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26 June 2026
Child Predator Sentenced to 320 Months in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man was sentenced to 320 months in prison to be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
“The defendant preyed on children for his own sexual gratification and the sexual gratification of other adults. Today, he was held accountable. Prosecuting those who victimize children by feeding the market for child pornography will always be a top priority of our Office.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the victims of Nunez and others,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “The fact that the subject was brazen enough to watermark his victims’ images highlights the importance of getting this predator off the street as the utmost priority.”
Julio Nunez, 29, of West New York, New Jersey, was sentenced on June 22, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From 2020 through 2024, Nunez posed as a woman to entice hundreds of young boys to send him CSAM. Nunez repeatedly victimized many of these children, returning year after year to solicit CSAM from his victims. Nunez proudly shared and profited from the images and videos that he had created. He wanted the world to know that it was he—“The Artist,” as he grotesquely styled himself—who created the CSAM and he watermarked “his” content with this moniker to communicate to other abusers that this was his work. In this regard, Nunez is directly responsible for the feeding of the market that results in immeasurable harm to victims of sex abuse. Since Nunez’s arrest, the FBI has identified CSAM that Nunez created on other offenders’ electronic devices. This investigation has led to the arrest and prosecution of other offenders not just in the United States, but around the world.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit, the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, for investigating the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Taj Moore of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Defense counsel: Candace Hom, Esq.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly Eight Years in Prison for Fraudulently Arranging Utility Services in Exchange for FeesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to nearly eight years in federal prison for fraudulently arranging utility services to be provided to 2,000 properties in exchange for fees.
DAVID W. BROWN offered to arrange electricity and natural gas services for residential and commercial properties in the Chicago area in return for fees. After finding property owners and tenants willing to pay him, Brown opened new accounts for utility services at their addresses, knowing that neither he nor the purported customer intended to pay for it. Brown knew it would typically take from 90 days to several months for the utility companies to disconnect service for lack of payment, allowing the addresses to receive free services for significant periods of time.
Brown opened the accounts using false customer names and identifying information to deceive the service providers. Once a utility company initiated the process to terminate service, Brown often continued the service by fraudulently opening new accounts in the names of different false customers at the same address.
Brown typically received payments ranging from $50 to $150 every few months from the property owners and tenants who received the services. From 2017 to 2024, Brown caused Commonwealth Edison, Nicor Gas, and People’s Gas to fraudulently provide at least $8.5 million in services to more than two thousand residential and commercial properties in the Chicago area.
Brown, 56, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to a federal wire fraud charge. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge LaShonda A. Hunt sentenced Brown to 92 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay approximately $8.5 million in restitution to Commonwealth Edison, Nicor Gas, and People’s Gas.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.
“Defendant’s scheme caused significant losses to local utility service providers,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick D. Young argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The fees collected by defendant demonstrate that his primary motivation was to benefit himself.”
Chicago Man Charged with Transporting Child Pornography on Flight to MexicoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been charged with transporting child pornography on a flight from Chicago to Mexico.
THOMAS NEAL, 42, possessed images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone when he flew from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago to Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 17, 2026, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Upon arrival, Neal was selected for secondary screening by Mexican border authorities, at which time the authorities observed images on Neal’s phone that constituted child pornography, the complaint states. Mexican border authorities secured Neal’s phone and other luggage, which included two laptops and six electronic storage devices, and placed him and the luggage on a flight to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, the complaint states.
Upon arrival in Houston, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents reviewed Neal’s phone pursuant to their border search authority and observed hundreds of files that constitute child pornography, the complaint states. Neal is currently employed as a teacher at a high school in the Northern District of Illinois, the complaint states.
The complaint charges Neal with one count of transportation of child pornography. The charge is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in a federal prison and a maximum of 20 years.
Neal is currently detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on June 29, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes in Chicago.
The complaint was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of HSI. Substantial assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin Walgamuth.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
neal_complaint.pdfChicago Man Arrested in Connection with Planned Violent Attack at Ultimate Fighting Championship Event at White HouseRead the Press Release
A Chicago man has been arrested in connection with the planned violent attack at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House earlier this month.
Alexander Iniguez Mercado, 20, of Chicago, was allegedly an administrator and member of Signal messaging groups that included members who appeared to communicate with others regarding the planning of a violent attack targeting the UFC event at the White House on June 14, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Seven other individuals from multiple states have been charged in connection with the planning of the violent attack. More information about the other defendants charged as part of this investigation is here and here.
According to the indictment against Mercado, the day before the UFC event, a special agent from the FBI spoke with Mercado by telephone. The agent informed Mercado that he was calling to discuss online threats regarding the UFC event, and he asked whether Mercado planned to travel to Washington, D.C., to help with the attack, the indictment states. Mercado allegedly denied those plans and advised the agent that he did not want to meet with the agent. Mercado then uninstalled the Signal application on his phone, which caused the data on his phone relating to those messages to become unavailable, the indictment states.
Mercado is charged with obstruction of justice. If convicted, the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison. Mercado was arrested on Thursday. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Chicago today at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes for the Northern District of Illinois.
“Obstructing justice in a law enforcement investigation into a planned violent domestic attack is a profoundly serious offense,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “The investigation in this case involved serious threats to public safety, including the safety of President Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America, other members of government, as well as the many attendees and athletes who attended the event at the White House. Any obstructive conduct to interfere with this investigation undermines the integrity of the justice system as well as the rule of law. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will pursue all appropriate charges against those who act to obstruct law enforcement investigations because safeguarding the public depends on the full, unhindered pursuit of the evidence.”
“The FBI’s most important responsibility of protecting the American people means that our personnel work 24/7/365 to evaluate the ever-changing threat landscape and disrupt acts of violence before they occur,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. “Thanks to the partnerships on the FBI Chicago’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, to include the relentless work by the U.S. Secret Service, this attack was successfully foiled before any innocent people were gravely injured or killed. While the FBI will continue to use every available resource to hold accountable those who seek to terrorize our community, we urge the public to join us in this effort by immediately calling 9-1-1, 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submitting to tips.fbi.gov if they encounter any suspicious or threatening behavior, in-person or online.”
“The safety and security of the President of the United States and all those under our protection is the U.S. Secret Service’s highest priority,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge James Morley of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Chicago Field Office. “We approach this mission with dedication and vigilance in the current heightened threat environment. Successfully carrying out our protective mission is strengthened by strong partnerships. I want to thank the FBI for its steadfast collaboration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois for its relentless pursuit of justice.”
The FBI and USSS are investigating the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is prosecuting the case with valuable assistance provided by the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chicago Man Arrested in Connection with Planned Violent Attack at Ultimate Fighting Championship Event at White HouseRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been arrested in connection with the planned violent attack at the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House earlier this month.
ALEXANDER INIGUEZ MERCADO was an administrator and member of Signal messaging groups that included members who appeared to communicate with others regarding the planning of a violent attack targeting the UFC event at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2026, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Seven other individuals from multiple states have been charged in connection with the planning of the violent attack. [See here and here for more information about the other defendants charged as part of this investigation.]
According to the indictment against Mercado, the day before the UFC event, a Special Agent from the FBI spoke with Mercado by telephone. The agent informed Mercado that he was calling to discuss online threats regarding the UFC event, and he asked whether Mercado planned to travel to Washington, D.C., to help with the attack, the indictment states. Mercado allegedly denied those plans and advised the agent that he did not want to meet with the agent. Mercado then uninstalled the Signal application on his phone, which caused the data on his phone relating to those messages to become unavailable, the indictment states.
The indictment charges Mercado, 20, of Chicago, with obstruction of justice. The charge is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
Mercado was arrested on Thursday. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Chicago today at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes.
The indictment and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and James Morley, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
“Obstructing justice in a law enforcement investigation into a planned violent domestic attack is a profoundly serious offense,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The investigation in this case involved serious threats to public safety, including the safety of President Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America, other members of government, as well as the many attendees and athletes who attended the event at the White House. Any obstructive conduct to interfere with this investigation undermines the integrity of the justice system as well as the rule of law. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will pursue all appropriate charges against those who act to obstruct law enforcement investigations because safeguarding the public depends on the full, unhindered pursuit of the evidence.”
“The FBI’s most important responsibility of protecting the American people means that our personnel work 24/7/365 to evaluate the ever-changing threat landscape and disrupt acts of violence before they occur,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “Thanks to the partnerships on the FBI Chicago’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, to include the relentless work by the U.S. Secret Service, this attack was successfully foiled before any innocent people were gravely injured or killed. While the FBI will continue to use every available resource to hold accountable those who seek to terrorize our community, we urge the public to join us in this effort by immediately calling 9-1-1, 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submitting to tips.fbi.gov if they encounter any suspicious or threatening behavior, in-person or online.”
“The safety and security of the President of the United States and all those under our protection is the U.S. Secret Service’s highest priority,” said Secret Service Acting SAC Morley. “We approach this mission with dedication and vigilance in the current heightened threat environment. Successfully carrying out our protective mission is strengthened by strong partnerships. I want to thank the FBI for its steadfast collaboration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois for its relentless pursuit of justice.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
mercado_indictment.pdfCentre County Man Charged with Conspiracy to Produce Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Morris W. Reese, age 65, of Centre County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on one charge of conspiracy to produce child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Reese conspired with others to produce child pornography from November 2024 to November of 2025.
The FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Centre County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to thirty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Billings woman sentenced to just under 3 years on drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A woman who received a package of fentanyl pills in the mail was sentenced Wednesday to two years and nine months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Makenna Rose Kramer, 27, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute and distributing fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Kramer was shipped a package with fentanyl pills that she planned to sell.
