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13 May 2026
FCI Schuylkill Inmate Indicted for Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tiago Bettencourt, age 22, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on the charge of possession of a weapon.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on February 27, 2026, Bettencourt possessed a prison-made weapon, approximately a nine-inch sharpened piece of plexi-glass with a cloth handle, commonly referred to as a “shank.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Eight Defendants Sentenced After Federal Investigation Seized More Than 175,000 Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced the following eight individuals for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking organization operating in Green Bay:
- Ricky Q. Chambers, 29, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced in May 2026 to 204 months in prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release.
- Jaylen T. Allen, 25, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced in December 2025 to 168 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
- Peyton Shipman-Allen, 33, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced in October 2025 to 167 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
- Taviaun S. Love, 24, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced in July 2025 to 120 months in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release.
- Darius D. Ricks, 32, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced in May 2026 to 120 months in prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release.
- Xzavier T. Newsom, 29, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced in April 2026 to 108 months in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release.
- Eugene L. Herrod, 34, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced in May 2026 to 48 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
- Devinique E. Manjarrez, 28, of Goodyear, Arizona, was sentenced in May 2026 to time served, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Seven of the eight defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Ricky Chambers was found guilty following a jury trial.
According to court records and evidence presented in court, the defendants operated a large-scale drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills in the Green Bay and Milwaukee areas. Several members referred to themselves as “GTR,” short for “Getting to Riches.” Members of the organization frequently traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, where they purchased large quantities of fentanyl pills. They then shipped the pills to various cities throughout the Midwest before distributing them in and around Green Bay. During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 175,000 fentanyl pills connected to the organization.
The investigation also revealed that members of GTR spent thousands of dollars on luxury travel, expensive jewelry, luxury vehicles, designer clothing, and rap video productions. Members regularly displayed large amounts of cash and luxury items on social media while promoting their music and public image. In one video, Jaylen Allen displayed a luxury watch and stated, “We really rich off nothing but fentanyl.” In numerous other videos and photographs, members of the organization posed with tens of thousands of dollars in cash.
At Chambers’ trial, an expert in drug trafficking testified that high-level fentanyl traffickers can purchase fentanyl pills in Phoenix for as little as 50 cents per pill and resell those same pills in Green Bay for up to $20 per pill. The expert also testified that seven out of ten fentanyl pills tested at DEA crime laboratories contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
“While the sentencing of the last of the defendants in this drug conspiracy brings the court cases to a conclusion, the harm these individuals have caused to the very fabric of our communities will continue to reverberate for years,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel. “The enormous amount of fentanyl these criminals distributed in our state has resulted in devastating losses of life, damage to public health, destruction of families and the expenditure of huge amounts of public and private resources to address the poison from which these criminals profited.”
“The fentanyl crisis affects families across the country to include those in our communities in Wisconsin. The criminal actors in this case sought to enrich themselves through trafficking and selling large quantities of fentanyl. They have now been held accountable for their actions,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and combat violent crime and drug trafficking throughout the United States to ensure the safety of the American people.”
“The successful conclusion of this case is another example of the relentless work conducted by the Brown County Drug Task Force in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin and the nation. Through coordinated investigations and proactive enforcement efforts, law enforcement continues to target those responsible for bringing dangerous drugs into our communities” said Brown County Sheriff, Todd Delain.
“The Brown County Drug Task Force remains committed to protecting the public and holding drug traffickers accountable. Those who choose to come to Brown County to profit from the distribution of illegal narcotics should understand that it is only a matter of time before they are arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable for their actions. Today, these drug dealers are no longer living a life of luxury — they are serving lengthy sentences behind bars!”
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force, the Dakota County (Minnesota) Drug Task Force, the MSP Airport Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Green Bay Resident Office and Phoenix Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alex Duros and Tim Funnell.
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For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Eastern Iowa Occupational Therapist Convicted in Drug Tampering SchemeRead the Press Release
An Eastern Iowa occupational therapist who tampered with an assisted living resident’s prescription pain medication pled guilty on May 12, 2026, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Eric Leo Newsom, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of tampering and attempting to tamper with a consumer product.
In a plea agreement, Newsom admitted he was a licensed occupational therapist within the State of Iowa. Newsom owned and operated a company through which he provided occupational therapy services to patients in Eastern Iowa.
In November 2024, Newsom began diverting narcotics from his current and former patients. One of his former patients was elderly, had cancer, required medication to control pain, and lived in a Cedar Rapids assisted living facility. On March 19, 2025, the former patient began receiving palliative hospice care. On March 24, 2025, Newsom picked up the former patient’s hydrocodone tablets from an area pharmacy and replaced the former patient’s hydrocodone tablets with zinc tablets. Before putting the zinc tablets into the hydrocodone container, Newsom added score marks to the zinc tablets to make them appear similar to hydrocodone tablets. As a result, from March 24, 2025, until March 26, 2025, the former patient did not have her narcotic pain medication. The former patient died on March 28, 2025.
Newsom also admitted burglarizing the apartment of another resident of an assisted living facility while seeking narcotics. Newsom admitted to stealing narcotics from two sisters who lived in different apartments at the same assisted living facility in Cedar Rapids while the sisters were in the facility’s gym for therapy.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Newsom remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Newsom faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-92.
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Delaware Business Owner Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Multi-Year Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Townsend, Delaware man was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison for tax evasion. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, John Kungu, 62, the owner of Advanced Nursing Care, engaged in a calculated, multi-year scheme to avoid paying nearly $1.2 million in taxes. Between 2018 and 2021, Kungu submitted multiple false sworn statements to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) claiming that he could not afford to pay his tax liabilities, despite having millions of dollars in undisclosed bank accounts. On one occasion, Kungu offered to settle his tax debt for $35,000, claiming he would need to take out a loan, while simultaneously holding over $5.1 million in hidden accounts.
Additionally, from 2018 through 2020, Kungu filed false personal and corporate tax returns by intentionally categorizing hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal benefits and payments to himself as business expenses, thereby improperly reducing his tax burden to the government. Kungu intentionally withheld financial records from his bookkeeper and tax preparer to conceal his evasion.
“John Kungu built a highly successful business, but instead of paying his fair share, he chose to line his own pockets at the expense of every law-abiding taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “When caught, he doubled down on his fraud, lying under oath to the IRS to hide millions of dollars in wealth. Yesterday’s sentence demonstrates that those who view tax evasion as a mere cost of doing business will face serious consequences, including time in federal prison.”
“Yesterday’s sentencing is a direct result of the excellent partnership the IRS and the U.S. Attorney’s office has in combating violations of Federal law,” said Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office. “This sentence shows how seriously the courts take Federal tax crimes and should serve as a deterrent to those who might contemplate similar fraudulent actions.”
Upon Kungu’s release from prison, he will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. In addition to his prison sentence, Kungu was ordered to pay a $75,000 fine and $1,186,573.62 in United States Attorney’s Office District of Delaware restitution to the IRS. Kungu has since paid the restitution amount, along with applicable interest and penalties.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Ibrahim and Claudia L. Pare prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-00056-CFC.Defendant Pleads Guilty to Damaging the Brooklyn Headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch MovementRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dan Sohail pleaded guilty to damaging religious property. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. When sentenced, Sohail faces imprisonment and restitution.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the guilty plea.
