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24 June 2026
Chemours Agrees to $450M Landmark Settlement Agreement for Releases of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New JerseyRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) announced a multi-state settlement with The Chemours Company under the Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substance Control Act, and West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act. The settlement covers four Chemours facilities — located in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey — that use or produce PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are synthetic “forever chemicals” used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains. Chemours also manufactures PFAS for various industrial and military applications, including those where substitutes are not readily available. This is the first comprehensive settlement by the federal government to resolve enforcement claims over pollution by a manufacturer of forever chemicals.
Under the agreement, Chemours will pay a civil penalty of $22.5 million for alleged violations and conduct a multi-year, $90 million program to mitigate PFAS discharges. Chemours will also install PFAS pollution controls for surface water discharges and air emissions at its facility in West Virginia, at an estimated cost of $60 million, supply clean drinking water for more than a decade to communities that surround its facilities in West Virginia and New Jersey at an estimated cost of $280 million, and evaluate options and implement corresponding controls to reduce releases of PFAS and other toxic chemicals from its facility in North Carolina. Combined, the cost of the penalty and injunctive relief programs are estimated to exceed $450 million. The settlement allows Chemours to continue manufacturing PFAS for critical commercial and military applications while preventing future contamination and protecting communities from that contamination.
“This landmark settlement shows the Administration’s commitment to protecting the public from harmful pollution,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Through this commitment, Chemours will better control PFAS at its plants, allowing the company to continue its manufacturing operations while protecting communities in North Carolina, West Virginia, and New Jersey from PFAS exposure. This agreement ensures that the company will manufacture these critical materials in a responsible manner.”
“This first comprehensive federal settlement against a major PFAS manufacturer delivers on the Trump Administration’s promise to make polluters pay and stop PFAS contamination at the source,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “By appropriately employing the full suite of existing legal authorities, we can greatly reduce PFAS contamination of water, land, and air and even begin to mitigate past harm. This settlement brings Chemours into compliance with the law and holds it fully accountable.”
“As Attorney General, my office investigated Chemours and took crucial steps needed to reach this settlement and position the state to reach justice for West Virginians — we will continue to ensure that every company complies with our laws,” said West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey. “This settlement is an encouraging first step, but it addresses only one piece of a much larger issue. We remain actively engaged in discussions to reach a comprehensive resolution for the Washington Works facility that protects our citizens and ensures West Virginia's communities have confidence that these issues are being addressed for the long term. We look forward to continuing those discussions and achieving an outcome that serves the best interests of the Mountain State.”
The complaint alleges that three of the facilities that Chemours operates in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey discharged PFAS into the Ohio River, Cape Fear River, and Delaware River, in violation of permits required by the Clean Water Act and the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act. Also, Chemours was allegedly not complying with legal requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act at all four facilities. These alleged violations continued for over a decade. The facilities were previously owned for many decades by DuPont, and today’s settlement does not resolve DuPont’s liability for forever chemicals.
As a result of the alleged violations, people living around these facilities were exposed to illegal PFAS. PFAS are widely used and found around the world, with scientific studies showing that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
To remedy the alleged violations, the consent decree calls for 14 specified projects to reduce PFAS in wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater from the West Virginia plant, such as treatment systems using granulated activated carbon. And for people drinking water near the plants in West Virginia and New Jersey, Chemours will test the drinking water and provide treated or alternative clean water. Also, Chemours will be required to control releases of the chemical compound GenX — used to aid in making plastics called fluoropolymers — from each facility at an efficiency of at least 99%. Additionally, Chemours will implement controls at its North Carolina facility to mitigate releases of PFAS and other toxics based on recommendations from a third-party engineering firm. These programs will last for 15 years.
Chemours will also implement enhanced Leak Detection and Repair programs to reduce emissions of PFAS. Finally, Chemours must certify compliance with respect to its storage of hazardous waste.
Attorneys with ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. The consent decree is subject to a public comment period and is available at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
The EPA investigated the case with assistance from WV DEP. More information on the settlement is available on EPA’s Chemours Settlement Summary – June 2026 webpage.
Senior Counsel Steve O'Rourke and Katherine Abend and Trial Attorneys Sylvia Lam, and Jonah Seligman with ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Bailey for the Southern District of West Virginia are handling this matter. Gracie Pendleton is the lead EPA attorney.
Celina Pharmacy Owner Sentenced for Opioid Distribution/Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Thomas K. Weir, 65, of Celina, Tennessee, the majority owner of Oakley Pharmacy, doing business as Dale Hollow Pharmacy and Clay County Xpress Pharmacy, was sentenced June 18, 2026, to 24 months in federal prison, ordered to pay $1,419,974 in restitution to Medicare and TennCare, and required to forfeit the pharmacy building and warehouse used in the scheme for his role in a years-long conspiracy to unlawfully dispense controlled substances and defraud federal and state health care programs, announced United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee.
U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger imposed the sentence.
Weir's sentence concludes the criminal prosecution of all four defendants charged in the conspiracy.
"The defendants turned trusted community pharmacies into engines for opioid distribution and health care fraud," said United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek. "Rather than serving patients and protecting public health, they ignored clear warning signs, fueled the unlawful distribution of dangerous drugs, and billed taxpayer-funded health care programs for the privilege. Today's sentence, along with the forfeiture of the property used to facilitate these crimes, demonstrates that those who choose profit over patient safety will be held accountable."
Weir previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.
Co-defendants William L. Donaldson, 65, former owner and pharmacist of Dale Hollow Pharmacy; Pamela Spivey, 55, co-owner of Xpress Pharmacy; and Charles Robert "Bobby" Oakley, 74, of Manchester, Tennessee, a minority owner of Dale Hollow Pharmacy, previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the scheme. Donaldson was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Oakley and Spivey were each sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay criminal restitution.
According to court records, the conspiracy operated for approximately five years and involved the unlawful dispensing of controlled substances and the submission of fraudulent claims to Medicare and TennCare.
Between 2014 and 2019, the conspirators operated Dale Hollow Pharmacy and Xpress Pharmacy in Celina, Tennessee, as sources of controlled substances for patients despite numerous red flags indicating abuse, diversion, and prescriptions issued outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Patients routinely traveled long distances, often in groups, to obtain controlled substances from the pharmacies.
In May and June 2016, Drug Enforcement Administration diversion investigators inspected Dale Hollow Pharmacy. The following year, Weir and others entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA addressing violations of federal regulations governing the dispensing of controlled substances. Despite that agreement, dispensing practices continued, and the volume of controlled substances dispensed by both pharmacies increased, along with clear signs of abuse and diversion.
The conspirators also submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare Part D plans and TennCare for controlled substances dispensed to beneficiaries, including medically unnecessary combinations of highly abused drugs. To increase prescription volume, the conspirators engaged in a kickback scheme that included paying patient co-payments, distributing a fictitious currency known as "Monkey Bucks" that could be redeemed for cash, and paying patients cash to fill prescriptions that were subsequently billed to Medicare and TennCare.
“Today’s sentencing represents another important step in our ongoing efforts to combat health care fraud and opioid abuse,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners helps ensure that those responsible are held accountable, while safeguarding our communities and protecting the integrity of federal health care programs.”
"Pharmacy owners like Mr. Weir who exploit the most vulnerable and seek to profit from addiction must be held to account; we've lost too many Americans to opioid abuse," said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “It’s vitally important that pharmacies operate within the laws designed to prevent diversion of medications that carry a high potential for abuse.”
“Cases like these reflect the nonstop, coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local partners to protect innocent patients and tax dollars,” said David Rausch, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director. “We will continue working around the clock to dismantle schemes that endanger public health, and we will not relent in ensuring that those who exploit vulnerable communities for profit are brought to justice.”
As part of his sentence, Weir was ordered to forfeit real property used to facilitate the offenses, including the pharmacy building and an associated warehouse, as well as a money judgment exceeding $700,000.
Two pharmacists-in-charge associated with the pharmacies, John Polston, 64, of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, and Michael Griffith, 41, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, were charged separately, pleaded guilty, and cooperated with the government's investigation and prosecution. They are scheduled to be sentenced in July.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Clay County Sheriff's Office and the Celina Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah K. Bogni and Zachary T. Hinkle prosecuted the case. The forfeiture was secured through the substantial efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Toussaint and the Asset Forfeiture Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Bowden-McIntyre is handling related civil litigation.
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Cape May County Psychiatrist Admits to 17 Felony Counts for Unlawful Controlled Substance Prescriptions Linked to Sexual Conduct, Risk of Death, and Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A South Jersey psychiatrist admitted to issuing invalid prescriptions for Adderall, Vyvanse, and Xanax, and other drugs, often to his sexual partners and known drug addicts, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
“Licensed medical professionals who prescribe powerful controlled substances outside the bounds of legitimate medical care put lives at risk and undermine public trust in the medical profession. As admitted in court, Morelli issued unlawful prescriptions for highly addictive drugs to sexual partners, known drug addicts, and others without a legitimate medical purpose—even after receiving repeated warnings about abuse, overdose, and diversion. This Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable medical providers who exploit their prescribing authority and contribute to the prescription drug crisis in our communities.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“Medical professionals hold a position of enormous trust, and when that trust is abused for personal gain or exploitation, the consequences can be devastating,” said DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “The conduct admitted to in this case represents a betrayal of patients, the medical profession, and public trust. DEA will continue working alongside our partners to investigate and prosecute medical practitioners who exploit patients and illegally distribute controlled substances for personal benefit.”
Louis Morelli, 73, of Cape May County, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel to an information charging him with 17 counts of causing, with the intent to defraud and mislead, prescription drugs to be dispensed without valid prescriptions.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Morelli owned and operated his own psychiatry practice in Smithville, New Jersey, where he worked as a licensed psychiatrist. Over several years, Morelli issued invalid prescriptions for Adderall, Vyvanse, and Xanax to 17 different patients, and he caused these prescription drugs to be distributed outside the scope of the usual course of professional practice and for reasons other than medical necessity and legitimate medical purpose. Morelli issued the prescriptions with the intent to defraud and mislead the pharmacies that were dispensing the prescription drugs, as well as the insurers, government benefits programs, and other third parties who paid for the drugs.
Morelli admitted that he had sex with some of the patients for whom he wrote invalid prescriptions. On some occasions, Morelli wrote the prescriptions in exchange for sexual activities, images, or videos. For example, one of Morelli’s patients sent a message asking for a prescription drug, and Morelli responded with. “Your ass for my script…lol.” Morelli engaged in similar conversations with other patients, while issuing prescriptions and engaging in sexual activities with them.
Morelli also issued invalid prescriptions to patients whom he knew had histories of drug addiction and overdoses. Morelli also prescribed drugs to patients after receiving information, including from local law enforcement officers, suggesting that the patients intended to illegally trade, distribute, or otherwise re-sell the prescribed drugs.
Morelli admitted that at least one of his invalid prescriptions involved the conscious or reckless risk of death or serious bodily injury, and that at least one of the prescriptions resulted in either death or serious bodily injury.
For example, in 2019, Morelli received a message from a patient’s mother that the patient was abusing the drugs that Morelli had prescribed. The mother wrote that the patient had stopped breathing the day before. A couple of months later, Morelli learned that the same patient “took a lot of Xanax and drank some beers,” “took 50 benzos in a short amount of time,” and “told a friend” the patient planned “to shoot up.” The patient’s mother also warned Morelli that the patient was “grooming” him to ask for prescriptions and asked Morelli to stop prescribing the drugs. Despite these communications, Morelli continued to prescribe the drugs to the patient.
Each of the 17 charges to which Morelli pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum term of three years in prison, for a total maximum term of 51 years in prison. Each charge is also punishable with a $250,000 fine. Morelli has voluntarily surrendered his Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Registration and agreed to immediately surrender and abandon his licenses to practice medicine or psychiatry. Sentencing for Morelli is scheduled for October 27, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the following agencies and agency personnel with the investigation: special agents, task force officers, and diversion investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James; special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; special agents of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office, under the direction of Fernando McMillan; and special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew D’Aversa and Sara Aliabadi of the U.S Attorney’s Office in Camden.
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Defense Counsel: Edwin J. Jacobs, Jr. and Patrick C. Joyce, Esquires.
morelli.information.pdfCamden Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Uploading Child PornographyRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – A Camden man was sentenced on June 15, 2026, to 108 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for uploading child pornography to an online storage platform. The Honorable Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in El Dorado.
According to court documents, Calvin Thomas Brown, age 43, uploaded images and videos depicting child pornography to an internet-based storage program. The upload sparked a CyberTipline Report by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that was later transferred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation revealed that Brown had not only uploaded child pornography but also possessed more than a hundred similar images and videos on his cellphone. Additionally, agents discovered that Brown had been chatting online with like-minded offenders and soliciting and receiving child pornography files.
Brown was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in July of 2025 and entered a plea of guilty in November of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kevin R. Holmes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Camden Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
California Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to over Eighteen Years in Prison in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Bill Van Nguyen, a/k/a “Sau,” 57, of Garden Grove, California, was sentenced on June 22, 2026 by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor to 220 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for distributing, attempting to distribute, and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The court also imposed a money judgment ordering Nguyen to forfeit $118,050 in drug proceeds.