On June 12, 2024, officials obtained a search warrant to open a parcel addressed to Kramer and in it they found 108.75 grams of blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl. Law enforcement sealed up the package and placed it back in the mail, tracking it to Kramer’s Billings residence. Once it was delivered agents searched Kramer’s home and located the package.
Kramer spoke with authorities and granted permission for them to search her phone. She denied knowing what was in the package but her phone showed that she had been meticulously tracking the package’s shipment and discussing it with her roommate. Further messaging on her phone revealed Kramer had been selling fentanyl. Additionally, in a separate drug investigation, law enforcement had learned that Kramer was supplying another individual fentanyl.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
Damiene M. Varice, age 47, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison following his conviction for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall. U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles further sentenced Varice to serve four years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on July 9, 2025, at a retail business located on Greenwell Springs Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Varice sold several baggies of white powdery substances to a confidential informant working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Field testing returned positive results for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the methamphetamine mixture had a net weight of 28.0 grams and 98% purity and that the fentanyl mixture had a net weight of 3.48 grams.
U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III led the prosecution.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – Ya Hance Pierre Boston (33, Oviedo) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026. Boston’s federal sentence will commence upon the expiration of his state sentence. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on December 30, 2024, Boston, who was a multi-time prior convicted felon, pawned a Glock, G43, 9mm pistol at a pawnshop in Orlando. Boston walked into the pawnshop with the firearm inside his sweater and proceeded to the clerk’s counter. Boston provided the clerk with his identification, signed the pawnshop’s form, and inked his thumbprint on the form. The firearm Boston pawned had previously been stolen from a vehicle in Apopka. As a previously convicted felon, Boston is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Cruz.
Arizona man sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking methRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – An Arizona man who arranged for methamphetamine to be shipped to Billings was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Patrick Louis Gastelo, 47, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Gastelo arranged to receive a shipment of two pounds of methamphetamine at his girlfriend’s Billings home with the intent to sell it.
A USPS postal inspector flagged a suspicious package traveling from Calexico, California, to Billings on Nov. 7, 2022. Searching the parcel, he discovered two pounds of meth. The inspector repackaged the meth and sent the parcel onto its destination where law enforcement awaited its delivery.
At the house, the package was received by Lindsay Whitewolf. Agents searched the home and Whitewolf explained the package had been sent by Sergio Tagaban, who Gastelo had known in prison. Gastelo’s girlfriend, Angelena LaFave, confirmed that the parcel was intended for Gastelo, and that he and Tagaban were “brothers” in prison.
The women explained that the plan had been for Gastelo to work with Tagaban to arrange the shipment of the meth, which Whitewolf and LaFave would then help sell around Billings. Tagaban and LaFave were convicted of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine for their involvement. Whitewolf has pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine for her involvement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Vestal and Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to $7.7 Million Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
An Arizona woman pleaded guilty yesterday to attempting to steal more than $7.7 million in government funds by filing false tax returns with the IRS.
According to court documents, Regina Durkin, of New River, Arizona, and others, conspired to defraud the United States by submitting false quarterly employment tax returns to the IRS.
“No matter the scheme, the agency, or the program involved, those who cheat on their taxes for personal enrichment undermine the very foundation of public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The Fraud Division is working across all fronts to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal tax violations. We will protect the integrity of our tax system and ensure that those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of honest citizens face the full weight of federal prosecution.”
“Our work continues as we find and prosecute individuals like Ms. Durkin who took a benefit meant to help the public during a crisis, and used it instead to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “We are grateful to our partners at IRS-CI for their tireless efforts to seek accountability on behalf of federal taxpayers.”
Durkin conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit and paid sick and family leave credit, credits passed by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Instead, these companies were not in operation at the time, had no employees, and paid no wages.
In total, Durkin, and others, submitted fourteen fraudulent claims to the IRS that requested over $7.7 million in tax refunds.
Durkin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false claims. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11 and faces a maximum penalty of ten years 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 Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine of the District of Arizona made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
“Regina Durkin chose to steal $7.7 million from the American public through deliberate fraud—and now faces the full weight of a felony conviction,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. “Let this case be a clear warning: IRS‑CI will relentlessly pursue anyone who abuses emergency relief programs for personal gain. IRS-CI agents specialize in dismantling complex financial schemes. We will follow the money, expose the fraud, and ensure those who steal from taxpayers are held fully accountable.”
Trial Attorney Robert Kemins and Trial Attorney Matthew Hoffman of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams for the District of Arizona, are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Alabama Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Federal Dog Fighting and Firearms Charges; 78 Dogs Rescued and “Destructive Device” RecoveredRead the Press Release
Carlton Lenard Adams, of Bessemer and Adger, Alabama, was sentenced last month to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty in January to four counts of possessing dogs for fighting purposes and two counts of possessing firearms subsequent to a felony conviction. In addition to the prison sentence, the court also yesterday imposed a restitution of $548,449 for the costs of care of 78 pit bull-type dogs rescued in this investigation. At time of rescue, 78 dogs was the second-greatest number rescued from a single defendant in any federal case.
“This case demonstrates that the cruelty of dog fighting is not limited to the brutal injuries inflicted in the fighting pit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “These animals suffer before, during, and after the fights. We will continue to vigorously pursue Congress’s mandate to snuff out this illegal industry.”
“This prior convicted violent felon is now off our streets. We will show no mercy to individuals in this District like Carlton Adams that torture animals for entertainment purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. for the Northern District of Alabama. “The Department of Justice has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to prosecuting crimes against animals, and we stand ready with our law enforcement partners to swiftly bring the full force of justice to bear.”
“This case reflects the brutal reality of organized dog fighting operations and the appalling conditions these animals are forced to endure. It also exposes how dog fighting operations are often accompanied by broader criminal activity as evidenced by the presence of dangerous weapons such as the ones in the defendant’s possession,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “USDA OIG will continue working aggressively with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate animal fighting crimes and protect both public safety and animal welfare. We thank our partners in this case that helped bring this defendant to justice.”
According to court documents, Adams maintained a stock of 78 fighting dogs at three properties — two in Bessemer, Alabama, and one in Adger, Alabama. When they were rescued, some of the dogs bore scars and other injuries, and some were living in conditions of extreme neglect. Adams was also found to possess two pistols and a semi-automatic shotgun known colloquially as a “Street Sweeper.” Under federal law, a street sweeper is considered a destructive device.
In addition to the dogs, guns, and destructive device, law enforcement personnel also recovered from Adam’s residences tools and supplies used in the training and keeping of dogs used for fighting. These items included modified treadmills to hold dogs in place for conditioning, injectable veterinary steroids, suture materials and syringes, skin staplers, intravenous bags and lines, a homemade breeding stand, and a break stick device used to break the bite hold of a dog.
The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service. Following a separate, successful civil forfeiture action brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, the dogs did not have to be returned to Adams. They were instead rehabilitated and evaluated for possible adoption.
Under federal law, it is illegal not only to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce, but also to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase or receive dogs for fighting purposes.
The USDA OIG, FBI, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rummage for the Northern District of Alabama prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin Shutt for the Northern District of Alabama handled the civil forfeiture case for the dogs.
Alabama Man Sentenced on Federal Dog-Fighting and Firearms Charges; 78 Dogs Rescued and “Destructive Device” RecoveredRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Carlton Lenard Adams, of Bessemer and Adger, Alabama, was sentenced last month to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty in January to four counts of possessing dogs for fighting purposes and two counts of possessing firearms subsequent to a felony conviction. In addition to the prison sentence, the court also today imposed a restitution of $548,449 for the costs of care of 78 pit bull-type dogs rescued in this investigation. At time of rescue, 78 dogs was the second-greatest number rescued from a single defendant in any federal case.
A caged dog recovered from one of Adams’ properties. Photo was an exhibit in case United States v. Carlton Adams, No. 2:24-CR-00122, NDAL.
“This case demonstrates that the cruelty of dog fighting is not limited to the brutal injuries inflicted in the fighting pit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “These animals suffer before, during, and after the fights. We will continue to vigorously pursue Congress’s mandate to snuff out this illegal industry.”
“This prior convicted violent felon is now off our streets. We will show no mercy to individuals in this District like Carlton Adams that torture animals for entertainment purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams, Jr. “The Department of Justice has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to prosecuting crimes against animals, and we stand ready with our law enforcement partners to swiftly bring the full force of justice to bear.”
“This case reflects the brutal reality of organized dog fighting operations and the appalling conditions these animals are forced to endure. It also exposes how dog fighting operations are often accompanied by broader criminal activity as evidenced by the presence of dangerous weapons such as the ones in the defendant’s possession,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “USDA OIG will continue working aggressively with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate animal fighting crimes and protect both public safety and animal welfare. We thank our partners in this case that helped bring this defendant to justice.”
According to court documents, Adams maintained a stock of 78 fighting dogs at three properties — two in Bessemer, Alabama, and one in Adger, Alabama. When they were rescued, some of the dogs bore scars and other injuries, and some were living in conditions of extreme neglect. Adams was also found to possess two pistols and a semi-automatic shotgun, known colloquially as a “Street Sweeper.” Under federal law, a Street Sweeper is considered a destructive device.
In addition to the dogs, guns, and destructive device, law enforcement personnel also recovered from Adam’s residences tools and supplies used in the training and keeping of dogs used for fighting. These items included modified treadmills to hold dogs in place for conditioning, injectable veterinary steroids, suture materials and syringes, skin staplers, intravenous bags and lines, a homemade breeding stand, and a break stick device used to break the bite hold of a dog.
A dog recovered from one of Adams’ properties. Photo was an exhibit in case United States v. Carlton Adams, No. 2:24-CR-00122, NDAL.