“By pleading guilty today, the defendant admitted that he intentionally damaged the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, a globally significant Jewish religious institution, by repeatedly crashing his vehicle into the building’s entrance,” said United States Attorney Nocella. “At a time when acts of violence directed at Jewish institutions have dramatically increased, this prosecution underscores our Office’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers can gather safely and those who threaten religious institutions will be held accountable.”
“The defendant’s dangerous conduct was a targeted attack on the religious liberty and peace of worship to which every American is entitled,” stated Assistant Attorney General Dhillon. “Today’s conviction sends a clear message: the Department of Justice will not tolerate acts of hatred and violence against religious institutions.”
“The defendant's actions caused panic within the community. The guilty plea holds him accountable for using a vehicle as a dangerous weapon and demonstrates the FBI's continued commitment to partner with our local law enforcement agencies to protect the public and pursue justice for those impacted,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“By repeatedly ramming his vehicle into the entrance of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, the defendant targeted a sacred institution at the heart of the Jewish community,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “At a time of rising threats against Jewish New Yorkers, attacks on places of worship carry deep fear far beyond the immediate damage they cause. Today’s guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for his actions, and the NYPD will continue working with our federal partners to protect every New Yorker’s right to practice their faith safely and freely.”
According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, on the evening of January 28, 2026, Sohail drove to the Chabad Headquarters located on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. The Chabad Headquarters was hosting an event marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s leader. After arriving at the side entrance of the building, Sohail exited his vehicle and moved barriers that had been set up to protect the building, which includes a synagogue and religious gathering spaces. After gesturing for congregants to move away, Sohail returned to his vehicle and drove his car into the building’s side entrance. He then reversed his vehicle and accelerated into the entrance four additional times, knocking the entrance door off its hinges.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights and General Crimes Sections. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Silverberg and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brachah Goykadosh are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Marlane Bosler.
The Defendant:
DAN SOHAIL
Age: 36
Carteret, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-127 (ENV)
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Damaging the Brooklyn Headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch MovementRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dan Sohail pleaded guilty to damaging religious property. The proceeding was held before U.S. District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. When sentenced, Sohail faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and mandatory restitution.
“The defendant’s dangerous conduct was a targeted attack on the religious liberty and peace of worship to which every American is entitled,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s conviction sends a clear message: the Department of Justice will not tolerate acts of hatred and violence against religious institutions.”
“By pleading guilty today, the defendant admitted that he intentionally damaged the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, a globally significant Jewish religious institution, by repeatedly crashing his vehicle into the building’s entrance,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “At a time when acts of violence directed at Jewish institutions have dramatically increased, this prosecution underscores our Office’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers can gather safely and those who threaten religious institutions will be held accountable.”
According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, on the evening of Jan. 28, Sohail drove to the Chabad Headquarters located on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. The Chabad Headquarters was hosting an event marking the anniversary of the death of the movement’s leader. After arriving at the side entrance of the building, Sohail exited his vehicle and moved barriers that had been set up to protect the building, which includes a synagogue and religious gathering spaces. After gesturing for congregants to move away, Sohail returned to his vehicle and drove his car into the building’s side entrance. He then reversed his vehicle and accelerated into the entrance four additional times, knocking the entrance door off its hinges.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights and General Crimes Sections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Silverberg for the Eastern District of New York and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brachah Goykadosh are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Marlane Bosler.
D.C. Man Found Guilty of Murdering Father of Four in Deanwood Neighborhood in 2020Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jamil Whitley, 38, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty yesterday in D.C. Superior Court, for charges related to the shooting death of 32-year-old Kevin Redd in the alley behind 4722 Jay Street, Northeast, on June 11, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Whitley was found guilty by a jury on May 12, 2026, after a nearly month-long trial, on one count of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson scheduled sentencing for July 17, 2026.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 11, 2020, at approximately 1:36 a.m., the victim, Kevin Redd, dropped off at the Shell Gas Station located at 4321 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. According to gas station surveillance video, three minutes earlier the defendant had arrived at the gas station as the rear passenger of a four-door, white vehicle. The surveillance video, that had no audio, captured the two men speaking. Eventually, Whitley returned to the rear passenger area of the white vehicle and was driven from the gas station while Mr. Redd remained.
Thirteen minutes later, the defendant returned to the gas station driving an older two-door, white vehicle with a sunroof and tinted windows. Whitley was wearing the same clothes, but his face was now covered with a surgical mask. The defendant exited the vehicle and approached Mr. Redd. The defendant returned to his car with Mr. Redd following behind him. As Whitley entered the driver’s door, he quickly pulled a small object from his pants. Then, Mr. Redd entered the passenger door and before he could fully close it, the defendant sped off causing a vehicle to swerve to avoid hitting him. Just over a minute later, a residential security camera captured the defendant’s vehicle entering the alley leading to the rear of 4722 Jay Street, N.E., where within seconds two gunshots rang out. Approximately 17 seconds later, a business security camera captured the defendant fleeing the alley and the area. Subsequently, Sixth District police officers responded to the alley where they found Mr. Redd suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. At the time of Mr. Redd’s murder, he was a father of three with a fourth child born within weeks of his murder.
Whitley was arrested on August 25, 2021, and has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle D. Jackson and Negar Kordestani.
2021 CF1 004848
Cranston Man Posing as Financial Adviser Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for falsely represented himself as a financial advisor worth a “million dollars in clients.”
Jason Johnson, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Johnson was indicted in March 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, Johnson falsely represented himself as a financial advisor and accepted approximately $140,000 from a Rhode Island couple through the now-defunct W.S. Solutions LLC. Johnson diverted much of the investment funds into two bank accounts he controlled and spent most of the couple’s invested funds on personal expenditures.
Johnson failed to respond to repeated inquiries from the investors. Additionally, he failed to provide them with statements of investment activity, tracking reports, or summaries. Instead, he sent electronic communications assuring them that their accounts were being serviced and they would receive distributions of profits at a later date.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
The matter was investigated jointly by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Cole County Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON City, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man has been charged by a federal grand jury with child pornography charges.
Nathan Robert Kent, 33, is charged with three counts of production of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Following a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Cyber tip from Snapchat, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Kent’s residence. After a forensic examination of Kent’s electronic devices, law enforcement discovered he was using Snapchat and encrypted cellular phone applications to entice minor females to produce child pornography. Kent also sent files depicting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to multiple users. Kent possessed over a thousand CSAM files.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Under federal statutes, Nathan Robert Kent is subject to a sentence of up to 140 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County Sheriff and Jefferson City Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Chicago woman sentenced for trafficking oxycodoneRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Chicago woman who was part of a drug trafficking organization involved in the diversion of oxycodone and promethazine-codeine from pharmacies throughout the United States was sentenced today to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Alize Hydeia Gist, 29, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Gist joined a Chicago-based group that flew into Montana, presented fake prescriptions to Montana pharmacies, and, when doing so, fraudulently obtained oxycodone and other controlled substances, none of which they were entitled to receive. After obtaining the drugs, Gist and others gave the drugs to co-defendants for further distribution.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Montana comprises agents and officers from a number of federal agencies as well as drug task forces throughout the state, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA conducted the investigation as part of the HSTF.
