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21 May 2026
Troy Men Arrested, Federally Charged in Relation to Robbery Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – Two Troy men were arrested on criminal charges related to their alleged Hobbs Act violations, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Colton Carter, 20, and Donivan Bynum, 18, are alleged to have been involved in an armed robbery that resulted in the death of a Salado man on May 5. A criminal complaint alleges that Carter’s phone, obtained as part of the investigation, contained implicating messages and phone calls that led detectives to believe he had set up the robbery. The complaint further alleges Bynum was with Carter as the look out.
Carter and Bynum were arrested and charged with one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Temple Police Department, Milam County Sheriff’s Office, and Belton Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Treasury Department Designates Sinaloa-Connected Mexican National Indicted in ColoradoRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that the Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated two distinct networks linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and its fentanyl trafficking activities. An OFAC designation means that an individual, entity, or organization is officially sanctioned by the United States Treasury, and their property and financial interests under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked from use or transfer. In the District of Colorado, a federal grand jury has indicted Rodrigo Alarcon Palomares, a Mexican national and associate of one of those Sinaloa linked networks, with three counts of laundering drug proceeds through cryptocurrency.
According to the indictment, Alarcon Palomares knowingly conducted financial transactions involving the conversion of drug proceeds into cryptocurrency.
This action is taken in coordination with the Government of Mexico’s financial intelligence unit, the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF). The action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their means of production, and pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists and their supporters.
This action 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. The Rocky Mountain HSTF comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Internal Revenue Service, Office of Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); United States Marshals Service (USMS); Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement / Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE/ERO); and United States Customs and Border Patrol with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
A list of the updates to the specially designated nationals list maintained by OFAC can be found here.
Three Sentenced to Prison for Laundering Medicare Fraud ProceedsRead the Press Release
Three Florida men were sentenced Tuesday to prison for their participation in a scheme to defraud Medicare and launder more than $2.2 million in illicit health care fraud proceeds.
- Marco Scamarone, 34, of Tamarac, Florida, was sentenced to 70 months in prison.
- Jose Mendez, 34, of Coral Springs, Florida, was sentenced to 78 months in prison.
- Renee Vazquez, 33, of Tamarac, Florida, was sentenced to 60 months in prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendants owned and operated two fraudulent durable medical equipment (DME) companies: Braces and Orthotics LLC, located in the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stone Oak Durable Medical Equipment LLC, located in the Southern District of Florida. Between January 2022 and February 2023, the fraudulent DME companies submitted approximately $6.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for orthotic braces that were medically unnecessary and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. The conspiracy involved illegal kickbacks and bribes paid to an offshore marketing company exchange for the referral of beneficiaries and fraudulent doctors’ orders. The three men conspired to launder the proceeds of their fraud through a series of shell companies under their control or the control of their associates — ultimately laundering more than $2.2 million in illicit funds for their own benefit and the benefit of their co-conspirators.
In December 2025, Scamarone, Mendez, and Vazquez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. At sentencing, Scamarone and Mendez were ordered to pay $2,217,840.35 in forfeiture and $3,016,324.20 in restitution. Vazquez was ordered to pay $1,723,773.18 in forfeiture and $2,249,392.09 in restitution.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott Lampert for the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles for the FBI Miami Office; and Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito for the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG) made the announcement.
HHS-OIG, FBI, and DOL-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Claire Horrell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Pogozelski for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Three Mission Men Sentenced in Second Degree Murder CaseRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Murder, Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, Robbery, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Frank White Thunder, age 38, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $600 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Thunder and co-defendants Jesse White Thunder, age 41, and Michael Leader Charge, age 25, both also of Mission, were indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.
On October 6, 2025, Jesse White Thunder and Michael Leader Charge each pleaded guilty to Accessory After the Fact to Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. Both men were sentenced on February 17, 2026. Jesse White Thunder was sentenced to three years and five months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Michael Leader Charge was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Frank White Thunder proceeded to a federal jury trial that concluded on January 30, 2026. At trial, the evidence established that on the evening of October 22, 2024, Michael Leader Charge drove Frank White Thunder and Jesse White Thunder to a residence in the Antelope housing community, near Mission, in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Frank White Thunder confronted the victim outside the residence and stabbed him in the torso with a martial-arts style sword, mortally wounding the victim. Jesse White Thunder was standing nearby and immediately took from the victim’s pockets two imitation pistols. Surveillance video showed the defendants’ vehicle leaving the scene and all three men were located the next day.
Frank White Thunder was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in 2008. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of any change in residence. At the time of the murder, he had an active federal arrest warrant for failing to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the United States Marshals Service, and the FBI. Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Frank White Thunder, Jesse White Thunder, and Michael Leader Charge were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of their individual sentencing hearings.
Third Defendant Pleads Guilty in Scheme that Embezzled Thousands of Dollars from Funds Intended to Provide Relief During the COVID PandemicRead the Press Release
An Amarillo woman pleaded guilty on May 11, 2026, to embezzling funds from a federal program, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Selene Varela, 41, pleaded guilty Monday to a felony information charging Theft Concerning a Program Receiving Federal Funds.
“We rely on our public officials to ensure that our laws our faithfully and dutifully executed,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould “Instead, the defendants planned and executed a scheme to use their public positions to line their own pockets at the expense of folks in Amarillo who are homeless—the intended beneficiaries of the pandemic program. I’d encourage the public across North Texas to reach out to my office if they witness or have information regarding public officials engaging in any corruption.”
“Selene Varela abused her position of trust by embezzling federal funds intended to help individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who misuse public funds and exploit positions of trust for personal gain.”
In plea papers, Varela admitted that she previously worked for the City of Amarillo in the Community Development Department. From 2020 through 2022, Varela managed the intake process for homeless, or soon-to-be homeless, members of the Amarillo community who needed financial assistance to maintain housing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government funded these initiatives through the CARES Act.
Varela used her role as a city employee to create fictitious applications for this funding. In one instance, she fraudulently applied to have her own rent paid for six months—a fraudulent payment of $6,600. Varela also created accounts for fictitious landlords and tenants. She would submit false applications for payment and then cash the checks, keeping the proceeds. In total, Varela admitted to receiving approximately $41,350 in fraudulent distributions processed by the City of Amarillo.
Varela now faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Her sentencing date has not been set.
This case is related to the prosecution of two other former City of Amarillo employees who carried out similar schemes. In June 2024, Amy Dixon pleaded guilty to embezzling $465,511.65 while working in the Community Development Department. On October 23, 2024, United States District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk sentenced Dixon to 24 months in federal prison. In March 2025, Vanessa Robinson pleaded guilty to embezzling $121,325.21 while working in the same department. Robinson was sentenced by Judge Kacsmaryk to 18 months in federal prison on July 22, 2025.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the case and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Frausto prosecuted Dixon and Robinson.
Third Defendant Pleads Guilty in Scheme that Embezzled Thousands of Dollars from Funds Intended to Provide Relief During the COVID PandemicRead the Press Release
An Amarillo woman pleaded guilty on May 11, 2026, to embezzling funds from a federal program, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Selene Varela, 41, pleaded guilty Monday to a felony information charging Theft Concerning a Program Receiving Federal Funds.
“We rely on our public officials to ensure that our laws our faithfully and dutifully executed,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould “Instead, the defendants planned and executed a scheme to use their public positions to line their own pockets at the expense of folks in Amarillo who are homeless—the intended beneficiaries of the pandemic program. I’d encourage the public across North Texas to reach out to my office if they witness or have information regarding public officials engaging in any corruption.”
“Selene Varela abused her position of trust by embezzling federal funds intended to help individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who misuse public funds and exploit positions of trust for personal gain.”
In plea papers, Varela admitted that she previously worked for the City of Amarillo in the Community Development Department. From 2020 through 2022, Varela managed the intake process for homeless, or soon-to-be homeless, members of the Amarillo community who needed financial assistance to maintain housing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government funded these initiatives through the CARES Act.
Varela used her role as a city employee to create fictitious applications for this funding. In one instance, she fraudulently applied to have her own rent paid for six months—a fraudulent payment of $6,600. Varela also created accounts for fictitious landlords and tenants. She would submit false applications for payment and then cash the checks, keeping the proceeds. In total, Varela admitted to receiving approximately $41,350 in fraudulent distributions processed by the City of Amarillo.
Varela now faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Her sentencing date has not been set.
This case is related to the prosecution of two other former City of Amarillo employees who carried out similar schemes. In June 2024, Amy Dixon pleaded guilty to embezzling $465,511.65 while working in the Community Development Department. On October 23, 2024, United States District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk sentenced Dixon to 24 months in federal prison. In March 2025, Vanessa Robinson pleaded guilty to embezzling $121,325.21 while working in the same department. Robinson was sentenced by Judge Kacsmaryk to 18 months in federal prison on July 22, 2025.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the case and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Frausto prosecuted Dixon and Robinson.
Texas Woman Indicted for Allegedly Defrauding Two Colorado-Based CompaniesRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Emily Katherine Merrill, 41, of Cypress, Texas, was indicted by a federal grand jury on ten counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering.