According to court records, between April 2023 and April 2025, Nguyen sold and distributed over thirty-four and a half pounds of methamphetamine and eleven and a half pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills from his base of operations in California to a Hawaii purchaser, who was an undercover law enforcement employee (the “undercover”). Nguyen sold the drugs to the undercover for approximately $118,050 and shipped them from California to Hawaii, concealing the drug shipments in canned goods labeled as hominy and condensed milk. Nguyen told the undercover he had a supplier in Mexico, traveled to Mexico during the timeframe of the conspiracy, and had access to other drugs, including oxycodone cocaine, and ketamine.
Over an approximately two-year period, Nguyen communicated with the undercover by text, phone calls, and in-person meetings in California. Nguyen directed and conspired with another California individual, Dylan Dang, who traveled to Hawaii on two occasions to meet with the undercover to take cash payments for the drug transactions. Dang has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and is scheduled to be sentenced in the District of Hawaii on July 7, 2026.
“Bill Van Nguyen made the choice to traffic massive amounts of crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl into Hawaii, and for those efforts, he will now spend most of the next two decades doing hard time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The 220-month sentence in this case sends the clear message that trafficking deadly drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl in Hawaii is a one-way ticket to a long prison sentence.”
“Drug trafficking organizations operate with indifference toward the communities and lives they destroy—all to make a profit,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “This sentence is a direct result of the collaboration and dogged work of our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle criminal drug trafficking networks. The FBI is committed to removing these dangerous narcotics—and the individuals who push them—from our streets.”
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Honolulu Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca A. Perlmutter prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was 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 Hawaii comprises agents and officers from ICE-HSI, FBI, ATF, CBP, CGIS, DCIS, DEA, DSS, IRS-CI, NCIS, USMS, USPIS and HHIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii.
Caldwell Woman Charged in the District of Idaho as Part of the National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
BOISE – United States Attorney Bart M. Davis announced criminal charges against defendant Niki Rashel Cook in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud healthcare businesses. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from Cook’s alleged scheme to obtain nursing jobs at healthcare businesses by fraudulently representing herself to be a registered nurse and licensed practical nurse.
The charges announced by U.S. Attorney Davis are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
The coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The following individual was charged in the District of Idaho:
- Niki Rashel Cook, 47, of Caldwell, Idaho, was charged by indictment with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with an alleged scheme to obtain nursing jobs at healthcare businesses by fraudulently representing herself to be a registered nurse and licensed practical nurse. As alleged in the indictment, Cook, using victims’ names and nursing licenses, applied for and obtained jobs at healthcare facilities, including a behavioral health hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and businesses providing hospice services, earning over $22,000 as a result of her scheme. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane of the District of Idaho.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced.
Descriptions of each case involved in the enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The District of Idaho, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the case filed during the Takedown: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Boise Police Department.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Bryan County Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Devin Kyle Wain Dollar, age 36, of Durant, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on June 15, 2024, Dollar assaulted one victim, resulting in serious bodily injury.
The Indictment also alleged that on that same date, Dollar assaulted a second victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm.
The Indictment further alleged that on February 8, 2025, Dollar assaulted a third victim by strangling and attempting to strangle his intimate dating partner.
The crimes occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Durant Police Department, and the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dollar will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Coercing and Raping a 14-Year-Old Delaware ResidentRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Brooklyn, New York, man with coercion and enticement of a minor and for traveling to Delaware to rape his victim.
According to court documents, Claude Lennon, 24, communicated with a 14-year-old victim via an online messaging platform and engaged in sexually-charged conversations. Through those conversations, Lennon learned the victim’s age and nevertheless arranged to meet the victim in Wilmington, Delaware. Lennon then traveled by train from New York to Wilmington and took an Uber to an agreed-upon location, after which Lennon and the victim engaged in sexual conduct constituting rape in the fourth degree under Delaware law. Lennon also brought condoms with him and provided the victim with approximately $80 and marijuana edibles.
Lennon is charged with one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b), and one count of travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b). If convicted, Lennon faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace made the announcement.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington Resident Agency, the Wilmington Police Department, and the New York City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claudia L. Pare and Bryan C. Williamson are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-104.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 33 Years and Four Months in Prison for Kidnapping, Sex Crimes, and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that ANTHONY WALLACE was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil to 33 years and four months in prison for kidnapping a minor, coercing and enticing a minor, transporting a minor interstate for unlawful sexual activity, and producing and possessing child pornography. WALLACE was convicted following a week-long jury trial in December 2025 before Judge Vyskocil.
“Anthony Wallace met a 15-year-old girl on the street and targeted her for unimaginable abuse and cruelty,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Over the course of weeks, Wallace physically, sexually, and psychologically abused this minor victim, until she courageously escaped out a fire escape. This type of abuse and exploitation is every parent’s worst nightmare. Wallace is now where he belongs and where every New York parent wants him—off our streets. Our office, together with the NYPD and our federal partners, has devoted substantial resources to combatting sex trafficking and sex crimes involving children and our most vulnerable. Our victim-oriented approach has resulted in more prosecutions and more predators off the streets. It also has shown us that we must do more, and we are most effective when we engage as early as practicable with victims and with our communities. If you have been a victim of a sex crime or have information regarding a sex crime, please call 1-866-874-8900.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, the evidence presented at trial, and other statements made in public court proceedings:
In March 2024, WALLACE met a 15-year-old girl (the “Minor Victim”) in Binghamton, New York. Over the next four weeks, WALLACE subjected the Minor Victim to escalating physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. At first, WALLACE kept the Minor Victim against her will in an apartment in Binghamton. There, WALLACE assaulted the Minor Victim and forced her to disguise her appearance by dyeing her hair and wearing a mask. WALLACE also gave the Minor Victim a steady stream of drugs, including methamphetamine and marijuana. While in Binghamton, WALLACE created child pornography of the Minor Victim, which he kept on his cellphone.
On April 1, 2024, WALLACE transported the Minor Victim from Binghamton across state lines, ultimately bringing her to the Bronx, New York, where he kept her in a barricaded apartment. While in the Bronx, WALLACE continued to physically assault the Minor Victim and forcibly raped her.
On April 4, 2024, the Minor Victim escaped through the window of the Bronx apartment while WALLACE was sleeping. The Minor Victim immediately called 911 and was eventually returned home to her parents.
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In addition to the prison term, WALLACE, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release, along with $3,000 in restitution and $500 in mandatory special assessments.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s C20 task force and the NYPD. He also thanked the Broome County Sherriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ariana L. Bloom, Remy Grosbard, Joseph H. Rosenberg, and Alexandra N. Rothman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Samantha Roberts and Benjamin Coolman.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Southwestern ConnecticutRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MONTEL CAPLE, also known as “Forbes,” 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which was investigating gang activity in the South End and West Side of Bridgeport, identified Christian Pichardo as a supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors. During the investigation, investigators intercepted calls and text messages over court-authorized wiretaps between Pichardo and his associates, made controlled purchases of narcotics, and seized drugs from members of the conspiracy and their drug customers. Some of the drugs seized during the investigation had been cut with fentanyl analogues, nitazines, and xylazine. Nitazines are synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl, and xylazine is a large animal tranquilizer.
Pichardo supplied fentanyl to Caple, which Caple sold to his own customers. Caple also sometimes supplied narcotics to Pichardo.
Caple was arrested on August 5, 2024. On December 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Caple, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 24.
Pichardo pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on July 14, 2025, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bridgeport, Stratford, and Norwalk Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.
Boston Man Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
Boston Man Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl
CONCORD – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court for distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Jeison Eulogio Dume-Calderone, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 70 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release. Dume-Calderone pleaded guilty to the charges on December 1, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security has determined that Dume-Calderon is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who is present in the United States unlawfully.
“Today’s sentence underscores our office’s commitment to combating the flow of methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities. This defendant chose to traffic in highly addictive and dangerous drugs and now will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.
“Drug traffickers who move pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities are driven by profit, with no regard for the lives they put at risk” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who traffic these deadly substances into New Hampshire will be identified, investigated, and held accountable. DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and protecting families from the devastating consequences of addiction, overdose, and drug-related violence.”
The investigation was led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennfer C. Davis is prosecuting the case.
This effort 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.
Baltimore Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Following HSTF InvestigationRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
U.S. Chief District Judge George L. Russell sentenced Nathaniel Lightford, 47, to nine years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative.
According to court documents, in fall 2022, the DEA and FBI began investigating a drug trafficking conspiracy involving several individuals connected to a drug trafficking organization who were distributing cocaine in the Baltimore area. During the investigation, law enforcement obtained court-authorized wiretaps for several cell phones. Investigators intercepted calls in which Lightford and co-conspirators used coded language to discuss distributing cocaine, arrange meetings to distribute cocaine, and obtain the cash proceeds. Additionally, investigators conducted surveillance connected to intercepted communications in which they observed Lightford engaging in suspected drug transactions.
Then in June 2024, investigators executed federal search warrants on several residences associated with suspected DTO members. This included two residences associated with Lightford. Lightford was present while law enforcement searched his Randallstown, Maryland, residence. During the search, investigators recovered a cell phone, driver’s license, and five brick-shaped objects hidden under a comforter on a bed. The brick-shaped objects contained white powder substances that lab analysis later confirmed was positive for cocaine. Investigators also found approximately $12,232 in cash.
While searching Lightford’s primary residence in Randallstown, investigators also searched a second residence associated with him located in Baltimore City. The Baltimore residence was used as the DTO’s stash location. In the Baltimore residence, investigators found a gas mask, pill press, pill-press parts, empty glassine wrappers, Narcan, cutting agents, digital scales, powdered quinine, and ammunition.
The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and FBI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins who prosecuted this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md.
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Armed Carjacker and Repeat Violent Offender Sentenced to 170 Months for Multiple Firearms Offenses while on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that Cameron Davon Durand, 32, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm as a felon in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and for discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, namely, an armed carjacking in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the time of the offenses, Durand was serving a term of federal supervised release for a 2019 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, for which he had been previously sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment.
U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank imposed the sentence on June 22, 2026, following Durand’s guilty plea on December 17, 2025, to two federal counts and his admission to multiple supervised‑release violations stemming from the same violent conduct. The sentence consisted of 50 months’ imprisonment for the felon-in-possession conviction, and 120 months’ mandatory minimum imprisonment for the discharge of the firearm during the carjacking, consecutive to the felon-in-possession term of imprisonment, for a total of 170 months. The court also imposed 30 months’ imprisonment, concurrent with the 170-month term, for Durand’s supervised-release violations.
According to court-filed documents, Durand, already a multi‑convicted felon, was just one month into federal supervised release for his prior firearms federal conviction when he committed a series of new gun crimes during the summer of 2025. In June 2025, officers recovered a loaded 9mm firearm, with an attached red-dot sight, from his vehicle, later confirmed to contain Durand’s DNA. In the weeks that followed, Durand was captured on surveillance video firing another weapon in a densely populated St. Paul neighborhood outside a bar. Then, on July 18, 2025, Durand brandished a firearm, carjacked an Uber driver, chased the victim on foot, and fired a round at him as the victim ran for his life, before driving away in the carjacked vehicle.
Durand fled from responding officers at high speed, abandoned the carjacked vehicle, and escaped on foot with a firearm in his hand. Inside the victim’s car, police recovered Durand’s backpack containing multiple forms of his identification and 9mm ammunition. A discharged 9mm casing found at the scene of the carjacking matched the ammunition inside his backpack.
“This sentence ensures that a dangerous and escalating menace is no longer free to terrorize our communities,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “Durand has demonstrated, repeatedly and over nearly two decades, that no term of supervision, no prior prison sentence, and no tragic personal history will deter him from armed violence. Today’s sentence protects the public and holds him accountable.”
“Durand is a violent offender, and he has been for a long time,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Spence Burnett of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “This is the second ATF investigation to hold him accountable. He has a record of using guns to threaten and harm people, and weeks out of federal prison from a prior ATF case he did it again, arming himself and shooting at an innocent man. He will serve 170 months in federal prison, and ATF will continue to stand with our partners to hold violent offenders accountable. We appreciate the great partnership with St. Paul Police Department on this case.”
Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said, “This sentencing reflects the commitment of the Saint Paul Police Department, and our federal partners, to hold those who commit violent crimes accountable. Repeated, violent crimes, must be met with serious consequences. This case demonstrates that and hopefully lets those who have been victimized know that we stand with them and for them.”
Durand’s criminal history dating back to 2007 includes numerous felony convictions involving firearms, assaults, robbery, and gang‑related violence.
This case is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the Saint Paul Police Department, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Arizona man sentenced to 4 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl to MontanaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An Arizona man who was part of a drug trafficking organizing that brought fentanyl into Montana was sentenced today to four years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
D’Andre Dontae Glass, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Glass was part of a drug trafficking organization and oversaw the delivery of packages of fentanyl to Montana and two other western states.
Between February 2023 and March 2025 Gerad Nigel Punch led a drug trafficking organization that supplied fentanyl from Phoenix to local dealers in Texas, Washington, and Montana. In 2023 and 2024, Glass worked for the organization and mailed packages with fentanyl to the three states. He also visited Montana and the other two states to oversee the package deliveries, and to distribute the fentanyl to local dealers.