The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service. Following a separate, successful civil forfeiture action brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, the dogs did not have to be returned to Adams. They were instead rehabilitated and evaluated for possible adoption.
Under federal law, it is illegal not only to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce, but also to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase or receive dogs for fighting purposes.
The USDA OIG, FBI, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rummage for the Northern District of Alabama prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin Shutt for the Northern District of Alabama handled the civil forfeiture case for the dogs.
450 New Immigration Cases Filed in Western District of Texas in 2 WeeksRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 450 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from June 12 through June 25, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons.
Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for numerous DWIs, violent crimes including assault and homicide, sex crimes against children, thefts, and multiple prior removals.
Among the new cases, convicted felon and illegal alien from Mexico, Jose Gilberto Padilla-Yepez, was arrested near Eagle Pass and charged with illegal re-entry. Padilla-Yepez has been deported four times, the last one being in August 2022. His lengthy criminal record includes a 1991 homicide conviction and three previous burglary convictions in Dallas, a conviction in Nebraska for theft over $1,500, and a conviction in Arizona for robbery, assault, sexual assault, burglary and kidnapping.
Also an illegal alien from Mexico, Juan Antonio Gonzalez Escamilla was arrested near Eagle Pass and charged with illegal re-entry. In January, Gonzalez Escamilla was convicted of illegal re-entry for the second time and deported for the sixth time immediately after. In addition to the two immigration convictions, Gonzalez Escamilla’s criminal record includes three DWI convictions.
Martin Flores-Romero was arrested and charged with illegal re-entry near Eagle Pass on June 19. Flores-Romero is an illegal alien from Mexico who was deported for the second time in December 2025. He was convicted three times in 2023: once for tampering with government records, once for assault causing bodily injury, and once for terroristic threat causing imminent fear.
Pedro Euceda-Aguero, an illegal alien from Honduras, is charged with illegal re-entry after he was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Eagle Pass on June 19. Euceda-Aguero was removed from the U.S. for the fourth time in December 2022. He has been previously convicted of four DWIs as well as escape from custody.
Illegal alien from Mexico, Francisco Javier Perez-Solis, was charged with illegal re-entry in San Antonio. Perez-Solis was encountered at the Atascosa County Jail in Jourdanton after he was arrested for assault causing bodily injury to a family member. He was transferred to ICE custody on June 24. In addition to the recent assault conviction, Perez-Solis’s criminal history includes three DWI convictions. He has been removed from the U.S. twice, the last being in June 2024.
Jose Humberto Gonzalez Calderon, an illegal alien from Mexico, was found in the Hays County Jail, where he was being held after receiving a deferred adjudication probation for a child grooming charge. He was transferred into ICE custody on June 16. Gonzalez Calderon’s criminal record includes convictions for a DWI and possession of a controlled substance in 2020, and a criminal trespass conviction in 2021. He was removed from the U.S. to Mexico in December 2021.
Carlos Emmanuel Gonzalez-Chavez, also an illegal alien from Mexico found in the Hays County Jail, was serving a sentence for assault causing bodily injury prior to being transferred to ICE custody. In 2025, he was convicted of possession of a controlled substance. Gonzalez-Chavez, who was previously removed from the U.S. in 2019, now faces a federal charge for illegal re-entry.
U.S. citizen Tony Nefi Deanda was charged with alien smuggling in El Paso. U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station apprehended eight undocumented minors near Socorro after the aliens crossed the Rio Grande River and used a ladder to climb over the international boundary fence. An investigation led the agents to identify Deanda as the alleged smuggler in contact with the apprehended aliens. Deanda was later detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry, arrested and transported to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station for further investigation. In 2021, Deanda was convicted of importation of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 37 months in prison.
Michelle Aimee Rivera, also a U.S. citizen and a convicted alien smuggler, was arrested after attempting to enter the U.S. through the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry on June 12. At the POE, her prior history of alien smuggling, including smuggling of minors, activated an alert and investigatory hold for her entry into the U.S. The investigation revealed that Rivera had allegedly smuggled a female child into the U.S. through the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry on June 5 using her daughter’s U.S. birth certificate. Rivera also stated, according to a criminal complaint, that she was paid $1,000 to smuggle the child and that she recorded a video of the video to send to a co-conspirator via cell phone, as she had been instructed to do. In 2017, Rivera was convicted of bringing in and harboring aliens and was sentenced to 24 months of probation.
Guadalupe Guerrero is charged with alien smuggling following her arrest on June 18. U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station tracked a van from Fabens to El Paso. The van was allegedly identified as being involved in a previous alien smuggling attempt in April. According to a criminal complaint, the agents observed multiple subjects, appearing wet and muddy, exit the van and enter an apartment. Later that morning, agents allegedly observed Guerrero arrive at the apartment in a large SUV. The agents investigated the apartment, which was noted in the complaint as being dirty and unkempt with scattered trash and a foul smell. Inside, the agents allegedly encountered Guerrero with her seven children. Further investigation revealed that Guerrero was allegedly housing illegal aliens and coordinating with a smuggler.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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2 Billings men plead guilty to meth trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Two men from Billings who trafficked methamphetamine around town have admitted to charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Rafael Gonzales Montanez, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine earlier this month. Montanez faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine, and at least five years of supervised release.
Aaron Wade Montoya, 60, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Montoya faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for the first count. He faces five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for the second count.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for a later date. Montanez and Montoya remained detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Montanez and Montoya were dealing methamphetamine at various bars and casinos around Billings.
An agent with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation received a tip in August 2024 that Montanez was selling methamphetamine in Billings and was often at the Reno Club. The agent, working undercover, was put in touch with Montanez, who called the agent offering to sell him an ounce of methamphetamine. The two men eventually met and over the next month the agent continued to buy increasing amounts of methamphetamine from Montanez.
After a buy in September 2024, law enforcement followed Montanez to a trailer in the Cherry Creek mobile home park in the Billings Heights, which they learned belonged to Montoya, who was on probation from an earlier drug conviction. At his probation-mandated urine test in November 2024, Montoya tested positive for methamphetamine and law enforcement received a warrant to search his home at Cherry Creek. Officers found a bag of bulk methamphetamine, three firearms, ammunition, and cash. Agents arrested him and in a subsequent interview Montoya admitted to dealing methamphetamine and that he got two of his firearms in a drug trade.
Meanwhile, Montanez reached out to the undercover DCI agent and wanted to introduce him to his new supplier because his old one had been arrested. On May 29, 2025, ATF agents arrested Montanez, who admitted he had sold methamphetamine that had been supplied to him by Montoya.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
13 defendants charged in two separate indictments for narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that 13 defendants were charged in two separate indictments with narcotics conspiracy. The following defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years:
- Terrence Phillips a/k/a Marlo a/k/a G, 35, of Buffalo, NY;
- Alexis Rivera a/k/a AR, 31, of Buffalo, NY;
- Jamel Joshua Cunningham a/k/a Jazzo, 40, of Cheektowaga, NY;
- Rokym Knox a/k/a Tommy a/k/a Roddy, 32, of Buffalo, NY;
- Kyle Phillips a/k/a Bruce, 30, of Buffalo, NY;
- Daija Mellerson, 33, of Cheektowaga, NY;
- Alazee Smith, 29, of Buffalo, NY;
- Ashley Johnson, 34, of Lancaster, NY; and
- Fernando Mercado-Vazquez, 28, of Buffalo, NY.
Some defendants are also facing additional charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, maintaining a drug involved premises, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to the indictment, beginning in September 2025, the defendants conspired to sell cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl. They used residences on West Avenue in Buffalo and Cleveland Drive in Cheektowaga to conduct their drug trafficking activities. Members of the conspiracy also utilized firearms.
The second indictment charges conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Named in the second indictment are:
- Omar Ali, 33;
- Kairo Machado-Arguedas, 26;
- Luthor Jones, 33; and
- Ahmad Elabed, 41, all of Buffalo, NY.
Some defendants are also charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, maintaining a drug involved premises, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the second indictment, beginning in December 2025, the defendants conspired to sell marijuana, utilizing residences on Connecticut Street in Buffalo and Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda to conduct their drug trafficking activities. Members also utilized firearms.
“These arrests result from an FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigation undertaken pursuant to the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which was established to, in part, rid our communities of dangerous drug traffickers who fill our streets with narcotics that too often have tragic consequences, including death,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “All too often, these drug traffickers rely on firearms and other acts of violence to hold our community hostage. This effort means there are now 13 less traffickers on the streets.”
“This operation highlights FBI Buffalo’s unwavering commitment to protecting Western New York communities,” said Allen D. Davis II, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, FBI Buffalo removed guns, drugs, and violent criminals from Buffalo neighborhoods. Our work; however, is not over. As part of Operation Summer Heat, FBI Buffalo is surging resources across Western New York to identify, investigate, and hold accountable violent criminals who threaten the safety of our communities.”
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 Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch. The indictments are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the New York State Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes, the U.S Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Clifford Jackson, the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass, U.S Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson, and the Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Stephen Kaiser, Resident Agent-in-Charge, Buffalo Resident Office. Additional assistance was provided by the FBI Cleveland Field Office and the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office.
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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25 June 2026
Woman Pleads Guilty to Nearly $1 Million Hearing Aid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Julianna C. Lung pleaded guilty in federal court today to health care fraud, admitting she marketed and sold hearing protection devices to United States Border Patrol agents, other federal employees, and their family members, then falsely billed insurance providers for what she claimed were medically-necessary hearing aids.
According to her plea agreement, Lung submitted approximately 385 fraudulent claims to health insurance plans participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. The claims falsely represented that beneficiaries suffered from hearing loss or tinnitus that required treatment.
