer. Other members of the Cargo Theft Enterprise then picked up the load or otherwise diverted the truck containing the load away from its intended destination, including by altering the delivery address and other information on shipping paperwork, and by removing geolocation tracking devices affixed to shipped cargo to track its location and ensure it reaches its proper destination. Once the truck reached the Cargo Theft Enterprise’s intended destination, members of the scheme offloaded and sold the stolen merchandise—including to co-conspirators known as “fences,” who knowingly purchased and resold stolen merchandise on the secondary market—for an illicit profit.
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VAGAN GULIAN, 37, of Glendale, California; ZHIRAYR GUMRUYAN, 36, of Northridge, California; SEVAK KOCHARIAN, 37, of Brooklyn, New York; ARAIK SETRAKIAN, 36, of Los Angeles, California; VITALY KOSHELAN, 56, of Dania Beach, Florida; ARKADIY PASTIN, of Brooklyn, New York; JASHANPREET SINGH, 29, of Oaklyn, New Jersey; and EDGAR BEZHANIAN, 46, of Yerevan, Armenia, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen merchandise, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
KOCHARIAN is separately charged with one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison. That case is pending before U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force. Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York City Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, the Port Authority Police Department, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Grossinger and David Steinbach are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
EagleBank Agrees to Pay More than $9.7 Million to Resolve Bank Secrecy Act InvestigationRead the Press Release
Note: A copy of the non-prosecution agreement and statement of facts can be found here.
HARRISBURG — U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller announced that EagleBank, a community bank with operations in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and its parent entity, Eagle Bancorp Inc. (collectively, EagleBank), entered into a non-prosecution agreement today and agreed to pay over $9.7 million to resolve the Justice Department’s investigation into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.
“It is simply unacceptable for financial institutions to permit fraud under their noses,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Our office is determined to investigate corporate crimes and fight financial fraud. We thank our partners for working with us.”
“For more than a decade, EagleBank knowingly allowed favored clients to operate a check kiting scheme, even as compliance personnel repeatedly tried to stop it,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Financial institutions are the first line of defense against financial crimes and must be gatekeepers, not gateways, for criminal activity. As this resolution makes clear, when banks deliberately allow unlawful conduct to persist, the Criminal Division will ensure they are held accountable.”
“EagleBank’s failure to stop major fraud weakened the financial system and enabled criminal activity,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The FBI will continue working with partners to hold institutions accountable and protect the public.”
According to the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank admits that between 2010 and 2021, it willfully failed to establish an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. In one instance, the bank admits that it allowed two customers, a son and his father, to operate a check kiting scheme for more than a decade through accounts at EagleBank. Check kiting is a form of fraud in which an accountholder writes a check for an amount greater than the amount available in the account and deposits that check into an account at a different bank, with the intent that the second bank will credit the funds to the second account before discovering the check was not supported by sufficient funds. Fraudsters frequently continue to write bad checks, often in a circular pattern amongst banks, to nominally cover overdrafts by continuing to take advantage of the delay in processing checks.
In this case, the father was a friend and business partner of EagleBank’s former chairman and CEO, who resigned in 2019. Over the course of the scheme, senior bank executives repeatedly overrode the efforts of compliance personnel to close the accounts and end the illicit conduct. EagleBank’s facilitation of this scheme resulted in a loss of almost $6.3 million to another financial institution.
Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank agreed to pay the United States a fine of $9,057,821.62 and forfeiture of $736,515. The forfeiture amount consists of EagleBank’s proceeds from overdraft fees on the accounts involved in the check kiting scheme. EagleBank has further agreed to take additional remedial measures to strengthen its AML/CFT program, to cooperate with the Department’s investigation, and to report any violations of federal criminal law to the Department.
The FBI investigated the case.
This case is being prosecuted by Chief Michael P. Grady of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
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EagleBank Agrees to Pay More than $9.7 Million to Resolve Bank Secrecy Act InvestigationRead the Press Release
Note: A copy of the non-prosecution agreement and statement of facts can be found here.
EagleBank, a community bank with operations in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and its parent entity, Eagle Bancorp Inc. (collectively, EagleBank), entered into a non-prosecution agreement today and agreed to pay over $9.7 million to resolve the Justice Department’s investigation into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.
“For more than a decade, EagleBank knowingly allowed favored clients to operate a check kiting scheme, even as compliance personnel repeatedly tried to stop it,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Financial institutions are the first line of defense against financial crimes and must be gatekeepers, not gateways, for criminal activity. As this resolution makes clear, when banks deliberately allow unlawful conduct to persist, the Criminal Division will ensure they are held accountable.”