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Chesapeake man sentenced to 17 years in prison after traveling to the Philippines to have sex with a minorRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to 17 years in prison for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.
According to court documents, through an online dating site, Dylan Joseph Knauer, 32, met a minor victim who resided in the Philippines, and began chatting, video calling, and “sexting” with the minor. Knauer traveled to the Philippines in April and May of 2025 and had sex with the victim, who was 14 years old.
On Oct. 22, 2025, Knauer asked the victim to make a sexually explicit video of herself. On Oct. 23, 2025, law enforcement learned that Knauer was scheduled to travel from Norfolk to Denver to Japan with a final destination of the Philippines. After boarding his flight from Denver to Japan, Knauer was removed from the aircraft.
The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Air Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, and the Denver Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen S. Taylor prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-1.
Butler Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 months of incarceration on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Robert Schatzman, 21.
According to information presented to the Court, in April 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Schatzman’s home and recovered a Glock pistol from a floor air vent within his bedroom. Schatzman previously had been convicted of robbery in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schatzman.
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.
Brooklyn Woman Sentenced in $600 Million Covid Tax Credit SchemeRead the Press Release
A Brooklyn tax preparer was sentenced on Friday to 36 months in prison for her role in a fraud scheme that fraudulently claimed more than $600 million in COVID-19-related employment tax credits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Tiffany Williams, 43, of Brooklyn, conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit and paid sick and family leave credit, credits passed by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. From November 2021 to June 2023, Williams and her co-conspirators filed more than 8,000 false tax returns seeking COVID-19 related tax credits.
In total, Tiffany Williams and her co-conspirators sought more than $600 million in credits they and their clients were not entitled to receive, which caused a loss to the United States of approximately $45 million.
Williams previously pleaded to one count of wire fraud.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Richard J. Kelley of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Toporovsky and James Simmons of the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Bronx Man Convicted of Operating Police Station for the Chinese Government in New York City and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Today in federal court in Brooklyn, Bronx resident Lu Jianwang, a U.S. citizen also known as “Harry Lu,” was convicted by a jury of two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in connection with opening and operating an overseas police station in lower Manhattan for the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and with obstruction of justice for destroying related evidence. The verdict was returned following a one-week trial before United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison. When sentenced, the defendant faces up to 30 years in prison. Lu’s co-defendant, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiring to act as an agent of the PRC in connection with the overseas police station, and he is awaiting sentencing.
“We will not allow secret ‘police’ sent by a foreign country to harass people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The jury rightly condemned this conduct, which took place right in the middle of New York City.”
“The Chinese government thought it could get away with operating a secret, illegal police station in the heart of New York City to export transnational repression and subvert our rule of law,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “However, today’s conviction of Lu Jianwang for illegally acting as an agent of a foreign power proves we won’t allow authoritarian regimes to violate U.S. sovereignty. The FBI and our partners are dedicated to protecting everyone within our borders from efforts to undermine our democratic freedoms, and we’ll hold any state actors -- and those who help them -- accountable for breaking our laws.”
“A police station operating in New York City at the direction of the Chinese government has been exposed, its sinister purpose disrupted, and its founder held accountable for blatantly disregarding the law and our country’s sovereignty,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Our Office remains resolute in protecting the rights of people seeking freedom from repression and speaking out to bring democracy, reform, and human rights to China.”
As proved at trial, Lu and his co-defendant Chen Jinping acted as illegal agents of the PRC government. Beginning in January 2022, under orders from an MPS official, Lu, Chen and others worked together to establish the first known overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the MPS. The police station—which was searched by the FBI in October 2022—was located in an office building at 107 East Broadway in Manhattan’s Chinatown. A blue banner proclaiming “Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA,” was recovered there.
The police station operated at the direction and control of the MPS. The MPS is the PRC’s primary domestic law enforcement and intelligence agency. The MPS routinely monitors Chinese political dissidents and others with views adverse to the Chinese government’s sovereignty who live outside the PRC, including in the United States. The MPS has used cooperative contacts both inside the PRC and around the world to influence, threaten, and coerce political dissidents abroad, including in the United States, in an effort to silence them. The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS to establish overseas police service stations all over the world. None of the participants in the police station scheme in Chinatown informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government open and operate an undeclared MPS police station on U.S. soil.
Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the U.S.
In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station. In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed Lu and Chen and seized their phones. In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that WeChat messages between the defendants and their MPS handler had been deleted.
The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette N. Rangel and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Magdalena St. Surin and Danielle Barber. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander A. Solomon played a critical role in the underlying investigation.
Bronx Man Convicted of Operating Police Station for the Chinese Government in New York City and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Today in federal court in Brooklyn, Bronx resident Lu Jianwang, a U.S. citizen also known as “Harry Lu,” was convicted by a jury of two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in connection with opening and operating an overseas police station in lower Manhattan for the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and with obstruction of justice for destroying related evidence. The verdict was returned following a one-week trial before United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison. When sentenced, the defendant faces up to 30 years in prison. Lu’s co-defendant, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiring to act as an agent of the PRC in connection with the overseas police station, and he is awaiting sentencing.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.
“A police station operating in New York City at the direction of the Chinese government has been exposed, its sinister purpose disrupted, and its founder held accountable for blatantly disregarding the law and our country’s sovereignty,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office remains resolute in protecting the rights of people seeking freedom from repression and speaking out to bring democracy, reform, and human rights to China.”
“Lu Jianwang used a police station in New York City to target PRC dissidents in furtherance of the Chinese government’s political agenda. May today’s verdict send a message to other foreign agents – the FBI maintains its unwavering resolve to reveal and disrupt the clandestine operations of adversarial nations,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As proved at trial, Lu and his co-defendant Chen Jinping acted as illegal agents of the PRC government. Beginning in January 2022, under orders from an MPS official, Lu, Chen and others worked together to establish the first known overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the MPS. The police station—which was searched by the FBI in October 2022—was located in an office building at 107 East Broadway in Manhattan’s Chinatown. A blue banner proclaiming “Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA,” was recovered there.
The police station operated at the direction and control of the MPS. The MPS is the PRC’s primary domestic law enforcement and intelligence agency. The MPS routinely monitors Chinese political dissidents and others with views adverse to the Chinese government’s sovereignty who live outside the PRC, including in the United States. The MPS has used cooperative contacts both inside the PRC and around the world to influence, threaten, and coerce political dissidents abroad, including in the United States, in an effort to silence them. The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS to establish overseas police service stations all over the world. None of the participants in the police station scheme in Chinatown informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government open and operate an undeclared MPS police station on U.S. soil.
Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the U.S.
In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station. In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed Lu and Chen and seized their phones. In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that WeChat messages between the defendants and their MPS handler had been deleted.
The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette N. Rangel and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Magdalena St. Surin and Danielle Barber. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Solomon played a critical role in the underlying investigation.