In reality, Lung told customers the devices were intended to protect their hearing—not treat a medical condition—and assured them their insurance would cover the cost for that purpose.
As a result of the scheme, FEHB plans paid approximately $2,500 per device, totaling about $962,500 in fraudulent reimbursements.
Lung is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2026, at 9 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Manahan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California.
DEFENDANT Case Number 26cr2399-RSH
Julianna C. Lung Age: 60 San Diego, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Health Care Fraud—Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1347
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General
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.
Williston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Demetrius McIlwain, 52, of Williston, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to a location looking for a suspect alleged to have committed domestic violence. During their investigation, deputies found McIlwain in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle and a woman in the passenger seat. The deputy attempted to identify McIlwain to determine if he was involved in the incident, but McIlwain refused to cooperate. When deputies asked McIlwain to step out of the vehicle, he told them that there was a shotgun in the vehicle, then he immediately drove away. After McIlwain tried to evade the deputies, he wrecked his truck and ran.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies found an AR style pistol in the front seat, a shotgun in the back seat, and a third firearm in a toolbox in the vehicle. Deputies also found a small amount of fentanyl in the driver’s side cupholder. The passenger later identified McIlwain as the driver, and deputies further connected him to the vehicle from paperwork found inside of the truck. McIlwain was later arrested and admitted he was the driver of the vehicle.
McIlwain was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior criminal convictions for grand larceny, burglary, criminal sexual conduct, malicious injury to personal property, and assault and battery with intent to kill.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McIlwain to 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.###
Williamsport Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Darrell Crose, age 47, of Williamsport, PA, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 18 months in federal prison on a charge of failure to register as a sex offender.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, from at least January 2025 until October 28, 2025, Crose was required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and did not do so after traveling in interstate commerce, moving from Michigan back to Pennsylvania. He has a lifetime requirement to register and must report any change in residency.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.
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Violent Repeat Offender Faces Federal Firearms Charge after Alleged Shooting at Atlanta Homeless EncampmentRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Alexander Wood, a multi-convicted felon, faces a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm after he allegedly shot at a homeless encampment in downtown Atlanta and was prosecuted by local authorities for related offenses.
“After more than 20 years of racking up felony convictions in state court, Wood allegedly armed himself and shot at a homeless encampment, jeopardizing innocent lives with an unlawfully possessed firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Unrepentant and undeterred violent criminals who possess firearms despite repeated state-court convictions will be held accountable in federal court, where there is no opportunity for parole.”
“Multiple convictions at the state level have not deterred Alexander Wood from continuing his alleged life of crime,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to find and arrest dangerous criminals who repeatedly are a danger to society.”
“The Atlanta Police Department remains committed to protecting all members of our community from acts of violence and gun crime,” said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. “Our officers responded quickly and worked closely with our federal partners to ensure this incident was thoroughly investigated. We remain committed to protecting all who call Atlanta home and to strengthening the trust and collaboration we share with the communities we serve.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On October 10, 2025, Alexander Wood allegedly drove to a homeless encampment in downtown Atlanta and discharged a firearm at the encampment. After an Atlanta Police Department officer responded to the scene, Wood fled in a high-speed chase and allegedly tried to run into the police car pursuing him.
Officers arrested Wood at an apartment shortly thereafter. Under bushes near the apartment entrance, officers located a Smith & Wesson handgun. Surveillance footage allegedly showed that, moments before officers arrived, Wood ran through the area where the police found the gun.
On June 25, 2026, Alexander Wood, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, appeared in federal court and pled not guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, after a grand jury returned an indictment charging him with that crime on April 14, 2026. Wood has multiple prior felony convictions for violent crimes and drug trafficking, such as burglary, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and armed robbery. Based on that criminal history, Wood faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and could be sentenced to imprisonment for life.
In April 2026, Wood pled guilty in the Superior Court of Fulton County to fleeing from the police and several misdemeanors arising from the October 2025 shooting and was sentenced to just one year of imprisonment with credit for time served. As a result of the federal indictment, Wood is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is being held without bail.
Members of the public are reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges contained in the federal indictment, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Sara Lim is 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
U.S. Attorney Announces $2.2 Million Settlement with Urologists for Submitting False Claims to MedicareRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), Naomi Gruchacz, announced that the United States has settled a civil healthcare fraud lawsuit against DR. ROBERT SIMON, a New Jersey-based urologist, and DR. NICOLE FLEISCHMANN, a New York-based urologist. The settlement resolves claims that SIMON and FLEISCHMANN violated the False Claims Act by repeatedly subjecting their patients to medically unnecessary surgical procedures in connection with an implantable neurostimulation medical device and then improperly obtaining payments from Medicare for these same unnecessary procedures.
Under the settlement, which was approved yesterday by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, SIMON will pay a total sum of $1,112,695.88 plus interest, and FLEISCHMANN will pay a total sum of $1,101,044.80 plus interest. As a part of the settlement, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also made extensive factual admissions regarding their conduct. Among other things, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN admitted that they each caused Medicare to pay claims for implantations of a neurostimulation medical device that were not medically reasonable and necessary and did not comply with Medicare’s billing rules and guidance.
“Dr. Simon and Dr. Fleischmann performed unnecessary surgical procedures on their patients who suffered from urinary incontinence and then billed a taxpayer-funded program for these procedures,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This illegal scheme violated the trust at the heart of doctor-patient relationships and our healthcare system. This Office is committed to holding medical providers accountable, protecting patient care, and safeguarding the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs.”
“Health care providers who perform medically unnecessary services can pose a significant risk to patients, especially when pre-operative tests are not completed appropriately and follow-up procedures are performed without sufficient justification,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG continuously works with key law enforcement partners to seek resolutions that hold accountable individuals who exploit federal health care programs.”
As alleged in the Complaint:
The InterStim device is designed to treat urinary incontinence by sending electrical stimulation to a patient’s sacral nerve. InterStim’s implantable components include a neurostimulator, a battery, and a thin wire—known as a lead—that connects to the sacral nerve, as well as other components that facilitate transmission of electrical impulses to the sacral nerve. Relevant Medicare rules require that before a doctor may permanently implant an InterStim device, the patient must have had a successful test stimulation that met specific defined criteria. The test stimulation is designed to determine whether the InterStim device is likely to be successful in improving the patient’s urinary incontinence.
From January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2022, FLEISCHMANN violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims to Medicare for medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim surgical procedures by failing to perform the required preoperative testing before implanting the InterStim device into patients and unnecessarily implanting two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure.
Similarly, from January 1, 2011, through October 18, 2021 (the “Simon Covered Period”), SIMON violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims to Medicare for medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim surgical procedures by: failing to perform the required preoperative testing before implanting the InterStim device into a patient; unnecessarily implanting two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure; performing medically unreasonable and unnecessary battery and InterStim device replacement and revision surgeries; and improperly billing Medicare twice for removing the lead used to stimulate a patient’s sacral nerve during preoperative testing.
SIMON frequently performed unnecessary procedures on patients to replace the InterStim batteries after the InterStim device had been implanted into his patients, despite the fact that there was often no indication that these batteries needed to be replaced.
SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also frequently implanted two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure, in a procedure known as bilateral implantation. They did this without conducting the required preoperative test to determine that one InterStim device would effectively treat the patient’s urinary incontinence, much less that two InterStim devices would be more effective than one.
As part of the settlement, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN admitted and accepted responsibility for certain of their own respective conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:
- SIMON and FLEISCHMANN were aware that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) had issued a National Coverage Determination (“NCD”)—which is a binding statement by CMS setting a national policy granting, limiting, or excluding Medicare coverage for a specific medical item or service—concerning the implantation of sacral nerve stimulators, such as InterStim, to treat urinary incontinence.
- Specifically, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN were aware that in 2002 CMS issued NCD 230.18, which stated that in order to establish that a permanent InterStim implantation is medical necessary, a patient must first undergo a successful test stimulation during which the patient demonstrates a 50% or greater improvement. This improvement is measured through voiding diaries, which are used by the patient to record their symptoms of urinary incontinence.
- SIMON and FLEISCHMANN primarily performed a percutaneous nerve evaluation test (“PNE”) before permanently implanting the InterStim device into patients. The PNE is supposed to take place over at least three, and up to seven, days. SIMON and FLEISCHMANN repeatedly billed Medicare for permanent InterStim implantations despite failing to first complete a successful PNE. Instead of completing a full PNE, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN frequently conducted an abbreviated test. Further, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also failed to collect and keep the voiding diaries required by NCD 230.18.
- SIMON also admitted and accepted responsibility for additional conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:
- During the Simon Covered Period, SIMON rarely concluded that a PNE did not support a permanent implantation—doing so for approximately 3% of his patients who received a PNE. In these instances, SIMON contemporaneously recorded in his office notes that the PNE did not support a permanent InterStim implantation. Nevertheless, in each of these cases, SIMON still performed a permanent implantation of the InterStim device and falsely documented in his surgical notes that the PNE had been successful.
- During the Simon Covered Period, SIMON frequently performed medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim device revision and replacement surgeries on his patients and then billed Medicare for these procedures. Specifically, SIMON often surgically removed and replaced InterStim batteries within three years or less of the implantation, despite the fact that InterStim batteries were supposed to last for approximately five years.
- SIMON also frequently replaced InterStim neurostimulators and added a second InterStim device for patients who started with one InterStim device, without any objective evidence that the neurostimulator needed to be replaced or that the patient would benefit from the implantation of a second InterStim device.
In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.
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Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HHS-OIG.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison M. Rovner is in charge of the case.