According to the indictment, between July 2021 and November 2024, Merrill worked as both an accounting manager and controller of a Lafayette, Colorado, based company. During that time, it is alleged that Merrill devised and participated in a scheme to obtain money and property from her employer through completing unauthorized financial transactions, altering company bank statements, controlling access to credit card statements, fabricating documents, and communicating misleading financial information.
Additionally the indictment says, between April 2025 and December 2025, Merrill worked as a financial controller for a Denver, Colorado, based company. During that time, it is alleged that Merrill further devised and participated in a similar scheme to wrongfully obtain money and property from her employer.
Through both schemes and a variety of transactions, the indictment alleges Merrill took over $3 million dollars. It is also alleged that fraud proceeds were spent on items such as airfare and hotels, retail stores, a luxury watch, and vehicles, including a BMW, a Ford F150, and a motor home.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Denver Field Office.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Taylor Glogiewicz.
Case Number: 1:26-cr-00106RMR
Tampa Man Sentenced to More than 33 years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Three VictimsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Demontrae Fagan (36, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison for sex trafficking. Fagan pleaded guilty on February 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, through means of force, threats of force and coercion, Fagan sex trafficked three victims in 2022. Fagan created advertisements on escort websites and scheduled dates for commercial sexual activity for Victim 1. Fagan used Victim 1 to encourage Victim 2 and Victim 3 to cooperate and used Victim 1 to manage their advertisements and dates for commercial sexual activity. Fagan received the money made by the victims for their sex acts. Fagan physically abused the victims and provided them with drugs which affected their mental state. The victims knew Fagan to regularly carry firearms which contributed to their fear of him and compliance with commercial sexual activity.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
Tallahassee Serial Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun & Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Christopher Adams Jr., 34, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of synthetic cathinone with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution is another win for the Northern District of Florida under Operation Take Back America, an initiative that deploys the full might of the Department of Justice toward eradicating drug traffickers and the perpetrators of violent crime from our communities. Our citizens deserve safe, drug-free streets, and that is exactly what we intend to deliver through aggressive prosecutions like this one.”
Court documents reflect that the Tallahassee Police Department encountered the defendant as the driver of a vehicle with a stolen tag and illegal window tint. The officer could smell the odor of synthetic cathinone (“molly”) coming from inside the vehicle and conducted a search. The officer found a pistol in the driver’s side door pocket. Directly next to the handgun was a zippered pouch approximately the size of a make-up bag, which was found to contain approximately an ounce and a half of synthetic cathinone split up into one large bag and multiple smaller baggies, along with small unused baggies typically used by street-level drug dealers. The defendant acknowledged ownership of the “molly” in the car and knowing the firearm was present.
The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions for armed burglary, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. He has been to prison on four separate occasions, with his longest prior sentence being 5 years.
The defendant faces a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment.
The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Statement on Returned Federal Indictment Related to Deadly Berea Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Lexington returned an indictment this afternoon charging Brailen Weaver with one count of attempted armed bank robbery, resulting in the death of two victims, and two counts of causing death with a firearm in the course of a crime of violence. The grand jury also returned special findings that can support the death penalty. The maximum punishment for the charged offenses is death.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
St. Louis Teen Admits Being Caught with Gun After Police ChaseRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A teenage felon from St. Louis on Thursday admitted being caught with a machine gun after a police chase.
Juanell Carter, 19, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On the afternoon of Aug. 26, 2025, the St. Ann Police Department was alerted about a stolen 2024 Nissan Altima on Page Avenue. A St. Ann police lieutenant spotted the vehicle backing into a parking spot at a convenience store. Carter was behind the wheel, wearing a yellow and black ski mask. Carter sped away, followed by the lieutenant, who activated his lights and siren. After deploying a Starchase tracker, the lieutenant discontinued the pursuit and monitored the vehicle electronically until it stopped at North Garrison Avenue and Thomas Street in St. Louis. Carter and his passenger ran away, but Carter was later located and arrested.
Carter was wearing a cross-body bag that contained suspected narcotics and a Glock 10mm pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device that rendered it into a fully automatic weapon. Police found the ski mask in Carter’s pocket. He is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm. He was on parole at the time of his crime.
Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2, 2026. His crime is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The St. Ann Police Department, the North County Police Cooperative and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Springville Woman Sent to Federal Prison in Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
A Springville woman who stole over $500,000 from her employer, a veteran-owned small business in Cedar Rapids, was sentenced on May 19, 2026, to more than three years in federal prison. Debra Ann Vaughn, age 67, from Springville, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 1, 2025, guilty plea to one count of bank fraud.
In a plea agreement and at her sentencing hearing, Vaughn admitted that she was the bookkeeper for a small, veteran-owned business in Marion, Iowa. By virtue of her position of trust, Vaughn had access to all of the company’s financial records, managed its payroll, and was the point of contact for its employee retirement plan.
Between 2013 and 2021, Vaughn stole over $500,000 from her employer’s bank account in a sophisticated embezzlement scheme. Vaughn created false entries in the employer’s books to conceal the fact that she was making physical payroll checks to herself to which she was not entitled and even though she was receiving her own payroll electronically by direct deposit at the same time. Vaughn also used forged signatures and altered her pay rate in her scheme.
The company suffered a substantial financial hardship as a result of Vaughn’s long-running fraud. The company’s owner took out a large loan and also infused a significant amount of the owner’s own funds into the business due to the company’s lack of funds. For a time, Vaughn did not ensure that the company’s federal and state taxes, or its employee retirement contributions, were paid, which had negative repercussions for the company.
Vaughn was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Vaughn was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $158,135.77 in restitution the company, which took into account a $373,732.27 inheritance that the company was able to seize from Vaughn in a state court civil case after discovering Vaughn’s fraud and firing her. Vaughn must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
In sentencing Vaughn to years in federal prison, Chief Judge Williams characterized Vaughn’s scheme as a “cold and calculated, systemic theft.” Chief Judge Williams found Vaughn’s motive was “base, selfish greed” and that her crime eroded the community’s trust.
Vaughn was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on June 15, 2026.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-52.
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Southbridge Man Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southbridge man was arrested and charged today in federal court in Boston for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Yojuande Blaize, 23, was charged with possession of child pornography. The defendant was arrested today and following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon, he was held pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 27, 2026.
According to the charging documents, law enforcement located CSAM while conducting a preliminary review of a folder on Blaize’s device that contained over 7,000 videos and images. Blaize also allegedly admitted that he would regularly seek out and purchase CSAM online and, on multiple occasions, advertise and sell the CSAM he obtained.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Nathan Hebert, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Southbridge Police Department and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Shasta County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Running a $35 Million Investment Fraud Scheme and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Matthew Piercey, 49, of Palo Cedro, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 30 years in prison for wire fraud, concealment money laundering, and witness tampering in connection with a $35 million investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
On May 15, 2025, four days before trial, Piercey pleaded guilty without a written plea agreement to 27 counts charged in the indictment.
“Today’s sentence reflects the devastating human toll of this fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Piercey preyed on trusting investors, many of whom he met at church, convincing them to hand over decades’ worth of savings. The losses are measured not only in dollars but also in shattered futures and other personal hardship for families. This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who enrich themselves through deception.”
“Matthew Piercey made complicated but empty promises that his investment advice would guarantee profits. He also had a detailed plan to avoid prosecution,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “He greatly underestimated the skill and determination of the FBI agents, forensic accountants, and specialists, who carefully unraveled his web of lies and stopped his attempt to escape arrest. The FBI will continue to go after anyone who takes advantage of investors for personal gain.”
According to court documents, between July 2015 and August 2020, Piercey solicited investor funds by holding himself out as an investment advisor through his purported investment companies Family Wealth Legacy and Zolla. He made a variety of false and misleading statements to investors about the nature and success of trading algorithms, commissions and fees, investment strategies, the liquidity of investments, and the financial stability of Family Wealth Legacy and Zolla. For example, Piercey marketed the “Upvesting Fund,” an automated algorithmic trading fund that he falsely claimed had a history of success. He took money from numerous investors in this purported fund but privately admitted to an associate that there was no Upvesting Fund.
Running a Ponzi-like fraud scheme, Piercey used some investor money to make payments to other investors. As the scheme progressed, Piercey used a Redding-area chiropractor to conceal his continued operation of the investment fraud and take in new money.
In total, Piercey paid back only approximately $8.8 million to investors of the approximately $35 million invested. He used the additional money for various business and personal expenses, including paying a criminal defense firm and buying two residential properties. Few, if any, liquid assets remained to repay investors.
According to court documents, when Piercey learned he was under investigation, he took steps to dissuade investors and witnesses from responding to grand jury subpoenas. His actions caused several individuals to delay producing documents, while at the same time, he syphoned off nearly $775,000 from victim investors into a bank account he controlled.
On Nov. 16, 2020, when law enforcement agents attempted to arrest Piercey, he fled from arrest and led agents on a vehicle chase through residential neighborhoods and onto the highway before abandoning his vehicle and entering Lake Shasta with an underwater submersible device. After about 20 minutes in the water, he emerged from the lake where he was arrested.