“It is simply unacceptable for financial institutions to permit fraud under their noses,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Our office is determined to investigate corporate crimes and fight financial fraud. We thank our partners for working with us.”
“EagleBank’s failure to stop major fraud weakened the financial system and enabled criminal activity,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The FBI will continue working with partners to hold institutions accountable and protect the public.”
According to the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank admits that between 2010 and 2021, it willfully failed to establish an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. In one instance, the bank admits that it allowed two customers, a son and his father, to operate a check kiting scheme for more than a decade through accounts at EagleBank. Check kiting is a form of fraud in which an accountholder writes a check for an amount greater than the amount available in the account and deposits that check into an account at a different bank, with the intent that the second bank will credit the funds to the second account before discovering the check was not supported by sufficient funds. Fraudsters frequently continue to write bad checks, often in a circular pattern amongst banks, to nominally cover overdrafts by continuing to take advantage of the delay in processing checks.
In this case, the father was a friend and business partner of EagleBank’s former chairman and CEO, who resigned in 2019. Over the course of the scheme, senior bank executives repeatedly overrode the efforts of compliance personnel to close the accounts and end the illicit conduct. EagleBank’s facilitation of this scheme resulted in a loss of almost $6.3 million to another financial institution.
Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank agreed to pay the United States a fine of $9,057,821.62 and forfeiture of $736,515. The forfeiture amount consists of EagleBank’s proceeds from overdraft fees on the accounts involved in the check kiting scheme. EagleBank has further agreed to take additional remedial measures to strengthen its AML/CFT program, to cooperate with the Department’s investigation, and to report any violations of federal criminal law to the Department.
The FBI investigated the case.
This case is being prosecuted by Chief Michael P. Grady of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
Dominican National Previously Convicted of Drug Trafficking Offense Admits Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YUNIOR BENAVIDES, 50, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2009, Benavides and others were charged with federal offenses related to their participation in a Hartford area narcotics distribution conspiracy. He pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and, in November 2013, was deported to the Dominican Republic. Benavides subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.
On March 6, 2026, HSI agents stopped a car in West Hartford in connection with a drug trafficking investigation. Benavides, the driver of the car, was identified as being unlawfully present in the U.S. and was taken into custody. He was also in possession of a false identification document.
Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for September 22, 2026, at which time Benavides faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He has been detained since March 6.
This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
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.
Dixie County Man Indicted for Federal Child Exploitation Crimes Spanning Nearly a DecadeRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Joseph Lee Parker, 37, of Old Town, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with four counts of attempted enticement of a minor, three counts of attempted production of child pornography, and three counts of attempted receipt of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Parker appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 22, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on each attempted enticement of a minor count; a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, on each attempted production of child pornography count; and a mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each attempted receipt of child pornography count.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Denton County man sentenced to federal prison for committing three armed robberies of banks in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton man who committed three armed robberies of banks in the Denton County area, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, announced Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jonathan Mark Fleming, 41, pleaded guilty to bank robbery and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on June 29, 2026.
According to information presented in court, from November 2022 to February 2023, the defendant committed three armed robberies of banks in the Denton County area. For each robbery, the defendant dressed in all black, wore black gloves, black ski goggles and a black mask. He also brandished a firearm. During the first two robberies, the defendant arrived at the banks in a red Dodge Challenger. For the final robbery, he arrived in a Dodge Ram TRX truck. Investigators were able to track the Dodge Ram TRX truck to the original dealership and learned the defendant had purchased the truck with a large cash payment and a trade-in of a red Dodge Challenger. Having identified the defendant as a possible suspect, a search warrant was subsequently obtained for Fleming’s apartment on February 23, 2023. During the search of the apartment, Fleming was located as the sole occupant and was arrested. Officers also located items that they had observed on video surveillance from the robberies, including a black/gray duffel bag, black clothing, a black face covering, a gun belt with holster, and black ski goggles. A large sum of United States currency, which was still wrapped in bank currency bands, was also located inside the apartment, as well as multiple firearms; specifically, a black M&P Smith and Wesson handgun in a holster (believed to be used in the robbery committed on November 10, 2022); a black newly purchased Glock handgun with a receipt; and two AR-style rifles. In addition, two police radio scanners and multiple receipts, detailing large deposits ranging from $19,000 to $40,000 into various bank accounts, were located. In all the defendant stole approximately $450,000.00 in cash from the three bank robberies.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Denton Police Department; Lewisville Police Department; Flower Mound Police Department; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
Cuban illegal alien sent to federal prison for role in human smuggling operationRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 29-year-old illegal alien from Cuba living in Houston has been ordered to federal prison in a crime that involved transporting numerous illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Juan Manuel Sifontes-Sinales pleaded guilty Feb. 12.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Sifontes-Sinales to serve 18 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the conduct Sifontes-Sinales demonstrated showed a reckless disregard for human life. Judge Ramos also expressed concern about the number of the aliens who were transported.