While working for the organization, Glass possessed more than 400 grams of fentanyl that he intended to distribute. During the investigation of the organization, law enforcement seized over 10 kilograms of fentanyl from its members.
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 Montana comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The Southwest Montana Drug Task Force and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
Arizona Man Charged with Hate Crime for Defacement of SynagogueRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – A federal grand jury in Phoenix yesterday returned an indictment against Kevin Charles Pyles, 33, of Glendale, Arizona for the Intentional Defacement of Religious Real Property.
The indictment alleges that Pyles defaced Sha’arei Shalom Congregation, a synagogue in Phoenix, on July 11, 2025. On that day, Pyles posted an antisemitic flyer on the synagogue’s front door. Pyles had previously pleaded guilty to Attempted Making and Communicating a Terrorism Threat in Maricopa County Superior Court. Those charges related to online threats Pyles made targeting the Jewish community and Sha’arei Shalom Congregation.
“This indictment is a message to the community – we will not tolerate the defacement or destruction of any house of worship,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Members of the Arizona community should feel free to worship without the fear of harassment.”
“Every Arizonan has the right to feel safe in his or her community,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day. “For this reason, investigating hate crimes is one of the FBI’s highest priorities and this office along with our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our pursuit of offenders.”
“Everyone who calls Phoenix home, and everyone who visits our city, deserves to feel welcome and safe. Acts that target or intimidate any part of our community undermine the values we stand for,” said Phoenix Police Department Chief Matt Giordano. “The Phoenix Police Department takes these crimes seriously, and we remain committed to working with our partners to protect our community.”
A conviction for Intentional Defacement of Religious Real Property carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.
The FBI’s Phoenix Division and the Phoenix Police Department are handling the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Goldberg and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Rehrig for the District of Arizona are handling the prosecution, in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: CR-26-00688-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-107_Pyles# # #
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.Anchorage man guilty of attempted coercion and enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal jury convicted an Anchorage man yesterday for attempting to meet with a child for sexual purposes.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between Aug. 29 and 30, 2025, August Seabrease, 40, used his cell phone to access various social media and messaging applications to chat with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. Seabrease turned the conversations sexual, requesting the minor send explicit photos and discussing an in-person meeting for implied sexual purposes.
Throughout the conversation, Seabrease explicitly asked how old the minor was and she stated she was 13. In one message, he acknowledged that he was three times her age. Over the course of two days, Seabrease sent the person he believed to be a minor a photo of his genitalia and incessantly requested photos of the minor through messages. He specified “naughty pics,” “sexy pics,” “fresh pics,” “more pics,” and “right now.”
Seabrease arranged to meet with the minor the following night at a mall in Anchorage. On Aug. 30, 2025, law enforcement observed Seabrease leave his home and drive to the local mall. He circled the mall parking lot several times before parking. Law enforcement contacted him shortly after to arrest him and seized his cell phone.
On Sept. 2, 2025, Seabrease was formally charged by criminal complaint and a federal grand jury indicted him roughly two weeks later. The federal jury found Seabrease guilty of one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor following a two-day trial.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Special Agent Timothy Weinhold, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 631 Commander made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and U.S. Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Caille Petursson and Michelle Delgado are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Alien Admits to Illegally Voting in Federal ElectionRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County man admitted to illegally voting in a federal election, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Eliezer Kadoch, a resident of Toms River, New Jersey, who is not a citizen of the United States, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of voting by an alien in a federal election before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Brendan Day in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Kadoch, 39, is a citizen of France and has never been a citizen of the United States. In November 2022, Kadoch voted in the midterm election that was held in part for the purpose of electing a Member of the United States House of Representatives.
The voting by an alien charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Day on October 26, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the investigation.
This case was brought under the United States Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of elections conducted in the District of New Jersey.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
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Defense Counsel: Yosef Jacobovitch, Esq.
kadoch.information.pdf73-Year-Old Former Cub Scout Leader Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Ernest Vera, a former Cub Scout leader and baseball and football coach, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing child sex abuse videos on the Kik messaging application.
“No matter their age, child sex predators like Ernest Vera must be prosecuted and punished,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, this sex offender should remain in federal prison until he is nearly 80 years old, helping to achieve justice for his victims, prevent him from exploiting others, and deter others from similar misconduct.”
“Every image of child sexual abuse material represents the exploitation and victimization of a real child,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Vera actively sought out and traded these horrific images online, fueling the demand for child exploitation. The FBI remains committed to identifying those who prey on children and bringing them to justice, regardless of their age or where they operate.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In September 2021, FBI agents searched Ernest Vera’s home after learning he used social media to send and receive depictions of child sex abuse. During an interview at his home, Vera admitted that he used the Kik messaging application to view and trade sexually explicit images of children as young as thirteen years old. Vera also told investigators that he used Kik to encourage users whom he believed to be female teenagers living in India, Thailand, and South Africa to send sexual images of themselves, which they did. The FBI later searched Vera’s digital devices and his cellphone, where they found approximately 90 images and a dozen videos of child sex abuse.
On June 22, 2026, Ernest Vera, 73, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown to serve six years in prison without the possibility of parole. Vera was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing hearing. After he completes his prison sentence, Vera will be on supervised release for 10 years. Vera was convicted of distribution of child sexual abuse material after he pleaded guilty on January 7, 2026.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric Boylan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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.
23 June 2026
Western District of Oklahoma Cases Filed as Part of National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, United States Attorney Robert J. Troester announced criminal charges against two defendants and the filing of a separate civil case, both in the Western District of Oklahoma, in connection with the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“Fraud against federal health care programs ultimately harms both taxpayers and the individuals these programs are designed to serve,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Through this national initiative, the Department of Justice and its partners are committed to holding accountable those who allegedly undermine the integrity of our health care system.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is committed to protecting TRICARE, the U.S. Military’s healthcare program, from fraudulent schemes that harm its beneficiaries and waste critical taxpayer-provided resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Services Southwest Field Office. “These indictments are the result of a strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma to tirelessly pursue companies and individuals that seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our military members and U.S. taxpayers.”
National Initiative
The cases announced today are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
Western District of Oklahoma Cases
The following cases were brought in the Western District of Oklahoma:
- United States vs Stewart Johnson and Stephen Johnson – Stewart Johnson, 72, and Stephen Johnson, 47, of Lawton, Oklahoma, were charged by Indictment on June 16, 2026, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud TRICARE of more than $27 million. As alleged in the Indictment, the Johnsons operated a durable medical equipment company named Combined Home Medical Equipment that offered Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (“CPAP”) machines. It is alleged that from January 2018 through December 2024, the Defendants submitted fraudulent claims to TRICARE for in-person CPAP-related services that the Defendants did not provide and were not qualified to provide. In total, the Defendants are alleged to have submitted claims for more than 650,000 separate in-person CPAP-related services and received more than $27 million in reimbursements. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck.
- United States & State of Oklahoma v. Judy Dennis – Judy Dennis of Oklahoma City was charged by civil complaint on June 22, 2026, with violating the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733, the Oklahoma Medicaid False Claims Act, 63 Okla. Stat. § 5053.1 et seq., federal common law, and Oklahoma common law in connection with the submission of more than $2.5 million in false and fraudulent claims for speech-language pathology services. As alleged in the Complaint, Dennis, a licensed speech-language pathologist, knowingly presented, or caused to be presented, materially false and fraudulent claims for payment or approval to the United States and the State of Oklahoma, including claims for reimbursement submitted to Medicare, Oklahoma Medicaid, and TRICARE, for services that were not rendered, were not medically reasonable and necessary, and/or did not comply with program requirements. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda R. Johnson and Ronald R. Gallegos of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and Assistant Attorneys General Jamie L. Bloyd and Annette Howlett of the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The Western District of Oklahoma worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: the Oklahoma Medicaid Fraud Unit, the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The cases across the nation are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
For more information on today’s nationwide takedown, visit the Justice Department’s website here.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Warren County Physician and Nurse Practitioner Pay $500,000 to Resolve Unlawful Opioid Prescribing and Fraudulent Conveyance Actions; Barred from DEA Registration for 20 YearsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dr. Douglas Cline and nurse practitioner Laurie McKenna have agreed to pay $500,000 to resolve civil actions brought by the United States involving unlawful opioid prescribing practices and a fraudulent conveyance action against Dr. Cline, announced First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. This settlement is part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
Dr. Cline formerly owned and operated Chronic Pain Management (CPM), a cash-pay medical practice in Queensbury, New York focused on prescribing controlled substances. Under the settlement, Dr. Cline and Ms. McKenna are barred for 20 years from applying for or holding a DEA controlled-substances registration.
As reflected in the settlement agreement, the defendants admitted and accepted responsibility for conduct involving a practice in which several patients received high-dose opioid medications, often in combination with other controlled substances. Access to prescriptions was tied to recurring payments, including in circumstances where patients were not regularly examined by a provider.
“Douglas Cline operated a high-volume, cash-pay medical practice in which hundreds of patients received high-dose opioid prescriptions, often in combination with other controlled substances. Access to those medications was tied to recurring payments, including in circumstances where patients were not seen by him or another provider,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “After federal scrutiny began, Dr. Cline transferred his lake house valued at over $1 million to his ex-wife to diminish assets that could pay an eventual judgment. This resolution holds him accountable for his prescribing conduct and his attempts to frustrate collection, and reinforces that such conduct will meet continued aggressive enforcement action.”
"While today’s settlement against Dr. Douglas Cline and Nurse Practitioner Laurie McKenna may resolve their scheme to unlawfully distribute controlled substance prescriptions for money, exploiting their patients to addiction and their harmful effects are not” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Medical professionals are entrusted with protecting patients’ lives, not placing profits above their health and safety. I commend the work of our DEA Diversion SPEAR team for pursuing those who endanger public health and profit from the ongoing opioid crisis."
“The illegal prescribing practices detailed in this settlement were especially egregious in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic, and they were committed without regard for the proper care of Dr. Cline’s patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi D. Gruchacz of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that health care providers who are involved in schemes that threaten patient safety are held accountable.”In March 2024, the United States filed a civil action against the defendants’ involving prescriptions issued to a combat wounded military veteran and his spouse, including escalating doses of fentanyl, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines despite warning signs of misuse and dependency. The complaint further described continued prescribing to these individuals over extended periods, including while they resided in the southeastern United States and were not regularly examined in person, while continuing to pay CPM appointment fees for continued access to prescriptions.
After learning of the government’s investigation and his potential liability, Dr. Cline transferred substantial assets, including a residence in Bolton Landing, New York, to his then-spouse. The United States later filed a separate civil action alleging that the transfer constituted a fraudulent conveyance intended to hinder federal recovery in the first action.
Dr. Cline surrendered his DEA Certificate of Registration on August 29, 2025. Ms. McKenna’s registration expired on January 31, 2026.
Under the settlement, both defendants are barred for 20 years from applying for, renewing, or reinstating DEA controlled-substances registration.
“Douglas Cline’s reckless prescribing practices caused needless harm to TRICARE beneficiaries and placed profit ahead of proper medical care,” said Christopher M. Silvestro, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office. “As the investigative arm of the Department of War’s Office of Inspector General, we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our service members and their families.”
The case was investigated by the DEA Albany District Office SPEAR Group, the DCIS Syracuse Resident Agency, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Defense Health Agency, the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, the New York State Police, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher R. Moran and Adam J. Katz represented the United States.
Utah Woman Extradited to U.S. from Croatia to Face International Parental Kidnapping and Passport Fraud Charges in the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah woman is in federal custody in Salt Lake City after she was extradited on June 12, 2026, to the United States from Croatia after being charged in a federal indictment with international parental kidnapping and passport fraud.
Elleshia Anne Seymour, 35, of West Jordan, Utah, allegedly traveled to Europe, and to Croatia with her four biological children without the children’s fathers’ knowledge or court approval. She was indicted on January 28, 2026, and an arrest warrant was issued for Seymour. On January 16, Croatian authorities notified FBI they located Seymour and the children in Croatia. The four children were recovered and returned to their fathers in the United States. On January 17, 2026, Seymour was arrested in Croatia. She appeared in federal court for her initial appearance on the indictment on June 22, 2026. Her detention hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
According to court documents, on November 29, 2025 through January 16, 2026, Seymour removed her four children from the United States with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of the parental rights of the children’s fathers. Seymour and the children’s fathers shared joint custody in an order by the Utah state court. On December 2, 2025, West Jordan Police officers responded to a request from Seymour’s co-worker for a welfare check for Seymour’s residence. The responding officer found the apartment unlocked and, after making entry, determined that no one was present. The officer attempted to contact Seymour by telephone but was unsuccessful. On December 3, 2025, Seymour’s former husband and the biological father of three of the children reported to police that he last saw the children on November 24, 2025, when he dropped them off at school. Seymour did not notify the father of her intent to travel internationally with the children as required by the custody order. The father reported to law enforcement he had no contact from Seymour since November 23, 2025. The three children’s father further believed Seymour was out of the country and forged his signature on passport applications for the three children after he found opened passport-related envelopes for the children inside the trash in Seymour’s apartment, found she had deleted her social media accounts, and found other evidence indicating she left the country.