The Defendant:
LU JIANWANG
Age: 64
Bronx, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-316 (S-1) (NRM)
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Role in Southwestern Connecticut Drug RingRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GERALD COLEY, also known as “G Rock,” 56, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics in southwestern Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Rodney Canada as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Stamford and elsewhere in southwestern Connecticut. An investigation in 2024, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Canada, Coley, and others orchestrated the street level distribution of narcotics through other members of the conspiracy. Investigators intercepted more than 5000 text messages and calls in which Canada coordinated his drug trafficking activities.
Coley was intercepted numerous times over a wiretap discussing drug trafficking activity with Canada. He also managed cash for the drug trafficking organization and sometimes supplied Canada with drugs he acquired in New York City.
Coley, Canada, and other members of the conspiracy were arrested on May 14, 2024. On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches at locations in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Darien, and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine, nearly 400 grams of raw fentanyl, more than 500 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, a bulletproof vest, and seven vehicles. A search of Coley’s Bridgeport residence revealed approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, more than 700 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
On December 17, 2025, Coley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He has been detained since his arrest.
Coley’s criminal history spans more than 30 years and this is his third federal conviction. In 2001, he was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for trafficking crack cocaine, and in 2014, he was sentenced to 48 months for unlawfully possessing a firearm and violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
Canada pleaded guilty and, on December 15, 2025, was sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Danbury, and Darien Police Departments. The DEA HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Geoffrey M. Stone.
Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Prosecutions Rise in New Mexico During First Year of Current AdministrationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – In the year since First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison assumed leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico in April 2025, the office has brought 9,081 criminal cases related to border security and immigration enforcement, including illegal reentry, alien smuggling, immigration fraud, false statements, firearms offenses, and drug trafficking investigations stemming from southern border enforcement efforts. This represents a significant increase from the 3,457 criminal cases prosecuted during the April 2024 through April 2025 period.
The office also managed a significant civil caseload during the same period, including habeas corpus matters tied to immigration detention and federal custody proceedings.
“These cases show how transnational criminal organizations exploit people for profit, import violence across our southern border, and poison our communities with drugs and weapons,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “In New Mexico, we are focused on identifying the leaders, dismantling the networks they rely on, and using federal prosecutions to disrupt these operations at every level.”
The District of New Mexico’s border security and immigration enforcement efforts focused on dismantling criminal networks responsible for human smuggling, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and other crimes that threaten public safety and national security. Prosecutors worked closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute organizations operating across the Southwest border and throughout the United States.
Many of these prosecutions were part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), El Paso Police Department (EPPD), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), West Texas / New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico Sixth Judicial District, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of Western Texas and New Mexico.
Boonville Man Charged with Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Lance Aaron Larkin, 35, of Boonville, Mo., was charged by a federal grand jury with receipt and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
During a proactive investigation into individuals using peer-to-peer software to distribute and receive child pornography by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a file was shared from Larkin’s IP address. Following a residential search warrant and a review of his electronic devices, law enforcement determined Larkin possessed thousands of child pornography images and videos.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Under federal statutes, Lance Aaron Larkin is subject to a sentence of up to twenty years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by The Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Billings man pleads guilty to drug chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Billings man who trafficked significant amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
The defendant, Raymond Eugene Best, Jr., 44, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Best faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for September 24, 2026. Best remained detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that beginning in approximately 2023, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking ring based out of Mexico that was sourcing illegal narcotics to Wyoming, South Dakota, California, Montana, including Billings, and elsewhere. The group, including Best, was distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
On June 12, 2023, the Billings Police Department received information from a criminal informant that Ray Best is the “main man” in Billings, bringing in 50-100 pounds of meth and tens of thousands of “blues.” Ray Best was described as a non-user, but a dealer who stores drugs at other people’s houses. An individual was contacted and provided additional insight about Best’s dealing in Billings.
On June 26, 2023, Billings Police Department determined an apartment belonging to a co-defendant was used for storing drugs for Best. A state search warrant was executed and officers located 7 grams of fentanyl pills and 16.7 grams of meth in a back bedroom.
On August 2, 2023, law enforcement officers served a search warrant on a co-conspirator’s hotel room in Billings. Approximately 2.77 pounds of methamphetamine were seized. Law enforcement determined the original amount was 8 pounds, but most had been distributed to other people. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a different co-conspirator’s house and seized eight more ounces of meth. Best and a co-defendant, who were in Mexico at the time, coordinated the re-distribution of the original 8-pound quantity. Phone messages and other electronic communications showed Best’s continued involvement in the distribution of meth and cocaine in 2023. Messages were also being sent by a co-defendant who was with Best and using the same Facebook account, including: “Are you ready for another pound yet?” and “Cause you almost paid off.”
Best was previously convicted of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the District of Montana in 2012, when he was sentenced to prison for over 13 years. Best was still on federal supervised release when he committed these new crimes.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Montana comprises agents and officers from a number of federal agencies as well as drug task forces throughout the state, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The DEA, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force, and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation as part of the HSTF.
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Berks County Man Sentenced to 32 Months in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Firearms as a FelonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jeffrey Hill, 27, of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 32 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge John M. Gallagher for illegal gun possession.
The defendant was charged by information with possession of a firearm by a felon and pleaded guilty in January of this year, waiving prosecution by indictment.
As detailed in court filings and statements, Berks County Probation officers went to Hill’s residence in January of 2025 for a routine probation visit. When the defendant opened the door and saw the officers, he appeared nervous. Once inside the residence, one of the probation officers observed two metal pins, the type used to assemble a handgun, in a bag on a dresser.
After receiving supervisory approval, the probation officers conducted a search of the residence, recovering two 12-gauge shotguns, a privately manufactured AR-15-style rifle, and a privately manufactured 9mm handgun loaded with 15 rounds of hollow point ammunition.
Officers also discovered various types of ammunition; a ballistic vest; multiple loaded magazines; gun parts, including a trigger assembly, two handgun frames, metal threaded cylinders, a slide lock, and grip; and tools commonly used to manufacture homemade firearms.
Hill had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Sinking Spring Police Department, Berks County Probation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Kulik.
Belgrade man sentenced to over 18 years in prison on cocaine and gun chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Belgrade man who was trafficking cocaine while possessing a firearm in Belgrade and Bozeman was sentenced today to 220 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Leodis Robert Roach, 43, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christenson presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 6, 2025, law enforcement officers used a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of one ounce of cocaine from Leodis Roach and a co-defendant.
On May 22, 2025, the confidential informant conducted another controlled purchase of one ounce of cocaine from Roach and a co-defendant.
On June 4, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in Bozeman. Roach was a passenger in the vehicle and was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Officers located approximately 25 grams of cocaine that was individually packaged in the vehicle and a Glock pistol under the passenger seat where Roach had been sitting. A search warrant was executed at the driver’s residence. Roach’s vehicle was in the garage and contained approximately 937 grams of cocaine, body armor, and a Diamondback firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
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Attorney General Appoints United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros to Attorney General’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced his appointment to the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), a select and prestigious body of United States Attorneys chosen by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to advise Department of Justice leadership on national law enforcement priorities. U.S. Attorney Boutros’s appointment to the AGAC reflects both his leadership in the nation’s third largest federal district and the important role the Northern District of Illinois plays in leading from the front as well as confronting emerging threats to public safety and national security.
