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15 June 2026
Wasilla doctor sentenced to three years for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla neurologist was sentenced today to 3.4 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, law enforcement became aware of Jeffrey Sponsler, 68, in February 2025, when another individual saw him masturbating to a video of two nude children being played from a laptop. Based on that information and after obtaining a warrant, law enforcement searched Sponsler’s home for electronics and other evidence of child exploitation.
During the search, law enforcement discovered dozens of electronics throughout the house, including desktop computers, laptops, external hard drives, memory cards, DVDs and even VHS tapes. He also possessed copies of several books depicting nude children and very young adults.
Forensic review of his devices revealed an extensive collection of CSAM. Sponsler ordered videos and pictures of nudist and naturist communities abroad. He then used his computer to edit images from the videos to create his own videos and slideshows of CSAM focused on girls roughly 7 to 12 years old. He edited photos by zooming in on young girls’ genitalia. He saved the edits and put them into a PowerPoint presentation, and creating slideshows of exclusively children’s genitalia.
Sponsler’s unique method of collecting CSAM makes it difficult to calculate exactly how many images and videos he possessed. One external hard drive contained about 59,000 images and videos of nude minors. Among those, there were at least 110 images and 18 videos that Sponsler cropped himself to create CSAM, totaling at least 1,500 CSAM images defined by the sentencing guidelines.
Prior to his arrest, Sponsler was a practicing neurologist and owned his own clinic, Alaska Brain Center. He also owned Alaska Music and Arts, a karate, music and dance studio.
On May 21, 2025, Sponsler was indicted by a federal grand jury and subsequently arrested. On March 5, 2026, Sponsler pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. During sentencing, the Court also ordered Sponsler to pay a $20,000 fine and serve 15 years on supervised release following completion of his federal prison sentence.
“Mr. Sponsler meticulously curated his collection of CSAM to feed his fixation of children and was able to fly under the radar of law enforcement for many years due to his unique collection methods,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Thankfully, a concerned member of the community reported Sponsler’s behavior and he will no longer live as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, fronting as a trusted member of the community and professional, while sexualizing children from behind closed doors at day’s end.”
“Sponsler portrayed himself as a trusted member of our community, when in reality, he had been viewing, organizing, and collecting a disturbing amount of CSAM for his own perverse gratification,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Our children are safer now thanks to a concerned citizen who reported Sponsler’s crimes to the FBI. This sentencing reinforces the message that sexual exploitation crimes against children will not be tolerated by our community, the FBI, and our dedicated law enforcement partners.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office Marks World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – First recognized on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an opportunity for dialogue and action on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation – crimes that are often overlooked or unreported. In 2026, government agencies and business across the United States are using this day to raise awareness about imposter scams and providing information about how to recognize and avoid them.
In imposter scams, criminals pretend to be someone they are not – including government agencies and well-known businesses. The scammers attempt to trick people into giving them money, access to financial accounts, and/or access to personal information. They make up complicated stories about so-called emergencies, in an attempt to cause panic and force quick action before a person has time to think critically and/or talk to someone they trust.
Government imposter scams are a serious problem: in 2025, the FTC received more than 375,000 reports about government imposters, with reported losses of $917 million.
Common imposter scams that have targeted Vermonters in recent months include:
- “Juror Scams,” where scammers impersonate a U.S. Marshal, court clerk, or local law enforcement officer to threaten recipients with fines and jail time for “failing to appear” for jury duty or obtaining personal information by seeking to “verify” identity.
- “DMV” or “Toll Scams,” where scammers pretend to be seeking collection of unpaid tickets, fees or tolls, threatening recipients with suspension of a license or registration if they do not pay immediately.
- “Family Emergency Scams,” where scammers impersonate law enforcement, or falsely claim a relative is in distress or under arrest, and demand payment for rescue or “bail” money for the relative’s release.
- “Money Protection Scams,” where a scammer pretends to be with a government agency who “noticed” suspicious activity in an account, and seeks transfer of the funds to a “safekeeping” account.
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont is working tirelessly with our federal investigative partners to pursue scammers who reach into Vermont to cause fear and confusion for the sake of illicit profit,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. “We have had successes identifying these criminals to hold them accountable in the criminal justice system, and we will continue to prioritize investigation and prosecution of these offenders. But the best method to address this risk is prevention. I encourage everyone to become aware of the common methods used by scammers and help protect each other from these forms of abuse.”
Here are some tips on how to avoid falling victim to a financial scam:
- Slow down, breathe, and take your time. Scammers thrive on panic and urgency; slowing down phone and text interactions will help you spot the signs of fraud.
- Don’t share personal or financial information with anyone you don’t know.
- If someone contacts you and makes demands, write down the phone number and hang up. Independently find the agency phone number from a trusted source before calling back.
- If the person asking for money or information claims to be a relative, a friend, or someone you know, do not respond right away. Instead, contact the person independently or ask a trusted family member or friend for help.
- In-person collection is a red flag; government agencies will not send someone to your home to collect cash.
Talk to someone you trust if you’re worried about a problem with your account or identity — especially if a stranger says they’re from the government or the situation is serious or involves a crime. Visit ejcc.acl.gov/imposters for more on imposter scams. And if you spot an imposter scam — or any other type of scam — please report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The Department of Justice also has a National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11, as well as resources for elder abuse awareness, prevention, and reporting at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. The U.S. Administration on Aging also helps connect older adults and their families to services through its Eldercare Locator, reachable at 1-800-677-1116 and eldercare.acl.gov.
Utah Known Gang Member Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm as a Previously Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A known Utah gang member and felon was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment today, concurrent to any time imposed by the state of Utah for parole violations and/or new offenses, after he illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition, which he is restricted from possessing as a felon.
Raymond Ace Ortiz, aka Gizmo, 39, of St. George, Utah, pleaded guilty on April 3, 2026. In addition to his term of imprisonment, he was also sentenced to three years' supervised release.
According to Ortiz’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on November 6, 2025, Ortiz was taken into custody at a West Valley City residence by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (VFAST) pursuant to a warrant for his arrest for a state parole violation. As members of VFAST knocked on the front door, Ortiz went to the back door with a firearm. Ortiz was shot during the encounter, and a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number was recovered from the area. Ortiz admitted he possessed the firearm during the encounter. Ortiz was previously convicted of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person in Utah Third District Court.
This case was investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Victoria K. McFarland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
United States Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, joins the Department of Justice and the Elder Fraud Coordinating Council, along with other government agencies and organizations across the country in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). WEAAD provides an opportunity for all of us to promote dialogue and action on the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This year’s Elder Justice Coordinating Council’s campaign, entitled Never EVER, helps to raise awareness about how to recognize and avoid imposter scams.
Imposters are scammers who pretend to be someone they’re not — including government agencies and well-known businesses — to trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information. They make up complicated stories about so-called emergencies, so you’ll panic and act quickly before you have time to think about what to do or talk to someone you trust.
One common scam starts with an unexpected call from someone who says they’re from a well-known business, saying there’s suspicious activity on your account. To “help” you, they transfer you to someone who says they’re from the government. This so-called helper, who claims to be from the FBI, the FTC, or some other law enforcement agency, urges you to move your money to “protect it” — maybe by transferring it to an account they give you, depositing it in a “government account” or crypto ATM for “safekeeping,” or getting cash or gold and giving it to a courier. But it’s all a lie. No one from the government will ever ask you to do these things. Only scammers will.
Other lies might involve a “suspended Social Security number” or supposed eligibility for government benefits. In all cases, that scammer will go to great lengths to convince you they’re with the government: fake caller ID or official-looking letters, for example. The agency name might be real or made up (but real-sounding), and some scammers might show you an employee ID or badge — all to seem more real. But they’re not.
To recognize and avoid a government imposter, keep these things in mind:
•Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will.
•Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will.
•Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.
Talk to someone you trust if you’re worried about a problem with your account or identity — especially if the stranger says they’re from the government or the situation is serious or involves a crime. Visit ejcc.acl.gov/imposters for more on imposter scams. And if you spot an imposter scam — or any other type of scam — report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Government imposter scams are a serious problem: in 2025, the FTC received more than 375,000 reports about government imposters, with reported losses of $917 million.
The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting our seniors from the growing threat of elder fraud and financial exploitation. As part of that effort, we have reached out to senior citizen groups and community organizations to provide information on common scams, warning signs and steps individuals can take to safeguard themselves and their loved ones. We recently presented to a group of seniors at Congregation Shaarey Zedek and have other presentations planned for this summer. For those senior citizen groups and community organizations interested in having a representative from the U.S. Attorney’s Office speak to their group, please contact Public Affairs Officer Gina Balaya at 313-226-9758 or email at gina.balaya@usdoj.gov.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page. To learn more about who to avoid imposter scams visit ejcc.acl.gov/imposters
U.S. Attorney’s Office observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and warns of government and business imposter schemesRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois joins the Elder Justice Coordinating Council and other government agencies and organizations across the country to spread the word about government and business imposter scams.
Government imposter scams are a serious problem: in 2025, the FTC received more than 375,000 reports about government imposters, with reported losses of $917 million.