On Oct. 17, 2025, Sifontes-Sinales approached the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita driving a box truck. At that time, law enforcement determined he did not have legal authorization to be in the country. A scan of the vehicle also revealed anomalies in the cargo area. Authorities conducted a search and uncovered a false wall concealing a compartment containing 19 illegal aliens without food, water or the ability to sit.
The investigation revealed communications Sifontes-Sinales had with smugglers, including the stash house caretaker. His phone also showed the phone number used to send instructions to the hidden aliens in the box truck. Records showed his truck had crossed the checkpoint six times, each accompanied by the same scout vehicle. Further investigation also revealed that the smuggling operation as a whole that he was involved with had transported more than 25 illegal aliens.
Sifontes-Sinales has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Young Min Burkett prosecuted the case.
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.
Colby woman accused of forging coworkers’ signatures to steal from employerRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with using her position as head of the financial division to embezzle more than $750,000 from her employer.
According to court documents, Shania A. Shanahan, 39, of Colby was indicted on:
• 43 counts of bank fraud.
• 25 counts of money laundering, and
• Five counts of aggravated identity theft.According to court documents, Shanahan is the former controller at an agricultural cooperative in Colby that provides grain and fuel services to its members. She supervised the accounting department, and her duties included processing and making payments, reconciling bank accounts, and making entries into the general ledger for purchases and expenses.
Between January 2017 and November 2025, Shanahan is accused of forging 233 checks for approximately $753,575 from the co-op’s account and depositing the funds into her personal bank account. She allegedly used coworkers’ signatures without their knowledge or consent which is the basis for the identity theft charges. The defendant is accused of concealing the deception by falsifying records to make the fraudulent payments appear to be legitimate payments to herself and other third-party vendors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Ricardo Refujio Ortiz-Ortega, 45, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.
Ronnie L.J. Richard, 43, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
Chad W. Sunley, 45, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances -methamphetamine, four counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
Arthur Waters, 46, was indicted on one count of escape from custody. The U.S. Marshal Service is investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Clovis Man Arrested After Alleged Threatening Facebook Posts Targeting Pride EventRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Clovis man was arrested on federal charges after allegedly posting threatening comments on Facebook in response to a Lubbock Pride Fest 2026 event post, according to court documents.
On June 27, 2026, Michael Kenneth Thompson, 44, allegedly posted threatening comments on Facebook in response to a Lubbock Pride Fest 2026 event post made by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Facebook page, including statements referencing the Pride event as “hunting season” and “target practice.” Thompson also commented that he did not need help, “just more ammo!” Following receipt of an anonymous tip, the FBI National Threat Operations Center identified the Facebook account and traced the activity to Thompson in Clovis, New Mexico.
Local law enforcement contacted Thompson, who admitted making the comments and later deleting them. Thompson was subsequently arrested by the FBI on June 28, 2026, at his residence in Clovis.
Thompson is charged with interstate threatening communications and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 1, 2026. If convicted of the current charge, Thompson faces up to five years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Clovis Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Civil Complaint Filed over False Laboratory ClaimsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, United States Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace announced the filing of civil claims against three defendants, Alpha Care Medical, LLC; its owner Nihar Gala, of Lewes, Delaware; and its laboratory director Bo Wang, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program through submission of false claims for laboratory diagnostic testing. The complaint filed in federal court is part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
In its complaint, the United States alleges that the defendants violated the False Claims Act by submitting thousands of claims to government healthcare programs for laboratory diagnostic tests that lacked a valid medical purpose to diagnose or treat patients, were conducted in violation of laboratory clinical standards that ensure reliability, and, in numerous cases, were not conducted at all.
“As alleged, the defendants exploited federal health care programs for financial gain at the expense of patients and taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Wallace. “In the District of Delaware, we will continue to vigorously enforce the False Claims Act to protect patients, public funds, and the integrity of our health care system.”