Created in 1973, the AGAC is comprised of an exclusive group of 18 United States Attorneys and is designed to ensure broad geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation. Members work through subcommittees and working groups on issues including violent crime, national security, fraud, narcoterrorism, and other critical priorities as set by the President of the United States. The Committee plays a central role in ensuring that the experience of federal prosecutors in the field informs national Department of Justice strategy.
U.S. Attorney Boutros and other members of the AGAC met with Acting Attorney General Blanche and other Department leadership last week and will hold the first substantive meeting next month.
U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros, bottom right, joined other members of the AGAC at a meeting in Washington, D.C. on May 7, 2026.“I am honored to be appointed to the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “I want to thank Acting Attorney General Blanche for his trust and confidence in me. I accept his appointment with sincere humility, fully mindful of the immense responsibility it carries, and the exceptional standards of excellence set by Department leadership and my colleagues on the Committee. As United States Attorney, I have been sharply focused on innovating, driving results, productivity, scalability, and maximizing impact, including reducing violence and disrupting fraud—all while staying true to the Department’s cherished and ancient motto: ‘Qui Pro Domina Justitia Sequitur,’ meaning, ‘Who prosecutes on behalf of justice.’” I will do my utmost to carry that mission forward while working closely with my colleagues on the AGAC to achieve the Department’s core priorities.”
U.S. Attorney Boutros took the Oath of Office as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois on April 7, 2025. He serves as the top federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of Illinois, which contains approximately nine million people in 18 counties. In his 13 months as U.S. Attorney, he has prioritized prosecutions of violent criminals, transnational cartels and terrorist groups, human traffickers, fraud actors, and numerous other criminal offenders.
As an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2008 to 2015, U.S. Attorney Boutros investigated and successfully prosecuted hundreds of cases, many of which involved matters of national and international significance. From 2015 until his appointment as United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney Boutros worked in private law practice in Chicago, holding various leadership roles, including Co-Chair of White Collar. For 16 consecutive years, U.S. Attorney Boutros has taught an advanced criminal law course at the University of Chicago Law School. While practicing law full time, U.S. Attorney Boutros has also written and spoken extensively on criminal law and criminal law adjacent topics, including publishing two books, authoring nearly 160 articles and book chapters, and presenting at 100 speaking engagements.
U.S. Attorney Boutros earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree, In-Honors summa cum laude, from Virginia Tech. He also clerked on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for the Honorable Eugene E. Siler, Jr.
The AGAC is comprised of 18 U.S. Attorneys and First Assistant U.S. Attorneys who lead their offices. U.S. Attorney Boutros will serve alongside the Committee’s Chairman, Jay Clayton (Southern District of New York) and Vice-Chairwoman, Leah Foley (District of Massachusetts), as well as U.S. Attorney Dan Bishop (Middle District of North Carolina), U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford (District of Oregon), U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine (District of Arizona), Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby (Northern District of Alabama), U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant (Western District of Tennessee), First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison (District of New Mexico), First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli (Central District of California), U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon (Southern District of California), U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon (Eastern District of Michigan), Acting U.S. Attorney John Marck (Southern District of Texas), U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly (District of Colorado), U.S. Attorney David Metcalf (Eastern District of Pennsylvania), U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro (District of Columbia), U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones (Southern District of Florida), and U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods (District of Nebraska).
Asian Boyz Gang Member Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Asian Boyz gang was sentenced in federal court in Boston for conspiracy to distribute counterfeit pills made with methamphetamine that resembled the prescription medication Adderall.
Isiah Lyons, a/k/a “Tank,” a/k/a “Rozay,” 30, of Lowell, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In January 2026, Lyons was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine. Lyons was indicted in January 2025 along with a co-conspirator and other gang associates.
In 2021, an investigation began into the Asian Boyz gang to disrupt the manufacturing and distribution of substantial quantities of methamphetamine pills impacting Lowell.
Lyons profited from the illegal sale of methamphetamine pills by brokering deals for bulk quantities of the pills, which he called “oranges” and “adds.” Between December 2022 and February 2023, Lyons joined a conspiracy to sell the pills in 1,000 pill units, which he called “g packs.” Lyons and his co-conspirators sold four “g packs” containing an estimated 4,000 pills and weighing 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. Unbeknownst to Lyons, one of the pill customers was an undercover agent.
To sell the methamphetamine pills, Lyons partnered with two Asian Boyz gang members who were part of the gang’s extensive drug network. They conspired in person and using encrypted messaging applications like Signal. In his message to one of his fellow co-conspirators Lyons told him the price of the pills was $1,250 for the “pacc” – spelled specifically with two “c’s” as a way of acknowledging their common Crips gang affiliation. Lyons sourced the pills from a co-conspirator he paid $1,000 for the “paccs,” booking $250 profit for each deal he brokered during the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Greg C. Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred M. Wyshak, III and David Cutshall of the Criminal Division prosecuted 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.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Arizona man sentenced for supplying drugs via the U.S. Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
A Chander, Arizona man was sentenced for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced that Zakary Faccio, 35, will serve 67 months’ imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 5. Faccio was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Office Service.
According to court documents, in July 2024, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) launched an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in Worland. They identified Micah Maas as a major distributor through interviews and other investigative techniques. After Maas was arrested on January 15, 2025, investigators learned he had sent $2,000 to Zakary Faccio in Arizona to mail suspected drugs to him. Agents intercepted the USPS package bound for Maas’ address containing 98 grams of fentanyl and 23.4 grams of heroin. Surveillance footage from the Mesa, Arizona post office identified Faccio as the individual who shipped the package.
“This case sends a clear message: if you traffic fentanyl and heroin into Wyoming, you will be prosecuted and sent to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. “These deadly drugs are destroying lives and communities across America, and our office will continue working aggressively with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of narcotics in Wyoming.”
"Narcotics are destroying lives and devastating communities across the region. Every gram, every pill, and every sale of these drugs has the potential to ruin lives,” said Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Denver Division. “Postal inspectors remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of these deadly drugs through the mail and hold criminals who profit from poisoning our neighborhoods accountable."
Faccio was arrested on Sept. 24, 2025, in the District of Arizona. He was indicted on Nov. 19, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Feb. 10 in Casper. DCI, USPIS, and DEA investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Administrator of charity program for Virginia state employees sentenced for stealing over $1.5MRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Texas woman was sentenced today to four years in prison for stealing more than $1.5 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), the officially sanctioned non-profit charity fundraising program for Virginia’s more than 120,000 state government employees. This case is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
According to court documents, from 2017 through 2023, the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management employed Linda Natelle Brown, 43, of Houston, to administer the CVC. The CVC promised that Virginia state government employees could safely and easily donate to their preferred causes throughout the year via credit card payments, mailed checks, and by payroll remittances deducted directly from employee paychecks. Brown was supposed to steward these funds and make corresponding payments to charities designated by donors.
Between January 2019 and August 2023, Brown embezzled more than $1.5 million of the over $5.3 million donated by state government employees. Instead of paying the charities designated by donors, Brown stole this money for personal spending.