As alleged in court documents, Seymour’s second ex-husband and father to the fourth child told law enforcement he signed paperwork for his child’s passport but was not informed Seymour intended to leave the country. The last he heard from Seymour was via voicemail on December 2, 2025, and Seymour said she was in France with the children, when in fact she was not. Seymour reminded him she had to get the children out of the country because the “end time is coming.” Seymour allegedly told her ex-husband and father of the fourth child she wanted him to join them and asked him not to let the three children’s father know where she was. Both ex-husbands described Seymour as a “Doomsdayer,” a person who believes in the imminent destruction of the United States and eventually the world.
“The safe return of the children remains our highest priority. We are deeply grateful to our federal and international partners for their tireless efforts in bringing about this successful outcome,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “Our work is not finished—we will continue to pursue justice in the case against Seymour.”
"International parental kidnappings can have a profound impact on a child’s sense of safety and stability," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "We are grateful the children in this case were safely returned home through the extensive reach, resources, and collaborative efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners."
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by West Jordan Police Department, Salt Lake City Airport Police, INTERPOL, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Ministry of Justice of Croatia, and Croatian authorities.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attachments:
elleshia_anne_seymour.indictment.pdf
elleshia_a._seymour.motionfordetention.pdfUnited States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Announces Charges Against Two Chicago-Area Defendants as Part of Department of Justice’s National Healthcare Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced criminal charges against two Chicago-area defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. The charges filed in federal court in Chicago are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown. The charges continue the trend of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago as well as the Midwest Strike Force moving with speed, intentionality, velocity, and impact to bring criminal healthcare fraud prosecutions, especially against gatekeepers, that dismantle significant schemes that syphon taxpayer funds from Medicare and Medicaid. As part of those efforts, in the summer of 2025, U.S. Attorney Boutros stood up the Office’s first-ever Healthcare Fraud Section, which since its inception has charged some $2.135 billion in healthcare fraud in the Northern District of Illinois.
One of the Chicago-area defendants is charged with participating in a scheme to defraud Medicare out of approximately $240 million in reimbursements for over-the-counter Covid-19 test kits that were either never provided or never requested by Medicare beneficiaries, all within a span of less than six months. The other Chicago-area defendant is charged with orchestrating a scheme to defraud the Illinois Medicaid program out of more than $75 million for purported behavioral health counseling and therapy services that were never provided.
“Healthcare fraud causes billions of dollars in losses to the federal government and private insurers and all too often involves the exploitation of patients through unnecessary or unsafe medical tests and procedures,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “That’s precisely why, last year, I created a standalone Healthcare Fraud Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago—to bring greater focus, velocity, and impact to our efforts in this critical program area. Since becoming U.S. Attorney on April 7, 2025, my Office has charged more than $2.135 billion in healthcare fraud schemes involving alleged criminal conduct in the Northern District of Illinois and throughout the United States and even transnationally. In addition, our Healthcare Fraud Section and its team of federal prosecutors work closely with the Healthcare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, to bring important and consequential cases such as the significant charges announced today. Under my leadership, healthcare providers, gatekeepers, and others who criminally cheat the system will be vigorously investigated, prosecuted, and punished to the full extent of federal law. I am quite proud of the work that federal prosecutors and agency partners in Chicago have accomplished in the healthcare fraud space in such a short period of time.”
The Chicago-area cases announced today by U.S. Attorney Boutros are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges filed throughout the country against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving more than $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with a more than $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of more than $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s national enforcement action involved a whole-of-government approach, including:
Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to more than $73 million, more than 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The two Chicago-area defendants were charged in the Northern District of Illinois:
AMIRALI BHIMANI, 42, of Naperville, Ill., was charged in a criminal information with three counts of healthcare fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare through the submission of fraudulent claims for over-the-counter Covid-19 test kits that were never requested or provided. Through the alleged scheme, Bhimani caused laboratories to bill Medicare approximately $342 million for the purported provision of test kits to beneficiaries who did not consent to receiving the kits and did not receive the kits, of which approximately $240 million was paid to the laboratories. Specifically, as alleged in the information, Bhimani sold Medicare beneficiary information to laboratories so that those laboratories could bill Medicare for purportedly providing the beneficiaries with Covid-19 test kits. Bhimani and others provided one or more of the laboratories with fake recordings of phone calls, in which the Medicare beneficiaries purportedly agreed to receive the test kits, the charges allege. The source of the recordings allegedly informed Bhimani that they were generated using artificial intelligence. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kelly M. Warner of the Midwest Strike Force.
DANIEL ROBINSON, 51, of Palos Park, Ill., was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of healthcare fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Illinois Medicaid through the submission of fraudulent claims for behavioral health counseling and therapy services that were never provided. As alleged in the complaint, since January 2024, Robinson’s company, ODA Solutions, Inc., has billed Illinois Medicaid more than $92 million and has been paid approximately $75 million. Robinson, as Founder and CEO of ODA Solutions, allegedly directed others to create fake medical records and then bill for counseling services that were not provided, including for beneficiaries who had died. As alleged in the complaint, Robinson transferred approximately $45 million of the fraudulent proceeds to several brokerage and other business bank accounts and used more than $7 million of the fraudulent proceeds to purchase luxury items including real estate, vehicles, jewelry, and a yacht. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sarah Finch of the Midwest Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Pinkston of the Northern District of Illinois.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division, HHS-OIG, and the FBI, with assistance from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, to investigate and prosecute the cases filed in federal court in Chicago.
The cases involved in the National Takedown are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
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.
The public is reminded that an indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
bhimani_information.pdf robinson_complaint.pdfU.S. Attorney’s Office announces charges against three defendants in the Eastern District of Virginia as part of national health care fraud takedownRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced charges against three defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
The charges announced today are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since Oct. 1, 2025.
The following individuals were charged in the Eastern District of Virginia:
Jair Barbour, 37, of Henrico, was charged by information with making false statements relating to health care matters in connection with fraudulently billing Medicaid for mental health services totaling $345,670.93. As alleged in the criminal information, Barbour, a qualified mental health provider, submitted hundreds of falsified progress notes describing mental health sessions that never occurred, dramatically overstated the number of hours she worked, and documented services that were impossible due to overlapping or conflicting times. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Day.
Mikia Noble, 37, of North Chesterfield, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a crisis mental health services fraud scheme on Virginia Medicaid. As alleged in the information, Noble, the Chief Operating Officer of Advancing Communities Everywhere, conspired with others to target low-income, often homeless, Medicaid recipients by purporting to provide those recipients with mental health services that the recipients did not receive and often did not need. Noble and others submitted approximately $49.6 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid, of which approximately $38.6 million was paid. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Day of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys Zachary H. Ray and Lauren Randell of the National Rapid Response Strike Force.
Abdul Rehman Sirhandi, 57, of Aldie, was charged by information with conspiring to make false statements in health care fraud matters in connection with a durable medical equipment (DME) fraud scheme. As alleged in the information, Sirhandi acted as the straw owner of a DME company, Pulse Medical Supply, and conspired with others in Texas and Pakistan to submit approximately $780,627 in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, of which approximately $313,233 was paid. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Zachary H. Ray of the National Rapid Response Strike Force.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito Announces Fraud Conspiracy Charges Against Sober Living Home Founder and SpouseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito announced criminal charges today alleging Raymond C. Meadows II and his wife Helen Crutcher Meadows conspired to commit wire fraud through their roles at Lifehouse Inc., a nonprofit, long-term, faith-based substance abuse recovery program headquartered in Huntington. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“As alleged in the criminal complaints, these defendants viewed West Virginia’s addiction crisis not as a tragedy, but as an opportunity,” Capito said. “While families buried loved ones, communities fought to save lives, and taxpayers funded efforts to combat substance abuse, they allegedly exploited the system for personal gain. The damage from conduct like this extends far beyond dollars and cents — it robs communities of resources, undermines recovery efforts, and betrays public trust. We will continue to pursue fraudsters who enrich themselves through the misery of others and hold them fully accountable.”
Capito also announced a $120,000 civil settlement that resolves allegations involving claims submitted by West Virginia Sleep Centers LLC, a Beckley sleep laboratory, to Medicaid and the Veterans Administration Community Health program.
The charges and settlement announced today by Capito are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The following individuals were charged in the Southern District of West Virginia:
- Raymond “Rocky” Meadows II, 52, of Huntington, West Virginia, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud [18 U.S.C. § 1349]. As alleged in the complaint, Meadows, was founder and director of Lifehouse, Inc., a non-profit, long-term, faith-based substance abuse recovery program headquartered in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia. Lifehouse served as a sober living community and received expense reimbursements through both state and federal government grant programs. Meadows conspired with his wife and another individual to falsify and submit timesheets to a testing laboratory for drug testing work not actually performed. The scheme included Meadows’s wife routinely billing 32 hours of overtime each week for months at a time, as well as billing for hours when she was with him on out-of-state vacations. The laboratory issued payments based on the fraudulent billings and subsequently obtained reimbursement from federal and state healthcare programs. The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Jonathan T. Storage of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
- Helen Crutcher Meadows, 49, of Tampa, Florida, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud [18 U.S.C. § 1349]. As alleged in the complaint, Meadows was the collector supervisor at Lifehouse, Inc., a non-profit, long-term, faith-based substance abuse recovery program headquartered in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia. Lifehouse served as a sober living community and received expense reimbursements through both state and federal government grant programs. Meadows was also the wife of Lifehouse founder and director Raymond Meadows. She conspired with her husband and another individual to falsify and submit timesheets to a testing laboratory for drug testing work not actually performed. The scheme consisted of Helen Meadows routinely billing 32 hours of overtime each week for months at a time, as well as billing for hours when she was with her husband, Raymond Meadows, on out-of-state vacations. The laboratory issued payments based on the fraudulent billings and subsequently obtained reimbursement from federal and state healthcare programs. The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Jonathan T. Storage of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
The following settlement was announced in the Southern District of West Virginia:
- West Virginia Sleep Centers, LLC, a West Virginia sleep laboratory located in Beckley, West Virginia, reached a civil settlement to pay $120,000 to resolve allegations that the company submitted claims for payment to Medicaid and the Veterans Administration Community Health program for sleep studies and polysomnogram reports that were prepared and signed by unqualified, non-physician staff during the period from January 1, 2016 through January 9, 2020. The case was settled by AUSA Gregory P. Neil of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virgina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The Southern District of West Virginia, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Huntington Police Department.
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.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Two Statesville Men Face Federal Charges for Breeding Pit Bulls for Dog Fighting; 25 Dogs Rescued, Including PuppiesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two Statesville men are facing federal charges for allegedly running a multi-state commercial dog breeding operation that bred pit bulls that were advertised and sold for illegal dog fighting, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The federal indictment was unsealed yesterday, charging Juelz Christopher Daniels, 19, and Reginald Lionel Goodson, Jr., 55, with one count of conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act. Daniels is also charged with three counts charging the possession, training, and sale of fighting dogs, and eight counts of violating the Animal Welfare Act, related primarily to his possession, training, and sale of fighting dogs, and advertising fighting dogs for sale on Facebook. Daniels and Goodson were arrested last Thursday. Law enforcement also executed search warrants at three residences, where they rescued and seized 25 pit bull-type dogs, including puppies, as well as other items, tools, and paraphernalia associated with breeding and training animals for dog fighting.
“It’s unbelievable people still engage in dog fighting activities,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We are here to protect innocent animals from the abuse and suffering that comes with dog fighting.”
“When the FBI investigates illegal dog‑fighting operations, we’re not just stopping cruelty, we are disrupting violent criminal networks that harm both people and animals,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge.
According to allegations in the indictment, from January 2021 to May 2026, Daniels and Goodson maintained properties where they bred, housed, and trained pit bull-type dogs intended for dog fights. They also used fighting training equipment and paraphernalia in their operations, including treadmills, bite sticks, heavy metal chains, animal hides, and “spring poles” or “flirt poles”—all to increase the animals’ strength and stamina. The defendants also allegedly trained and conditioned the pit bull-type dogs to fight in dog fights, and evaluated their dogs’ strengths, capabilities, aptitudes and willingness or inclination to fight.
According to allegations in the indictment, Daniels and Goodson operated one or more dog kennels, including “Hoodwoods Kennels,” for the purpose of raising pit bull-type dogs for dog fighting. It is further alleged that the defendants selectively bred pit bull-type dogs to display particular traits desirable for dog fighting, including aggressiveness and propensity to fight other dogs, often referred to as “gameness,” or a willingness to continue fighting another dog despite traumatic or mortal injury, among others.
The indictment further alleges that Daniels routinely posted advertisements for various pit bull-type dogs that he and Goodson bred and sold on multiple Facebook Groups dedicated to illegal dog fighting and to various individuals via Facebook Messenger. In the advertisements, Daniels allegedly touted the fighting bloodlines of the dogs, at times posting or providing links to the dogs’ pedigrees and bloodlines claiming the dogs were the offspring of dog fighting champions, a “champion” being a dog that has won three or more dog fights. Daniels and Goodson also frequently posted and shared pictures of pit bull-type dogs consistent with various methods of training dogs for dog fighting.