Two Mexican Nationals Charged in Drone-Based Methamphetamine Smuggling Scheme at Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Alexandria – On June 23, 2026, two criminal complaints were filed charging Gustavo Mendoza-Alvarez, 25, and Osvaldo Lopez-Sanchez, 28, both of Mexico, with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Both defendants face up to life in federal prison on the charged offenses.
“These charges reflect the serious danger posed by smugglers who attempt to deliver narcotics into our federal prison system and who endanger innocent motorists and law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “We will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to stop the flow of drugs into correctional facilities and ensure accountability for those who carry out these dangerous schemes.”
According to court documents, the investigation began on June 14, 2026, when the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office received reports of a drone flying near the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana (FCC-Pollock). Detectives responding to the area found recent footprints and observed a vehicle with Texas license plates attempting to avoid law enforcement. During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle—driven by Lopez-Sanchez with Mendoza-Alvarez as the passenger—struck a marked Grant Parish patrol vehicle and later collided head-on with a Ford F-350. Both men were taken into custody, and a search of their phones revealed images of a drone, THC wax, and what appeared to be methamphetamine.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at a nearby hotel where they located approximately 446 grams of methamphetamine, 114 grams of marijuana, THC vapes, 21 cell phones, a wallet containing Mendoza-Alvarez’s Mexican voter ID, assorted ammunition, spare drone propellers, and a drone operator harness, as depicted below:
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Alexandria Resident Agency, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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. The case number for this matter is currently pending assignment.
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CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov
United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Twice-Convicted Sex Offender Charged with Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A complaint was unsealed this week in U.S. District Court charging Jason Robert Birk, 50, of the District of Columbia, with distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Birk’s residence and recovered his cell phone and laptop. A review of the phone showed that Birk distributed videos showing the sexual abuse of children by adult males and sexual acts between animals and adult males. On April 26, 2026, Birk distributed two videos depicting the violent sexual abuse of a toddler by an adult male. Birk has two prior convictions for sex offenses, including a 2019 conviction for distribution of child pornography.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Janani Iyengar.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Twelve Charged in Federal Takedown of Drug Operation Run by Inmate in the Westville Correctional FacilityRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Twelve individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging their participation in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances throughout central Indiana. The charges follow a months-long investigation led by the Crossroads of America Homeland Security Task Force. The defendants and the charges they face are as follows:
Defendant Charge(s)Justin Veal, 37, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesSade Butler, 27, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances (two counts)Adrian Swift, 39, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances (two counts)Shawnlisa Nevels, 44, Fort WayneConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesBobby Young, 51, AndersonConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesDontrell Cole, 24, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesJared Schloerb, 52, IndianapolisConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesMegan Daniels, 49, Columbus, INConspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled SubstancesScott Foor, 45, IndianapolisDistribute of 50 Grams of MethamphetamineDaquel Jones, 35, IndianapolisPossession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams of Methamphetamine Dawud Quarles, 33, IndianapolisUnlawful Use of Communication FacilityLarry Craig, 54, Indianapolis Unlawful Use of Communication FacilityAccording to the indictment, Justin Veal, operating from within the Westville Correctional Facility in Westville, Indiana, led a drug‑trafficking organization responsible for distributing hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics across the Southern District of Indiana. At Veal’s direction, co‑conspirators Sade Butler of Indianapolis and Shawnlisa Nevels of Fort Wayne obtained methamphetamine, cocaine, Suboxone, and fentanyl from various suppliers and distributed the drugs to customers in Anderson, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and several other Indiana communities.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized the following contraband and proceeds of criminal activity:
- 13 firearms, including select-fire weapons with drum magazines
- 130 pounds of methamphetamine
- 550 grams of cocaine
- 241 grams of fentanyl
- 25 Suboxone Strips
- 1750 grams of synthetic cannabinoid (“spice”)
- Several thousand counterfeit fentanyl pills
- Heroin
- Cash
- A pill press with drug residue
- High-value jewelry
- 15 cell phones
- 2 vehicles
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Patrick Gibson, who are prosecuting this case.
This operation 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. Crossroads HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Services, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indiana National Guard, Indiana State Police, HIDTA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Plainfield Police Department, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Tioga County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tristan Kovacs, age 22, of Waverly, New York, pled guilty on June 17, 2026, in federal court to sexual exploitation of a child and transportation of child pornography announced First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Kovacs admitted that in April of 2025, he produced a sexually explicit image of himself and a 10-year-old female child which Kovacs then uploaded to a pornographic website where other users could access and download the image.
The sexual exploitation charge against Kovacs carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in federal prison and maximum sentence of 30 years while the charge of transportation of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of five years and maximum sentence of 20 years. Both charges carry a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Kovacs will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Sentencing is currently scheduled for October 6, 2026, in Utica, New York before United States District Judge, Anthony J. Brindisi.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This defendant has finally admitted the reprehensible conduct he engaged in which included his victimization of a nine-year-old child. My office will now ensure the defendant spends decades in federal prison where he belongs. Let this be a message to others who target and exploit children: we will find you, we will charge you, and we will put you behind bars.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Kovacs’ depraved abuse caused irreparable trauma to the child he victimized. This plea ensures he will spend at least the next two decades in federal prison. This investigation should send a strong message to any predator looking to perpetuate the abuse of our most vulnerable that the FBI will find you and send you to prison where you belong.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the New York State Police with assistance from the Waverly New York Police Department and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Thirteen Indicted in Albany-Based Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jahquel Robertson, 31, of Albany, and twelve others were charged in April with participation in a large-scale bank fraud scheme involving over $1 million dollars in stolen checks, according to a fourteen-count indictment fully unsealed June 16th in the Northern District of New York.
The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Anthony Patrone, Special Agent in Charge (Acting) of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Matthew M. Modafferi, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
According to the indictment, Robertson, a/k/a “Jolly;” Nathaniel Williams, 35, of New York City; Anisa Marie Figueroa, 35, of Albany; Tyler Whittingham, 30, of New York City; Mishak Sam-Hinton, 29, of Newark, New Jersey; Britani Williams, 26, of North Adams, Massachusetts; Kedar Morton, 35, of Albany; Ray Hernandez, 28, of Albany; Slyvia Harris Thomas, 22, of Troy; Ladezma Scurry, 32, of Schenectady; Raheen Williams, 30, of Albany; Kaitlyn Thompson, 38, of Albany; and Emahnee Shelton, 28, of Schenectady, allegedly conspired to defraud various businesses, individuals, and financial institutions throughout the United States using stolen, forged and counterfeited financial instruments to fraudulently obtain money under the control of financial institutions.
As alleged, Robertson received more than $1,000,000 of checks stolen out of the mail by bribing a corrupt United States Postal Service employee. The USPS employee provided Robertson with checks that were originally mailed to or sent by individuals and businesses in the Northern District of New York. The indictment alleges that Robertson and his coconspirators then used personal identifying information and banking information of willing participants in the scheme to attempt to make fraudulent deposits of checks designed to appear identical to those stolen by the USPS employee. The defendants have been arraigned in Albany, New York over the last several weeks, and have been released on conditions pending trial before United States District Court Judge Anne M. Nardacci.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone said: “Jolly and his merry band of alleged co-conspirators attempted to defraud national financial institutions by depositing fraudulent checks into theirs and others bank accounts then quickly move to withdraw the funds. As alleged in the indictment, he bribed a public official to do so and committed a host of other federal crimes in the process. We will work quickly to seek justice against these defendants and are thankful for our legion of partners in this matter, including HSI, the USPS-OIG, and the NYSP.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone stated: “These charges describe a far-reaching bank fraud scheme that diverted more than a million dollars in stolen checks and victimized honest residents, businesses, and financial institutions that sustain our communities. HSI Albany remains firmly dedicated to uncovering and disrupting fraud schemes that prey on hardworking people and exploit the banking and mail systems for personal gain. Working in close coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, HSI continues to prioritize safeguarding the public and protecting the integrity of our financial systems."
“Postal Service employees hold positions of public trust, and allegations involving mail theft, check fraud, or bribery are taken seriously. The USPS OIG remains committed to working with our partners to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail and hold those who exploit it accountable. We appreciate the continued partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HSI, and the New York State Police.” Said Matthew M. Modafferi, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office USPS-OIG.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As alleged, these individuals concocted a scheme to engage in fraud and theft for the purpose of depriving unsuspecting individuals out of their rightfully owed money. Our members and law enforcement partners have once again removed deceptive criminals from our community, putting an end to fraudulent and dishonest acts. I applaud the work of all those involved for holding these bad actors accountable and pursuing a justice for the victims.”
The indictment further alleges that Robertson and his co-conspirators committed a variety of federal criminal violations, including bribing a public official, receipt of stolen mail, engaging in transactions in criminally derived property, use of fraudulent financial instruments, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. Not all defendants are alleged to have committed all crimes listed in the indictment.
The charges against Robertson, Figueroa, Whittingham, and Shelton, which include aggravated identity theft, carry a mandatory minimum of two years. The bank fraud conspiracy charges against all defendants carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of up to five years. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HSI, USPS-OIG, and New York State Police are investigating the case, with assistance from the Rensselaer Police Department, Cohoes Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is 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.
The District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force Charges Money Laundering Operation Tied to Nearly $3 Billion Dollar Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force Charges Money Laundering Operation Tied to Nearly $3 Billion Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme
Multi-Agency Operation Targeted International Network Accused of Laundering Proceeds from Health Care Fraud Scheme Built on Stolen Identities of Citizens from New Hampshire, Across New England, and the United States
CONCORD- U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announced today that two alleged associates of a Transnational Criminal Organization have been charged for their roles to launder proceeds of a nearly $3 billion dollar health care fraud scheme as part of the Justice Department’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges are the result of the partnership between the District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force and represent the single largest health care fraud-related money laundering prosecution in New Hampshire history.