After his arrest, Piercey used coded language to communicate with two individuals who visited him in jail. He directed these individuals to take actions with the contents of a U-Haul storage locker he had rented in Redding. A subsequent FBI search of the storage locker revealed that Piercey had rented the locker under a fictitious name, Chadwick Givens, using a fake California driver’s license. The locker contained, among other things, a wig and ₣31,000 in Swiss francs.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Thuesen, Audrey B. Hemesath, and Kevin Khasigian prosecuted the case.
Kenneth Winton, 73, of Chico, who conspired with Piercey in the scheme, pleaded guilty in December 2020 and is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 27, 2026.
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting a Child over Snapchat and InstagramRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Francisco Mariano Orantes, 33, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to one count of sexually exploiting a minor, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between 2023 and 2024, Orantes persuaded or coerced at least seven minor female victims to produce sexually explicit images and videos. Using digital communication applications like Snapchat and Instagram on his cellphones, Orantes gained his victims’ trust by impersonating a teenage-aged girl and convinced them to trade content. Often, he sent his victims sexually explicit images or videos of the girl he was impersonating and convinced them to produce similar imagery or videos. When his victims would replicate, Orantes would screen record his conversations and download and store the content on his devices. He categorized the images and videos by the child’s name, age or other identifier, in a folder called “Children.”
One victim told law enforcement that she was coerced into sending Orantes additional material because he found out where she went to school and threatened to tell everyone at school if she did not perform as instructed. In fact, law enforcement later recovered screen recordings showing Orantes using geolocation tools to identify that minor’s address and school, and a saved text file in which he threatened to share the minor’s nude images with people at her school. Another victim similarly reported that Orantes knew her full name and address and threatened to leak her images if she did not comply with his instructions. In total, Orantes was found in possession of more than 11,000 images and more than 14,000 videos of child sexual abuse material on his devices, including images and videos showing the sexual abuse of infants or toddlers.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case.
Orantes is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Sept. 17, 2026. Orantes faces a minimum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
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 those 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.
SDNY Announces Settlement Agreement with Rockland County to Increase Supply of Affordable HousingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the settlement of a lawsuit against ROCKLAND COUNTY (“ROCKLAND COUNTY”), which will result in the completion of 36 units of affordable rental housing within the County over the next five years.
The settlement under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) resolves a claim that ROCKLAND COUNTY breached a Voluntary Compliance Agreement and Conciliation Agreement (“VCA”), which it entered into in 2018 with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). On March 4, 2026, the United States settled the lawsuit as to the VILLAGE OF SPRING VALLEY (“SPRING VALLEY”), the other defendant in the action, which was also a party to the VCA.
“We appreciate that Rockland County, along with its codefendant, the Village of Spring Valley, will build more affordable housing and finally resolve this long-running case,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “More affordable housing is good for everybody—by increasing the supply of affordable units, we can help bring high housing costs down across New York and the county.”
According to the Complaint filed in White Plains federal court and the Agreement entered by the court:
The VCA between HUD, SPRING VALLEY, and ROCKLAND COUNTY resolved a prior HUD investigation into allegations regarding a private developer who used HUD funds overseen by SPRING VALLEY and ROCKLAND COUNTY to build affordable housing, but unlawfully designed and marketed the resulting units almost exclusively for sale to White Hasidic Jewish prospective homebuyers, in violation of federal law. Administrative complaints made to HUD alleged that SPRING VALLEY and ROCKLAND COUNTY became aware of allegations that the developer was excluding interested homebuyers based on protected characteristics, but failed to ensure that appropriate remedial steps were taken before the project was completed and the units were sold.
In 2018, SPRING VALLEY and ROCKLAND COUNTY entered into the VCA with HUD to resolve those administrative complaints. The VCA required SPRING VALLEY and ROCKLAND COUNTY to build 62 units of affordable housing, meeting specified criteria for affordability by specified deadlines. However, only four affordable units qualifying under the VCA were built by the time this lawsuit was filed in 2025, despite an amendment of the VCA in 2021 that provided SPRING VALLEY and ROCKLAND COUNTY with additional time to complete the required units.
The resolution between the United States and ROCKLAND COUNTY, in the form of a court-approved settlement agreement (the “Agreement”), was entered yesterday by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel. The Agreement requires ROCKLAND COUNTY to ensure the completion of 36 affordable housing units by April 15, 2031. Rental units are required to be occupied by households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income for Rockland County (at or below 80% in the event that the units are owned as opposed to rented), with deed restrictions or other legal measures to ensure continued affordability for at least 50 years. The Agreement also requires ROCKLAND COUNTY to ensure appropriate monitoring of HUD grantees and continue to provide training regarding the FHA and related federal requirements. ROCKLAND COUNTY also agreed to pay a $10,000 civil penalty.
The United States entered into a similar agreement with SPRING VALLEY on March 4, 2026, in which SPRING VALLEY agreed to build 22 affordable rental units by December 1, 2030. The four qualifying units built before 2025, when added to the 22 units to be built under the agreement with SPRING VALLEY, and the 36 units to be built under the agreement with ROCKLAND COUNTY, approved yesterday, will equal the total number of affordable units originally required under the VCA. With this agreement with ROCKLAND COUNTY, this case is now fully resolved.
Mr. Clayton thanked the staff of HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for their assistance in this matter.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Kennedy, with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Dolinger, is in charge of the case.
Rhode Island Bookkeeper Charged with Failure to Report Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island woman who served as the bookkeeper and administrator for a family-owned landscaping business has been charged in federal court with failing to truthfully account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to court documents, Nikola Francis, 29, of Bristol, RI, was responsible for managing the finances of ELJ Inc., a Rhode Island family-owned business in Bristol, RI. Francis is charged with failure to withhold or pay employment taxes.
Court documents allege that Francis approved payments, paid bills, maintained accounting ledgers, accessed corporate bank accounts, managed payroll, and was responsible for accounting for and paying taxes withheld from employee paychecks.
Court documents further allege that from 2020 through 2025, ELJ Inc. withheld federal income taxes, Medicare taxes, and Social Security taxes from employee paychecks but failed to pay those taxes over to the IRS. The business failed to file Employer’s Quarterly Federal Income Tax Return, or Form 941. The tax loss is approximately $787, 941.
A federal information is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the IRS.
Repeat Offender Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset County man was arraigned yesterday for attempted production and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
David Chapinski, 45, of Somerset, New Jersey, was charged in a three-count Indictment with attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Chapinski was arraigned yesterday before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On August 31, 2025, David Chapinski was released from custody after completing multiple state sentences for child-exploitation, including creating “upskirting” photographs or videos of minors and possession of CSAM. Within days of his release, on September 2, 2025, Chapinski attempted to film or photograph up the skirt of a 13-year-old minor. Less than two weeks later, on September 13, 2025, Chapinski surreptitiously recorded up the skirt of a 17-year-old minor, when a nearby good Samaritan detained him. Law enforcement executed a search warrant of Chapinski’s phone and found hundreds of images of CSAM. Investigators also identified additional CSAM in Chapinski’s online accounts.
If convicted, and because Chapinski has been previously convicted of certain qualifying offenses, Chapinski faces mandatory minimum prison sentences of 35 years’ imprisonment and maximum sentences of life imprisonment on the attempted production counts of the Indictment. If convicted of the possession count, Chapinski faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Each of the offenses carry a maximum fine of $250,000, in addition to restitution and other assessments.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited law enforcement members with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Vicent Sabo, the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Bryan, and the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Linda Estremera, for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Richard Potter, Esq.
chapinski.indictment.pdfReidsville man pleads guilty to fraudulent stealing of deceased relative’s disability checksRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: A Tattnall County man awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to cashing disability payments intended for a deceased relative.
Danny Alan Guyton, 53, of Reidsville, pled guilty to Theft of Government Money, Property, or Records, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The guilty plea subjects Guyton to a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison, along with substantial fines, restitution and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Fraud against federal Social Security programs is a direct abuse of taxpayer-funded support intended for those who earned those benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We are committed to protecting government resources and holding accountable those who would fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits.”
As described in the plea agreement, from about June 2021 until April 2025, in Tattnall County, Guyton fraudulently received Social Security disability compensation issued on behalf of his deceased father-in-law, converting the proceeds to his own use through ATM cash withdrawals, retail store purchases and for his own living expenses. Guyton’s scheme resulted in a loss to the U.S. Government of approximately $60,170.
“Stealing benefits intended for vulnerable Americans by using the identity of a deceased individual is unacceptable,” said Norman Jenkins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Atlanta Field Division, SSA Office of the Inspector General. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who fraudulently obtain Social Security funds and to protect the integrity of these vital programs for those who depend on them.”
U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule sentencing for Guyton upon completion of a presentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons.
Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to $230 Million Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A New York man pleaded guilty today to participating in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $229.6 million in loans and to acquire multifamily and commercial properties through deception, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazerannounced.
Mordichai Weiss, 29, of Monsey, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud conspiracy.