These imposter scammers lie and pretend to be someone they are not. Their goal? Trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information. They make up complicated stories about so-called emergencies, so you’ll panic and act quickly before you have time to think about what to do or talk to someone you trust.
One common scam starts with an unexpected call from someone who says they are from a well-known business, saying there is suspicious activity on your account. To “help” you, they transfer you to someone who says they are from the government. This so-called helper, who claims to be from the FBI, the FTC, or some other law enforcement agency, urges you to move your money to “protect it” — maybe by transferring it to an account they give you, depositing it in a “government account” or crypto ATM for “safekeeping,” or getting cash or gold and giving it to a courier. But it is all a lie. No one from the government will ever ask you to do these things. Only scammers will.
Other lies might involve a “suspended Social Security number” or supposed eligibility for government benefits. In all cases, that scammer will go to great lengths to convince you they are with the government: fake caller ID or official-looking letters, for example. The agency name might be real or made up (but real-sounding), and some scammers might show you an employee ID or badge — all to seem more real. But they are not.
To recognize and avoid a government imposter, keep these things in mind:
- Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.
Talk to someone you trust if you’re worried about a problem with your account or identity — especially if the stranger says they are from the government or the situation is serious or involves a crime. Visit ejcc.acl.gov/imposters for more on imposter scams. And if you spot an imposter scam — or any other type of scam — report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Today, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe joins the Department of Justice and public safety partners across the nation in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated, nationwide, by raising awareness and educating the public about the various forms of elder abuse as well as available resources to minimize risks.
“Senior citizens are among our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “It is our duty to protect them from anyone who seeks to exploit or cause them harm. We remain resolute in our commitment to leverage our resources and develop partnerships throughout the Middle District of Florida to protect these treasured citizens.”
MDFL Outreach Efforts
As part of the Middle District of Florida’s elder fraud efforts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has engaged in community outreach efforts to citizens and industry professionals throughout the district, raising awareness about scams and schemes criminals use to exploit victims. This year, the USAO-MDFL partnered with the Hillsborough County Aging Services’ annual celebration of Older Americans Month at the Oaks Senior Center in Tampa. USAO-MDFL outreach staff disseminated resources about financial fraud scams targeting seniors, phone scams, and provided tips to empower older veterans. More than 100 attendees participated in this event.
The community outreach team also participated in the Gulfport Fraud Prevention forum to engage senior citizens in discussions about prevalent fraud schemes and various prevention strategies.
Significant Prosecutions
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has achieved significant results in several recent elder fraud investigations.
In March 2026, Craig Stevens was sentenced to four years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $19,762.38 in forfeiture. Stevens was employed as a personal care assistant for an elderly victim at an assisted living facility in Palm Coast. He obtained and shared the victim’s personal identifiable information with co-defendants Jataiya Johnson and Aaron Harden. The group used the victim’s personal information to access the victim’s bank accounts and apply for credit cards and loans under the victim’s name.
In March 2026, Luis Emilio Hernandez pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud an elderly victim following Hurricane Ian. Hernandez falsely represented himself as a licensed contract who would repair the victim’s home after it was damaged by the storm. Relying on these misrepresentations, the 85-year-old victim wrote multiple checks to Hernandez, totaling over $1.2 million, with no work on the home. Sentencing is pending.
In March 2026, Eric Stone pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Stone was fired from Fidelity Investments in June 2021 due to allegations that he had solicited and obtained loans from his clients. After he was terminated, he began to solicit money from former clients by way of personal loans, promising to repay, but never doing so. One victim, 75 years old, provided loan proceeds to Stone, was told there was an investigation into the funds and Stone had incurred costs and fees that also needed to be paid before he could repay her. who created fake email accounts, sent fake text messages, and pretended to hire attorneys to further defraud the victim. The victim’s total loss amount to Stone was $2,037,103. Sentencing is pending.
In June 2025, Pranav Patel was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was also ordered to forfeit $1,791,301 in fraudulent proceeds he obtained. Patel was involved in a fraud scheme targeting senior citizens that involved call centers abroad who fraudulently identified themselves as government agents. In some instances, the conspirators told victims that there were outstanding warrants for their arrest, and they needed to pay a fee to clear the warrants. On other occasions, the conspirators told victims that they needed to provide their money and gold to the officers for safekeeping.
Although elder fraud may occur in a variety of ways, the most common financial schemes that are targeting older adults are:
- Jury Duty Scams – Convince victims to pay for failing to comply with jury duty service.
- Tech Support Scams – Convince victims to pay for non-existent computer problems.
- Non-Delivery Scams – Induce victims to pay for goods or services online but never receive them or convince victims that additional payment or personal information is required to complete a package delivery.
- Romance Scams – Lull victims into believing they are in an online romantic relationship and money needs to be sent to pay for a visit to the U.S. or for some other purpose.
- Grandparent Scams – Dupe victims into thinking that their grandchildren or other relatives are in trouble and need money right away for bail or another emergency.
- Charity Scams – Solicit donations for fake charities, or by altering or “spoofing” caller IDs to show the name of a real charity on the phone.
- Lottery Scams – Use phone calls, letters, or emails to convince victims that a large fee or taxes must be paid before they can receive lottery winnings.
- Debt Collection Scams – Threaten arrest and jail time if payment for a fake debt is not made immediately.
- Money Mule/Money Laundering Scams – Convince victims to use their bank accounts to quickly move funds in and out of those accounts thereby laundering ill-gotten funds.
- Timeshare Scams – Target timeshare owners with false promises of resale and exit from their timeshares for a fee.
- Sham Business Opportunities – Convince victims to invest in lucrative business opportunities or fake investments.
- Family/Caregiver Scam – Relatives or acquaintances of the elderly victims take advantage of them or otherwise get their money.
- Home repair Scam – Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that they never provide.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges the public to report suspected elder fraud by calling the Justice Department’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. EST or visiting the Elder Justice Initiative at Justice.gov/elderjustice for additional information and resources.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin joins communities across the nation in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an observance dedicated to raising awareness about the mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
“Protecting older members of our community is one of our highest priorities,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel. “Our office is committed to prosecuting those who target seniors and educating communities about how to recognize and report signs of abuse.”
Each year, an estimated one in ten older Americans experiences some form of elder abuse. This mistreatment can take many forms, including financial exploitation, emotional or psychological harm, physical abuse, neglect or abandonment, and sexual abuse. To address these threats, the Department of Justice collaborates with federal, state, local, and tribal partners to vigorously enforce federal laws that protect the elderly.
In support of local awareness efforts, representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office will participate in a community resource fair organized by Milwaukee County DHHS Aging & Disabilities Services at Washington Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event brings together service providers and community members to share information on preventing elder abuse and connecting older adults and caregivers with critical resources.
“As the nation commemorates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and celebrates America’s 250th anniversary we are reminded that protecting older adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation is a shared responsibility,” said Attorney Schimel. “Honoring the principles of liberty, dignity, and justice that have defined our nation for 250 years includes safeguarding some of our most vulnerable citizens and ensuring they can live free from harm and financial exploitation.”
The Justice Department relies on the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraud and abuse. Anyone with concerns about potential abuse, neglect, or fraud should contact local law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
For resources, reporting guidance, and additional information on federal efforts to combat elder abuse, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice
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For further information contact:Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Government imposter scams are a serious problem, especially among the elderly. Did you know that in 2025, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 375,000 reports about government imposters, with reported losses of $917 million?
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) by joining the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), and other government agencies and organizations across the country, in spreading the word about government and business imposter scams. This is an opportunity to promote dialogue and action about the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
One of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s key priorities is combatting elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to stamping out elder fraud through investigating and prosecuting those who victimize our older citizens,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “We’ll continue to work tirelessly to recover victim funds through restitution and forfeiture and engage in community outreach efforts, alongside our state and local partners, to keep people informed about how to spot and prevent fraud.”
In response to this global issue, EJCC launched its Never EVER Campaign, to help raise awareness about how to recognize and avoid imposter scams. These imposter scammers lie and pretend they are employed with the government when they’re not. Their goal is to trick victims into giving them money and/or access to financial accounts or personal information.
Tips for recognizing and avoiding a government imposter are:
- Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.
First recognized on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, WEAAD seeks to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect suffered by millions of older adults – crimes that are often overlooked or unreported. WEAAD brings attention to the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to elder abuse.
Learn more about imposter scams at ejcc.acl.gov/imposters. If you spot an imposter scam — or any other type of scam — report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/elder-justice-initiative.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Recognizes the 20th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford recognizes the 20th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day dedicated to raising awareness of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly.
“As we recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting seniors from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “Elder abuse cases strike at some of the most vulnerable members of our community, often causing devasting harm. Prosecuting these crimes sends a clear message that exploitation of our seniors will not be tolerated.”
The Department of Justice is committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to preventing and prosecuting fraud on America’s seniors.
Recent District of Oregon elder fraud cases include:
U.S. v. Rexona Caldararu: In May 2026, a Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts. Read more.
U.S. v. Jeffrey Thomas Higgins: In June 2026, Jeffrey Thomas Higgins pleaded guilty after stealing his clients’ shares of stocks, selling them, and transferring the proceeds into his personal bank account for almost 17 years. Read more.