The defendants allegedly marketed and advertised on Facebook the dogs they bred and trained for dog fighting and communicated with others about the dogs’ victories, bloodlines, and training, as well as discussed details about the price, purchase, transfer, and delivery of the dogs to interested buyers. For example, in November 2025, Daniels allegedly posted a link in a Facebook Group to a pedigree alongside a picture of a black-colored young pit bull-type dog tethered in a chain spot captioned “[y]ou will hear about him soon.” The pedigree listed the dog’s breeder and owner as “Hoodwoods.” The pedigree included notations identifying some members of the advertised dog’s bloodline as “2XW,” “POR” and “ROM.” The notation of “XW” on a pedigree indicated the dog was a winner (in this instance, a two-time winner). A dog that produced multiple offspring that went on to be champions was bestowed the prestigious “Register of Merit” (ROM) or “Producer of Record” (POR) title and drove the sales and pricing of fighting dogs.
Both defendants are in federal custody. If convicted, Daniels and Goodson each face a sentence of up to five years in prison for the charge of conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act, and Daniels faces a sentence of up to five years in prison for each count of possession and commerce of fighting dogs and for each count of advertising fighting animals through interstate commerce. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against the defendants are allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson credited the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation and assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at 1-800-424-9121 or online at https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline.
Two Pittsburgh Convenience Store Employees Charged with Food Stamp Trafficking as Part of Nationwide Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Today, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced criminal charges against two defendants in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from the two defendants exchanging Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamp, benefits for cash, allowing certain beneficiary recipients to use this cash to purchase illegal controlled substances.
“Giving customers cash for their SNAP benefits is against the law and violates the clear rules and regulations of a program designed to provide nutritional assistance to families in need,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who attempt to take advantage of both recipients and taxpayers by compromising the integrity of important public health programs and illegally trafficking SNAP and other government benefits.”
The charges announced today by United States Attorney Rivetti are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including: • Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.The following individuals were charged in the Western District of Pennsylvania:
Abdou Jallow, 55, and Alicia Mastrantoni, 39, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were charged by Criminal Complaint with food stamp fraud in connection with exchanging SNAP benefits for cash. As alleged in the complaint, Jallow, manager of a Pittsburgh convenience store, and Mastrantoni, an employee of the same store, exchanged these SNAP benefits for cash for various store customers, many of whom used this cash to purchase illegal controlled substances. Jallow and Mastrantoni attempted to conceal the nature of these transactions by using fraudulent universal product codes (UPCs) on the store’s cash register. The store was identified as being involved in fraud through the SNAP benefit transactions, which were significantly high in both volume and dollar amount. It is believed that Jallow and Mastrantoni fraudulently exchanged over $550,000 in SNAP benefits over the course of the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
“Exploiting a vital nutrition program for personal profit and to fuel drug abuse is a betrayal of the communities these benefits are intended to support,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan Abel. “The charges announced today demonstrate the commitment of HSI Philadelphia and our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and threaten public safety. We will continue to trace illicit funds, safeguard taxpayer resources, and hold accountable anyone who seeks to exploit vulnerable families for personal gain.”
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Unit West to investigate and prosecute the case filed during the Takedown.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Florida Men Convicted at Trial of Orchestrating $18 Million Advance-Fee SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that JOSEPH MALVASIO, a/k/a “Joe Cohen,” and GREGG MARCUS, a/k/a “Gregg Pierce,” were convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a years-long advance-fee scheme through which they defrauded hundreds of victims of at least approximately $18 million. MALVASIO and MARCUS were found guilty following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman.
“Joseph Malvasio and Gregg Marcus perpetrated an advance-fee scheme whose victims were defrauded into paying millions of dollars for loans the defendants never intended to make,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The victims needed these loans to buy property and build businesses. But the defendants simply charged upfront fees and pocketed their victims’ money—approximately $18 million. This Office is committed to rooting out fraud and holding those responsible accountable.”
According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial:
From at least in or about March 2017 through at least in or about August 2023, MALVASIO and MARCUS operated an advance-fee scheme that defrauded hundreds of victims of approximately $18 million. MALVASIO and MARCUS operated this fraudulent scheme through their ownership and operation of a business called Global Capital Partners Fund LLC (“GCPF”). MALVASIO and MARCUS falsely represented that GCPF was a legitimate business that would provide loans to individuals who were interested in funding for private commercial projects. Instead, MALVASIO and MARCUS defrauded victims, collecting thousands of dollars in fees from each victim without intending to issue a loan. MALVASIO also committed the same scheme using two other entities, called Harbor Equity and Commercial Private Equity.
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MALVASIO, 68, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Bridgehampton, New York, and MARCUS, 60, of Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, were each convicted of one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. MALVASIO was also convicted, separately, of a second count of wire fraud.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgia V. Kostopoulos, Patrick J. Gallagher, Adabelle U. Ekechukwu, Jaclyn Delligatti, Micah F. Fergenson, and Daniel G. Nessim are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Saadhana Jakka and Myrnette Millington.
Two Doctors, Physician’s Assistant Charged with Unlawfully Distributing Controlled Substances via Voicemail “Refill Line”Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Today, United States Attorney David Metcalf announced criminal charges against three defendants in connection with an alleged pill mill conspiracy. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
Dr. Joseph P. DiRenzo Jr., 64, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Dr. Marc A. Matozzo, 56, of Woodbury, New Jersey, and Joseph D. Norris, P.A., 62, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. DiRenzo and Matozzo were also each charged with two counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Norris was also charged with two counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances and one count of false statements related to health care matters.
“Medical professionals who prescribe powerful drugs indiscriminately are fueling the opioid crisis that continues to grip our area,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Just like street dealers, they are perpetuating people’s pain and addiction. My office and our partners will never stop working to put pill mills out of business. We would ask anyone with knowledge of such prescription abuse to share their information with law enforcement. Doing so could save lives.”
As alleged in the indictment, from January 2020 through March 2025, the defendants operated a voicemail refill line that allowed patients to request and receive refills of Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions, namely oxycodone and amphetamine, without ever interacting with a licensed and registered prescriber. The defendants prescribed to patients who used the refill line to receive prescriptions for controlled substances for up to and, in some instances, exceeding one year without interacting with a licensed prescriber. The defendants knew that certain pharmacies refused to fill certain of their controlled substances prescriptions, but defendants submitted the refused prescriptions to other pharmacies and submitted prescriptions in the name of another medical professional in order to deceive the pharmacies into filling the prescriptions.
The indictment further alleges that the defendants received notice from pharmacy benefit managers and insurers that the defendants had prescribed dangerous amounts of Schedule II controlled substances and dangerous combinations of controlled substances and other medications, but they continued to prescribe these medicines.
Some patients who used the refill line to obtain Schedule II controlled substances from defendants suffered drug overdoses and died. Although the defendants learned of the overdoses and deaths, they allegedly continued to operate the refill line to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances without interacting with patients.
“Medical professionals occupy a position of trust and are sworn to care for and protect their patients,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The defendants in this case allegedly violated that trust and their professional oaths by continuing to prescribe dangerous quantities of Schedule II narcotics, even after being warned about the risks posed by their prescribing practices. At a time when our nation continues to confront an opioid crisis, conduct like this undermines public confidence in the medical profession and the tireless efforts of those working to save lives. The FBI, alongside our partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who exploit positions of trust and benefit from illegal, dangerous, and, too often, fatal schemes.”
“Medical providers are responsible for ensuring that controlled substances are prescribed properly,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Protecting the public from dangerous provider behaviors and drug overdoses is a top priority for HHS-OIG. In conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and other fellow law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively investigate alleged drug diversion.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Claiborne Bisio of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob and Nicholas K. Peone of the Northeast Strike Force, part of the Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Metcalf are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 civil monetary payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions and 25 HHS-OIG actions under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
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.
Two Charged in the District of Oregon as Part of the National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced criminal charges against two defendants in connection with various schemes to defraud Medicare, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and private insurance companies. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“Health care fraud inflates costs, restricts access to critical services, and siphons taxpayer dollars from senior citizens, people with disabilities, low-income families, veterans, and others who rely on these federal programs,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Strong coordination among local, state, national, and international partners is essential to protecting the integrity of our health care system and ensuring those who exploit it are held accountable.”
“Every dollar saved by investigating fraud helps ensure VA programs remain sustainable for the veterans who depend on them,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Pacific Field Office (“VA OIG”). “The VA OIG is committed to investigating those who exploit VA programs and thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for their collaboration to identify, investigate, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.”
The following individuals were charged in the District of Oregon:
- Jahangeer Ali, 34, a citizen of Pakistan, was charged by information with health care fraud. As alleged in court documents, Ali owned Oregon Clinical Laboratory, a company that submitted fraudulent claims of genetic testing to Medicare Advantage plans resulting in a loss of over $15 million. The beneficiaries and physicians listed on the fraudulent claims had never heard of Oregon Clinical Laboratory and the genetic testing was never provided. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Ho and Bryan Chinwuba.
- Mehrdad Gerami, 67, of Coos Bay, Oregon, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with medical sleep study testing resulting in a loss of at least $2,124,363.41. As alleged in the information, Gerami owned and operated Coastal Diagnostic Testing Group and Coastal Diagnostic, both of which engaged in submitting fraudulent claims to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and private insurance companies for sleep tests allegedly conducted in office when, in fact, they were conducted either at home or not at all. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh.
The charges are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The District of Oregon worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: HHS-OIG, the FBI, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of 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.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Towson Attorney Sentenced for Role in Real Estate Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison for orchestrating a real-estate scheme.
U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Jacob Rappaport, 41, to 15 months in prison, today, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Rappaport, an attorney, represented Alexander Schultz, 31, formerly of Pikesville, Maryland, and Schultz’s company, Limitless Management — a company that bought, sold, and managed real estate in Maryland — on various real estate transactions.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Edwin Bonano, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), Southeast Region; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Pittano, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region.
According to court documents, in January 2020, Coventry Realty, LLC, an organization controlled by Schultz and others, purchased Coventry Manor, a Baltimore apartment complex, for $5.5 million. Then in March 2021, Coventry Realty, LLC obtained a new loan from Bank B for approximately $6.2 million for Coventry Manor.
In December 2021, Schultz and others agreed to sell Coventry Manor to Buyer #1. According to the agreement, Buyer #1 would assume the Bank B loan instead of seeking new financing. Rappaport, acting on behalf of Limitless Management, prepared two separate contracts for sale.
The first contract given to Bank B reflected that Buyer #1 was purchasing Coventry Manor from Coventry Realty for $7.8 million. Rappaport also drafted a side agreement that he did not disclose to Bank B.
In this side agreement, which Schultz and Buyer #1’s representative signed, it listed Coventry Manor’s true purchasing price as approximately $6.9 million. It also stated that Coventry Realty would provide approximately $847,619.05 in “seller credits” to account for the difference between the fake purchase price of $7.8 million and the actual purchase price of $6.9 million. Rappaport prepared both the $7.8 million contract of sale and the separate $6.9 million agreement.
Rappaport participated in conversations with Schultz, and others to plan the scheme. Additionally, when the attorney who initially represented Buyer #1 indicated that he would not participate in the scheme, Rappaport assisted in identifying a different lawyer who would participate in the fraud scheme.
Prior to settlement, Rappaport and his co-conspirators determined that only $512,251.12 of the agreed upon seller credits should appear on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement as concessions from the seller to the buyer. The co-conspirators agreed to reflect a fictitious “Reno Credit,” for $85,000 on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement to lower the amount owed by Buyer #1 at closing. Bank B was unaware that Rappaport agreed to hold $335,367.93 in his attorney trust account for the purpose of concealing from the bank where the funds would eventually go, namely back to Buyer #1.
On April 14, 2022, Coventry Realty completed the settlement to execute the sale. As agreed upon, the HUD-1 Settlement Statement reflected a fraudulent sale price of $7.8 million, fraudulent a “Reno Credit” of $85,000, and a $335,367.93 “seller fee” that was paid to the law firm where Rappaport was employed.
Settlement Company A initiated a wire transfer to Rappaport’s attorney trust account for $351,617.93. Then on April 19, Rappaport’s attorney trust account initiated a $335,367.93 wire transfer to Buyer #1’s company, which the lender thought was the “seller fee,” payable to Rappaport’s law firm. As a result of this transaction, Rappaport received a $16,250 payment.
Additionally, Rapport negotiated contracts for Shultz and other co-conspirators in connection with a residential homes wholesaling scheme. Through the scheme, Schultz and his co-conspirators identified homes for sale under market value and then placed contracts on these residences. Schultz and others only owned the homes for a short period of time, sometimes for less than a day, and then sold the properties to a third-party buyer at or near market value.
In September 2021, Schultz and other co-conspirators identified 42 residential homes in Baltimore. Rappaport assisted Schultz and the other co-conspirators by negotiating a contract sales price of $87,500 per home or $3,675,000 collectively. As part of the scheme, the homes were sold to Buyer #2 for $112,500 per home or $4,725,000 collectively. Then the co-conspirators agreed to fraudulently inflate the purchase price to $165,000 per home or $6,930,000 collectively. Lender A did not know the true purchase price was $112,500 per home.