“These charges expose the staggering scale of fraud and money laundering that Transnational Criminal Organizations are willing to inflict on our health care system and the people of New Hampshire. This was not a local scheme. It was a transnational operation that stole the identities of New England patients and doctors to defraud our health care system of nearly $3 billion in intended losses and then launder those proceeds internationally to escape detection. Working alongside the New England Strike Force, we tracked that money. The people of New England deserve a health care system free from this kind of exploitation, and my Office will continue to pursue these criminal networks when they target New Hampshire,” said Erin Creegan, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire.
According to court documents, Kakha Bendeliani, 48, and Goga Danelia, 37, both of the country of Georgia, were charged with conspiring to commit money laundering in connection with a nationwide health care fraud scheme in which nearly $3 billion in fraudulent claims were submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment (“DME”). As a result of the claims, Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurers paid at least approximately $12.5 million to Centennial Med Supply LLC (“Centennial”), a fraudulent DME company linked to Bendeliani and Danelia.
Both Bendeliani and Danelia allegedly laundered proceeds for the Transnational Criminal Organization that perpetuated the largest health care fraud intended loss case ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice, as uncovered by Operation Gold Rush. The Organization, based in Russia and elsewhere, orchestrated a multi-billion-dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme to target, exploit, and steal from Medicare, other government-sponsored health insurance programs, and private health insurance companies.
As alleged in charging documents, the fraudulent claims relied, in part, on the stolen identities of citizens from New Hampshire, across New England, and throughout the United States to justify the fraudulent billings. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including the elderly and disabled Americans, reported their concerns to Medicare and its contractors after receiving explanation of benefit forms that reflected them purportedly receiving DME that they did not in fact receive, that was purportedly prescribed by doctors whom they had never visited, and purportedly delivered from DME companies with which they were unfamiliar.
As further alleged, the Organization exploited the United States’ financial system by depositing insurance reimbursement checks from the fraud. The health care fraud proceeds were particularly susceptible to laundering because they originated from legitimate sources—Medicare and established private insurance carriers—giving the funds the initial appearance of legitimacy. To gain access to the United States’ financial system, the Organization deployed a range of tactics to circumvent internal controls at multiple banks and in some cases coordinated directly with associates employed at the banks, and, in doing so, exposed United States banks to substantial compliance risk.
As further alleged, to open financial accounts, the Organization armed its nominee owners, many of whom were not lawfully present in the United States, with false sale documentation and false corporate registration documents. This documentation falsely reflected that the nominee owners maintained beneficial ownership and control of various fraudulent DME companies. This disguised the true beneficial ownership and control of the companies and the financial accounts. Upon opening the financial accounts, the Organization funneled fraud proceeds from Medicare and other legitimate health care insurers into the accounts as seemingly “clean” money. From there, the Organization siphoned off the funds to shell companies and various banks overseas.
Surveillance showing Goga Danelia at a financial institution during the conspiracy
Surveillance showing Kakha Bendeliani at a financial institution during the conspiracy
“This transnational operation is accused of defrauding Medicare out of big money by using vulnerable patients, including many right here in New England, as pawns,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “The FBI would like to thank the hundreds of thousands of Americans who noticed that Medicare was being billed for catheters they either did not need, or did not receive, and reported it. By working together, we increase our chances of bringing those who fleece the U.S. government to justice.”
“Criminal efforts to steal billions from Medicare are, at their core, a direct theft from the pockets of America’s taxpayers,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “As alleged, these defendants helped launder millions in fraudulent Medicare proceeds overseas, and HHS-OIG will use every tool at our disposal to bring to justice those who participate in schemes that target federal health care programs.”
“These charges demonstrate the VA OIG’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of claims submitted to VA healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, the New England Strike Force, and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.”
“Millions of dollars that should have gone to patients with legitimate medical needs were siphoned away and sent to overseas accounts by this wide-ranging fraud scheme,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. “The FBI’s health care fraud teams will continue to expose the criminals illegally taking hard-earned money from American taxpayers.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, and Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and John W. Howard of the New England Strike Force.
The New England Strike Force, led by DOJ Assistant Chief Kevin Lowell, is a specialized white-collar enforcement team dedicated to investigating and prosecuting complex fraud schemes impacting the New England health care market. Leveraging sophisticated analytics and tools as well as financial-tracing techniques, the Strike Force partners with investigative agencies to target individuals and entities involved in criminal activity that undermines the integrity of the U.S. health care system and harms New England residents. Complementing its fraud-detection efforts, the Strike Force tracks and traces the flow of illicit funds laundered as a result of these schemes for seizure and forfeiture.
These charges are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 455 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes that involved over $6.5 billion in alleged fraud.
The charges are the result of investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Stafford man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing two women at an intelligence conferenceRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Stafford man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison following his conviction for sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, and making false statements.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in July 2022, Michael A. Dillard, 63, who at that time was Deputy Director of Facilities for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and a retired U.S. Army Colonel, attended an intelligence conference at a U.S. government facility in Williamsburg in July 2022. On July 27, 2022, Dillard sexually abused a victim who worked for him after he instructed her to follow him to his hotel room and assaulted her while impeding her from leaving his room. After she was able to leave, she reported Dillard’s abuse to a work colleague. Base police encountered another victim in Dillard’s hotel room early the next morning during a welfare check after colleagues reported that she did not appear at the conference. The victim was taken to the base clinic for care.
In 2023, the victims each filed EEOC complaints based upon Dillard’s actions. Dillard denied the complaints against him and provided a written statement in which he falsely stated that he had no sexual contact at all with the victims and that there was no physical activity of a sexual nature.
The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt prosecuted the case.
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. 4:24-cr-47.
Springfield man convicted at trial of federal firearms and explosives chargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a dual U.S.-Jordanian citizen today on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm and improper storage of explosive materials.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on March 18, 2025, deputies with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) served a writ of eviction against Amer Taisir Zghailat Qaralleh, 42, at a residence in Springfield. Deputies observed several firearms in plain view. Deputies secured four firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun. When asked if there were any additional weapons inside the residence, Qarallah indicated there was another firearm in a backpack in the living room. Deputies located the backpack and found the firearm as well as four explosive devices.
The shotgun Qaralleh possessed was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.
Zghailat Qaralleh is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces up to 10 years in prison for possession of an unregistered firearm and up to a year in prison for improper storage of explosive materials. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated this case with assistance from FCSO.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Robert Strange 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.
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. 1:26-cr-2.
South Carolina Man Convicted of Transporting a Minor Across State Lines for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Michael Holland, 37, a former resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty in federal court to transporting a minor across state lines with intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a). United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the results of the court proceedings today.
According to information presented in court, in November 2024, Holland traveled from his home in South Carolina to Jackson, Tennessee to pick up a 12-year-old girl that he had been communicating with over Snapchat for several months. After picking her up, Holland drove the minor back to his home in South Carolina. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were ultimately able to locate the minor at Holland’s residence.
The minor told investigators that Holland performed several sexual acts on her after they arrived at his home. A search of Holland’s cell phone corroborated the minor’s statements, as investigators located several photographs and videos on Holland’s phone which showed him engaging in various sexual acts with the minor at his residence.
This case is pending before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson. Holland is scheduled to be sentenced in September of this year. Holland is facing a mandatory-minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “This case demonstrates the horrifying danger posed by predators who lure, exploit, and abuse innocent children using social media and the internet. It also demonstrates our federal law enforcement partners’ outstanding abilities to track offenders and rescue victims. We will vigorously seek significant punishment for this sick and despicable offender, and any others like him.”
This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Columbia, South Carolina and Jackson, Tennessee. Anyone with additional information as to this case or concerning Holland is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or online at tips@fbi.gov.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
Jorge Monrroy, age 24, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court to 15 years’ imprisonment. On February 5, 2026, Monrroy pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.
At the plea hearing, Monrroy admitted that between June 30 and July 2, 2025, he sexually exploited a minor female. Monrroy admitted to providing alcohol to the minor, getting her intoxicated, recording a video of the two having sexual intercourse on the minor’s phone, and sending the video to himself. Evidence further showed that Monrroy received, possessed, and distributed child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Monrroy to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Monrroy remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 25-4050.
Sidney Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Sidney man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for receiving child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Jeremy Grignon, 30, to five years in prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution.
According to court records, Grignon used online platforms, including Snap and the now-shuttered Omegle, to receive images and videos of minor females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the videos were sent from the minors themselves.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit–Special Victims investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
Second Federal Inmate Indicted Following Attack at Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Francisco Avalos, 28, an inmate in a Federal Correctional Institution, was indicted by a federal grand jury for accessory after the fact and possessing contraband in prison. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Avalos is the second person to be indicted for an alleged incident on April 18, 2024. Jose Melendez-Rivera was indicted by a federal grand jury for assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and possessing contraband in prison. Read more here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/federal-inmate-indicted-multiple-assault-charges-and-possession-contraband.
Avalos appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
The case was a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher C. Patterson and Eric Welch are 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.
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.
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing a Threatening LetterRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – George Russell Isbell, Jr. (69, San Diego, California) has pleaded guilty to mailing a threatening communication. Isbell faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on or about September 18, 2025, Isbell mailed an angry, offensive, and threatening letter from San Diego, California to his victim, a media personality located in Tampa, Florida. In the letter, he referenced one of the victim’s friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who, tragically, had recently been murdered during a public engagement on a college campus. The letter went on to state:
“Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
Saipan Businessman Sentenced to 12 months Home Detention for Visa FraudRead the Press Release
SAIPAN, CNMI – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Angel Paras Cruz, Jr., age 82, was sentenced to three years of probation with the condition he serve 12 months in home detention, for Visa Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1546. The Court also imposed a $15,000 fine, $28,273.31 in restitution, and a mandatory $300 special assessment fee.