U.S. v. Jonathan Anthony Kinsella: In February 2026, Jonathan Anthony Kinsella was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after he and his co-defendants targeted an elderly victim and stole over $250,000 worth of gold, cash, and firearms. Read more.
The Justice Department relies on the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraud and abuse. Anyone with concerns about potential abuse, neglect, or fraud should contact local law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
U.S. Attorney's Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced that the Northern District of Mississippi, recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2026. The Department of Justice joins the Elder Justice Council and other government agencies and organizations across America to spread the word about government and business imposter scams.
These imposter scammers lie and pretend to be someone they’re not. Their goal? Trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information. They make up complicated stories about so-called emergencies so you’ll panic and act quickly before you have time to think about what to do or talk to someone you trust.
One common scam starts with an unexpected call from someone who says they’re from a well-known business, saying there’s suspicious activity on your account.
To “help” you, they transfer you to someone who says they’re from the government. This so-called helper, who claims to be from the FBI, the FTC, or some other law enforcement agency, urges you to move your money to “protect it” — maybe by transferring it to an account they give you, depositing it in a “government account” or crypto ATM for “safekeeping,” or getting cash or gold and giving it to a courier. But it’s all a lie. No one from the government will ever ask you to do these things. Only scammers will.
Other lies might involve a “suspended Social Security number” or supposed eligibility for government benefits. In all cases, that scammer will go to great lengths to convince you they’re with the government: fake caller ID or official-looking letters, for example. The agency name might be real or made up (but real-sounding), and some scammers might show you an employee ID or badge — all to seem more real. But they’re not.
United States Attorney Scott Leary points out that “even with the collective resources of State and Federal law enforcement, we don’t have enough officers to prevent every scam. Criminals are creative and relentless. We need our community. If you see something, say something. Come forward when you notice something suspicious, and we will work aggressively to make sure that our community is a safer place to live.”
To recognize and avoid a government imposter, keep these things in mind:
- Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.
Talk to someone you trust if you’re worried about a problem with your account or identity — especially if the stranger says they’re from the government or the situation is serious or involves a crime. If you spot an imposter scam — or any other type of scam — report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Find out more when U.S. Attorney Leary discusses with Tanya Carter as a public service announcement.
Ten Members of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that ten defendants in a drug trafficking organization led by Hussein Iman, age 22, of Springfield, Massachusetts, have been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss for drug trafficking and money laundering offenses.
According to court records, Iman managed an organization that distributed ounces of fentanyl and cocaine base throughout Vermont beginning by October 2023 and continuing even after Iman’s July 2024 arrest. Iman initially ran the organization from Springfield, Massachusetts using a social media account, and continued to direct its activities while detained in jail.
Law enforcement conducted a total of five controlled purchases from Iman’s organization through the social media account between April and July 2024. Iman had other people, including juveniles, transport drugs to Vermont for distribution from multiple locations in Orange and Washington Counties. Iman’s drug customers included at least one juvenile. Iman and other members of the organization possessed firearms and used violence to further their drug trafficking activities. In social media messages, Iman bragged about directing violence against individuals to further his drug trafficking business. Iman also conspired with co-defendants to launder the financial proceeds from the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base.
One of the locations that Iman used as a drug distribution hub was a 14-acre property in Williamstown, Vermont that was controlled and maintained by co-defendant Joseph Cadorette, II. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Williamstown property in July 2024, they found a juvenile who had been reported missing, six firearms, ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine base, and a large amount of U.S. currency.
Hussein Iman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use a place for the purpose of distributing and using a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to launder money, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. On October 9, 2025, he was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was represented by Tristram Coffin, Esq.
Joseph Cadorette, II, age 38, of Williamstown, Vermont, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use a place for the purpose of distributing and using a controlled substance. On October 23, 2025, he was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. He was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.
Abdirahman Aden, age 24, of Louisville, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. On September 4, 2025, he was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. He was represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq.
Marcus Santiago, age 24, of Rochester, New York, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. On August 4, 2025, he was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. He was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.
Michael Bernier, age 42, of East Montpelier, Vermont, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money. On May 7, 2026, he was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release. He was represented by Stephanie Greenlees, Esq.
Amanda Delisle, age 39, of Leicester, Vermont, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money. On November 21, 2025, she was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. She was represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.
Christina Byrd, age 43, of Granville, Vermont, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base. On November 25, 2025, she was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. She was represented by Michael Straub, Esq.
Geneva Brown, age 22, of Springfield, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money. On May 5, 2026, she was sentenced to five years of probation. She was represented by Frank Twarog, Esq.
Anthony Matarazzo, age 38, of Barre, Vermont, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base. On September 2, 2025, he was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. He was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol; the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department; the Vermont State Police, including its Narcotics Investigation Unit; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations; the Hampden County, Massachusetts Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Barre Town Police Department; and the Barre City Police Department.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ophardt stated: “This armed and violent drug trafficking organization, which distributed fentanyl and cocaine base throughout central Vermont, was dismantled thanks to the diligent and thorough investigation spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute dangerous narcotics distribution organizations.”
“Today’s tenth and final sentencing marks a significant milestone in the dismantlement of this drug trafficking ring and the end of a long, painstaking investigation. HSI and our law enforcement partners followed the trail of this sprawling conspiracy to Vermont where Iman and his conspirators peddled fentanyl and cocaine base with blatant disregard for the danger they inflict on the community. Deadly drugs have taken too many lives and destroyed too many families in Vermont. HSI will continue to work ceaselessly to dismantle drug trafficking networks and bring traffickers to justice,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Cate and Andrew Gilman.
South Carolina woman pleads guilty to money launderingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: A Saluda, South Carolina woman has been sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to money laundering.
The sentence was imposed by Federal District Court Judge J. Randal Hall and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Laura Frantz, 62, of Saluda, pled guilty to Money Laundering, and has been sentenced to 27 months in prison, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $138,673, and three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“One cannot simply wash away the origins of illegally obtained money through financial schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “This guilty plea demonstrates that those who attempt to conceal criminal proceeds will face the consequences.”
As detailed in court documents and testimony, between 2020 and 2023 in Richmond County, Georgia, Frantz knowingly engaged in monetary transactions involving proceeds from a business email compromise scheme that caused victim companies to transfer funds into bank accounts controlled by the defendant. Frantz was not entitled to those funds. The FBI warned Frantz on multiple occasions that her conduct was potentially criminal. Despite those warnings, she continued to withdraw and use portions of the fraudulently obtained funds.
“The FBI and its partners will relentlessly pursue individuals looking to illegally move funds for illicit purposes,” said Matt Ploskunak, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in FBI Atlanta’s Augusta Office. “Anyone engaged in this type of criminal activity should realize they are not outside of the reach of law enforcement.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia G. Rhodes and Jennifer S. Thompson.
Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tamara Sawyer Indicted for Theft, Fraud, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment in a significant public corruption case against Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tamara Sawyer. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.
Tamara (“Tami”) Sawyer was sworn into office on August 29, 2024. As alleged in the indictment, between that date and June 22, 2025, Sawyer embezzled, stole, and knowingly converted $44,607.35 in public funds to her own use. She carried out the scheme by using procurement cards issued to other county employees, a county travel card, and by obtaining travel advances.
The indictment alleges that Sawyer used these cards to pay for a wide range of personal expenses for herself and others, including alcohol, food and goods ordered through web‑based delivery services such as Uber Eats and Instacart, as well as charges at bars, hotels, restaurants, the Memphis Tigers, FedEx Forum, Turo, local fundraisers, and payments to various PayPal accounts—including her own. Many of these transactions occurred on weekends or holidays when the clerk’s office was closed. Although Sawyer claimed the expenses were for official business, the investigation determined they were personal in nature.
The indictment further alleges that Sawyer also used the procurement cards as part of a money‑laundering scheme. She transferred stolen funds to a PayPal account controlled by a friend, who kept a small portion and returned the remainder to Sawyer through CashApp.
Sawyer has been charged in the six-count indictment with the federal offenses of Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, Honest Services Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises.
If convicted of all charges, the maximum possible punishment for these offenses is imprisonment for up to 20 years, a fine of up to $500,000.00 or both, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of local government programs receiving federal funds against public corruption, theft, fraud, waste, and abuse is a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. We commend the FBI for their diligent and thorough investigation in this case."
"Public servants are entrusted by all of us to act in the best interests of the public they serve," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "As alleged, the defendant brazenly abused her authority as a General Sessions Court Clerk to steal taxpayer dollars to serve herself. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to combat public corruption and aggressively pursue those who betray public trust."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States Government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
tamara_sawyer_-_federal_indictment.pdf###
For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Prior felon going to prison on new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Cameron Gelsomino, 24, of Burt, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography after a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prsion and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
In August 2023, Gelsomino was convicted of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child in Niagara County Court and sentenced to serve 30 days’ incarceration and 10 years’ probation. In May 2024, he possessed a cell phone, which contained approximately 56 images and two videos of child pornography.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone and the Niagara County Probation Department, under the direction of Director Deborah M LaRock.
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Orleans Parish Resident Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that STERLING PIPKINS (“PIPKINS”), age 42, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, to drug trafficking. Sentencing is set for September 10, 2026.