On December 9, 2021, the 42 residential homes were purchased for $3,675,000 and then sold to Buyer #2 on the same day for $6,930,000. The HUD-1 Settlement Statement reflected that Buyer #2 provided $1,931,545.96 as a down payment that came from a third-party not affiliated with the transaction, but Lender A believed the funds came from Buyer #2. The co-conspirators, including Schultz, received $2,921,604.09 from the sale that went to Rappaport’s attorney trust account in order to conceal from Lender A the true sales price and the source of the down payment. After settlement, approximately $2 million was wired by Rappaport from his attorney trust account back to the unaffiliated third party. As a result of this transaction, Rappaport received $5,500.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, FHFA-OIG, and FDIC-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Third Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Hacking Fantasy Sports and Betting WebsiteRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that NATHAN AUSTAD, a/k/a “Snoopy,” was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a scheme to hack user accounts on a fantasy sports and betting website (the “Betting Website”) and sell access to those accounts, resulting in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the users. On December 12, 2025, AUSTAD pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit computer intrusion before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams, who imposed today’s sentence.
"Nathan Austad and his co-defendants hacked an online betting website to compromise the accounts of over 60,000 users by purchasing their already stolen credentials on the darkweb and utilizing their previous passwords from other websites,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The defendants acknowledged the federal investigation into their conduct while they were committing their crimes, even having the hubris to say the FBI could not do anything about it. They were wrong. Austad’s prison sentence today demonstrates the commitment of the DOJ, the FBI, and all our federal partners to protecting our on-line markets.”
According to the charging documents and other filings and statements made in court:
On or about November 18, 2022, AUSTAD and others launched a “credential stuffing attack” on the Betting Website. During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies, which can often be purchased on the darkweb. The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers, in order to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password. Here, in connection with the attack on the Betting Website, AUSTAD and his coconspirators made a series of attempts to log into the Betting Website user accounts using a large list of stolen credentials.
AUSTAD and his coconspirators successfully compromised approximately 60,000 user accounts at the Betting Website (the “Victim Accounts”) through the credential stuffing attack. In some instances, AUSTAD and his coconspirators were able to add a new payment method of their own on the account (i.e., to a newly added financial account belonging to the hacker) and then use it to withdraw all the existing funds in the Victim Account to themselves, thus stealing the funds in each affected Victim Account. Using this method, AUSTAD and others stole approximately $600,000 from approximately 1,600 Victim Accounts on the Betting Website for themselves.
Access to the Victim Accounts were also sold on various websites that traffic in stolen accounts, which are frequently referred to as “Shops.” AUSTAD directly controlled and profited from his own shop, which was named after the character Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip. A photo of AUSTAD’s Shop website with victim companies redacted is below:
On or about December 2, 2022, AUSTAD messaged about the existence of this investigation, “everyone shouldve been prepared for this before cashing out lol,” and a coconspirator replied, “lol fbi can’t do shit.” On or about May 19, 2023, AUSTAD messaged about the existence of this investigation, “like we didnt know the risk when we started lol . . . everyone knows their committing fraud.”
AUSTAD also controlled cryptocurrency accounts that received cryptocurrency worth approximately $465,000, including proceeds of his crimes.
AUSTAD is the third defendant to be sentenced in this investigation. On January 31, 2024, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan sentenced Joseph Garrison to 18 months in prison. On April 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald sentenced Kamerin Stokes, a/k/a “TheMFNPlug,” to 30 months in prison.
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In addition to the prison term, AUSTAD, 21, of Farmington, Minnesota, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $463,684.48 in forfeiture and $1,327,061 in restitution.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Micah Fergenson are in charge of the prosecution.
Tallahassee Felon Indicted for Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances & FirearmRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Ishmail Irving Johnson, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and a PVP, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Johnson appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 8:15 am before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.
If convicted, Johnson faces up to life imprisonment on the drug count and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the firearm count.
The case is being jointly investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The 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 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.
Subway Arsonist Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Lighting Sleeping Man on FireRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that HIRAM CARRERO was sentenced to 66 months in prison for setting fire to a man who was sleeping on a New York City subway car. CARRERO previously pled guilty to arson on March 5, 2026, and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
“Setting fire to another person is a breathtaking, horrific, and unconscionable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Thanks to first responders and the women and men of the NYPD and the FDNY, the victim’s life was saved, and a horrific tragedy was averted. Subway safety is front of mind for our Office, the NYPD, and our federal partners. Today’s sentence demonstrates that anyone who terrorizes New Yorkers on the subway or anywhere else will face swift justice.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings:
In the early morning hours of December 1, 2025, CARRERO boarded a New York City subway car at the 34th Street – Penn Station subway stop. He picked up a piece of paper (depicted in the screenshot below) and used it to set fire to a man asleep on the train. CARRERO stepped back onto the platform as the doors closed, leaving the victim locked inside the car to burn as the train departed.
Video from inside the train car shows that as the train traveled north towards the next station, the fire flared up, engulfing the victim’s legs and a portion of the train car in flames. When the train arrived at 42nd Street – Times Square, the victim emerged, burning from the train (depicted in a screenshot below).
Minutes later, first responders at the station rushed to extinguish the flames. The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition after sustaining life-threatening injuries from the fire.
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In addition to his prison sentence, CARRERO, 19, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New York City Police Department and the New York City Fire Department Fire Marshals.
The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Molis is in charge of the prosecution.
Stockton Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Stockton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing child pornography.
Brian Lee Cox, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 230 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Cox to serve a 10-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
Cox will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
Cox pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2025, to receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet. According to court documents, Cox traded child sexual abuse material with other individuals using Kik messenger, an application which focuses on the privacy of its users. A National Center for Missing and Exploitive Children (NCMEC) Cyber Tip alerted the authorities to Cox’s conduct.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Cybercrimes Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Silver City Felon Pleads Guilty to Series of Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Silver City man pleaded guilty in federal court to a series of crimes committed between June 2024 and March 2025 that escalated from unlawful firearm possession to armed robbery and a violent carjacking.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2024, Silver City police officers responded to a residence following reports that Dominic Carbajal, 26, was possibly armed. Carbajal was detained and during a subsequent search, officers found a loaded magazine in his pocket and recovered a stolen pistol loaded with a 32-round magazine. Carbajal, a convicted felon, later admitted he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Roughly seven months later, on January 22, 2025, officers responded to an armed robbery at a local nutrition store. Surveillance video showed Carbajal selecting merchandise and leaving without paying. When the store owner attempted to stop the theft, Carbajal brandished a handgun and ordered the owner to back away before fleeing with the stolen items. Carbajal later admitted using the threat of the firearm to complete the theft.
On March 23, 2025, Carbajal committed a violent carjacking in a remote parking lot. According to court records, Carbajal approached a man sitting in a pickup truck, demanded the keys, and repeatedly struck the victim with his fists and a metal bar or pipe when the victim refused. The victim suffered head injuries and was bleeding during the assault. Carbajal then threatened to shoot the victim, causing him to surrender his truck and personal property, including his wallet, phone, and jewelry. Carbajal later admitted that he intended to cause serious bodily injury in order to obtain the vehicle.
Officers later tracked the stolen vehicle to a residence where Carbajal was reportedly seen. As officers attempted to arrest him, Carbajal allegedly released two pit bulls to attack law enforcement and fled on foot, discarding his clothing as he ran. He was ultimately subdued with a Taser and taken into custody. Officers reported signs of opioid intoxication, and Carbajal allegedly admitted he had used “powder” when asked if he had taken fentanyl.
Carbajal pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by threats or violence, being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, and carjacking and faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Silver City Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens is prosecuting the case.
Scranton Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud with Funds Derived from Federal Health Care ProgramsRead the Press Release
Criminal Information is Part of Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown
Harrisburg - Today, United States Attorney Brian D. Miller announced criminal charges alleging fraud involving Medicare and Medicaid funds. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
Kerry Ann Elliott Beaubrun, 43, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was charged by Criminal Information with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. It is alleged that her scheme entailed defrauding Entity #1 by stealing and appropriating checks intended to be sent by Entity #1 to various payees, including those for which funds were derived from federal health care programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, for a loss of over $300,000 dollars. As alleged in the Information, Beaubrun unjustly enriched herself by endorsing checks to herself that were meant for others, defrauding multiple banks and utilizing funds for her own personal expenses.
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Sacramento Man Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison for Covid-Related Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif — Roosevelt Gulley, 42, of Sacramento, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to four years and six months in prison and ordered to pay $575,425 in restitution for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for exploiting a national crisis for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “By stealing identities and siphoning COVID-19 relief funds, he diverted critical resources intended to help struggling individuals and small businesses. Our office remains committed to protecting the integrity of federal relief programs and ensuring that those who commit fraud are brought to justice.”
“While American workers were facing unemployment lines and an uncertain future during the COVID-19 crisis, Roosevelt Gulley was picking their pockets and gaming the system. This sentence is justice for every victim whose identity he stole and every hard-earned dollar he ripped off. We will not stop until every pandemic fraudster is held accountable,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor.
DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., said, “Exploiting pandemic relief programs for personal enrichment is unconscionable. DHS OIG will continue to prioritize these investigations, and together with our law enforcement partners, we will hold these individuals accountable for their actions.”
“The weaknesses in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program enabled widespread criminal fraud across the country,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “We have since recovered more than $6 billion, supported the prosecution of thousands of fraudsters, and today – more than 99 percent of our benefit payments do not involve criminal fraud. We will continue working closely with local, state, and federal investigators to ensure those who commit fraud are identified, pursued, and brought to justice.”
According to court documents, between July and September 2020, Gulley used personally identifiable information of others to electronically submit fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits to the California Employment Development Department. The claims falsely stated that the beneficiaries were self-employed, and. Gulley knew the claimants were not eligible for unemployment insurance. After benefits cards were issued, he withdrew funds at various ATMs.
Gulley also used personally identifiable information from at least two victims without their knowledge to file fraudulent benefits applications and obtain thousands of dollars in benefits. Over the course of his scheme, Gulley attempted to obtain more than $1.5 million and actually received more than $500,000 in fraudulent benefits.
Gulley pleaded guilty on Sept. 15, 2025.
The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General’s COVID Fraud Unit, and California EDD Investigation Division conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Harman prosecuted the case.
Repeat Drug Trafficking Offender Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute meth and illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced on June 22, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City to 131 months’ imprisonment.
On February 2, 2026, Seann Mackey, 32, from Mount Pleasant, Iowa pled guilty, admitting that between June 2024 and December 2024, he was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 3000 grams of mixed methamphetamine which contained at least 150 grams of pure methamphetamine. On December 20, 2024, law enforcement apprehended Mackey after he led them on a high-speed chase, then attempted to flee on foot. During the foot pursuit, Mackey was observed throwing a firearm. Law enforcement seized methamphetamine, numerous empty baggies and a digital scale from Mackey, along with a loaded Glock 9mm handgun.
Mackey has several previous felony convictions, including: Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, and Dominion/Control of Firearm/Offensive Weapon by Felon. Each of these convictions prohibit Mackey from possessing any firearm and also enhance his sentencing penalties.
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.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Mackey to 131 months’ imprisonment and an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Mackey remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4006. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Registered Sex Offender Charged with Drugging and Sexually Abusing MinorsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced the return of a 10-count Indictment charging ANDREW WILKINSON, a/k/a “Steppa,” with convincing and enticing three minor female victims to engage in unlawful sexual activity with him, filming a sexually explicit video of a 15-year-old girl (“Minor Victim-1”), and drugging and sexually assaulting 17-year-old and 16-year-old girls (“Minor Victim-2” and “Minor Victim-3,” respectively). The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. WILKINSON was arraigned on the Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang earlier today.
“As alleged, Andrew Wilkinson, a registered sex offender and serial predator, used social media to target vulnerable girls so he could drug them, sexually assault them, and film his abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Thankfully, Wilkinson’s illicit conduct was brought to light, and he will now have to answer to these serious charges. Our Office, along with our federal partners and the NYPD, are making a whole-of-government effort to rid our streets of sexual predators. That is what New Yorkers want. That is what we are delivering. The sexual assault of minors and the production and distribution of child pornography are too prevalent. I urge all New Yorkers to assist us in ridding our streets of predators. If you have been a victim of the alleged sexual abuse perpetrated by Wilkinson—or if you know anything about his alleged crimes or think you’ve experienced something similar—we encourage you to contact usanys.wilkinson-case@usdoj.gov or 212-637-0076.”
“This defendant, who is already a registered sex offender, allegedly used social media to lure underage girls to an unlicensed business for free tattoos and then drugged, raped, and recorded sexually explicit videos of them,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This horrific behavior—especially the abuse of minors—has no place in our city, and thanks to the relentless work of our NYPD investigators and law enforcement partners, this predator is being held accountable. We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York to protect survivors of sexual assault and ensure justice is served in this case.”
As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in Court:(1)
WILKINSON drugged, sexually assaulted, and recorded sexual encounters with minor female victims. WILKINSON, who was 34 years old and a registered sex offender, operated and advertised an unlicensed tattoo service and used his tattoo service as a means by which to gain access to minor victims to sexually abuse. WILKINSON met and communicated with his victims primarily on social media platforms and utilized those platforms to convince his victims to travel to an apartment in the Bronx where he drugged, sexually assaulted, and filmed sexually explicit videos of them. WILKINSON drugged a 16-year-old girl and sexually abused her while she was physically incapacitated.