“Commercial mortgage fraud schemes of this scale undermine the integrity of the lending system and inflict significant losses on financial institutions and taxpayers alike. Weiss and his co-conspirators orchestrated an elaborate scheme built on falsified records designed to trick lenders into funding loans that never should have been approved, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in losses to lenders and the public fisc. This case demonstrates our Office’s commitment to holding accountable those who exploit the financial system through deception and fraud.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“Multifamily properties serve an essential role in our housing system,” said Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak. “When fraudsters like Weiss and his co-conspirators provide false financial information to obtain loans on these properties, they not only defraud the lenders, but they also harm innocent tenants in New Jersey and across the U.S. who live in these buildings. In partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FHFA-OIG will continue to vigorously identify, investigate, and prosecute the fraudsters who undermine the integrity of our mortgage finance system.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between April 2022 and June 2023, Weiss conspired with others to deceive lenders into issuing multifamily and commercial mortgage loans in amounts they otherwise would not have approved. To carry out the scheme, Weiss and his co-conspirators submitted falsified documents to lenders, including altered bank records and fraudulent settlement statements, to misrepresent the true purchase prices of the properties.
For example, in May 2023, Weiss agreed to purchase an apartment complex in Houston, Texas for approximately $66.9 million. Weiss and his co-conspirators provided the lender with a fraudulent purchase agreement reflecting a price of $97.8 million. That inflated figure was repeated across multiple falsified documents submitted in support of the loan. Relying on these misrepresentations, the lender approved and funded a loan of approximately $68.5 million, on which Weiss later defaulted.
In total, Weiss obtained approximately $229.6 million in loans from multiple financial institutions through this scheme. Ultimately, he defaulted on the loans, or the loan balances substantially exceeded the value of the underlying collateral, resulting in approximately $94.4 million in losses to lenders, including the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as Freddie Mac.
The sole count in the Information carries a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The sentencing date is not yet scheduled.
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.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the FHFA-OIG with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Defense counsel: Gedalia Stern, Esq.
weiss.information.pdfRapid City Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 19, 2026.
Eli Poorman, 20, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $95 in restitution and $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
Poorman was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in August 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026.
On August 3, 2024, during the 2024 Sturgis Bike Rally, Poorman used his Reddit account to begin chatting with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl but was, unbeknownst to Poorman, an undercover police officer. Poorman arranged to meet with what he believed would be a 13-year-old girl at his apartment to have sex in exchange for money. The same day, Poorman exited his apartment building in south Rapid City to meet with the undercover persona and was arrested by law enforcement officers. Later, investigators learned Poorman had for the previous six months been communicating on the internet with minor aged girls sending them explicit photographs of himself and seeking, in return, sexually explicit photographs of the young girls.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Poorman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Putnam County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Demetrius Fitzgerald Green, also known as “D,” 42, of Scott Depot, pleaded guilty today to three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 18, 2026, February 27, 2026, and March 18, 2026, Green sold quantities of fentanyl exceeding 40 grams during each transaction in Charleston.
Green is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
Green is among eight individuals indicted as a result of a federal investigation of fentanyl trafficking in the Charleston area. The indictments against the remaining defendants are 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.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 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 Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
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-46.
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Pulaski County Felon Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A convicted felon, prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous criminal record, pled guilty yesterday to selling two stolen firearms.
Michael Brandon Smith, 40, of Dublin, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, sometime between January 27, 2025, and February 6, 2025, an acquaintance of Smith stole two firearms from an unoccupied building. The acquittance brought the firearms to Smith at a property owned by Smith’s father.
At the time, Smith understood these firearms were stolen and sought to get them away from his father’s property. Smith took possession of both firearms and sold them to another person.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives recovered both stolen firearms, a Savage Arms .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and a Hawthorne-Sentry .22 caliber long rifle.
At sentencing, Smtih faces a maximum possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Samuel Ward made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlene R. Day is prosecuting the case.
Prior Convicted Sex Offender from New Orleans Guilty of Possession of Child Sex Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAVID MOREL (“MOREL”), age 42, of New Orleans, pled guilty on May 19, 2026, to Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. MOREL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the bill of information, beginning at an unknown time, and until on or about October 20, 2025, MOREL was found in possession of images of pre-pubescent child pornography. MOREL’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and federal agents on October 20, 2025. MOREL was arrested during the execution of the search warrant by Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents, after they found him in possession of electronic devices containing media depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Through a partnership between state and federal authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopted the state charges and is now prosecuting MOREL in federal court. MOREL is currently being held without bail in federal custody. MOREL was previously convicted in federal court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2016 for Possessing Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and was sentenced to one-hundred twenty (120) months in prison.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for August 25, 2026, before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey.
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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Prince George’s County Man Sentenced for Role in CARES Act Unemployment Insurance ScamRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A Prince George’s County, Maryland, man learned his fate in federal court in connection with an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud conspiracy.
District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Terry Chen, 26, to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with submitting fraudulent CARES Act UI claims. Judge Boardman also ordered Chen to pay $1 million in restitution and imposed a criminal forfeiture of $1 million.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2021, and continuing until June 2022, Chen and his co-conspirators engaged in an identity theft scheme to defraud the United States, State of Maryland, multiple financial institutions, and multiple individuals. The co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent UI benefits claims to the MD-DOL, Maryland’s agency that is responsible for processing the UI claims. As part of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators fraudulently obtained more than $3.5 million in unemployment insurance benefits.
Co-conspirators Bryan Nushawn Ruffin, 28, of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Kiara Smith, 28, of Fort Washington, Maryland, were employed by Company 1, which provided professional support services to the MD-DOL, including but not limited to customer support and fraud detection. As part of the scheme, Smith provided a company-issued laptop to Chen and other co-conspirators to access and alter non-public UI data and MD-DOL-maintained databases. This enabled the co-conspirators to maximize the UI payouts on fraudulent UI claims.
The co-conspirators then altered the contact email addresses, online account passwords, and payment methods for existing UI claims. They furthered the scheme by using the identity theft victims’ personal identifying information (PII). Additionally, the co-conspirators also used their access to the MD-DOL databases to upload and approve documents submitted in support of fraudulent UI claims; remove fraud holds on UI claims; certify weeks for determining UI benefits; and engage in other actions to facilitate the fraudulent UI benefits payments. During the scheme, the MD-DOL believed it was disbursing UI benefits to debit cards/accounts of UI applicants, but the accounts were opened and controlled by Chen and his co-conspirators.
Judge Boardman previously sentenced Lawrence Nathanial Harris, 32, of Temple Hills, Maryland, Ahmed Hussain, 23, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Zakria Hussain, 28, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, to 180-month, 102-month, and 36-month federal-prison sentences, respectively. Additionally, Judge Boardman sentenced Ruffin and Smith to 27 and 42 months in federal prison, respectively.
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.
For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI for their work in the investigation and the Maryland Department of Labor for its assistance. Additionally, Ms. Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Joseph L. Wenner, who prosecuted this case. She also recognized the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her valuable assistance.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Pittsburgh Man Charged with Making Interstate Threats to Injure and Kill OthersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of making interstate threats, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The two-count Indictment named John Radford, 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Radford transmitted communications containing threats to injure another person on two separate occasions via email. The Indictment alleges that, on or about September 18, 2025, Radford informed one victim that a “list” of “people…ahead of you” was “all there is keeping you alive.” Radford also stated in his email that the victim would not be “too difficult” to locate and identified the victim’s spouse and children. The Indictment further alleges that, in an email to another victim on or about December 3, 2024, Radford communicated “I say we blow your head off with a shotgun!” and then described the shotgun as a “mosberg 940” that would be used “late at night when you’re walk back to your car.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both on each count. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pennsylvania man pleads guilty, receives prison time for 2022 PFD fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty to and was sentenced Tuesday to a year and a half in prison for committing wire fraud through a 2022 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) fraud scheme.
According to court documents, between January and February 2022, Adepoju Babatunde Salako, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, devised a scheme to defraud the Alaska Department of Revenue (DOR) PFD program. Specifically, Salako fraudulently obtained the personal identifying information (PII) for legitimate Alaskan residents and submitted seven separate applications to the Alaska DOR to obtain their PFD funds. Salako was never an Alaskan resident and had never traveled to Alaska up until his arrival in the state for his sentencing in this matter.
Court documents detail that Salako created new email accounts that he controlled for each legitimate Alaska resident whose PII he fraudulently obtained. Using the PII, Salako gained control of at least seven already established “myAlaska” online accounts—the platform Alaska residents use to apply for the PFD. Once inside the accounts, Salako changed the account information to route communications from “myAlaska” directly to the email accounts he controlled for each individual. Salako also changed each applicant’s bank information to route the PFD payments to bank accounts he controlled.
Court documents further explain that Salako tried to shield his identity and location by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to appear as though six of the seven application submissions were submitted from an Internet Protocol (IP) address in Alaska. The other application was submitted using an IP address in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Records from Salako’s personal email account showed logins from the same Philadelphia IP address.