According to court documents, PIPKINS sold cocaine to an individual he thought was a legitimate buyer during a controlled narcotics transaction in New Orleans on July 31, 2023.
The maximum penalty for distributing cocaine is twenty years imprisonment, followed by a minimum of three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Orleans Parish Resident Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that STERLING PIPKINS (“PIPKINS”), age 42, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, to drug trafficking. Sentencing is set for September 10, 2026.
According to court documents, PIPKINS sold cocaine to an individual he thought was a legitimate buyer during a controlled narcotics transaction in New Orleans on July 31, 2023.
The maximum penalty for distributing cocaine is twenty years imprisonment, followed by a minimum of three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Orange County Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Chase Dean Suriano (26, Ocoee) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 12 years in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Suriano to forfeit a computer and multiple drives used in the commission of the offense. Suriano pleaded guilty on March 12, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating Suriano after an individual reported that they had observed child sexual abuse material saved on the computer of another user, later identified as Suriano, while Suriano was screensharing. The FBI executed a search warrant on Suriano’s residence, which resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices. A forensic review of the devices revealed that Suriano used a browser on his computer to search for, download, and collect child sexual abuse material. In total, Suriano’s devices contained more than 7,500 images and over 900 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, a significant amount of which involved infants and toddlers. Additionally, at the time of the investigation, Suriano was the subject of a stipulated-to 10-year final injunction for protection against sexual violence following reports by a 7-year-old child that the child had been sexually abused by Suriano when Suriano was 18 years old.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.justice.gov/psc.
Ohio Doctor Ordered to Pay Nearly $1M for Facilitating Fraud on MedicareRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – An Ohio physician has been sentenced for her role in a healthcare fraud conspiracy that fraudulently billed Medicare for more than $1,842,524.
Muna Orra, 42, of Westlake, Ohio, was sentenced to five years of probation by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after she pleaded guilty in January to making False Statements Related to Health Care Matters. She was also ordered to pay $997,641 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare provides health benefits mainly to individuals age 65 and older or to those who meet certain criteria.
According to court documents, Orra used her position as a licensed medical doctor in the state of Ohio to issue doctor’s orders for durable medical equipment (DME), primarily braces, and genetic testing for patients who did not need the equipment and tests she authorized.
From about February 2018 to September 2021, Orra was employed by a telemedicine company based in the state of Georgia as an independent contractor physician. The telemedicine company provided her with documents containing patients’ details such as medical exam notes and recommended treatment plans, along with a detailed written order for the DME or genetic tests. Orra would review the patient files and electronically approve the orders, which she submitted to the telemedicine company to use for billing. The telemedicine company then submitted bills for the equipment and tests, with Orra’s orders as purported proof those items were medically necessary.
However, the investigation found that Orra did not meaningfully review the patient records to determine if the prepared orders were medically reasonable and necessary, nor did she conduct required assessments that could only be performed in person despite signing orders indicating that she did. The investigation also revealed that when Orra opened the electronic patient files, she frequently executed her electronic signature on the relevant order within just seconds of accessing the patient file.
In total, Orra caused Medicare to be billed approximately $93,473 for medically unnecessary genetic testing orders and $1,749,051 for medically unnecessary braces for patients. Medicare paid approximately $64,189 on those bills for genetic testing and $933,452 on the bills for braces.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Erica Barnhill led the prosecution.
To submit a complaint about healthcare fraud or abuse of services, visit oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Kanawha County Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert Ford, also known as “Jason” and “J,” 44, of Van Buren Township, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Ford admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ford transported several pounds of methamphetamine to West Virginia from Detroit, Michigan, between June 2024 and April 2025. Ford supplied the methamphetamine to co-conspirator Amanda Marie Mace, who re-distributed it to others including co-conspirators Michael Allen Corkhill and Quanda Kiev Wilborne for further distribution. As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine. During one controlled buy, Mace sold a quantity of methamphetamine while Ford sat in a vehicle parked nearby after communicating by phone with Mace during the time leading up to the transaction.
Ford and Mace, also known as “A,” 43, of South Charleston, are among 16 individuals indicted as the result of the federal investigation on charges alleging they participated in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. Nine defendants in the main indictment pleaded guilty including Ford, Mace, Corkhill, and Wilbourne. Mace was sentenced on March 9, 2026, to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, each for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Corkhill, also known as “Mike” and “Mike Mike,” 31, of Dunbar, and Wilborne, also known as “Quan” and “Queso,” 30, of Charleston, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Four additional defendants pleaded guilty in separate cases that resulted from the investigation. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-78.
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Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Pablo Villasenor-Ochoa, 38, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty last Thursday to alien in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
According to court documents, on December 21, 2025, Villasenor-Ochoa pulled out a handgun, loaded it, and threatened to kill his partner and himself. On December 23, 2025, law enforcement located the firearm in a vehicle used by Villasenor-Ochoa.
On June 2, 2026, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Villasenor-Ochoa with alien in possession of a firearm.
Villasenor-Ochoa faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 26, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
Mexican National Sentenced After Transporting 1,295 kilograms of Cocaine on Board a Vessel Subject to U.S. JurisdictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that one of three Mexican nationals, Francisco Hernandez Penaloza, 65, was sentenced on Friday, June 12, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 46 months’ imprisonment for his role in conspiring to transport and possess with intent to distribute approximately 1,295 kilograms of cocaine on board a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
According to court documents, on September 5, 2024, during a routine patrol in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, a Royal Canadian Naval ship, the HMCS Yellowknife, intercepted a go-fast vessel after it was sighted approximately 427 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. A United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment was aboard the HMCS Yellowknife. The go-fast vessel was dead in the water, floating adrift with bales and large fuel barrels visible on its deck. It displayed no indicia of nationality with no flag flown.
The USCG Detachment conducted a right of visit boarding on the vessel as it was suspected of illicit maritime activity. Three people were encountered on board the vessel, including the defendant. A search of the vessel revealed 35 bales consistent with the packaging and transport of a large quantity of narcotics. The three people on board were detained. The bales were removed, and the vessel was sunk due to the damage to the hull. The packages inside the bales were tested by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory, which confirmed that the bales contained a total of 1,295 kilograms of cocaine.
This case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Kyle Payne of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Role in Prolific Human Smuggling Organization that Moved Aliens from Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle EastRead the Press Release
A Mexican national extradited from Mexico was sentenced today to 87 months prison for his role in a smuggling organization that operated for several years at the U.S.-Mexico border.
According to the indictment, Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 51, of Mexicali, Mexico, and co-conspirators facilitated the travel of large numbers of aliens from and through numerous countries into the United States between 2018 and 2022. The smuggling organization charged the aliens as much as tens of thousands of dollars to illegally cross the Mexico-U.S. border. Saucedo-Huipio was a manager or supervisor in this extensive alien smuggling operation and would frequently brandish a firearm in his waistband before they crossed the border. The aliens traveled from and through Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to ultimately reach the United States. The conspiracy moved well over 200 people, and the actual number is likely much higher.
“Human smuggling is not a victimless crime. It is a direct assault on our national security and an exploitation of some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This criminal organization not only moved aliens across the border; it stole from them and left them in desperate situations. Human smuggling causes so many additional problems that communities and government programs ultimately inherit. It is dangerous and a drain on our resources.”
“Violent human smugglers like Saucedo-Huipio use intimidation, violence and coercion to achieve their goals – financial gain no matter the harm caused,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona. “One of the many HSI missions include investigating human smuggling organizations to dismantle them and bring those responsible to face justice in a court of law. The sentence imposed today serves not only as punishment, but as an opportunity for the offender to reflect on the damage inflicted on so many people. Behind bars is where Saucedo-Huipio belongs.”
Saucedo-Huipio and co-conspirators directed aliens to cross the border by various means. They provided a ladder to climb over the border fence, pointed out holes in the fence that could be crawled through, and provided a plank for waterway crossings. Saucedo-Huipio oversaw one smuggling event where three small children had to cross a wooden plank lying atop a body of water. In addition to moving aliens across the border, Saucedo-Huipio and his co-conspirators also robbed the aliens of money, cell phones, and other belongings, often while armed with guns and knives.
In March 2023, Saucedo-Huipio and Ofelia Hernandez-Salas were arrested in Mexico pursuant to an extradition request from the United States. In December 2024, Hernandez-Salas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and three substantive counts of bringing an alien to the United States for commercial benefit or private financial gain. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison on May 13 for her role in the organization. In March 2026, Saucedo-Huipio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and bringing an alien to the United States.
The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean, and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. Attorney Offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 458 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 408 U.S. convictions; more than 357 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
HSI Yuma investigated the case with assistance from CBP USBP, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service, working in concert with HSI Tijuana, INTERPOL, and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI also received substantial assistance from CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force and U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners, who were instrumental in arresting Saucedo-Huipio, and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office and the Mexican Foreign Ministry for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) provided significant assistance as well.
Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Crowley for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case, with significant assistance provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Metro Area Man Sentenced to 216 Months After Social Media Schemes Led to Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Alec Deschryver, 26, who has lived in various cities in the Denver metro area, was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of carjacking involving firearms.