Between at least in or about December 2024 and May 2025, WILKINSON repeatedly sent promotional messages offering free tattoos to Minor Victim-1, who was 14, and tried to convince Minor Victim-1 to meet him in person. On or about January 27, 2025, after Minor Victim-1 turned 15, WILKINSON convinced Minor Victim-1 to visit him, where he used a cellphone to record a sexually explicit video depicting Minor Victim-1.
In or around May 2025, WILKINSON met a second victim, who was 17 years old, and convinced Minor Victim-2 to travel from Long Island to the Bronx to obtain a tattoo. While in the Bronx, WILKINSON drugged and sexually assaulted Minor Victim-2.
On or about July 23, 2025, WILKINSON persuaded a third victim, who was 16 years old, to travel to the Bronx where WILKINSON told Minor Victim-3 that he would provide a free tattoo if she played and won three card games. WILKINSON provided psilocin psychedelic mushrooms, methamphetamine, and an unidentified beverage to Minor Victim-3, causing her to lose consciousness. While Minor Victim-3 was impaired and unconscious, WILKINSON raped and sexually assaulted Minor Victim-3.
If you have been victimized by WILKINSON, who utilized the Instagram account “@tattzbysteppa,” among others, or have any additional information about his alleged illegal behavior, or if you’ve seen something similar, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York at 212-637-0076 or reach out to us at usanys.wilkinson-case@usdoj.gov and reference this case.
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WILKINSON, 36, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison; three counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison; three counts of committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison which must run consecutively to the other sex offenses; one count of distribution of a controlled substance, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of distribution of a controlled substance with intent to commit rape, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of distribution of a controlled substance to a minor, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, the Special Agents, Task Force Officers, the Digital Forensics Unit, and the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut State’s Attorney Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford, the Derby Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service for the Southern District of New York, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Dana R. McCann is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
^
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitutes only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Rapper “P-Dice” Sentenced to 63 Months for Utilizing “Ghost Gun” to Shoot at Pregnant WomanRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Rapper “P-Dice” was sentenced on June 23, 2026, to 63 months of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon when he fired a gun at a pregnant woman, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced today.
Justin Pope, a rapper who goes by “P-Dice,” 38, of Clifton, New Jersey, previously pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with two counts of unlawfully possessing ammunition as a convicted felon.
“The defendant’s brazen and violent conduct could have cost lives. Pope fired multiple shots at close range at a pregnant woman in a public parking lot and took to social media to taunt law enforcement as he continued to endanger the community. This sentence holds him accountable not only for unlawfully possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, but for the potentially deadly harm of his actions. Our Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of individuals who use firearms and ammunition to threaten lives and undermine the safety of our communities.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On the evening of July 12, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired in a public parking lot in Clifton, New Jersey. The surveillance footage showed Pope and a pregnant woman arguing in a car. During the argument, the woman grabbed a gun from Pope and waved it at him before giving it back. The woman struck Pope in the face with her hand and got out of the car. As she did, Pope pointed the gun at her and fired two close range shots. Then, Pope exited the car and approached the woman. In an attempt to escape, the woman got back into the car, but Pope violently yanked at the woman’s arm, trying to pull her back out. When this was unsuccessful, Pope climbed over the pregnant woman and kicked at her to push her from the car.
One of bullets that Pope fired traveled across the street into a quick service restaurant, where it lodged in a menu display behind the counter. The restaurant was open for business with employees present at the time. Law enforcement recovered the bullet.
The next day, Pope posted a video of himself on social media firing a gun in the air in a residential neighborhood, taunting police, stating, “Can’t find me . . . Police. Y’all never gonna find me.” Shortly after his taunts, law enforcement recovered his ammunition. Later, Pope recorded and posted another video, in which he was driving a vehicle, taunting, “Can’t find me. Fucking pigs. Police. Y’all never gonna find me.”
A few hours after posting the second video on social media, law enforcement arrested Pope as he tried to get on a bus in New York City that was headed out of state. Pope was witnessed brandishing a firearm to bus employees. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered a loaded gun, which was later identified as a privately made 9mm firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” with a large capacity magazine attached. Ballistics testing showed that this was the same gun Pope used to shoot at the pregnant victim the night before.
Pope had previously been convicted of aggravated assault in New Jersey in connection with the shooting of a child.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Pope to 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; officers of the Clifton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Rinaldi; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under Officer in Charge Patrick Murray; officers of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Thomas Adamo; officers of the Passaic Police Department, under Chief Luis Guzman; and officers of New York City Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Edward Caban, with the investigation leading to the charges.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Criminal Division.
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Defense counsel for Pope: Georgina Pallitto, Esq.
Prior felon pleads guilty to obscenity chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Raymond Mason, 54, of Frewsburg, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of obscene visual depictions following a prior conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2010, Mason was convicted of possession of child pornography and attempted receipt of child pornography, and was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison and a term of supervised release of life. On July 15, 2024, United States Probation Officers visited Mason’s Frewsburg residence to conduct a home visit. During their visit, officers found an internet capable cellular phone and tablet, which Mason was not authorized to possess. A cursory review of the phone recovered visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic examination of the phone revealed more than 600 images, including computer-generated images, of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Mason obtained the computer-generated images over the internet. Some of the computer-generated images included prepubescent minors and depictions of violence or the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II.
Sentencing scheduled for October 9, 2026, before Judge Arcara.
Port Neches felon sentenced for federal firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Neches felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jordan Lee Davis, 36, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on June 22, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on January 1, 2025, Port Neches police officers were investigating a possible assault at Davis’s residence when they found him in possession of a loaded revolver. Further investigation revealed that Davis was previously convicted of felony offenses in Jefferson County. As a convicted felon, Davis is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Port Neches Police Department; the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John B. Ross and Jonathan Lee.
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Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Firearm and Narcotics ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of incarceration, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jamar Perminter, 26.
According to information presented to the Court, on July 31, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants of Perminter’s person, residence, and two vehicles, and recovered a loaded and chambered pistol, a firearm magazine, and 9mm ammunition. In addition, law enforcement recovered dozens of bricks of fentanyl/heroin, a digital scale, multiple cell phones, and approximately $84,000 in United States currency. Perminter previously had been convicted in federal court of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and heroin. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Perminter.
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.
Personal Care Attendant Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Vietnam War VeteranRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A personal care attendant, contracted with the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide personal care services to veterans, pled guilty to stealing from a Vietnam War Veteran she was tasked with caring for.
Melissa Diana Simmons, 50, of Boones Mill, Virginia, pled guilty to forgery of government checks. Simmons and co-defendant James Patrick Brown were indicted in 2025.
According to court documents and other evidence, Simmons met the victim in May 2022, when she was assigned as his in-home care provider, pursuant to a contract between her employer and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). Beginning around December 2022, the victim began withdrawing significantly more money from his bank account than normal, sometimes through checks made out to Simmons and her boyfriend, Brown.
After Simmons’s employer fired her in June 2023, she persuaded the victim to move in with her and Brown at their Boones Mill house. Beginning in July 2023, staff at the victim’s bank became suspicious as Simmons and Brown brought the victim to the bank drive-through for frequent and increasingly large withdrawals. Court records claim staff observed the victim’s condition deteriorate over time, from upbeat to hunched over, confused, and fearful.
In mid-August 2023, Simmons had the victim add her as a signatory to the victim’s bank account. Within 30 days of being added to the victim’s account, the victim allegedly lost around $30,000 from Simmons and Brown’s continual, large withdrawals.
In mid-September 2023, bank staff demanded Simmons come inside when she attempted another large withdrawal at the drive-through. Inside, staff saw the victim’s nose was burned from smoking while using his oxygen tank. He was confused and reeked of urine and feces. The victim could not remember when he last bathed, ate, or visited the VA Medical Center. Bank staff persuaded him to open a new account without Simmons as joint owner. As bank staff privately questioned the victim, Simmons grew belligerent, hitting the office window, and shouting at staff until police arrived.
According to court records, Brown arrived at the bank sometime later with the victim asking how to get the victim’s VA benefits and social security checks direct deposited into the victim’s account. Brown also sought to have the victim withdraw between $60,000 and $70,000 from the account. The victim appeared to be in even worse physical condition than before. Bank staff observed an overwhelming stench of urine and feces. He was confused as to why he was withdrawing the money.
Soon after the incident, Franklin County Adult Protective Services (“APS”) opened an investigation. An APS staff member administered a mental status exam on the victim, which showed the victim was suffering from dementia.
On November 18, 2023, Simmons and Brown reported to the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue that the victim was non-responsive. Emergency responders rushed him to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted with acute respiratory failure and critically low oxygen saturation. Medical records showed methamphetamine in the victim’s system, even though he had no history of methamphetamine use and had no ability to independently travel.
From January 2024 into April 2024, while the victim recovered at the hospital and later a rehab center, Simmons received four of the victim’s VA benefits checks though the United States Mail, totaling close to $8,000. The indictment claims Simmoms forged the victim’s signatures on these checks and deposited them into the victim’s new bank account. Simmons and Brown then used the victim’s debit card for their personal use, including spending thousands at a casino.
On October 22, 2024, during an interview with agents of the VA Office of the Inspector General, Simmons admitted that she forged the victim’s VA checks, and that she and Brown spent the victim’s money with his debit card while he was in the hospital.
The VA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew O. Inman and Keith A. Parrella are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the 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.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Matthew T. Cosey, 32, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison on June 18, 2026, for trafficking in methamphetamine. Cosey was convicted of two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and received concurrent sentences on each count, followed by concurrent three-year terms of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, the evidence showed that Cosey delivered methamphetamine on two occasions in January 2023 in Tazewell County, Illinois. Law enforcement arrested Cosey after the second sale. In total, Cosey was responsible for the unlawful delivery of 167.2 grams of methamphetamine (mixture and substance).
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Cosey in February 2023. Cosey pleaded guilty in January 2026.
The statutory penalties for distribution of methamphetamine are not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a three-year term of supervised release, and up to a $1,000,000 fine.
Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Springfield, Illinois, Resident Office; Illinois State Police (“ISP”) Central Illinois Enforcement Group; ISP Silver SWAT; ISP Peoria Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution.
Oregon Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Distribution of Drugs Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Kai Packer Sold Fake Pills that Contained Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Kai Livingston Packer, 25, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced to 204 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and the unlawful use of a means of identification.
“This case has lessons for two groups of people,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “For people who use illegal drugs the lesson is that fentanyl has flooded the illegal drug market and is being added to just about everything your dealer sells. Even experienced drug users are fatally overdosing because they just don’t know they are taking this lethal drug. Don’t take that risk. The other lesson is for drug dealers: We know you are killing people by lacing your products with fentanyl. When we catch you -- and we will -- you will be shocked at how old you will be before you ever see the outside of a prison cell.”
In February 2023, a young man in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan ingested pills he had ordered online and died of fentanyl poisoning. A review of that man’s phone led investigators to Kai Packer. Kai Packer operated various online storefronts that sold drugs on the Snapchat and Telegram applications. He sold pills that he claimed were oxycodone or Adderall, but when undercover law enforcement officers ordered pills, the advertised oxycodone was actually fentanyl and the alleged Adderall was methamphetamine. To distance himself from the drug dealing, Packer accepted payment via CashApp using an alias, specifically, the name of a person whose identity had been stolen. Packer engaged in this activity from his home in Oregon as well as from a previous residence in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The scourge of fentanyl has plagued communities across Michigan and taken too many of our friends and neighbors too soon,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent In Charge Jared Murphey. “HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and hold offenders accountable under the law.”
“Fentanyl continues to be the greatest drug threats facing our nation, claiming lives at an alarming rate. This sentence sends a clear message that those who profit from distributing this poison will be held responsible for the harm they cause.” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue working tirelessly to remove fentanyl from our streets and protect American families from its deadly impact.”
“The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office would like the community to know that we and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (Tri-DENT) will follow these investigations wherever they may lead us,” said Chippewa County Sheriff Mike Bitnar. “We also thank our federal law enforcement partners for their cooperation here and express our sincere condolences to the family of the victim.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Michigan State Police, the Chippewa County (Michigan) Sheriff, the Tri-county Drug Enforcement Team (of the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan), the Las Vegas (Nevada) Metropolitan Police Department, and the Clackamas County (Oregon) Sheriff.
The extensive law enforcement cooperation shown here comes as a result of Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. For more on the risk posed by counterfeit pills, see: https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of trafficking fentanyl, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Edwin Hernandez, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, on February 2, 2022, Hernandez possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for October 27, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pennsylvania State Police and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hernandez.
Ohio Dentist Agrees to Pay $500,000 to Resolve Allegations of Submitting False Claims to MedicaidRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Today, United States Attorney David M. Toepfer announced that a Cuyahoga County dentist has agreed to settle allegations that he submitted claims to Medicaid for services that were ineligible for reimbursement. Medicaid is a federal health program that primarily provides benefits to low-income individuals who qualify and is administered through the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM). This settlement is part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“Providers who submit claims for payment from federal healthcare programs have a responsibility to verify that those claims are legitimate. It is our duty to ensure that each taxpayer dollar is spent wisely,” said U.S. Attorney Toepfer. “Therefore, if we suspect fraud, we are obligated to earnestly investigate such matters and hold people accountable for their actions. I’d like to especially thank the Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for partnering with us in this investigation.”