For example, Brown paid $10,400 in fraud proceeds for a plastic surgery procedure. Brown also used stolen charity funds to pay for a “fish pedicure” spa in Las Vegas. She fraudulently used charity funds for multiple flight tickets to destinations around the country, stays at luxury hotels, a luxury apartment in Houston, designer clothing and shoes, beauty and cosmetic products, and food and alcohol.
Brown also concealed her embezzlement from the CVC by attempting to replenish the funds she had stolen with a $494,469 U.S. Small Business Administration-backed business loan, which Brown obtained by making false statements to the lender.
The Court entered a money judgment forfeiture order of $1,581,161.
The IRS Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Office of the Inspector General of Virginia investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kashan K. Pathan assisted the prosecution.
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.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-141.
12 May 2026
Windsor County Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on May 8, 2026, Kyle Pickett, 31, of Windsor County, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to 53 months of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Pickett previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court records, on November 25, 2023, Pickett possessed two loaded stolen firearms, a Winchester Model 62 .22 rifle and a Winchester Model 42 410 shotgun, in a Ford Ranger truck, which Pickett had also stolen from a residence in Strafford, Vermont. When law enforcement attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on Pickett while he was driving the Ranger, he fled at a high rate of speed, through a residential neighborhood. Pickett is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony convictions, including one for eluding a law enforcement officer.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Pickett was represented by Charles N. Curlett, Jr., Assistant Federal Public Defender.
Washington man sentenced to 5 years in prison for trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Washington man who was selling fentanyl pills in Havre and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Timothy Harris, 56, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Harris conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl from May 2023 until June 19, 2023.
Sources said Harris and a co-defendant were working together to bring drugs from Washington to distribute on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, they kept their stash of drugs off of the reservation, and they would front a couple hundred pills at a time to individuals on the reservation and other places to sell.
On May 18, 2023, a source met with Harris and gave him $800 for 30 fentanyl pills. Harris directed the source to pick up the fentanyl from another person at a house on Rocky Boy’s. On May 31, 2023, the source conducted another controlled purchase of 20 fentanyl pills from Harris for $800. The drugs were exchanged at a hotel in Havre. On June 15, 2023, the source spoke with Harris about purchasing additional fentanyl pills. Harris directed the source to go to a hotel parking lot in Havre. Once in the parking lot, the source was met by Harris’s co-defendant who sold the source 20 fentanyl pills in exchange for $800.
On June 19, 2023, a search warrant was executed on a motel room in Big Sandy rented by Harris’s co-defendant. Law enforcement located 3,200 fentanyl pills and a Springfield, model XDM Elite, 10mm handgun with a loaded 10 round magazine under the bed. An additional magazine, a box of 10mm ammunition, an SD card, and $437 in U.S. currency were also located in the motel room.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and the Tri-Agency Task Force conducted the investigation.
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Utah Doctor and Two Nurses Charged with Health Care Fraud After Submitting False Claims to Medicare and Receiving Millions in PayoutRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – A federal grand jury in St. George returned an indictment today charging a Utah podiatrist and two nurses who worked for him with fraud after they allegedly submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare for skin substitute services, many of which were medically unnecessary, and resulted in Medicare paying $29 million dollars in claims.
According to allegations in court documents, from July 2021 through December 2025, Ryan Scott Ellsworth, 47, of Highland, Utah; Emily Kelly, 45, of Washington, Utah; and Drake Dell Broadbent, 55, of Santa Clara, Utah, allegedly defrauded the federal health care benefit program, Medicare, to fraudulently obtain money for their own financial benefit.
Medicare is intended to provide health care benefits to individuals over the age of 65 or disabled. Ellsworth was a podiatrist who owned and operated Summit Foot and Ankle, with clinics throughout the state of Utah. Ellsworth also owned and operated Amble Medical, located in Highland, Utah. Kelly, a Utah licensed registered nurse practitioner and Broadbent, a Utah licensed registered nurse, worked primarily out of Summit’s St. George clinic.
As alleged, Ellsworth, Kelly, and Broadbent knew Medicare billing of a skin substitute was permissible only if medically necessary and if basic wound care had been administered to a wound for the previous 30 days. However, the defendants submitted false claims to Medicare for providing skin substitutes to patients who did not have qualifying wounds and where continued treatment of skin substitutes was medically unnecessary. As part of their alleged scheme, Ellsworth, Kelly, and Broadbent routinely did not pursue Medicare copayments from beneficiaries for skin substitutes which, at times, would have been thousands of dollars owed by a Medicare beneficiary. Ellsworth also allegedly caused unqualified medical providers, such as Broadbent, to provide skin substitute services that were outside his professional scope of practice. Ellsworth also submitted claims to Medicare for such skin substitutes under his name and Medicare provider number.
As a result, Ellsworth billed $44 million in claims to Medicare for skin substitutes, many of which were unnecessary, and Medicare paid Summit over $19 million on these claims. Kelly billed $17 million in claims to Medicare for skin substitutes, many of which were medically unnecessary, and Medicare paid Summit over $10 million on the submitted claims.
Ellsworth, Kelly, and Broadbent are charged with health care fraud, and wire fraud. Ellsworth and Broadbent are also charged with false statements relating to health care matters. Their initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 2B at the courthouse located at 206 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84470.
First Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Utah Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark Y. Hirata of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Appointed to Attorney General’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida announced today his appointment to the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys (AGAC), a select body of United States Attorneys chosen by the Attorney General to advise Department leadership on national law enforcement priorities, Department policy, and the administration of justice.
On September 30, 1973, Attorney General Elliot Richardson took a historic step by appointing fifteen United States Attorneys to serve on the very first Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys. The Committee’s purpose was to give United States Attorneys a powerful voice in Department policies and to advise the Attorney General of the United States. That foundational mission remains as vital today as it was more than five decades ago. Its members represent a broad cross-section of federal judicial districts, geographic locations, and offices of every size — small, medium, and large. The Committee meets approximately eight times each year with the Attorney General and works hand-in-hand to advance the law enforcement goals set by the President of the United States. Operating solely at the discretion and pleasure of the Attorney General. The Advisory Committee was formally institutionalized on February 20, 1976, by Attorney General Order 640-76, cementing its enduring role as a cornerstone of Department of Justice strategy.
Established in 1973 and formalized by federal regulation, the AGAC is the principal advisory body through which United States Attorneys provide direct recommendations to the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Associate Attorney General on federal prosecution, public safety, and Department operations. Its work includes recommending policy reforms, improving coordination between Main Justice and United States Attorneys’ Offices, promoting consistency in the application of federal law, and helping shape national criminal justice initiatives.
The AGAC is composed of a group of United States Attorneys from across the country and is designed to ensure broad geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation. Members work through subcommittees and working groups on issues including violent crime, national security, immigration enforcement, cybercrime, fraud, victim services, and intergovernmental coordination. Under United States Department of Justice policy and regulation, the Committee plays a central role in ensuring that the experience of federal prosecutors in the field informs national Department strategy.
“This is a significant honor and a serious responsibility,” said United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee helps shape how the Department of Justice confronts the most urgent threats facing the American people, from violent crime and cartel activity to cybercrime, fraud, and national security threats. I am honored by the trust placed in me and look forward to bringing the perspective of the Southern District of Florida to that work. South Florida sits at the crossroads of global commerce, international travel, immigration, finance, and national security. The lessons we learn here matter nationally, and I intend to ensure our experience strengthens the Department’s mission to protect Americans, restore impartial justice, and defend the rule of law.”