According to the plea agreement, in October 2023, Deschryver used a social media marketplace to contact a woman who was selling a Mercedes sedan and arranged to meet her and see the car. Deschryver, who arrived at the woman’s house with a second defendant, arranged a test drive of the vehicle with the woman’s husband. Once in the vehicle, Deschryver drove the Mercedes onto rural roads, stopped the car and brandished a firearm while threatening the man who was with him for the test drive. Deschryver drove away in the car and later sold it to an unwitting individual.
In a second instance, in November 2023, Denver Police responded to a report of an armed carjacking that resulted in a shooting. In a similar scheme, Deschryver had responded to an advertisement for another Mercedes sedan listed on the same social media marketplace. Deschryver test drove the vehicle. Anticipating a sale, the seller went to remove a child safety seat from the backseat when Deschryver brandished a firearm. The victim backed away but was shot in the leg. Deschryver stole the vehicle. It was later recovered when the second defendant gave the car to a family member.
“This case demonstrates two important things. First, violent criminals in our communities will be prosecuted and held accountable for their behavior,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “Second, this is an important reminder to the general public to use caution when engaging on social media marketplaces to sell or purchase goods.”
“Engrained in the culture of ATF is working alongside our local law enforcement partners which contributed to the success in stopping these multi-jurisdictional violent crimes," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Ashbridge. "Together, we operated as a powerful network that has delivered accountability and made our communities safer.”
United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Denver Police Department, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northglenn Police Department.
The prosecution was handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office.
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.
Case Number: 1:24-cr-00012-GPG
Member of Nihilistic Violent Extremist Group “764” Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL — Shawn Krishendat Premsook, 26, of Clermont, Florida, has pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.
According to the government’s factual basis, Premsook was a member of “764” and other Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups for approximately two years. During that time, Premsook joined these groups in extorting minors to engage in self-harm. On multiple occasions, he caused a minor girl to cut herself and use her blood to write messages such as his online moniker. Premsook also collected and distributed gore and child pornography images and videos of children who had been victimized by 764 members.
764 and related groups are NVEs who engage in criminal conduct within the United States and engage with other extremists abroad. The 764 network’s accelerationist goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government. Members of 764 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.
Premsook faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each distribution offense, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each possession offense.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case with valuable assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.
Member of Nihilistic Violent Extremist Group “764” Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Shawn Krishendat Premsook, 26, of Clermont, Florida, has pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.
According to the government’s factual basis, Premsook was a member of “764” and other Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups for approximately two years. During that time, Premsook joined these groups in extorting minors to engage in self-harm. On multiple occasions, he caused a minor girl to cut herself and use her blood to write messages such as his online moniker. Premsook also collected and distributed gore and child pornography images and videos of children who had been victimized by 764 members.
764 and related groups are NVEs who engage in criminal conduct within the United States and engage with other extremists abroad. The 764 network’s accelerationist goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government. Members of 764 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.
Premsook faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each distribution offense, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each possession offense.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case with valuable assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.
Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Intentionally Setting Fire to San Jose Post OfficeRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE - Richard Tillman was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for arson. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila handed down the sentence.
Tillman, 45, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 7, 2025. Tillman pleaded guilty to one count of Malicious Destruction of Government Property by Fire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(1) on February 9, 2026. According to the plea agreement, Tillman admitted to intentionally setting fire to the Almaden Valley United States Post Office located at 6525 Crown Boulevard in San Jose, California, on July 20, 2025.
Tillman admitted that he intentionally set the fire in order to “make a point to the United States government.” In preparation for the fire, Tillman purchased firelogs and lighter fluid. He then drove to the Post Office with firelogs in his vehicle, backed the vehicle through the building’s front door, exited the vehicle, spread lighter fluid throughout the vehicle, threw a lit match into the vehicle, and exited the Post Office. The fire quickly spread from the vehicle to the Post Office, completely destroying its lobby, as depicted in the photographs below. Prior to July 20, 2025, the lobby of the Post Office was open to the public during business hours for retail transactions and access to post office boxes. The fire rendered the lobby unusable, and it has not been available to the public since.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge John Wester, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila also sentenced Tillman to a three-year period of supervised release, and ordered Tillman to pay restitution of $2,371,682 to the United States Postal Service. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the USPIS, ATF, FBI, and the San Jose Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
Kanawha County Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crimes in West Virginia and KansasRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Destiny Fair Weese, 34, of Elkview, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 30, 2025, Weese sold 225.7 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Charleston after obtaining the controlled substance from her supplier. As part of her guilty pleas, Weese admitted that she conducted the transaction and that she also sold 142.4 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at or near St. Albans, West Virginia, on June 24, 2025, after obtaining methamphetamine from her supplier.
On July 29, 2025, Weese traveled to Los Angeles, California, where she rented a car. Later that day, Weese purchased several items including a backpack in Moreno Valley, California. On July 30, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the rental car, in which Weese was a passenger, at or near Ellsworth, Kansas. Officers searched the vehicle and seized 35 bundles of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately 1 pound, with 15 bundles found in the backpack, 10 bundles located in the vehicle’s rear quarter panels, and 10 bundles located in the spare tire well. As part of her guilty pleas, Weese admitted that she and the driver of the rental car possessed the seized methamphetamine and intended to distribute 50 grams or more to others.
Weese is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $20 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the West Virginia State Police, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.
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. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-1.
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Joplin Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Clinton John Gray, 48, of Joplin, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography, also referred to as “child sexual abuse material” or “CSAM.”
Gray was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 200 months in federal prison without parole, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for his conviction of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, Gray, who pleaded guilty on Sept. 22, 2025, used social media applications to solicit sexually explicit images from minors. Gray engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a 14-year-old girl on Facebook. During the exchange, Gray sent the agent pictures of his genitals and requested nude photos from a person he believed to be a minor. A forensic search of Gray’s phone located 1200 image files and 44 video files depicting child pornography. In addition to his sentence, Gray was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to the victims depicted in those CSAM images and videos.
Gray 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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force, and the Joplin Police Department.
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."
Irving man receives lengthy federal prison sentence as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An Irving man has been sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Dulio Ariel De-La-O, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 15, 2026.
According to information presented in court, during a drug trafficking investigation in 2022, it was determined that De-La-O was distributing “k-packs,” or 1,000 pill quantities of fentanyl, to individuals in the Eastern District of Texas. A search of De-La-O’s residence during the investigation resulted in the seizure of over 3,000 counterfeit Xanax pills laced with fentanyl and $91,799 in U.S. currency.
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 Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Illegal alien living in Dallas sentenced to federal prison as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An illegal alien has been sentenced to over 22 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Juan Lopez-Carmona, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 270 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 15, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2021, federal law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for moving large amounts of illegal narcotics from Mexico into the United States for redistribution. On October 4, 2022, while federal agents attempted to execute a search warrant at a Dallas residence, Lopez-Carmona, a Mexican national illegally living in Dallas, began firing on them from inside the house before fleeing on foot. Lopez-Carmona and another individual were quickly detained and a search of the residence revealed over 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, four firearms, and other drug trafficking supplies. The investigation resulted in multiple seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, firearms, and large amounts of U.S. currency.
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 Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.
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Illegal Alien Felon Arrested for Flying Drone in World Cup Restricted Airspace after Prior DeportationsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, an illegal alien from Mexico with a prior cocaine distribution conviction, faces federal charges for flying a drone over Centennial Olympic Park during the FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta and for illegally reentering the United States after two prior deportations.
“Unauthorized drone operations in restricted airspace present a serious risk to public safety, particularly during major international events such as the FIFA World Cup,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “This enforcement action reflects the coordinated efforts of our federal and local partners to detect, disrupt, and deter unlawful activity that could endanger spectators, athletes, and first responders.”
“FBI Atlanta's Counter UAV Task Force has seized 21 drones, including Rojas-Martinez's,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “As these operators are putting the community at risk, our Ground Intercept Teams will continue to locate operators, seize drones, and pursue prosecution of those who violate the restricted airspace in place around FIFA World Cup activities.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg and the criminal complaint: on June 12, 2026, federal agents allegedly observed Lorenzo Rojas‑Martinez operating a drone in restricted airspace near Centennial Olympic Park during the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta while standing in a nearby parking area and recording video of the event. After requesting his identification and reviewing his driver’s license, agents allegedly confirmed that he was unlawfully present in the United States following two prior removals. Rojas-Martinez has a prior conviction for cocaine distribution among other charges.
Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, 37, of Mexico was charged in a federal complaint on June 15, 2026, with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien. Members of the public are reminded that the complaint contains only charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution 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.
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.
Franklinton Woman Indicted for Illegal Voting and False Claim to CitizenshipRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DENISE NATALY MIGLIORE (“MIGLIORE”),age 51, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, originally from Sydney, Australia, was charged on June 11, 2026 in a four-count indictment for making false statements in order to register to vote, and illegal voting in an election, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1015(f) and Title 52, United States Code, Section 20511(2)(B), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about October 6, 2022, and on or about October 22, 2024, MIGLIORE, at the time a legal permanent resident, knowingly made false claims to U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in in a Federal election. On or about November 8, 2022, and November 5, 2024, MIGLIORE cast a ballot, which was obtained by falsely certifying that she was a U.S. citizen and eligible to vote, when, in fact, she was not eligible to vote because she was not a citizen of the United States.