The State of Alaska determined the applications to be fraudulent and denied the applications. In 2022, the DOR, which administers the PFD program, paid $3,284.00 to each eligible PFD applicant. But for the DOR’s diligent review of PFD applications, Mr. Salako would have successfully defrauded the State of Alaska and the seven identity theft victims of $22,988.00
Salako pleaded guilty to seven counts of wire fraud. Salako’s prison sentence will run concurrent to a related COVID relief fund and international money laundering case in the District of Colorado, in which he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison and ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution to the victims of his crimes.
“Mr. Salako spent considerable time planning and perpetrating his scheme to defraud the Alaska PFD,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Thanks to the great work of the Alaska Department of Revenue and FBI, he didn’t succeed; but even attempting to defraud the PFD will not be tolerated and could result in federal prison.”
“The Alaska PFD program is intended to benefit current and future generations of eligible Alaskans, not criminals like Salako who seek to exploit the program through fraud and identity theft,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Despite efforts to mask his identity, Salako was identified through strong program safeguards and diligent investigative work in partnership with the Alaska Department of Revenue. This sentence reflects our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of government programs and holding fraudsters accountable for their crimes, regardless of where they reside.”
“This case should send a clear message that stealing an identity to exploit the Permanent Fund Dividend will not be tolerated,” said Department Investigations Manager Scott Stair of the State of Alaska Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Unit. "The Department of Revenue remains committed to protecting Alaskans from financial fraud and holding accountable anyone who seeks to profit though deception.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and State of Alaska Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case.
If you suspect you've been a victim of PFD fraud, contact the Alaska Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Unit. Online Fraud Tips can be filed at https://pfd.alaska.gov/fraud-tip-form. You can also contact the Fraud Hotline: (907) 500-0360.
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Palestinian Immigrant Sentenced to 35 years in Murder for Hire SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Nahro Sudoi INNAB, 70, to 35 years in federal prison stemming from two murder for hire plots. On January 14, 2026, a Raleigh jury convicted him for three counts of Interstate phone calls in a Murder-for-Hire scheme.
“This Palestinian immigrant came here with unlimited potential to take advantage of the American dream. Instead, he wasted it by repeatedly trying to hire thugs to murder his perceived enemies.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will not tolerate this type of terror spreading behavior. He can take his time to learn his lesson for the next 3 and a half decades.”
Innab attempted to arrange the murders of three people. He did all this after pleading guilty to the same conduct, while sitting in jail waiting to be sentenced. Innab tried to pay other inmates $10,000 per murder. The intended victims are Rocky Mount small business owners. A cooperating defendant informed the FBI of the plot and captured an audio recording of Innab’s murderous plan.
"Innab will spend the next 35 years in federal prison for planning multiple murder for hire plots. The FBI is grateful for our partnerships with the Rocky Mount Police Department, NC ALE, and the U.S. Marshals that through coordinated law enforcement efforts undoubtably saved lives." said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The FBI, Rocky Mount Police Department, NC ALE, and the USMS collaborated on this multi-year investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John P. Newby, Jr. prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-FL, Case No. 4:24-CR-46-M, and Case No. 4:24-CR-56-BO.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Dog Fighting and Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
An Ohio man was sentenced today to 71 months in prison and four years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to dog fighting and drug distribution charges.
As part of his plea, Joel Brown, of Columbus, Ohio, admitted to keeping 11 pit bull-type dogs for fighting purposes in Franklin County, Ohio. He also admitted to possessing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in the community.
“Dog fighting is a crime, and it is often, as in this case, linked with other crimes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Communities are harmed when this kind of activity occurs. We’re grateful to the community members who called attention to the derelict condition of the dogs in Brown’s possession, which led to today’s sentencing. We are also grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, ATF, and others who investigated and prosecuted this case.”
“Brown’s actions were cruel and illegal, endangering both the dogs that he trained to fight and the people of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “That he was a repeat drug dealer who possessed a firearm while engaging in such inhumane treatment of animals only further demonstrates that a significant sentence in federal prison is needed to protect the community from his criminal conduct.”
According to court documents, law enforcement first investigated a property owned by Brown following a complaint to Columbus Humane about the condition of the dogs being housed by Brown. Dogs being kept for use in animal fights are often kept outdoors on heavy chains close to other dogs, but far enough apart to prevent them from touching. The heavy chains force the dogs to build muscles. The dogs’ proximity encourages aggression because they are near each other but unable to interact naturally.
Eventually, 12 dogs were recovered from Brown’s property, many of which showed scarring and other signs of dog fighting. In addition, treadmills, veterinary medicine, and other equipment commonly used by dog fighters were located in the residence. Law enforcement also recovered 53.48 grams of methamphetamine, a shotgun and ammunition, and various items associated with drug distribution.
Brown had previously been sentenced to 108 months in prison on drug and gun charges as part of a multi-defendant prosecution involving the notorious Columbus street gang, the Short North Posse.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Columbus Division of Police, and Columbus Humane investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Kevin W. Kelley for the Southern District of Ohio and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
New Jersey Physical Therapist Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud Scheme Targeting AmtrakRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey physical therapist was sentenced today for her role in a health care fraud scheme targeting Amtrak’s health care plan, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Taejin Kim, 44, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on June 11, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Kim was sentenced today to 12 months plus one day of imprisonment, two years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay over $2.2 million in restitution.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From October 2019 through June 2022, Kim and her co-conspirators agreed to engage in a scheme to bill the Amtrak health care plan for fraudulent claims for services that never were provided and were medically unnecessary. Kim, a licensed physical therapist, allowed her license and business bank accounts to be used in the fraudulent billing scheme, in return for a portion of the proceeds. Other members of the conspiracy recruited Amtrak employees to participate in the scheme by paying them cash, in return for allowing the conspirators to use their personal and insurance information to submit false and fraudulent claims.
The conspiracy involved dozens of Amtrak employees and multiple health care providers, who paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash kickbacks to Amtrak employees over the course of the scheme. In total, the Amtrak health care plan paid over $11 million in fraudulent claims associated with providers connected to the scheme. The Amtrak health care plan paid out approximately $2,253,453 for claims associated with Kim. The investigation has resulted in the prosecution of nineteen individuals, including Kim. All have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Harper, the Amtrak Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief of Police James Cook, and special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III in New York, with the investigation.
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.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano, Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen O’Leary of the Health Care Fraud and Opioids Enforcement Unit.
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Defense counsel: Alyssa Cimino, Esq.
New Jersey Manufacturer Pleads Guilty to Distributing Contaminated Food Associated with Listeria OutbreakRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey cheese manufacturer today admitted to introducing adulterated queso fresco into interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Abuelito Cheese Inc. a/k/a “El Abuelito Cheese,” a distributor of food products located in Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in Newark federal court to an Information charging the company with introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Abuelito manufactured food products, including soft, fresh cheese known as queso fresco, at its facility in New Jersey. It distributed products, including queso fresco, within New Jersey and to neighboring states. In February 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of Abuelito’s facility and alerted the company to the presence of non-pathogenic Listeria innocua and Listeria grayi in its facility. In June 2020, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Abuelito, expressing serious concerns regarding alleged Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) violations, and warning that conditions in the company’s facility were conducive for pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes. Abuelito’s products were ultimately linked to a February 2021 outbreak of listeriosis that resulted in at least 13 hospitalizations and one death across four states.
The offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 5 years of probation, and a fine of $500,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2026.
Individuals who believe they may have been impacted by the 2021 listeriosis outbreak associated with products sold as El Abuelito Cheese brand, distributed in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York; Rio Grande Food Products brand, distributed in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland; and Rio Lindo brand, distributed in North Carolina and Maryland, may contact the Department of Justice’s Victim Witness Unit via the following toll free number: (888) 549-3945 or email: VictimAssistance.fraud@usdoj.gov.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillan, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano, Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and Trial Attorney Lauren M. Elfner of the Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section.
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Defense counsel: Matthew Oliver, Esq.
abuelito.information.pdfNew Jersey Man Admits His Role in a Scheme Involving the Theft of More Than $250,000Read the Press Release
Newark, N.J. – A New Jersey man admitted to engaging in wire fraud and aggravated identity theft that caused losses of more than $250,000, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Terrance Hart, 47, of Garfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court yesterday to an Information charging him with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing date is scheduled for October 14. 2026.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Hart opened or caused others to fraudulently open various bank accounts in the names of other individuals or entities, but that were actually under his control. Hart then deposited or caused others to deposit fraudulently obtained funds, including stolen United States Treasury checks, into the bank accounts. Then, Hart withdrew money from the bank accounts and converted the resulting funds to his personal use.
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the gain or loss, whichever is greater. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the gain or loss, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Franklin Township Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, and special agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark with the investigation leading to this plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Claressa Lowe, Esq.
hart.information.pdfNew Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTIAN LOPEZ, also known as “Face,” 42, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a fentanyl distribution offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Luis Salaman, also known as “Bebe,” was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven. Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman and his associates, including Lopez. In December 2021, Lopez was involved in two fentanyl transactions totaling approximately 300 grams.
Lopez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 20.