As United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Reding Quiñones has prioritized violent crime reduction, criminal immigration enforcement, public corruption, cyber-enabled/crypto fraud, and transnational criminal organizations. His appointment to the AGAC reflects both his leadership in one of the nation’s most complex federal districts and the important role the Southern District of Florida plays in confronting emerging threats to public safety and national security.
Reding Quiñones was sworn in on August 13, 2025, as the first U.S. Attorney confirmed during President Trump’s second administration. An Air Force colonel with more than 23 years of military service, he previously served as a Florida trial judge, as a national security official in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division focused on counterterrorism and intelligence, and as a federal prosecutor in both the Eastern District of Virginia and the Southern District of Florida.
The Executive Office for United States Attorneys provides operational support to the AGAC and coordinates its work with Department leadership to ensure the nation’s 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices remain aligned in carrying out federal law enforcement priorities.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.
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Ukrainian National Extradited from Thailand to Face Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— A Ukrainian national was extradited from Thailand to the United States last Friday to face charges for her role in a global Ponzi and pyramid scheme.
Olena Oblamska, 42, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to court documents, Oblamska and her co-conspirators advertised Forsage as a decentralized matrix project based on network marketing and “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts on the blockchain. The defendants falsely promoted Forsage to the public as a legitimate, low-risk, and lucrative investment opportunity through Forsage’s website and various social-media platforms, but, in reality, the defendants operated Forsage as a Ponzi and pyramid investment scheme that took in approximately $340 million from victim-investors around the world.
Consistent with a Ponzi scheme, as soon as an investor invested in Forsage by purchasing a “slot” in a Forsage smart contract, the smart contract automatically diverted the investor’s funds to other Forsage investors, such that earlier investors were paid with funds from later investors.
Oblamska made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 4-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 14, 2026.
If convicted, Oblamska faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI Portland Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, HSI New York, and HSI Bangkok are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Sara Hallmark and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine A. Rykken and Meredith Bateman are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Thailand. The Justice Department thanks its Thailand law enforcement partners, including the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand.
All investor victims of the Forsage scheme are encouraged to visit the webpage https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-vladimir-okhotnikov-et-al to identify themselves as potential victims and obtain more information on their rights as victims, including the ability to submit a victim impact statement.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney's Office hosts Victims' Rights and Advocacy Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual observance that brings communities together and raises awareness about victims’ rights and services. It's an opportunity to honor survivors and recognize organizations that have been fighting for victims’ rights, forge new partnerships to better serve and support victims of crime and strengthen existing partnerships.
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has challenged the nation to confront and remove barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime. The theme for this year: Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.
The United States’ Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee held its inaugural Victims’ Rights and Advocacy Awards Ceremony in April to honor the below individuals for their service and commitment to crime victims in West Tennessee:
- John Chevalier - Former Task Force Officer, FBI
- Chase Cogswell - Former Special Agent, ATF
- Jennifer Dolquest - Victim Witness Assistant, U.S. Attorney's Office
- Brianna Futrell - Special Agent, FBI
- Cody Graham - Special Agent, FBI
- Emily Knox - Special Agent, ATF
- April Moseley - Sergeant, Memphis Police Department/FBI Safe Streets Task Force
- Gregory L. Newberry - Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Marian Peete - Former Victim Witness Coordinator, U.S. Attorney's Office
- Karen Rinehart - Special Agent, FBI
- Kyle Vlastos - Detective, Memphis Police Department/FBI Safe Streets Task Force
- Kyle Williams - Special Agent, ATF
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Each of these dedicated public servants go above and beyond the call of duty to serve and protect crime victims every day. Our office was glad to honor them with this recognition for their tireless efforts to achieve justice for victims, consequences for criminals, and better public safety outcomes across West Tennessee."
We are thankful to those named above and all our law enforcement partners throughout the district for the work they do each day and their commitment to helping crime victims.
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Two Men Sentenced for their Roles in Trafficking Deadly Drugs Obtained from Detroit and Sold in ShinnstonRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Detroit, Michigan men were sentenced for leading a drug trafficking operation selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in Harrison County, West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Teran Demonde Gordon, also known as “Mike,” 28, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Devaughn Lamont Thompson, also known as “Trey,” 23, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Gordon and Thompson worked with four others to sell fentanyl and methamphetamine from a house in Shinnston, West Virginia. The two men would source the drugs from Detroit.
The four other defendants in this case have been convicted of their roles in the operation. Malik Fikes was sentenced to 78 months in prison in March 2026. The other three will be sentenced later this year.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Two Men Charged with Interstate Kidnapping After Transporting Victim Across State Lines and Holding Her for RansomRead the Press Release
Two Men Charged with Interstate Kidnapping After Transporting Victim Across State Lines and Holding Her for Ransom
CONCORD – Two men, one from Massachusetts and another from Connecticut, have been charged with an interstate kidnapping conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Damarcus Bonner, 30, and Tyron Harris, 27, were arrested on a complaint and will appear in Federal Court today. Both defendants were previously charged by the State of Vermont and had been in Vermont state custody since January. According to allegations in the complaint, Harris and Bonner kidnapped an adult victim in Claremont, New Hampshire, and brought her to a residence in Springfield, Vermont. For more than 24 hours, they held her there against her will, tortured and beat the victim, and demanded money from her and others on her behalf. Springfield Police ultimately learned of kidnapping and went to the residence in the early morning hours of January 25, 2026. They rescued the victim from the residence and arrested the defendants. A search of the residence revealed a firearm, drugs packaged for distribution, duct tape that was used to bind the victim, and items used for torture.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charging statute provides a sentence of up to life in prison. 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.
The FBI is leading the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Vermont State Police, the Springfield, Vermont Police Department, and the Claremont, New Hampshire Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.
Two Illegal Aliens with Prior Felony Convictions Charged for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Nicaraguan national and a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances yesterday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.
Jose Leonel Gomez-Palma a citizen of Nicaragua and Isidrio Lopez-Ramirez a citizen of Mexico, are both charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for May 26, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe.
According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Gomez-Palma and Lopez-Ramirez were both previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.
On April 30, 2026, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Gomez-Palma for Driving Under the Influence and Possess Gun Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs. On May 2, 2026, the Clark County Detention Center remanded Gomez-Palma to U.S. Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gomez-Palma was previously deported to Nicaragua on or about September 8, 2012. Gomez-Palma has felony convictions for Possess Narcotic Controlled Substance (cocaine), Carjacking, Kidnapping, Attempted Robbery, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Since 1994, Gomez-Palma’s felony convictions have resulted in 24 years and four months in combined prison sentences.
On September 19, 2025, ICE learned that Lopez-Ramirez was in custody at the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC). On August 25, 2025, the Las Vegas, Nevada, Eighth Judicial District Court, convicted Lopez-Ramirez of DUI 3rd, a felony. On April 27, 2026, after serving a 12-to-30-month sentence, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Lopez-Ramirez to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lopez-Ramirez was previously deported to Mexico on or about September 3, 2011, and again on or about November 10, 2020.