If convicted, MIGLIORE faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison, followed by three (3) years of supervised release. MIGLIORE also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Fort Myers Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Jose Manuel Caraballo-Torres (39, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle C. Dudek to four years and three months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Caraballo-Torres pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2025, a deputy from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was patrolling State Road 31 in Punta Gorda when he observed a speeding truck. As the vehicle passed, the deputy initiated a traffic stop. Caraballo-Torres was one of multiple passengers in the truck which smelled of marijuana. The passengers were asked to step out of the vehicle for officer safety.
During the traffic stop, the deputy conducted a pat down of Caraballo-Torres, who moved his hand towards his right-side waist band. The deputy immediately grabbed Caraballo-Torres, pushed him against the truck, and pinned Caraballo-Torres’s hands against the vehicle. The deputy retrieved a firearm from the waistband area of Caraballo-Torres. CCSO central communications advised that the firearm retrieved from Caraballo-Torres’s had been reported stolen out of Orlando. Caraballo-Torres’s criminal history indicated that he was on federal supervised release until 2032 related to a case from the District of Puerto Rico.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Darcey and Jesus M. Casas.
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.
Former Idaho Resident Sentenced for Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessRead the Press Release
Coeur d’Alene – Former Idaho resident Susan White, a/k/a Susan Milne, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for participating in a fraud scheme by acting as a money mule and transmitting fraud proceeds through her personal and third-party bank accounts, U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced.
According to court records, beginning in late 2017 through approximately July 2018, White operated as a money mule for various fraud schemes, including business email compromise schemes and other internet-enabled fraud. White used her own personal bank accounts and recruited or utilized accounts belonging to other individuals to receive and move illicit proceeds from the various fraud schemes. In exchange for transmitting the funds, White retained a portion of the funds deposited into the various accounts.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered White to serve 3 years of supervised release following her prison sentence and to pay $66,130.75 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of United States Secret Service, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell prosecuted the case.
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Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation and Distributing Child Pornography as a Result of Operation Relentless JusticeRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Devin Scott Waldeck, 35, of Cross City, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of child exploitation and one count of the distribution of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The sexual exploitation of a child is a horrific crime, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material is a continuing offense that has the effect of re-victimizing the innocent child each and every time those disturbing images and videos are shared. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentlessly pursuing the sexual predators who seek to victimize and sexually exploit children, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those sick individuals to ensure they are locked away and unable to harm our kids.”
Court documents reflect that, in November 2025, law enforcement became aware the defendant, posing as the mother of a minor child, was using the online Reddit platform to discuss the sexual exploitation of that minor child. In online communications with another Reddit user, the defendant offered the minor child to the Reddit user and graphically described ways the user could sexually exploit the minor. The defendant saved explicit videos and pictures of the minor child in a secret app on his cell phone along with other sexually explicit videos and photos of other named individuals. The defendant had hundreds of communications with other Reddit users discussing sexual “hookups,” including more than a dozen conversations where he stated he had sexual encounters or wanted to have sexual encounters with minors.
The defendant faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen years’ imprisonment and up to thirty years’ imprisonment for the child exploitation count, and a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment and up to twenty years’ imprisonment for distribution of child pornography. Both counts include up to a lifetime of supervision upon release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
Sentencing for is scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case was a result of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. For more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/justice-department-announces-results-operation-relentless-justice.
These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. 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.
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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Former CFO Charged in Embezzlement Scheme and Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced, today, that a former Maryland-based chief financial officer (CFO), who worked for a multinational company, is facing indictment stemming from an embezzlement scheme and immigration fraud.
Teresa Desy Majo, 42, a legal permanent resident from Italy, residing in Annadale, Virginia, is charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a perjured immigration document in connection with the scheme. Majo served as CFO for the North American arm of Officine Maccaferri S.p.A, an Italian company, which is comprised of two subsidiaries: a U.S.-based entity, Maccaferri, Inc, and a Canadian-based entity, Maccaferri Canada Ltd. Officine Maccaferri is a geotechnical engineering solutions manufacturer and supplier specializing in soil stabilization. The former CFO used multiple Maccaferri executives’ identities to fraudulently approve alleged employment benefits and compensation to enrich herself.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.
According to the indictment, beginning in January 2021, and continuing through May 2024, Majo devised a scheme to defraud both Maccaferri USA and Maccaferri Canada. As part of the scheme, Majo created multiple fabricated documents that supposedly authorized extra employment compensation and benefits. Additionally, Majo modified emails from executives to fraudulently authorize other unwarranted employment compensation and benefits. Majo submitted the counterfeit documents to Maccaferri USA and Maccaferri Canada’s payroll departments. After Maccaferri fired her, Majo withheld her termination from, and otherwise lied to, immigration authorities to obtain legal permanent resident status.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.If convicted, Majo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud, along with a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft. Majo is also facing a maximum of 10 years for possessing a perjured immigration document.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared M. Beim and Jared W. Murphy who are prosecuting this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Five Individuals Arrested on Drug Distribution and Firearms Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Five individuals were arrested on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to traffic firearms, and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
The charges are the result of a months-long investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, into narcotics and firearms trafficking in Trenton, New Jersey.
“As this investigation makes clear, our office is laser focused on ensuring public safety for the people of New Jersey. The conduct alleged by these individuals involved the interstate transportation of firearms sold for profit and large quantities of cocaine delivered on demand. I am proud of the unrelenting efforts of our law enforcement partners through the Homeland Security Task Force as we identify and dismember groups that threaten our communities.”
– U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“These charges highlight the commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations that pose a threat to our communities. “This extensive Homeland Security Task Force investigation, led by our special agents in Trenton, focused on individuals alleged to have orchestrated a complex narcotics and firearms trafficking operation spanning Ohio and New Jersey. We remain steadfast in our mission to pursue those who endanger public safety and to protect the communities we serve,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas.
Kenny Scaley-Sandoval, 32, a Guatemalan citizen without legal status in the U.S. residing in Trenton, New Jersey; Kelvin Tavarez, 30, of Trenton, New Jersey, Enoc Pimentel, 39, of Clifton, New Jersey, and Andy Nazario, 44, of Clifton, New Jersey, all had their initial court appearances on June 10, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin T. Quinn in Trenton federal court. Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, and Pimentel were detained.
Timothy Rios, 32, of Lorain, Ohio, was arrested in Virginia and had an initial court appearance on June 10, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight in the Eastern District of Virginia. Rios was detained and is pending transportation to New Jersey.
Defendant Name
Charge(s)
Kenny Scaley-SandovalConspiracy to distribute cocaine and
Conspiracy to traffic firearms
Kelvin TavarezConspiracy to distribute cocaineEnoc PimentelConspiracy to distribute cocaineTimothy RiosConspiracy to traffic firearmsAndy NazarioPossession with intent to distribute cocaineAccording to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In August 2025, law enforcement began investigating certain drug distribution and firearms trafficking activities in and around Trenton, New Jersey. HSI obtained over 3.8 kilograms of cocaine related to the drug distribution conspiracy involving Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, and Pimentel. HSI also obtained 16 handguns and rifles related to the firearms trafficking conspiracy involving Scaley-Sandoval and Rios. In addition, while executing a court-authorized search warrant on June 10, 2026, officers recovered a quantity of cocaine along with drug distribution materials and cash from Nazario’s attic.
The count charging Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez and Pimentel with conspiracy to distribute cocaine carries a maximum potential penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $5 million.
The count charging Scaley-Sandoval and Rios with conspiracy to traffic firearms against carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The count charging Nazario with possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1 million.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations – Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Acting U.S. Marshal Nicholas A. Ricigliano, Jr., the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, and the Mount Laurel Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tim Hudnall, for their assistance in the investigation.
These arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel:
Kenny Scaley Sandoval: Andrea G. Aldana, Esq.
Kelvin Tavarez: Suzanne Axel, Esq.
Enoc Pimentel: Mark Davis, Esq.
Timothy Rios: TBD
Andy Nazario: John Holliday, Esq.
scaleysandovaletal.complaint.pdf nazario.complaint.pdfFinal Defendant in ATM Robbery Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The final defendant from Texas involved in the robbery of an ATM that belonged to a credit union in Salt Lake County, Utah, was sentenced today to five years’ imprisonment, and three years of supervised release.
Jevaunte Reese, 33, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026, to credit union robbery. His co-defendants Lashawn Charleswell, Tiras Jack, Harold Oliver, and Calvin Brantley also pleaded guilty and were sentenced in 2025. In addition to their sentences, Judge David Sam ordered they pay $4,309.00, jointly and severally.
According to court documents and statements made at Reese’s sentencing and change of plea hearings, on September 11, 2024, Taylorsville Police Department and special agents from the FBI responded to the Mountain America Credit Union in Taylorsville, Utah, for an ATM robbery. Upon arrival, law enforcement spoke to an ATM technician who was present during the robbery. The technician was contracted through a company that repairs ATM machines and had access to the cash stored inside. Reese admitted that he and his codefendants had previously disabled the ATM and waited in their vehicles for the technician to arrive and repair the ATM. When the ATM technician arrived, he was pushed to the ground and the cash box containing $200,000 was stolen. Law enforcement identified the vehicles and took the defendants into custody at a rest stop in Paragonah, Utah.