The civil claims announced by U.S. Attorney Wallace 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. The 2026 Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 U.S. states and territories, 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 $1.2 billion telemedicine scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Coordinated enforcement action involving a whole-of-government approach, includes:
- 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 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 Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The District of Delaware, in particular, worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) to investigate the case, which is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Vieyra.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. A copy of the complaint is attached to this press release. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 26-cv-707.
The allegations in the complaint are merely accusations. There has been no determination of liability.
Chinese national pleads guilty to narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and material support to terrorism in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A Honduras-based Chinese national extradited from Guatemala pled guilty today to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and to providing material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, specifically the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
According to court documents, Wenshen Xu, 52, used a transportation network and contacts in Latin America to smuggle multi-kilogram loads of cocaine into the United States. Xu’s transportation network included access to airstrips, airports, armored cars, couriers, and associates. On July 17, 2025, Xu and others agreed to arrange and facilitate the transportation of a multi-kilogram load of cocaine out of Cali, Colombia, on behalf of an individual who claimed to represent the CJNG. Xu and his co-conspirators imported over 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Xu and his co-conspirators also coordinated the laundering of over $22 million dollars from the sale of cocaine and fentanyl by drug trafficking organizations. This money laundering network used a variety of concealment methods, including cryptocurrency money transfers, trade-based money laundering, and encrypted communications platforms.
Xu was arrested in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on July 17, 2025, at the request of the United States and was extradited to the United States on Jan. 30.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s offices in Guatemala and Colombia; the Colombian National Police; and the Guatemalan National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Christopher M. Carter for the Eastern District of Viriginia and Trial Attorney Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Washington, D.C., comprises agents and officers from the DEA; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Transportation Security Administration Federal Air Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Washington Baltimore HIDTA, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-231.
Chinese National Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Henglie Zhou (31, China) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Zhou pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 7, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped a transit van for a traffic violation. Zhou was the driver and sole occupant of the van. A canine unit responded to the traffic stop and alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle.
A search of the van revealed 22 cardboard boxes in the cargo area. Each box contained between 20 and 30 vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana. In total, there was approximately 597 pounds, or 271 kilograms, of marijuana. Zhou later advised that the van was rented. He claimed to not know who had rented the van or for how long it was rented. Zhou denied having knowledge of the marijuana being inside the van or whether the boxes were inside at the time he took possession of the vehicle.
The investigation revealed that Zhou had rented the van the same day of his arrest. Rental agency records further revealed that Zhou had previously rented cargo vans in Jacksonville on 11 occasions between March and September 2024. Each rental lasted one or two days.
In related court proceedings, Jack Anntsai Chang, Kenneth Chu, Hang Sin, Yonquan Yu, Wai Lok Hui, Shaoyun Ye, Fan Liu, and Key’on Garmon have each been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
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.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Material Support to Terrorism in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A Honduras-based Chinese national extradited from Guatemala pleaded guilty today to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and to providing material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, specifically the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
According to court documents, Wenshen Xu, 52, used a transportation network and contacts in Latin America to smuggle multi-kilogram loads of cocaine into the United States. Xu’s transportation network included access to airstrips, airports, armored cars, couriers, and associates. On July 17, 2025, Xu and others agreed to arrange and facilitate the transportation of a multi-kilogram load of cocaine out of Cali, Colombia, on behalf of an individual who claimed to represent the CJNG. Xu and his co-conspirators imported over 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Xu and his co-conspirators also coordinated the laundering of over $22 million dollars from the sale of cocaine and fentanyl by drug trafficking organizations. This money laundering network used a variety of concealment methods, including cryptocurrency money transfers, trade-based money laundering, and encrypted communications platforms.
Xu was arrested in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on July 17, 2025, at the request of the United States and was extradited to the United States on Jan. 30.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division made the announcement.
The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s offices in Guatemala and Colombia; the Colombian National Police; and the Guatemalan National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala.
Trial Attorney Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Christopher M. Carter for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.
Central Falls Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
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.
Capital District Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 168 Months for Leading Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Felix Arencibia, age 40, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 168 months’ imprisonment and five years of post-imprisonment supervised release for conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution charges in connection with his distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam; and acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Arencibia admitted that between November 2022 and July 2023, he received through the United States mail at least 5,615 grams of pure methamphetamine from Christian Mur-Santana, his Nevada-based drug supplier. Arencibia then distributed the methamphetamine to drug dealers in the Capital District.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, this defendant is no longer able to traffic dangerous narcotics into our community. Dismantling the sophisticated operation run by this individual and his co-conspirators underscores the critical role of federal law enforcement working together to deliver justice for the American people. The U.S. Postal Service is a vital part of our nation’s infrastructure, not a tool for criminal organizations to exploit.”