Lopez has been detained since his arrest on April 10, 2023.
Salaman was convicted after trial and, on March 11, 2026, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, including members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Nevada Felon with Sacramento Ties Indicted for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Taisia Soloai Fauolo, 29, of Henderson, Nevada, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Oct. 21, 2025, Fauolo was arrested in Sacramento after acting suspiciously during a law enforcement action. The officers observed Fauolo crouch behind a parked car, then running through a nearby apartment complex. Fauolo was detained and a 9 mm Glock 19 handgun was recovered beneath the rear axle of the car where Fauolo had been observed crouching. A 30-round magazine was inserted into the firearm, and one round was chambered. Fauolo is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions for unlawful transport of firearms, participation in a criminal street gang, robbery, and for carrying a loaded firearm.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the San Francisco Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zulkar Khan is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Fauolo faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Moline Man Sentenced to 96 months in Prison for Third Firearms FelonyRead the Press Release
Rock Island, Ill. – A Moline, Illinois, man, Donovan James Cartwright-Nye, 25, was sentenced on May 20, 2026, to 96 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon.
At a sentencing hearing before United States District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, the government presented information that in December 2024, Cartwright-Nye traded drugs for a firearm with an obliterated serial number and the following day fired several shots at another person in Rock Island, Illinois. Cartwright-Nye then fled the scene in his vehicle that he proceeded to crash several blocks away. He was apprehended on foot a short time later.
At the time of the offense, Cartwright-Nye already had two prior Illinois state court convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was released from the Iowa Department of Corrections approximately five months prior to committing this offense. The government argued that a significant sentence was needed to protect the public and deter Cartwright-Nye from committing further crimes.Cartwright-Nye pleaded guilty to the federal charge in August 2025.
The statutory penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon are up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Rock Island Police Department; Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office; Illinois State Police; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney John Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution.
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.
Missoula police officer honored as Hometown HeroRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – As part of the nation’s Freedom 250 celebration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Montana recognized Missoula police officer Dylan Harris as a Hometown Hero in a small ceremony this morning.
Harris has worked for the Missoula Police Department since 2021, where he currently serves as the School Resource Officer for Hellgate High School. He also serves as the department’s field training officer, crisis team negotiator and leads and instructs the department’s riot team. He began his career with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Washington state in 2016 after graduating from the University of Montana.
In addition to his duties with the MPD, Harris proudly serves with Oregon National Guard. From 2024 to 2025, Harris was deployed to northeast Syria as a captain in the field artillery as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. He served as a battery commander for two different batteries simultaneously in two different locations with over 100 soldiers under his command. His service there earned him the Bronze Star.
“I can think of no better way to contribute to the celebration of America’s 250th birthday than to recognize one of our fellow citizens for his dedicated efforts to keep his community safe. Public service is one of the hallmarks of this great country and working in law enforcement and serving in the military are two of its purest forms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is grateful to all our service members and our partners in law enforcement. We’re honored to recognize Officer Harris for his selflessness commitment to his city, state, and country.” said Tim Racicot, acting U.S. Attorney.
Harris comes from a proud tradition of law enforcement and public service. His father served with the Portland Police Bureau and currently serves with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. His brother is a sergeant with the Vancouver Police Department in Washington.
Harris is supported by the love of his wife and son, and he remains steadfast in his dedication to the City of Missoula and the broader community. Through his leadership, integrity and continued service, he exemplifies the values of professionalism, courage and selfless commitment that define the spirit of the U.S. Justice Department’s Hometown Hero Award.
The Hometown Hero Award, offered in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, celebrates the enduring ideals of liberty, service and civic responsibility. It is bestowed in recognition of brave men and women who exemplify steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded.
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Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in Charges Against 15 Defendants for over $90M in FraudRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 15 defendants, including owners of child care centers and various Medicaid providers, for their alleged participation in various fraud schemes involving over $90 million in intended loss, including the two largest Medicaid fraud cases ever charged in the District and first-of-their kind charges involving additional Medicaid programs. The Justice Department also announced a major investment in combatting Medicaid fraud through a significant expansion of the Division’s Health Care Fraud Section, allocating funding to permit the hiring of 15 new Trial Attorney positions to combat Medicaid fraud across the United States.
“Today, we are holding scammers accountable who ripped off the American taxpayer and harmed those deserving legitimate assistance from these programs,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “These alleged con artists stole taxpayer dollars while providing substandard care for children and abandoning at least one Medicaid recipient as they passed away. The DOJ Fraud Division, along with the White House’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, will dismantle illegal schemes from coast-to-coast, just as they did today in Minnesota. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
“Driven by data showing a significant increase in Medicaid fraud across the country, the 15 additional prosecutors will serve as a force multiplier for our existing Strike Forces to combat this critical new threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s Fraud Division. “The Fraud Division is committed to supercharging the Health Care Fraud Strike Force program with the resources it needs to tackle the pervasive fraud in the health care industry and protect the vulnerable beneficiaries of these programs, including children and those suffering from chronic ailments.”
“Today’s arrests mark the largest autism fraud bust in American history,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, this Administration is carrying out the most aggressive anti-fraud effort in modern American history. These criminals exploited vulnerable children, stole taxpayer dollars, and diverted critical autism care and resources away from families who truly need support, and we will continue rooting out fraud to protect children and restore integrity to America’s public health programs.”
“As alleged, the defendants in this case not only attempted to steal public healthcare funds paid for by hardworking American taxpayers – but stole critical resources from families who truly needed them,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This FBI and our interagency partners have a mandate to investigate and systematically dismantle this exact kind of public fraud in America, which grossly abuses and mismanages money from working Americans, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Today’s indictment is a massive moment in this effort and we’re not slowing down.”
Autism Fraud
In the largest Medicaid autism fraud case ever charged by the Department, two defendants were charged in connection with an approximately $46.6 million scheme to defraud the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) program, a publicly funded Minnesota Health Care Program that offers medically necessary services to people under the age of 21 with autism spectrum disorder. In 2017, Minnesota became one of the first states to offer Medicaid coverage for EIDBI services. EIDBI claims skyrocketed from over $600,000 in 2018 to over $400 million by 2025.
As alleged, the defendants paid kickbacks to parents who brought their children to autism centers, diagnosed children with autism regardless of medical necessity, and billed for autism services that were not actually provided, depriving children who did need assistance of needed care.
"We continue to accelerate the pace at which we are identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those that stole billions of dollars from under the nose of Minnesota's government, said U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Daniel Rosen.” We have more fraud prosecutors and law enforcement officers on the task than ever before. Stay tuned."
Integrated Community Supports Fraud
In the first criminal prosecution involving fraud in Minnesota’s Integrated Community Supports (ICS) program, one defendant was charged with a $1.4 million scheme to bill for services that were not provided as represented. ICS is a Minnesota Medicaid benefit designed to fill a gap in the service continuum between a person living in their own home and more restrictive settings such as group homes and assisted living. ICS was designed to help people live more independently in the community—as opposed to an institutionalized setting—with daily one-on-one help with health, safety, and household tasks so that qualifying individuals can live in the community. The defendant in the prosecution announced today submitted claims for vulnerable recipients who required 24-hour care, one of whom was found deceased a day after being billed for services he did not receive.
After paying out a total of approximately $4.2 million when the ICS program began in 2021, the cost has grown to more than $183 million in 2025. In all, claims data shows that the Medicaid system has paid out more than $460 million for ICS services since 2021. A failure to provide ICS services to vulnerable Medicaid recipients who are dependent on the care to live can have deadly consequences, like those described in the charging document.
“Medicaid dollars are meant to support vulnerable Americans—not bankroll luxury cars and real estate empires for fraudulent providers who exploit people with disabilities,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “These prosecutions put Medicaid fraudsters on notice—the gravy train is over. We will cut you off, shut you down, and lock you up. They also send a clear message to the patients who depend on Medicaid and the taxpayers who fund it—this administration has your back.”
“The scope of the frauds alleged in the charges announced today is staggering, not only in the amount of loss, but in the reach of the impacted programs,” said FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia. “These programs, funded by the American taxpayer, were designed to help some of the most vulnerable members of our society. As alleged in these charges, instead of helping those in need of support, the defendants took millions of dollars for their own benefit. These frauds were uncovered thanks to dedicated work by the FBI and our law enforcement partners, and we look forward to continuing to partner with the United States Attorney's Office to reign in the rampant fraud in these programs.”
“Today’s takedown underscores a simple truth: Medicaid is a lifeline for vulnerable individuals, and we will not allow criminals to exploit it for personal gain. These schemes did more than steal taxpayer dollars — they robbed children with autism, adults with disabilities, and other at‑risk citizens of the essential care they rely on,” said Inspector General T. March Bell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “HHS‑OIG, working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who prey on these critical programs. We will use every tool available to uncover fraud, hold offenders accountable, and safeguard the integrity of the benefits millions of families depend on.”