The case was investigated jointly by the Taylorsville Police Department, and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Federal and State Law Enforcement Raise Alarm About Financial Exploitation Targeting Older Adults in New HampshireRead the Press Release
Federal and State Law Enforcement Raise Alarm About Financial Exploitation Targeting Older Adults in New Hampshire
CONCORD – In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan and New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella highlight the ongoing efforts of New Hampshire’s federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect older adults from fraud, financial exploitation, and other forms of elder abuse.
Older adults are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams involving imposters, investment fraud, romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and other forms of financial exploitation that can result in devastating losses. Many incidents go unreported, making public awareness and prevention critical components of protecting vulnerable residents. In recent years, investigators have seen a sharp increase in fraud schemes involving cryptocurrency transactions, fraudulent investment opportunities, government imposter scams, and online relationships designed to manipulate victims into sending money. Criminals often use pressure tactics, secrecy, and urgency to convince victims to act before consulting family members, financial institutions, or law enforcement.
“Older adults throughout New Hampshire deserve to live with dignity, security, and independence,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Our Elder Justice Team works closely with law enforcement, financial institutions, victim advocates, and community partners to investigate crimes against older adults, recover stolen funds whenever possible, and hold offenders accountable. We encourage anyone who suspects elder abuse or financial exploitation to report it immediately. Early reporting can make all the difference.”
“Financial exploitation can rob older adults not only of their savings, but also of their sense of security and trust,” said Attorney General Formella. “Protecting New Hampshire's older residents is a priority for the New Hampshire Department of Justice. Through our Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, we work every day to investigate reports of abuse, support victims and families, and educate communities about emerging threats. By working together across all levels of government, we can better prevent victimization and bring offenders to justice.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office Elder Justice Team and the New Hampshire Department of Justice Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit collaborate regularly with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, Adult Protective Services, financial institutions, prosecutors, victim advocates, and community organizations to identify and respond to cases involving elder abuse and exploitation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Hampshire Department of Justice are actively taking steps to combat elder fraud, including prosecuting those who target the elderly, recovering funds stolen from victims, and participating in outreach events such as the Financial Abuse Specialty Team elder justice conference held earlier this month at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.
Officials encourage older adults and their loved ones to:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media contacts requesting money or personal information.
- Never send money, purchase gift cards, or deposit funds into cryptocurrency kiosks at the direction of someone you do not know.
- Verify requests for money independently, even when they appear to come from a trusted person, business, or government agency.
- Consult a trusted family member, friend, financial institution, or law enforcement officer before making significant financial transactions prompted by unexpected communications.
- Report suspected scams and exploitation as soon as possible.
Anyone who believes they or a loved one may be the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation should contact local law enforcement, the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services (nheasy.nh.gov), and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) and report the incident promptly. Quick reporting may improve the chances of recovering stolen funds and prevent additional victimization.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a reminder that protecting older adults is a shared responsibility. Federal, state, and local partners remain committed to ensuring that New Hampshire's older residents are protected, supported, and empowered to recognize and report abuse and exploitation.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Correctional Officer of Civil Rights Violation that Resulted in Inmate’s DeathRead the Press Release
A federal jury has convicted a former detention deputy at the Garvin County Jail (GCJ) in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, for her role in being deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of pretrial detainee Kayla Turley, resulting in bodily injury to Ms. Turley and her death. Paula Kelley was convicted of one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 242.
“This guilty verdict holds this former correctional officer accountable for her shocking failure to protect a vulnerable inmate in her care,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By ignoring the victim’s serious medical needs, the defendant betrayed the most basic duties of her position and violated the victim’s civil rights. The Civil Rights Division has no tolerance for such abuses.”
“Correctional officers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that individuals in their custody receive necessary medical care,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “When that duty is deliberately ignored, resulting in serious harm or death, there must be accountability. This conviction, and the guilty pleas of four other correctional employees and one correctional nurse, affirms the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of those held in our detention facilities.”
“The correctional officers in this case failed to obtain clearly needed medical care for a pretrial detainee, resulting in her death. This failure to act to protect someone in their custody undermines the respect and reputation of all law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “This conviction, and the five other guilty pleas in this case, are a reminder that the FBI will vigorously investigate violations of civil rights to bring justice for the victims, and their friends and families.”
On June 12, 2026, following a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Kelley was found guilty of violating 18 U.S.C. § 242.
As established at trial, Kelley was on duty as a GCJ detention deputy when she learned that pretrial detainee Kayla Turley was facing serious medical needs. Despite knowing and observing Ms. Turley’s serious medical needs, Kelley willfully failed to take any reasonable steps to abate those needs. Due to the failure to act by Kelley and other GCJ staff, Ms. Turley suffered bodily injury and ultimately died.
Kelley faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Four other former detention deputies and one former GCJ nurse previously pleaded guilty to violations of 18 U.S.C. § 242 for their roles in being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious harm to Ms. Turley. Detention Deputy Jennifer Baxter and former GCJ nurse Lynsee Noel each pleaded guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. § 242 based on their failure to take reasonable measures to help Ms. Turley get medical care for her serious medical needs. In addition, defendants Baxter and Noel – along with former Detention Deputies Vincent Matthews and Alesha Ingram – have each pleaded guilty to being deliberately indifferent to Ms. Turley’s safety when they failed to intervene and stop other inmates from assaulting Ms. Turley after the inmates became frustrated with Ms. Turley’s cries for help.
Former Detention Deputy Melissa Melton pleaded guilty to one violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242 for being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious harm to Ms. Turley due to her serious medical needs, resulting in bodily injury to Ms. Turley.
According to their plea agreements, Baxter, Noel, Matthews, Ingram, and Melton face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Correctional Officer of Civil Rights Violation that Resulted in Inmate's DeathRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY — A federal jury has convicted a former detention deputy at the Garvin County Jail (GCJ) in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, for her role in being deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of pretrial detainee Kayla Turley, resulting in bodily injury to Ms. Turley and her death. PAULA KELLEY was convicted of one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 242.
“This guilty verdict holds this former correctional officer accountable for her shocking failure to protect a vulnerable inmate in her care,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By ignoring the victim’s serious medical needs, the defendant betrayed the most basic duties of her position and violated the victim’s civil rights. The Civil Rights Division has no tolerance for such abuses.”
“Correctional officers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that individuals in their custody receive necessary medical care,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “When that duty is deliberately ignored, resulting in serious harm or death, there must be accountability. The six convictions in this case affirm the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of those held in our detention facilities.”
“The correctional officers in this case failed to obtain clearly needed medical care for a pretrial detainee, resulting in her death. This failure to act to protect someone in their custody undermines the respect and reputation of all law enforcement,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “This conviction, and the five other guilty pleas in this case, are a reminder that the FBI will vigorously investigate violations of civil rights to bring justice for the victims, and their friends and families.”
On June 12, 2026, following a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Kelley was found guilty of violating 18 U.S.C. § 242.
As established at trial, Kelley was on duty as a GCJ detention deputy when she learned that pretrial detainee Kayla Turley was facing serious medical needs. Despite knowing and observing Ms. Turley’s serious medical needs, Kelley willfully failed to take any reasonable steps to abate those needs. Due to the failure to act by Kelley and other GCJ staff, Ms. Turley suffered bodily injury and ultimately died.
Kelley faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Four other former detention deputies and one former GCJ nurse previously pleaded guilty to violations of 18 U.S.C. § 242 for their roles in being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious harm to Ms. Turley. Detention Deputy JENNIFER BAXTER and former GCJ nurse LYNSEE NOEL each pleaded guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. § 242 based on their failure to take reasonable measures to help Ms. Turley get medical care for her serious medical needs. In addition, defendants Baxter and Noel – along with former Detention Deputies VINCENT MATTHEWS and ALESHA INGRAM – have each pleaded guilty to being deliberately indifferent to Ms. Turley’s safety when they failed to intervene and stop other inmates from assaulting Ms. Turley after the inmates became frustrated with Ms. Turley’s cries for help.
Former Detention Deputy MELISSA MELTON pleaded guilty to one violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242 for being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious harm to Ms. Turley due to her serious medical needs, resulting in bodily injury to Ms. Turley.
According to their plea agreements, Baxter, Noel, Matthews, Ingram, and Melton face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Dallas Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
A Dallas man who trafficked nine young women was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Chase Anthony Young, 34, pled guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion in October 2025. He was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey.
According to plea documents, Young admitted to causing three adult victims to engage in commercial sex by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion. Young admitted to placing online ads for the victims, renting hotel rooms, taking the proceeds from the commercial sex acts performed by the victims, and setting pricing and rules for the victims.
At today’s sentencing, the prosecutor asked the Court to consider that Young had a total of nine identified victims of his sex trafficking organization, dating back to at least 2017. And that while Young received all the proceeds, the victims’ received beatings and scars.