“The sentencing of Felix Arencibia, who operated a significant drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the Capital District, marks the end of his ability to poison our communities,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Mr. Arencibia exploited the U.S. Postal Service to facilitate his drug trafficking network, fueling addiction and placing profit above human life. The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in identifying, targeting, and dismantling those who abuse our nation’s mail system to distribute deadly narcotics. We will continue pursuing those who profit from addiction and work tirelessly to protect the people of New York.”
“Today’s sentencing is an example of the resolve of U.S. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners to uncover and bring to justice drug traffickers who, through their network of criminal enterprise, prey on our communities” said acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division. “We will not tolerate these criminals distributing lethal substances such as fentanyl, destroying the lives of many who fall victim to addiction and despair. Let this be a warning that no matter where you are, you will be held accountable for your illegal activity, restoring safety to the communities we serve.”
Arencibia was the leader of the organization comprised of eight additional defendants charged in this investigation. The following defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing:
- Andrew Deleon was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Ahmad Burke was sentenced to 14 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Todd Austin was sentenced to 78 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Kevisha Duboise is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2026.
- Flor Arencibia is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2026.
- Melissa Karwan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2026.
- Christian Mur-Santana is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2026.
These cases were investigated by the DEA and USPIS. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the cases.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. he HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS/ CID), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Border Patrol (CBP/ OBP), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Field Operations (CBP/ OFO), DEA, Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), USPIS, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Department of State/Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
California Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced two California siblings to decades in prison for supplying dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine and other drugs to a criminal enterprise in southeast Missouri.
Judge Limbaugh sentenced Lorenzo A. Marquez, 32, to 360 months in prison and Adam A. Marquez, 28, to 204 months in prison. Jurors at the trial of both men in March found that they had supplied at least 500g or more of meth, 400g or more of fentanyl and 500g or more of cocaine to co-conspirators in Missouri. Jurors convicted each man of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Evidence and testimony during the trial showed that the Marquez brothers were the California-based suppliers of illegal drugs that were shipped, driven or smuggled via checked baggage on commercial airlines to Missouri. In Nashville, officers seized 2,973 fentanyl pills and 391 MDMA pills. Three drug couriers were intercepted in Detroit on their way to Southeast Missouri with about 60 pounds of meth and almost three pounds of cocaine. In Perry County, Missouri, investigators found about 20 pounds of meth, 4.5 pounds of cocaine, and 315 grams of fentanyl in a suitcase. The couriers didn’t just take three flights, they took hundreds, a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton says. The memo says the Marquez brothers are likely the most prolific drug suppliers ever prosecuted in the history of the Southeastern Division of the Eastern District of Missouri.
The Marquez brothers were indicted along with six others on July 11, 2023. All others pleaded guilty. Javontrey L. Wiley, 25, who admitted providing security for the conspiracy leaders, drugs and cash; managed lower-level participants and personally engaged in drug trafficking, was sentenced to 144 months. Oluwasegun Odumuyiwa, 52, who was also a California-based supplier, was sentenced to 76 months in prison.
The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Department of Public Safety, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Cape Girardeau Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Shelton and Paul Hahn are prosecuting the case.
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.
Burlington Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Burlington man, Derrick Becker, 51, was sentenced on Monday to 180 months by U.S. District Judge S. Chad Meredith for possession of child pornography.
On July 23, 2025, law enforcement conducted a search warrant on Becker’s residence and seized his electronic storage devices. An examination of the devices revealed over 7,000 unique digital images and over 80 unique digital videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including depictions of minors engaged in bondage and in bestiality. Becker admitted that he knew the production of the images and videos on the storage devices involved the use of minors and that they were sent over the internet.
Becker had previously been convicted of possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor in January 2017.
Under federal law, Becker must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Les K. Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Buffalo man arrested, charged with throwing a brick at the window of the FBIRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Octavio Smith, 47, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with depredation of government property, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, in November 2022, Smith threw a brick at a window of the FBI Buffalo Field Office and was immediately detained by on-site security personnel. When Buffalo Police officers arrived, Smith stated that he wanted to talk to the FBI and that he did this to “get the FBI’s attention.” Smith was taken into custody and told FBI agents “I’m a threat.” He was charged with depredation of government property, which was ultimately dismissed with prejudice.
On June 25, 2026, Smith again was observed throwing a brick at a window of the FBI Building and was detained. He was initially arrested by Buffalo Police officers and charged with mischief.
Smith made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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