Individualized Home Supports Fraud
In the first criminal prosecution involving fraud in Minnesota’s Individualized Home Supports (IHS) program, two defendants were charged in connection with an over $22 million scheme in which they acquired over 20 separate residences and concealed their ownership interest from Medicaid. IHS was designed to help adults with disabilities such as brain injury to live independently in their own homes. Despite Medicaid prohibiting program providers from having direct or indirect financial interest in the beneficiaries’ housing, the defendants offered housing that they owned to vulnerable Medicaid beneficiaries in order to obtain Medicaid beneficiary information that they used to bill for services that were not provided as represented. Defendants used the proceeds of the scheme to acquire more real estate and further the fraud, as well as purchasing luxury automobiles and expensive jewelry. After paying out over $100 million in 2018, the IHS program grew to cost more than $700 million in 2025.
Housing Stabilization Services Fraud
Charges were brought against eight defendants for defrauding Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) of approximately $15.7 million. Some defendants were residents of Pennsylvania who engaged in fraud tourism, traveling to Minnesota for lucrative opportunities to commit fraud. In July 2020, Minnesota became the first state in the country to offer Medicaid coverage for HSS. The HSS Program was a Medical Assistance (that is, Medicaid) benefit designed to help people with disabilities, including seniors and people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, find and maintain housing. By design, the HSS Program had low barriers to entry and minimal records requirements for reimbursement that combined to make the Program susceptible to fraud.
Before the HSS Program’s inaugural year, DHS predicted the HSS Program would cost about $2.6 million annually. In 2021 alone, the HSS Program paid out more than $26 million in claims. That figure ballooned in the following years to over $104 million in 2024. On October 31, 2025, Minnesota shuttered HSS due to fraud, illustrating how fraudulent schemes can result in the cessation of necessary programs and deprive beneficiaries of needed care.
"Today's law enforcement actions make it clear that IRS-CI is prioritizing investigations of fraud that permeate public service programs intended to serve the most vulnerable." said IRS-CI Acting Chief Gary Shapley.
Child Care Fraud
The Department announced charges against two defendants in connection with defrauding state and federal programs designed to subsidize child care. One defendant was charged with a $425,000 fraud on the state-funded Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program (GSCSPP), which reimburses for in-classroom hours provided by teachers in staff. Another defendant was charged with a $4.6 million fraud on the federally funded Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which reimburses child care centers for actual child care provided.
“The scale of fraud uncovered in Minnesota is alarming. HSI is fully committed to dismantling these criminal schemes and holding offenders accountable,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Minnesota. “These cases demonstrate our unwavering resolve to work with federal and state partners to root out fraud and protect those in need.”
Medicaid Fraud Enhancement and Expansion of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force
In connection with the Takedown, the Department announced the funding of 15 new prosecutors and associated support staff to combat Medicaid fraud across the country. Data show that Medicaid is a vital government benefit program increasingly targeted by criminals. The exposure of widespread fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid program illustrates the insufficient nature of state enforcement alone, and the necessity of a whole-of-government approach. In the past year, the Health Care Fraud Section has surged prosecutors not only to Minnesota, but also to prosecute an over $650 million Medicaid fraud scheme in Arizona and over $270 million Medicaid fraud scheme in California.
These new prosecutors will be deployed by Acting Health Care Fraud Chief Jacob Foster and Acting Principal Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan to districts where the threat of Medicaid fraud is the greatest, including existing Strike Forces in California, Florida, New York, and Texas, as well as deployed across the country through participation in the National Rapid Response Strike Force. In addition, the Department, along with its partners from HHS-OIG and FBI, announced today the expansion of the Midwest Strike Force to include the District of Minnesota. The Midwest Strike Force previously was based in Detroit and Chicago.
Health Care Fraud Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy and Trial Attorney Sara Porter, along with Fraud Chief Rebecca Kline and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Murphy for the District of Minnesota, led and coordinated the cases charged in today’s Takedown, together with the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, HHS-OIG, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as state and local law enforcement partners. Trial Attorneys Matthew Belz, Brant Cook, Jody King, Benjamin Smith, Charles Strauss, and Sara Woodward from multiple Strike Forces are prosecuting the cases charged in the Takedown. The Health Care Fraud Section’s Data Fusion Center used cutting-edge data analytics to identify and support the cases charged today.
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.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The following material related to today’s announcement are available on the Health Care Fraud Unit website through this link.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.The Justice Department today announced the Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 15 defendants, including owners of child care centers and various Medicaid providers, for their alleged participation in various fraud schemes involving over $90 million in intended loss, including the two largest Medicaid fraud cases ever charged in the District and first-of-their kind charges involving additional Medicaid programs. The Justice Department also announced a major investment in combatting Medicaid fraud through a significant expansion of the Division’s Health Care Fraud Section, allocating funding to permit the hiring of 15 new Trial Attorney positions to combat Medicaid fraud across the United States.
Miami-Area Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Distributing Sexual Torture and Mutilation Videos of Baby MonkeysRead the Press Release
Francisco Javier Ravelo, of Coral Gables, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release, during which he is not permitted to have any unsupervised contact with animals. Ravelo was sentenced in connection with his involvement with online groups dedicated to distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys in violation of the federal Animal Crushing statute.
Ravelo pleaded guilty in March to distributing more than 40 so-called “animal crush videos.”
According to court documents and statements made during his sentencing hearing, Ravelo owned and administered several online chat groups dedicated to distribution and discussion of sexual and violent videos depicting monkeys being mutilated and tortured. The court ruled that Ravelo controlled access to and moderated his invitation-only private groups, where he was a leader and organizer, which served as a basis for Ravelo’s upward variance prison sentence. The court described the material distributed as “evil.” The court explained that it fashioned the sentence to show that “in society we will not tolerate this kind of material being distributed in any way, shape, or form” and further, that the harshness should serve as a deterrence for others in the monkey hate community.
“The production and distribution of obscene animal crush videos is a felony,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “In passing the Animal Crushing statute, Congress recognized that cruelty to animals desensitizes participants to the suffering of human beings. This sentence is a warning to all future would-be creators and consumers of animal crushing that they risk federal prosecution and imprisonment for these crimes.”
“Ravelo’s conviction and this sentencing make it clear that those who commit these horrific crimes cannot evade justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans. “Even when offenders use advanced technology and exclusive, invitation-only groups to hide their illegal activities, HSI will relentlessly pursue them and ensure they are held accountable. Our team worked tirelessly to stop Ravelo’s egregious crimes and prevent further harm, and we remain committed to bringing others who commit these offenses to justice.”
HSI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Emily R. Stone of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke E. Latta for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Mexican Nationals Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Mexican nationals Manuel Gomez-Sanchez, 39, and David Alejandro Sandoval Canales, 41, charging both men with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on March 24, 2026, Gomez-Sanchez and Sandoval were driving northbound on U.S. Interstate-5 in Kings County when they were stopped for traffic violations. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded 10 pounds of methamphetamine packaged into single-pounds increments, a digital scale, ammunition, two notebooks containing information consistent with narcotic sales and purchases, a loaded Berretta semiautomatic handgun, and an AR-15 rifle.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the California Highway Patrol, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative (HIDTA) and the High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas E. Karp is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Gomez-Sanchez and Sandoval face a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime both defendants face a minimum sentence of five consecutive years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Mexican National Sentenced to 6 months in Prison for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Tomas Hernandez-Orzuna, 40 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien with a prior felony conviction, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Tomas Hernandez-Orzuna was sentenced to 6 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term would go into effect should the Defendant remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.
According to documents in the case, Hernandez-Orzuna’s criminal history includes felony assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, and misdemeanor malicious destruction of a building.
“Tomas Hernandez-Orzuna is a violent sexual predator who should never have been in this country in the first place,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “This conviction sends a message—illegal aliens with a history of sexual violence will be found, tried, punished, and then ejected from this district and this country. My hope is that they hear this message and stay out. If they do not, they will meet the same justice that was doled out to Hernandez-Orzuna. As ever, my thanks go out to HSI, Merrillville Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service for their exceptional efforts in this case.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Merrillville Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
Mexican National Sentenced for Cocaine Distribution and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mexican man was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and illegal firearm possession, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Hector Riano-Corcuera, 34, a citizen and national of Mexico, living in East Brunswick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 19 before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi on January 8, 2026 to a two-count Information charging him with distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge Quraishi imposed the 120-month sentence on May 19, 2026 in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In June 2025, law enforcement officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Riano-Corcuera after he sold approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine to another person. Before the arrest, Riano-Corcuera ran away from the officers. When they caught him, they found a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm firearm in his bag. When they executed a search warrant at Riano-Corcuera’s home, law enforcement found more cocaine, two semiautomatic rifles, three handguns, and ammunition.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Riano-Corcuera to five years of supervised release following Riano-Corcuera’s term of imprisonment and ordered forfeiture of firearm and ammunition that Riano-Corcuera used to commit the offense.
United States Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, with the investigation leading to the sentence. U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Linda Estremera, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Bradley D. Billhimer, the Asbury Park Police Department, under the direction of Police Director John B. Hayes, the East Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Frank LoSacco, the Lakewood Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Gregory H. Meyer, the Manchester Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Antonio Ellis, the Middletown Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police R. Craig Weber, the Neptune Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Anthony Gualario, the Ocean Gate Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Kuchta, and the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Philip Corbisiero, for their assistance in the investigation.