Additionally, one victim’s statement was read, in part, to the Court, during the sentencing hearing. She wrote that Young made her “believe that [she] worthless and only existed to be used;” and that, “The trauma has affected every part of my life, my ability to trust, to build relationships, to feel safe, and believe in myself.” Her statement continued, “But despite everything, I am here. I am learning to heal and find myself again.” “I am speaking now because he no longer has control over my voice, I will never be silenced EVER AGAIN.”
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandie Wade prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 Dallas comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Child Psychotherapist Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Victor Renato Blythe, 61, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with his possession of 300 videos and 23,000 still images of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Blythe was formerly employed as a psychotherapist and specialized in working with children and adolescents. Blythe previously was employed in the Psychiatry Department at Children’s National Medical Center.
“Victor Blythe spent years hiding behind his credentials as a psychotherapist to gain the trust of vulnerable children, all while secretly collecting and trading the most exploitative images imaginable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He didn't just collect thousands of images of children being sexually abused; he encouraged others to exploit children. No sentence can undo the harm he caused, but this one ensures he is held accountable. We will continue to pursue anyone who preys on children with every tool we have.”
Blythe was found guilty on May 22, 2026, before Judge Dabney L. Friedrich during a stipulated trial to distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. In addition to the 10-year prison sentence, Judge Friedrich ordered Blythe to serve a lifetime of supervised release, to register as a sex offender, and to pay $71,000 in restitution. Federal prosecutors had requested a 188-month prison sentence.
According to court documents, Blythe began to collect child sexual abuse material in 2000 and attempted to sexually exploit children. For approximately six years, Blythe traded child sexual abuse material with multiple people, including a person who was later arrested for child sexual abuse.
In Blythe’s communications with that other person, Blythe detailed his sexual interest in children and advised the other individual on how to groom children for sexual abuse. For example, the other individual told Blythe that he was videochatting with a 14-year-old child for the purpose of sexual abuse and was afraid he made the child uneasy. Blythe responded, “Keep chatting with him. He will get comfortable with you video chatting once again.”
Blythe also communicated with a minor child via Skype and told him to engage in sexual acts. During the conversation, the child stated that he was 15 years old, and Blythe responded, “So?? That’s HOT!!” When the child stated “its illegal,” Blythe replied, “[n]ot for me…” Blythe then sent the child a picture of his penis.
Blythe repeatedly discussed interactions he had with children in the D.C. area and his efforts to groom them for sexual abuse. On at least one occasion in 2023, Blythe met in person with a minor child and offered to conduct therapy sessions with him. During one therapy session, Blythe asked the child about his sexuality and discussed his own sexuality with the child.
Law enforcement reviewed Blythe’s digital devices and found over 300 videos and 23,000 still images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers.
This case was investigated by FBI Washington Field Office's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Career Offender Sentenced to 151 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County woman was sentenced for distributing over 1,500 pills containing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Denise Manco, 49, of Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to one count of distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Quraishi imposed the 151-month sentence on June 8, 2026 in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between August 2022 through March 2023, undercover law enforcement officers executed several controlled purchases of pills from Manco. These pills were presented by Manco as containing ecstasy or MDMA, but in fact contained methamphetamine. Officers also executed a search warrant of Manco’s Ocean County residence, where officers seized a variety of controlled substances and various items associated with drug manufacturing and distribution, including binding powder, scales, and glassine bags. Manco’s prior state convictions for distribution of controlled substances and manslaughter qualified her to be sentenced as a “career offender” under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, significantly increasing her sentencing exposure.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Manco to five years of supervised release following Manco’s term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, and the New Jersey Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Victory L. Kuhn, Esq., for the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Defense counsel: Serguel Mawuko Akiti, Esq., of Lowther Walker LLC.
California man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for Los Angeles-to-Dayton drug traffickingRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Ernesto Villalobos, 48, of Los Angeles, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 150 months in prison distributing kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the United States, including in the Southern District of Ohio.
According to court documents, Villalobos served as the hub of a multi-state drug conspiracy for at least three years. The defendant personally packaged and shipped the drugs from his home in Los Angeles. Since at least 2021 until 2024, Villalobos mailed kilograms of drugs to Dayton, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Charleston, West Virginia. The defendant worked with a drug trafficking organization in Dayton to locally traffic the narcotics he shipped.
Packages intercepted by law enforcement between January and April 2024 included three parcels bound for Dayton containing nearly five kilograms of pure methamphetamine and more than four kilograms of fentanyl.
Villalobos was charged federally in March 2025 and pleaded guilty in July 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division and Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Walter H. Rice. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth L. McCormick are representing the United States in this case.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Julius M. Hatten, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.
According to the plea agreement, on September 25, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants at an Eckhert Street residence, on the person of Julius Hatten, and on Hatten’s vehicle, seizing quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, ammunition, $21,740 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2026, before Judge Arcara.
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Bridal Shop Owner Sentenced to Prison for Willfully Failing to Pay More Than $1.3M in Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
A Parker woman was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes on behalf of the bridal shop company she owned and operated for more than a decade.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Donna M. Savoy owned and operated Donna Beth Creations, a bridal studio in Denver, Colorado. As the owner of the company, Savoy was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from her employees’ wages, paying those funds over to the IRS and filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.
For more than a decade – that is, from the first quarter of 2014 through the fourth quarter of 2024 – Savoy admitted that she withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but willfully failed to pay them over to the IRS. Savoy also willfully failed to file employment tax returns for that entire period. Savoy spent the tax money she withheld from her employees on personal and business expenses. In total, Savoy caused a tax loss to the United States exceeding $1.3 million.
Savoy pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Stuart A. Wexler of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is 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.
Brazilian citizen charged with escape from the Buffalo Federal Detention FacilityRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ernando Elias Orelio, 38, a citizen of Brazil, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with escape from custody, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 31, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified that the Watervliet City Police Department, in Albany County, NY, had arrested and charged Orelio on charges of Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, and Harassment 2nd Degree: Physical Contact. On June 1, 2026, Orelio was arrested by ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), served with a Warrant for Arrest of Alien and transported to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Orelio is a citizen of Brazil with no legal immigration status in the United States and was confined at the detention facility for expulsion proceedings.
On June 7, 2026, personnel at the detention facility informed Homeland Security Investigations that Orelio had escaped. The complaint states that a detainee told a detention officer that Orelio climbed the fence and went onto the roof. The detention officer checked Orelio’s cell and the recreation yard but did not locate Orelio. The officer then went to the roof and located Orelio, who then jumped off the roof to the ground, and fled on foot. Orelio was captured a short time later in a nearby wooded area.
Orelio made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Fitzgerald. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Phillip Rhoney, the Batavia Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Camp, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph Graff.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Billings man pleads guilty to drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who was traveling through Montana with five pounds of meth admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jason Daniel Schauer, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Schauer faces 10 years in prison, a $10 million fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. District Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided and will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later time. Schauer remained on pretrial release pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Schauer was moving methamphetamine from Arizona to Montana.
Schauer and a companion were pulled over outside Livingston on July 3, 2025, after a Montana Highway Patrol trooper watched the pair “tear through a (gas station) parking lot at a high rate of speed.” Troopers grew suspicious that Schauer might be trafficking drugs after seeing drug paraphernalia in the car, which prompted them to seek a search warrant.
Searching the vehicle, troopers found five cellophane-wrapped bundles under the rear set of the car, weighing roughly five pounds total. DEA testing later revealed it was 2,202 grams of meth. When interviewed by the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation Schauer told agents he had paid $4,500 for the meth and that he purchased it in Phoenix from “cartel associated” individuals.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Department of Criminal Investigation and the DEA conducted the investigation.
Atlanta Attorney Sentenced to Federal Prison for Serial Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Amjad Ibrahim will serve more than a year in federal prison following his conviction for evading nearly $1.5 million in federal income taxes over a four-year span.
“Ibrahim was a licensed attorney fully aware of his legal duty to file returns and pay federal taxes. Rather than meeting his obligations and paying the taxes he owed to the government, he intentionally and deceptively concealed his income,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “This prison sentence should send a clear message that my office will pursue, prosecute, and punish tax cheats.”
“This case sends an unmistakable message that if you try to hide income and cheat the tax system, IRS Criminal Investigation will find you,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Our special agents are highly skilled at following the money, uncovering complex schemes, and ensuring that those who try to cheat the tax system are held fully accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Amjad Ibrahim, an attorney since 1994, willfully evaded paying federal income taxes for tax years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, resulting in nearly $1.5 million in unpaid personal taxes. During those years, Ibrahim managed and earned substantial income from at least seven businesses. He sought to hide his earnings from these companies by issuing at least 70 checks to himself, totaling approximately $700,000.
On June 12, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced Amjad Ibrahim, 60, of Johns Creek, Georgia, to one year and three months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. Additionally, the Court ordered Ibrahim to pay $1,934,115 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and a fine of $35,000. Ibrahim was convicted of three counts of tax evasion on December 16, 2024, after he pleaded guilty. As part of his plea agreement, Ibrahim was required to file back tax returns covering tax years 2016 through 2023.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Connors and former Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Krepp prosecuted the case.
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.