From August 2023 to January 2024, Cruz petitioned six workers from the Republic of the Philippines under the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) Visa Program. He provided the applicants, as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), false and misleading information relating to the applicants’ wages, work hours, compensation, and duties to be performed. Instead of adhering to the contracts and information provided on the I-129CW forms, Cruz used fear and intimidation to force the six CW-1 applicants to work above the 40-hour work week, demanding they work nights and weekends without pay, and forced them to live in unsafe and degrading conditions. Cruz also confiscated some of the workers’ passports and personal documents.
“The Department of Justice will fight any abuse of the CW-1 program,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Employers will be held accountable for exploiting lawful foreign workers. This case demonstrates our continuing commitment to combating fraud in our districts.”
“HSI investigates visa fraud and other crimes related to foreign travelers such as forced labor, drug smuggling, and human trafficking,” said CJ Ammons, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations. “Today’s sentencing underscores our commitment to identifying and dismantling groups that exploit U.S. trade, travel, and financial systems, and to ensuring those who violate the law are held accountable.”
“Protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents and the welfare of those who depend on them is central to the Diplomatic Security Service’s mission,” said Stephen F. Zagami, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Honolulu Resident Office. “The sentencing of Angel Cruz sends a strong deterrent message: those who abuse the visa system to exploit vulnerable workers will not be able to hide and will be held accountable. We commend the victims for coming forward and are proud to have played a role in bringing the individual who committed these heinous crimes to justice.”
“This case serves as a prime example of the strong relationship USCIS maintains with our law enforcement partners,” said USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler. “Through ongoing interagency cooperation and coordination, we were able to bring this case to a successful conclusion and hold this bad actor responsible for visa fraud. This outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to strengthening the American immigration system.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, with the assistance of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Saipan, DSS - Honolulu Resident Office, and USCIS.
Assistant United States Attorney Garth R. Backe, prosecuted this case in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Richland County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — David Omar Echevarria, 41, of Richland County has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug conspiracy.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the FBI learned that Echevarria was receiving cocaine shipments from Puerto Rico to North and South Carolina. Once the packages were received, Echevarria would distribute both small and large amounts of cocaine to local dealers. During their investigation, the FBI made several purchases of cocaine from Echevarria. In total, the FBI estimates that Echevarria distributed more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
United States District Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Echevarria to 120 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.###
Richford, VT Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
RUTLAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 25, 2026, Jeffrey Brown, 35, of Richford, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 36 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Brown previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in August of 2025, Brown was in regular disputes with his neighbors in Richford, Vermont. During one of the disputes, Brown pointed a handgun at his neighbor. Children were present during this armed confrontation. Brown is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony convictions for Harassment and Threatening which he received in Connecticut state courts.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt thanked the Vermont State Police and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their work in investigating the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles. Jeffrey Brown was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington — First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on May 20, 2026, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Robert Joseph McNabb, age 35, to 180 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to trafficking significant amounts of fentanyl while on federal supervision.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane Police Department identified a Mexico-based distribution network operating in the greater Spokane area. Through surveillance and vehicle tracking data, they identified a particular residence in Spokane Valley as a location where couriers for this organization would drop off large quantities of controlled substances for further distribution into the community. Messages located on a cell phone for one of the couriers identified Robert McNabb as the recipient of the drugs at that residence. The messages further indicated McNabb had just received approximately ½ kilogram of fentanyl powder in exchange for $18,000.
Investigators also learned of an active arrest warrant for McNabb’s multiple violations of his federal supervised release conditions. McNabb was previously convicted of distribution of methamphetamine in 2019 and served a 5-year federal sentence. He was released onto federal supervision in March of 2023 and, based upon this investigation, quickly returned to trafficking drugs.
On October 7, 2025, a search warrant was executed on residence where McNabb was living in the basement with a 16-year-old female, who later advised that she was McNabb’s girlfriend; she also advised that they used drugs together. In their shared bedroom, under the bed, law enforcement located approximately 450 grams (just short of ½ kilogram) of pressed fentanyl powder, a scale, and unused baggies to package the fentanyl. In a backpack on one side of the bed, law enforcement located a loaded firearm, U.S. Currency, and a wallet containing McNabb’s identification. On the other side of the bed, law enforcement located a pink backpack that contained high school paperwork.
First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said, “Our office takes peddling fentanyl and recidivism seriously. While some in the criminal justice system seize the opportunity to better their lives after serving their sentence, others, like McNabb, do not. McNabb is a repeat offender, who, while under court supervision, continued to traffic poison to our community – he also preyed on a child. This child should have never been exposed to an offender like McNabb, nor to the poison he peddled. McNabb, as a convicted felon, should never have possessed a firearm, but he did, exposing it and fentanyl to this child. My office will prosecute repeat offenders, especially dangerous ones like McNabb, and we will seek sentences that protect our community.”
“Robert McNabb showed a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of our community when he continued trafficking dangerous amounts of fentanyl even while under federal supervision,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence reflects DEA’s commitment to hold repeat offenders accountable and protect Americans from the deadly threat of fentanyl. Through Fentanyl Free America, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks and save lives.”
“This case is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement work together with a shared commitment to protecting our community. I am proud to recognize the exceptional work of the Spokane Police Department detectives and our law enforcement partners, whose persistence, professionalism, and attention to detail helped dismantle a dangerous drug trafficking operation and remove a significant amount of fentanyl from our streets. Their dedication and the collaboration with the USAO continue to make Spokane a safer place for everyone.”
For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
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2:18-CR-00045-TOR-1Repeat Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Hector Delacruz, 36, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Krissa M. Lanham to concurrent prison sentences of 300 months and 120 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The underlying convictions stem from Delacruz’s involvement in a conspiracy focused on the sale of more than 19 pounds of methamphetamine in West Phoenix on September 26, 2023. On October 20, 2025, a federal jury convicted Delacruz for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The jury also found that Delacruz had committed two prior serious drug offenses.
“Delacruz’s 25-year sentence reflects his repeated disregard for the law and the devasting effects that methamphetamine inflicts on individuals, families, and communities across America,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the DEA and local enforcement agencies, will continue the fight to dismantle organizations that distribute these deadly drugs into our communities.”
“In protecting our communities, DEA Arizona is never out of the fight and will continue to be tenacious in dismantling organizations that are distributing these deadly drugs,” said Apolonio Ruiz, Jr., DEA Phoenix Special Agent in Charge.
“This sentence sends a clear message: those who endanger our communities will be held accountable,” said William Mack, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Office. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state, and local counterparts—and by leveraging our unique technical and investigative capabilities—we remain committed to bringing to justice those who threaten the safety of the people of Arizona.”
“Violent crime and Illicit drug trafficking go hand-in-hand,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge A. J. Gibes. "This significant sentence exemplifies how our combined partnerships give us the collective power to target, convict, and remove violent criminals from our communities and hold them accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Glendale Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01374-002-PHX
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-109_Delacruz# # #
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.Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty today to uploading and sharing child sexual abuse material with other users on an internet-based social media platform.
According to court documents, Daniel Roy Saringo distributed child sexual abuse material to other users on a social media platform. A forensic analysis of his digital devices revealed a collection of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices, including cell phones and a laptop.
“This defendant chose to perpetuate horrific abuse against children, and his actions represent a complete betrayal of our most fundamental standards of decency,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah. “Every image he shared further violated a real child. This conduct is intolerable, and those who engage in it will be met with the full force of federal prosecution. Our office will relentlessly pursue the toughest charges and the longest sentences the law allows for anyone who exploits a child. Protecting the most vulnerable in our community is non negotiable.”
“Saringo facilitated the distribution of child sexual abuse material, thereby fueling demand for child exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “While prosecution cannot undo the harm inflicted on the victims or remove its traces from the Internet, our investigating team, along with partner law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, is committed to preventing harm to vulnerable children. This case was part of the FBI's Operation Relentless Justice and underscores our dedication to holding offenders fully accountable for their crimes.”
Saringo was previously convicted of statutory sexual seduction in Clark County, Nevada. In this case, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 15, 2026, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison with a qualifying prior conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is a result of the FBI’s Operation Relentless Justice, a nationwide coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. In December 2025, over the course of two weeks, the crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country.
This case is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Recidivist Sex Offender Charged in Connection with Sex-Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A recidivist sex offender faces indictment, today, for committing sex-trafficking crimes against two minor victims.
Lorenzo Turner, 43, of Washington D.C., is charged with two counts of sex trafficking a minor; two counts of transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and commission of a felony crime involving a minor by a registered sex offender.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to the indictment, beginning in May 2024, and continuing through July 2024, Turner recruited, enticed, harbored, and transported Minor Victim 1, who was under the age of 18 years, to engage in commercial sex acts. The indictment further alleges that beginning in July 2024, and continuing through August 2024, Turner sex trafficked Minor Victim 2, who was also under the age of 18 years.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
If convicted, Turner faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison for each count of sex trafficking a minor through force, fraud, or coercion; a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life for each count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and a mandatory 10 years consecutive to any other sentence for the commission of a felony crime involving a minor by a registered sex offender.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI and BPD for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maryam Zhuravitsky and Reema Sood who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Presque Isle Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking and Enticement OffensesRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Presque Isle man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to attempted sex trafficking of a minor, enticement of a minor and attempted enticement of a minor.