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: Andrea Aldana, Esq., Federal Public Defenders.
Mexican National Deported 3 Times Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO CESAR FERNANDEZ-SALAZAR, 44, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Fernandez-Salazar has used numerous aliases, including Julio Fernandez, Julio Cesar Salazar, J. Cesar Fernandez-Salazar, Paulo Cesar Salazar, Alejandro Lugo, Jorge Ortigoza, and Julio C. Fernandez-Salazar. Fernandez-Salazar was first convicted of an immigration violation in October 2007 in the District of Arizona, was sentenced to 45 days of imprisonment, and was voluntarily returned to Mexico. In June 2009, after he returned to the U.S. and was convicted in Tempe Municipal Court in Arizona of failure to appear and driving with a suspended license, Fernandez-Salazar was deported to Mexico. In July 2009, U.S. Border Patrol encountered and arrested Fernandez-Salazar near the U.S./Mexico border and he was again deported to Mexico.
Fernandez-Salazar illegally reentered the U.S. and, in April 2017, was convicted in Maricopa County of unlawful imprisonment and solicitation to commit misconduct involving weapons. In April 2018, he was convicted in the U.S. District Court in Arizona of unlawful reentry and was again deported to Mexico.
On November 27, 2024, Fernandez-Salazar was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Colchester and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and other offenses. He was subsequently released on bond.
On July 18, 2025, the U.S. District Court in New Haven issued a criminal complaint charging Fernandez-Salazar with unlawful reentry. He was located and arrested in Arizona on February 25, 2026, and has been detained since that date.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for June 15, at which time Fernandez-Salazar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Lembo.
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.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced to 20 Months in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a South Dakota man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Jeremy David Red Bear, 33, was sentenced to one year and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Red Bear was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 29, 2025.
Red Bear is required to register as a sex offender, which entails periodic in-person registration. On October 23, 2024, his compliance officer directed Red Bear to verify his registration in person by October 30, 2024. Red Bear did not do so until his arrest on January 27, 2025.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act Compliance Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Red Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Manufacturing Companies Agree to Pay $2.5 Million to Resolve Improper Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Erlanger-based manufacturing companies, Post Glover Lifelink, Inc. and Post Glover Resistors, Inc., agreed to pay $2,500,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, a federal law that prohibits the submission of false or fraudulent claims.
Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide emergency financial assistance to small American businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Borrowers were required to certify in their applications that they were eligible for the requested loans and that the information they provided was true and accurate. Regulations provided various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the number of employees.
The settlement resolves allegations that Post Glover Lifelink, Inc. and Post Glover Resistors, Inc. falsely certified they were eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness of their second-draw PPP loans. The Government contends that, together with their foreign affiliates, Post Glover Lifelink, Inc. and Post Glover Resistors, Inc. collectively had more than 300 employees and were therefore ineligible for their second-draw PPP loans. Post Glover Lifelink, Inc. and Post Glover Resistors, Inc. fully cooperated in the investigation and resolution of this matter.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought by a private citizen under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery. As part of this resolution, the individual who filed the qui tam complaint is eligible to receive a portion of the settlement proceeds. The civil case is captioned United States ex rel. Aidan Forsyth, v. Post Glover Lifelink, Inc. and Post Glover Resistors, Inc., Case No. 2:25-cv-29-DLB-CJS.
This matter was handled by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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Manderson Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison Following Federal Convictions for First Degree Murder and ArsonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Felony Murder, Assault With Intent to Commit Arson, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Arson. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Reno Rondeau, age 52, was sentenced to serve the remainder of his life in federal prison for the convictions and ordered to pay $400 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rondeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He was found guilty of the charges following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City on February 5, 2026.
In October 2024, Rondeau intentionally set fire to his brother’s residence near Manderson, South Dakota. When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, Tanya White Butterfly. Sadly, Ms. White Butterfly, a former correctional officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, perished in the fire. While Rondeau’s brother, John Rondeau, Sr., ultimately escaped the fire, he sustained burn injuries while trying to save White Butterfly’s life. The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.
“This was a truly horrific crime and we grieve for the victims and their loved ones,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Life in prison was the maximum punishment allowable by law in these circumstances, and we are grateful to the Court for this sentence. Although Reno Rondeau will spend the rest of his life in a federal prison cell, it still somehow does not seem nearly long enough.”
"While no prison term can fill the void left in the lives of Ms. White Butterfly's family, we hope they will feel a sense of justice having been served, through this sentence," said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. "Reno Rondeau will now spend the rest of his life in federal prison where he rightly belongs. FBI Agents, Analysts, and professional staff work tirelessly to find justice for victims of violent crimes and protect our communities. I offer our deepest sympathies to both victims of this horrendous crime and their families."
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox handled the prosecution.
Rondeau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States as an Aggravated FelonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally reentered the United States from Mexico after having been convicted of an aggravated felony and twice being convicted of illegal reentry as an aggravated felon pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City.
Jesus Gamboa-Brambila, age 51, from Mexico but residing in Sheldon, Iowa, was convicted of illegal reentry as an aggravated felon.
At the plea hearing, Gamboa-Brambila admitted he illegally reentered the United States without permission after having been previously removed from the United States on August 4, 2018, and after having been convicted of at least one aggravated felony offense. That offense was a conviction in 1991 for Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling in the Superior Court of Los Angeles, California. Gamboa-Brambila had been federally convicted in the Northern District of Iowa in 2004 and 2014 of illegal reentry as an aggravated felon. Most recently, Gamboa-Brambila was found in O’Brien County on March 21, 2026, after he was arrested for domestic abuse assault – first offense, and criminal mischief. While in custody, immigration officials confirmed his identity and that he was a citizen of Mexico and had previously been deported from the United States to Mexico four times.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gamboa-Brambila remains in custody pending sentencing. He faces a possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-CR-04012. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally reentered the United States from Guatemala pled guilty May 21, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City.
Rogelio Morales-Ramos, age 36, who had been living in Sioux Center, Iowa, was convicted of illegal reentry.
At the plea hearing, Morales-Ramos admitted he illegally reentered the United States without permission after having been previously removed from the United States on June 13, 2019. On April 1, 2026, law enforcement in Sioux County attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Morales-Ramos for speeding. He failed to stop and subsequently fled on foot. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement found an open alcohol bottle in the center console, more alcohol in the car, as well as a fictitious international driver’s license. On April 4, 2026, Morales-Ramos was located at his residence in Sioux Center when he again tried to flee from law enforcement before being apprehended. Additional fictitious documentation was found in the residence. While in custody, officials determined he was a citizen of Guatemala and had previously been deported from the United States to Guatemala three times.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Morales-Ramos remains in custody pending sentencing. He faces a possible sentence of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-CR-04014. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Man Charged for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm After Shooting at Grand Prairie Police Officers.Read the Press Release
A previously convicted felon who shot at Grand Prairie Police Department (GPPD) officers during a domestic violence investigation was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
“The Chief in Grand Prairie has been a great friend to this office and to our collective efforts in rooting out violent crime in North Texas. I told him when I met with him months ago that we would stand up for the men and women under his charge. Today I’m keeping my promise. We will always go after those who try to intimidate and harm our great law enforcement officers in North Texas.”
The complaint alleges that on May 2, 2026, GPPD officers were dispatched to investigate a domestic disturbance after a child called to report that things had gotten “physical” while their mom and her boyfriend were arguing. Upon arrival at the scene, GPPD officers encountered Malik Williams sitting in a silver Altima. Upon seeing the mother in a blood-stained shirt, officers told Williams that he was not free to leave. Williams immediately sped off in the Altima and officers pursued with their lights and sirens activated. Eventually, a GPPD officer executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to force Williams’ car to stop and block the driver’s door so that Williams could not escape.
As the officer got out of his patrol vehicle, Williams shot at him with an AR-15 rifle. A second officer then returned fire. Williams surrendered after he was struck and injured. He was then taken to a hospital. Investigators later learned that Williams was on parole for six prior felonies—five of them involving domestic violence against the same domestic violence victim in this case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Grand Prairie Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Walt Junker is prosecuting the case.
Little Eagle Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a South Dakota man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Gaylan George Little Eagle, age 42, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Little Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 29, 2025.
On August 25, 2024, Little Eagle had sexual intercourse with an unconscious guest on a couch at a house party in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Another attendee caught Little Eagle in the act and stabbed him in the back as Little Eagle departed. The victim had no idea what happened to her when she awoke.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Little Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possessing with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl, and for using a firearm in furtherance of that crime.
According to court records, Muktar Abshir Aden, 27, sold drugs to law enforcement confidential sources and undercover officers on six occasions in 2024, culminating in an October 2024 search of his residence. Investigators recovered nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine and two kilograms of fentanyl, in addition to at least five firearms, one of which had previously been reported stolen.
Aden faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years and up to life imprisonment; up to a $10 million fine; and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Lewiston Police Department investigated the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.
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