“Medicaid fraud steals from taxpayers and vulnerable Ohioans. If you try to cheat this program, you will be held accountable,” said Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson.
The settlement announced today by U.S. Attorney Toepfer is part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the DEA seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since Oct. 1, 2025.
In the Northern District of Ohio, Stanley Meckler, DDS, 72, of Pepper Pike, agreed to pay $500,000 to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act (FCA). The FCA imposes liability for claims submitted to the federal government that are false. The settlement agreement follows an investigation by federal, state, and local partners into John W. Ball, DDS, 68, who was employed by Meckler’s dental practice, Family Dental Care, in Parma. Investigators learned that during the relevant time frame, Ball was excluded from participating in the Medicaid program for defaulting on a federal loan. However, during the time he was excluded, Meckler was billing ODM for services provided by Ball by listing Meckler as the rendering provider instead of Ball. In 2021, Meckler sold the practice and the new owner discovered that Ball was excluded from being a Medicaid provider.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of coordinated efforts between the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI Cleveland Division. The USAO would like to acknowledge the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy for their valuable assistance with this investigation. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Deucher for the Northern District of Ohio.
Other cases nationally are being prosecuted by:
- The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces.
- U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin.
- State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
About the National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of 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.
Potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Northern District of West Virginia Part of National Health Care Fraud Takedown Resulting in 455 Defendants Charged in Connection with over $6.5 Billion in Alleged FraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Today, United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced civil settlements with two defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. The civil settlements are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The settlements stem from each defendant’s respective use of pre-signed, invalid prescriptions that were issued outside the usual course of his professional practice to his patients in West Virginia while he was traveling and not in close proximity to his office in West Virginia.
“Both here in West Virginia and across the country, the evidence is overwhelming: when health care providers seek convenience or profit instead of complying with the law, the public pays the price. These cases demonstrate the critical importance of coordinated enforcement—between this office, our federal partners, and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office—to identify violations quickly and act decisively,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “We are committed to pursuing any provider whose conduct threatens patient safety or drains public health care programs. Today’s actions make clear that we will not allow illegal prescribing practices, irresponsible handling of controlled substances, or fraudulent billing to go unchecked.”
“This year’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown represents the greatest whole-of-government effort to combat health care fraud in our Nation’s history,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Under the decisive leadership of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, and our law enforcement partners, this administration has ushered in a new era of enforcement that will safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
The settlements announced today by U.S. Attorney Harvey are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a $1.2 billion telemedicine scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 civil monetary payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions and 25 DHHS-OIG actions under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since Oct. 1, 2025.
The following individuals reached civil settlements in the Northern District of West Virginia:
Muhammad Salman, 64, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, reached a civil settlement to pay $325,000.00 to resolve allegations that he and his company, Bridgeport Pharmacy, (1) violated the False Claims Act by submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid while he was traveling and not in close proximity to his office in West Virginia and (2) violated the Controlled Substances Act by using pre-signed, invalid prescriptions that were issued outside the usual course of his professional practice to his patients in West Virginia while he was traveling and not in close proximity to his office in West Virginia. The case was settled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie K. Savino of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, with assistance from the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Jorge Roig, 58, of Weirton, West Virginia, reached a civil settlement to pay $165,900.00 to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act by using pre-signed, invalid prescriptions that were issued outside the usual course of his professional practice to his patients in West Virginia while he was traveling and not in close proximity to his office in West Virginia and by collecting controlled substances without modifying his registration to become authorized as a collector and without keeping records of the disposal of controlled substances. The case was settled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie K. Savino of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.
“The message from the Trump administration is clear: the days of turning a blind eye to fraudsters stealing our tax dollars and harming Americans are over,” said West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey. “Today’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown is proof that we are delivering on that promise. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has been dedicated to rooting out fraud and are we thankful for the commitment from the top to help us stop this abuse and the misuse of pivotal funds intended to help our Medicaid recipients.”
“Safeguarding the integrity of federal health care programs is central to our mission, and the results of this year’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown reflect the strength of our collective commitment. The cases announced today demonstrate not only the scale, but the seriousness of the misconduct uncovered, ranging from patient harming schemes to multibillion dollar fraud operations,” said Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General T. March Bell. “HHS-OIG will continue to pursue those who engage in such conduct and hold them accountable. I am grateful for the tireless work of our special agents and for the partnership we share with our federal, state, and local law enforcement colleagues as we work together to protect patients and preserve public funds.”
“The DEA exists to stop the flow of illicit drugs into our communities and to bring drug traffickers to justice, whether they are working street corners or wearing white lab coats and prescribing legal medications outside of accepted medical guidelines,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “I am proud of the work done by the men and women and DEA, and that of all our law enforcement partners to shut down healthcare fraud and hold bad doctors to account.”
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The Northern District of West Virginia, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
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.
Prior to the charges announced as part of today’s nationwide Takedown and since its inception in March 2007, the National Fraud Division’s Health Care 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. In addition, CMS, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, 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.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Northern District of Texas Charges 13 Health Care Fraudsters for Loss over $360 MillionRead the Press Release
Thirteen defendants were among those charged in the Northern District of Texas as part of the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould, during a press conference held earlier today.
The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Raybould are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
Contributing to the nationwide crackdown, the Northern District of Texas is prosecuting defendants in seven separate cases for crimes that targeted vulnerable patients and exploited taxpayer-funded programs. The Northern District of Texas cases represent collective fraudulent billing of more than $365 million submitted to federally-funded programs and other insurers. The defendants allegedly misappropriated funds intended to serve vulnerable populations—including elderly Medicare beneficiaries and members of the military—to further their own financial interests. The government seized over $35 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets as part of the coordinated enforcement efforts. Those charged include:
- Devin Brodman of Coconut Creek, Florida;
- Kevin Curry of Frisco, Texas;
- Olubayo Idowu of DeSoto, Texas, James Lou Carlisle Jr. of Southlake, Texas, and Vaughn Anthony Brozek of Hurst, Texas;
- Catherine Maduka of Garland, Texas;
- Jason Charles Mareno of Irving, Texas, David Lee Lloyd of Meridian, Mississippi, Jason Kashou of Coral Springs, Florida, and Duc Ngoc Ly a/k/a Michael Ly of Frisco, Texas;
- Michael McMillan of Las Vegas, Nevada; and
- Neel Vivek Paithankar of Irving, Texas.
“My office is committed to protecting victims and combating fraud against the United States wherever it is found,” United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould said. “Today’s announcement sends a message that no quarter will be given to fraudsters and those who prey on vulnerable members of our community in the Northern District of Texas. It also serves as a reminder that medical professionals who violate the trust society places in them and exploit Americans for personal enrichment will be aggressively pursued and held accountable. My office’s participation in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown reflects our decentralized approach to pursuing fraud across the entirety of the Northern District and highlights the growing partnership we have with Main Justice and the investigating agencies in these efforts to protect victims and the public fisc.”
“Today’s takedown underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting federal health care programs and the patients they serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “These individuals didn't just steal taxpayer money; they preyed on vulnerable patients and attacked the very foundation of public trust. Working alongside our partners, HHS-OIG will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to defraud federal health care programs and ensure they are brought to justice.”
“The perpetrators of these fraud schemes billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that were either unnecessary or that were never provided to patients, in order to personally profit off of government-sponsored healthcare programs. These programs provide critical care and services to individuals in our communities that need it most,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to identify and investigate individuals responsible for defrauding government programs, costing taxpayers tens of billions of dollars annually.”
“Today’s takedown sends a clear and unified message: individuals who exploit TRICARE or other federal healthcare programs will face swift and decisive action,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch of the Department of War Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). “Those who siphon resources from our service members, veterans, and vulnerable beneficiaries undermine mission readiness, drive up healthcare costs, and erode public trust. DCIS, in close coordination with our federal partners, will continue to aggressively identify, investigate, and dismantle illegal schemes that target TRICARE and other government healthcare systems for personal gain.”
“Through the tenacious work of our investigators, auditors, and inspectors, the VA OIG plays a vital role in combating healthcare fraud throughout the country,” said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. “Healthcare schemes steal taxpayer dollars and divert critical resources away from veterans. The VA OIG will vigorously investigate anyone who seeks to defraud VA programs.”
“My office has worked tirelessly to expose and end fraud, and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for the people of Texas. I will continue to work to find and stop fraud to protect Texans’ hard-earned dollars and ensure their tax dollars are not wasted or abused,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Those charged in the Northern District of Texas as part of the historic Takedown include:
- Devin Jack Brodman, 32, of Coconut Creek, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States and paying and receiving kickbacks in connection with the submission of fraudulent claims by two North Texas labs to Medicare for laboratory testing services, including genetic testing. As alleged in the Information, Brodman, who co-owned Neva Diagnostics and Areahou Diagnostics, billed Medicare for laboratory testing services that were ineligible for reimbursement and were ordered and procured through kickbacks and bribes. He allegedly concealed the submission of the fraudulent claims to Medicare. In total, the two labs billed Medicare approximately $65 million for laboratory testing services and were paid approximately $43 million. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marty Basu of the Northern District of Texas.
- Kevin Darnell Curry, 63, of Frisco, Texas, was charged by indictment with health care fraud, offer and payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes, and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property in connection with a scheme to defraud TRICARE by fraudulently billing for transcranial magnetic stimulation (“TMS”) treatments that he knew were not provided, not provided as represented, medically unnecessary, induced by the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes, and/or otherwise ineligible for reimbursement by TRICARE. As alleged in the indictment, Curry, owner and operator of Acuity TMS, submitted and caused the submission of approximately $26,878,282 in false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE, of which approximately $17,075,566 was paid. Assets valued at approximately $200,000 were seized as part of the case, including $136,022 in cash and a 2024 gold Tesla Cybertruck Curry purchased with proceeds from his fraudulent scheme. The Department of War’s Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Womble of the Northern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Yael Mash of the Texas Strike Force.
- Dr. Olubayo Idowu, 75, of Desoto, Texas, Dr. James Lou Carlisle Jr., 53, of Southlake, Texas, and Vaughn Anthony Brozek, 56, of Hurst, Texas, were charged by superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare and other health care benefit programs through the submission of more than $25 million in false and fraudulent medical claims for electroencephalography (“EEG”) testing. As alleged in the superseding indictment, Idowu and Carlisle, both physicians, and Brozek, a nurse practitioner, conspired to unlawfully enrich themselves from 2020 until at least 2023 by accepting kickbacks and bribes for patient EEG testing that was medically unnecessary. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Texas Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Department of War’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas B. Brasher of the Northern District of Texas.
- Catherine Nkeiru Maduka, 66, of Garland, Texas, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud in connection with a hospice scheme, which resulted in over $3.1 million in false claims being submitted to Medicare. As alleged in the indictment, Maduka, the owner and CEO of Saint Catherine’s Hospice, recruited patients who were ineligible for hospice care and billed Medicare for services that were never provided. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas B. Brasher of the Northern District of Texas.
- Jason Charles Mareno, 52, of Irving, Texas, David Lee Lloyd, 56, of Meridian, Mississippi, Jason Kashou, 40, of Coral Springs, Florida, and Duc Ngoc Ly, a/k/a Michael Ly, 52, of Frisco, Texas, were charged by superseding indictment with conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare for COVID-19 test kits. As alleged in the superseding indictment, the defendants provided Medicare beneficiary information to two coconspirators who own lab businesses, who in turn used that information to bill Medicare for COVID-19 test kits they sent to the beneficiaries who had not requested them and in some cases to beneficiaries who were deceased. The lab owners then kicked back a portion of the Medicare reimbursement to the defendants in cash and through a series of financial transactions designed to conceal the kickbacks. As a result of the scheme, the defendant and their coconspirators caused more than $73 million in fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare for COVID-19 test kits. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Department of War’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas B. Brasher of the Northern District of Texas.
- Michael McMillan, 55, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged by indictment with health care fraud, offer and payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes, and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property in connection with the submission of approximately $268 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and other government healthcare benefit programs related to wound care products. As alleged in the indictment, McMillan, the owner of Protectus LLC and related entities, offered various skin substitute products to physicians and medical providers under an illegal kickback arrangement that guaranteed that medical providers profited thousands of dollars for every skin substitute claim the providers billed the government programs. Disguising the kickbacks as rebates or discounts, McMillan and Protectus received approximately $174 million. Assets valued at approximately $35 million were seized as part of the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Department of War’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marty Basu and Chad Meacham of the Northern District of Texas.
- Neel Vivek Paithankar, 25, of Irving, Texas, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud in connection with a scheme to submit approximately $2.3 million of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (“DME”). As alleged in the indictment, Paithankar, owner of VMP Health Care LLC, facilitated the solicitation of Medicare beneficiaries through telemarketers posing as Medicare representatives offering free DME. He then shipped the DME to Medicare beneficiaries who either did not need and/or did not want the products. In total, VMP Health Care LLC submitted approximately 3,700 false claims to Medicare, for which Medicare paid $1.2 million. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elise Aldendifer of the Northern District of Texas.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
An information or indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.