According to court records, in 2024, Joseph Maile, 27, used the social media platform Snap to proposition minors for sexual images and to offer money in exchange for sex with minors.
Maile faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
Portage County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
AKRON, Ohio – A 33-year-old man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of sending and receiving child pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM).
Joshua Whan, of Kent, pleaded guilty to the following charges in the indictment:
- Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
- Transportation of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
Chief Judge Sara Lioi accepted Whan’s plea June 23.
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, in February 2026 federal agents were notified by the Streetsboro Police Department of suspected CSAM online activity occurring in Portage County. Investigators identified Whan and they learned that he regularly engaged with others through social media platforms and online forums to share CSAM and discuss his sexual interest in boys. In one conversation he indicated that he was visiting Disney World to “check out all the hot kxds (sic) while walking the parks.” Investigators seized Whan’s electronic devices during a search warrant execution at his residence. A forensic analysis of the content of the devices determined that they contained more than 2,100 images and 600 videos that depicted mostly male children, including toddlers, being raped and sexually abused.
Whan is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI Akron Resident Agency, the Streetsboro Police Department, the Kent Police Department, and the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Kane for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/PSC.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Old Forge Man Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Festino, age 66, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Julia K. Munley to money laundering.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, beginning in or about December 2024 and continuing through July 2025, Festino, a former field engineer employed by a multi-national telecommunications company, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain telecommunications equipment owned by his employer and resell the property to third-party buyers. Festino advertised the sale of stolen equipment via the internet, including on eBay. In total, Festino received approximately $434,550 in his personal bank accounts from the sales of stolen equipment. During the scheme, Festino conducted a series of financial transactions involving the fraudulently obtained funds, including withdrawing large sums of cash and purchasing a new vehicle for $41,000. Festino’s former employer estimates that the value of the stolen equipment is approximately $2.2 million.
The matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Northern California Man Pleads Guilty to Years-Long Securities Fraud Spoofing SchemeRead the Press Release
A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in more than 3,000 instances of manipulative trading and spoofing during a years-long scheme to manipulate the securities markets.
According to court documents, Mingran Wang, 52, of Fremont, California, orchestrated a scheme to defraud market participants using spoofing from 2021 through 2024. Spoofing is the manipulative trading tactic of placing a non-bona fide order, with the intent to cancel the order before it is executed, to give the false appearance of genuine supply or demand to other investors and move the price in the spoofer’s favor. Wang marketed himself as the founder and investment manager of Greenroots Capital Management, with extensive knowledge and trading experience, including algorithmic trading. The purpose of the scheme was for Wang to enrich himself by purchasing and selling illiquid and thinly traded securities through trading techniques he knew were manipulative and deceptive. These thinly traded securities were often traded in low volumes with limited numbers of interested buyers and sellers, which could lead to volatile changes in price when a transaction occurred. Using multiple accounts that he controlled, Wang manipulated the market and engaged in spoof trading to move prices in his favor on both the buy and sell sides.
To carry out his spoofing scheme, Wang coordinated trades between multiple securities accounts at different brokerage firms. Each spoof order that Wang placed was a non-bona fide order that he made to move the market price to benefit his own trading on the opposite side of the market. After Wang executed his desired bona fide orders on the opposite side of the market and profited, he canceled his spoof orders. Wang engaged in more than 3,000 instances of manipulative trading and spoofing.
Wang pleaded guilty to one count of using interstate commerce for the purpose of securities fraud and agreed to forfeit over $1.3 million in securities fraud proceeds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30 in the Northern District of California and faces a maximum penalty of five years 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 Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.
USPIS is investigating the case. The Justice Department appreciates the substantial assistance of FINRA’s Market Abuse Unit.
Acting Assistant Chief Matthew Reilly and Trial Attorney Amanda Lingwood of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
North Little Rock Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft of More Than $330,000 in Illegally Obtained Unemployment Benefits from Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Kembreia Deija Mystic Greer, who filed and received unemployment benefits from multiple states that she was not entitled to receive, will spend 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
On June 3, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Greer, 30, of North Little Rock, in an Indictment charging her with 22 counts of wire fraud. On January 21, 2026, Greer pleaded guilty to Count 22 of the Indictment. Judge Moody also sentenced Greer to one year of supervised release and ordered Greer to pay $334,441.62 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act provided additional federal assistance to states to help workers impacted by COVID-19. This also enabled workers who would not ordinarily be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits to receive assistance. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was one of three new temporary unemployment insurance programs created under the CARES Act. This specific program enabled certain qualified claimants to receive up to 39 weeks of benefits.
At the time Greer began her employment at a medical facility in December 2019, she resided in Little Rock. On October 29, 2020, Greer was terminated from her position at the medical facility. An investigation revealed that on July 13, 2020, Greer electronically filed an application for benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. During the investigation it was determined that the IP address used to submit the application electronically was associated with a phone number belonging to an account established by Greer. She received from the State of Massachusetts a total of approximately $15,795 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits.
Further investigation revealed that between June 30, 2020, and September 14, 2020, Greer submitted applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in her name and other people’s names to multiple state work force agencies, including California, Texas, Alabama, Illinois, and others. Except Arkansas, Greer never worked or resided in the states where she applied for unemployment benefits. As a result of Greer’s conduct, in total more than $330,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits were issued.
“Greer exploited federal assistance programs that were established to support individuals and businesses facing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and used those resources for personal gain. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains committed to protecting public funds and preserving the integrity of the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General for their partnership and dedication throughout this investigation,” said Inspector in Charge Kai Pickens, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Fort Worth Division.
“Greer brazenly stole funds meant to support vulnerable Americans through difficult times. Her guilty plea and sentencing underscore our unwavering determination to pursue fraud wherever it hides,” said Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor. “If you attempt to defraud the system, know this: we will hunt you down, investigate you and ensure you face full consequences. Accountability is not an option.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
North Kansas City Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A North Kansas City, Mo., man has been charged by criminal complaint for distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a felon.
Danny D. Garrett, Jr., 46, appeared in federal court on a nine-count complaint earlier today.
According to court documents, Garrett distributed methamphetamine and cocaine on multiple occasions from May through June of 2026. On June 24, 2026, law enforcement served a federal search warrant at Garrett’s apartment and seized an additional 4.42 kilograms of methamphetamine, 323 grams of cocaine, and three firearms.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Collins and Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Kansas City Mo Police Department, with the assistance of North Kansas City Police Department and Olathe Police Department.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to More than Two Years in Prison for Conspiracy Related to Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 28 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release in connection with his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Robert Craig, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty on June 25, 2025, to conspiring to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos.”
According to court documents, Craig used encrypted chat applications to share and discuss obscene videos of monkeys being tortured and sexually abused. According to a statement of facts signed by Craig, the videos in question included numerous depictions of extreme violence and torture against monkeys that had been specifically requested by the defendant and his co-conspirators.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office, and Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Non-Profit Executive Sentenced to Three Years of Probation for Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ZOE MARIE FRANCIS (“FRANCIS”), age 47, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 24, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A), to three years of probation, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
According to court documents, FRANCIS was the chief operating officer of the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (“IWES”), a non-profit organization based in New Orleans that received grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal funds. In that role, FRANCIS embezzled funds for the benefit of herself and family members, including unauthorized expenditures for personal events and Amazon purchases. Using her authority with IWES, FRANCIS used falsified contracts to hide these expenses and invoices, and she granted herself unauthorized pay increases.
On January 7, 2026, FRANCIS pleaded guilty before Judge Milazzo to Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A). Under the terms of FRANCIS’s plea agreement, FRANCIS agreed to pay at least $100,000 in restitution to IWES, and she also agreed to forfeit at least $150,000 in IWES funds that she spent on unauthorized expenses.
On June 24, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced FRANCIS to three years of probation, twelve months of home detention and payment of a $100 special assessment fee .
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services in investigating this matter. Trial Attorney Gary A. Crosby II of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
New York City Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Multi-State Prescription Fraud RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – On June 15, 2026, Ciera Washington, age 35, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. Washington’s guilty plea followed the creation of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Washington admitted that from April 2023 through October 2024, she worked with Raven White, Bryan Otero, and others to steal the personally identifiable information of Medicaid beneficiaries and use that information to fraudulently obtain prescription medications from pharmacies throughout the Northeastern United States. She further admitted that the conspiracy causes a loss of nearly $4 million to the New York Medicaid program and tens of thousands of dollars to pharmacies. Washington agreed to forfeit over $400,000 in proceeds she obtained in connection with her crimes and to consent to an order of restitution for the losses they caused.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said “Healthcare fraud is theft from both the taxpayers and the vulnerable individuals these programs are designed to serve. This office is committed to pursuing individuals such as Ms. Washington who abuse public benefit programs for personal gain. Working alongside our partners, we will continue to root out fraud and recover stolen funds for the American People.”
“Americans suffer when criminals like Ms. Washington and her co-defendants defraud government programs. This investigation proves the FBI will not stand by while deceptive individuals compromise invaluable programs designed to help our citizens who need it most.” Said Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge Albany FBI.
“This egregious fraud committed by the defendant is hazardous in several ways. Actions like hers can harm Medicaid beneficiaries by violating their benefits and privacy information, harm the Medicaid program by driving up costs for prescriptions that were not legitimate, and harm the public through the diversion of prescription medication outside of legitimate drug channels,” stated Naomi D. Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We appreciate our strong collaborative partnership with both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Comptroller’s Office to root out this type of fraud within HHS programs.”At sentencing on October 14, 2026, Washington faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the fraud count and a mandatory term of 2 years on the aggravated identity theft count, which must run consecutive to any term imposed on the fraud count. She also faces a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
The FBI, HHS-OIG, and the New York State Comptroller’s Office are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is 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.