If convicted, Gomez-Palma faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
If convicted, Lopez-Ramirez faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Trinitarios Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Possession of MachinegunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing a loaded UZI machinegun with an extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds.
Derek Mercado, 21, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Nathaniel M. Gorton to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2025, Mercado pleaded guilty to possessing an UZI machinegun.
Mercado is a member of the Trinitarios gang, a violent criminal enterprise responsible for numerous murders and acts of violence across Massachusetts. On May 6, 2025, an alert to arrest Mercado was broadcast by law enforcement following a report of a domestic violence incident. The victim reported that the defendant was in possession of a firearm in a green duffel bag. At the time, Mercado was in warrant status on two unrelated matters. Mercado was later observed exiting a residence while possessing a green duffel bag. Mercado was taken into custody and an Israel Military Industries UZI model submachinegun containing an extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds was recovered in the green bag. The UZI was later test-fired and determined to be a functional machinegun.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, dubbed Operation Paper Machetes, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. In March 2025, a Lynn member of the Trinitarios was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In June 2025, two members of the Trinitarios were charged with kidnapping a drug supplier. In July 2025, the leader of the Lynn Chapter was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In December 2025, two members of the Lynn Chapter, Michael Miliano and James Jimenez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. In April 2026, Luis Enrique Santana pleaded to racketeering conspiracy. In May 2026, Westyn Lantigua pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and the commission of a shooting involving a machinegun.The charge of possessing a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $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; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Tangipahoa Man Sentenced for Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – GARRETT MCCLAIN JR. (“MCCLAIN”), age 24 of Tangipahoa Parish, was sentenced on May 7, 2026 to 37 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Barry Ashe, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), §841(b)(1)(A), and § 841(b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least June 26, 2025, MCCLAIN, and others, conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. After law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by MCCLAIN following his departure from a known drug house, residence, MCCLAIN proceeded to lead officers on a high-speed car chase. Ultimately, he was arrested and a backpack in his possession was found to contain 226 grams of pure methamphetamine, 336 grams of marijuana, and 77 grams of fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana National Guard. FORT was also assisted by the Louisiana State Police, Bogalusa Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Sweet Springs, Missouri Man Charged with Manufacturing Explosives, Unlawfully Possessing an Unregistered Destructive Device and Distributing Information Relating to Manufacturing ExplosivesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United States Attorney R. Matthew Price today announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Jordan Derrick, 40. The complaint charges Derrick with one count of engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device, and one count of distributing information relating to manufacturing explosives, in violation of U.S. law.
The complaint alleges that beginning no later than Sept. 18, 2023, Derrick began using several social media sites to distribute videos of himself making various explosive materials, to include detonators, nickel aminoguanidine perchlorate (NAP), ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD), hexamine dinitrate (HDN), Research Department eXplosive (RDX), silver acetylide double salt (SADS), trinitroxylene (TNX or R-salt), trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), aminoguanidine bicarbonate, and ammonium nitrate/nitromethane (ANNM). In his videos, Derrick provided step-by-step instructions on how to make these explosives.
According to the complaint, Derrick’s videos were downloaded from his publicly available video sharing accounts and used by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the individual who conducted an attack in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2025. Jabbar had created IEDs consistent with Derrick’s instructional videos. The devices placed by Jabbar did not detonate and were subsequently rendered safe by law enforcement. Also, according to the complaint, on May 4, 2026, an explosion occurred at a private residence in Odessa, Mo. Investigators who searched the private residence after the explosion, found two components suspected of being used in explosive devices. The occupant of the residence told investigators that he manufactured explosive devices after watching online tutorials on a social media account that is believed to be utilized by Derrick to distribute information relating to the manufacture of explosives. An investigation of the Odessa explosion is ongoing.
If convicted of engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, Derrick would be subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted of unlawfully possessing an unregistered destructive device, Derrick would be subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted of distributing information relating to the manufacture of explosives, Derrick would be subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. In the federal judicial system, there is not the possibility of parole. These maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress, and they are provided here for informational purposes. Any sentence would be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The allegations contained in the complaint are accusations, not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Suburban Houston resident sent to prison for receiving child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 36-year-old Pasadena man has been ordered to federal prison after exchanging child pornography over the internet, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Pedro Lopez pleaded guilty May 6, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Lopez to serve 87 months in federal prison. He was further ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and will serve 10 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Lopez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation into Lopez began Aug. 9, 2024, after authorities discovered he had been uploading child sexual abuse material over the internet. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on his home where they located his cell phone. A forensic examination revealed conversations Lopez had with others involving CSAM.
Lopez also sent and received child pornography to others online through various communication applications.
He was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of Nueces County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Less Than 12Read the Press Release
Springfield, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor less than 12 years and a single count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place.
John Michael Bradley, 66, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Bough to 35 years in federal prison without parole. The Court also ordered Bradley to serve supervised release for 10 years following his incarceration.
In May 2025, Bradley pleaded guilty to all four counts of a federal indictment on the first day of a jury trial after the conclusion of the first witness’s testimony. The indictment involved Bradley’s criminal conduct occurring between 2005 and 2006 while he was an active-duty member of the U.S. Army in Honduras, and between 2007 and 2008 when he returned to Honduras multiple times as a civilian.
In his plea of guilty, the defendant admitted that while he was stationed in Honduras in 2005, he met the minor victim. Over the course of the next three years, beginning when the minor victim was four years old, the defendant sexually abused the child on numerous occasions. The defendant admitted that after his active-duty tour in Honduras ended in 2006 he returned to Honduras from the United States with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the child and did engage in sexual acts with the minor victim. The minor victim, now an adult, reported the crimes to U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division in 2021. The defendant has a previous federal conviction in 2019 for possession of child pornography also in the Western District of Missouri.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and U.S Army Criminal Investigations Division.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Six men indicted for firearms-related chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Six men have been indicted by the May term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia for a variety of gun charges, including Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments. Those facing federal charges include:
- Jason Booz, 46, of Augusta, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Twain Frails, 36, of Augusta, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Naquan Brinson, 23, of Savannah, indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment.
- Thomas Hilliard, 39, of Savannah, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Nathaniel Williams, 46, of Savannah, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and
- Orlando M. Williams, 35, of Savannah, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
“We will prosecute those who illegally possesses firearms in the Southern District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We value and commend our law enforcement partners, and we will continue to prioritize removing these dangerous weapons from individuals who are prohibited from possessing them.”
The cases listed above have been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the Savannah Police Department. These cases are being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl I. Knoche, Matthew Breedon, Henry W. Syms Jr. and Bradley R. Thompson.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Shiprock Man Sentenced for Murder in Navajo Nation Home Break-inRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 210 months in prison for breaking into a Navajo Nation residence and killing a man who tried to stop him from attacking another resident.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of June 27, 2025, Armondo Paul, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went to a home in Shiprock, New Mexico. Paul shut off the electricity to the home, kicked open the back door, and then assaulted one of the occupants. When a second occupant, John Doe, attempted to intervene on behalf of the first occupant, Paul stabbed Doe in the neck with a kitchen knife that Paul brought from his own home. John Doe fled his home and died in his own driveway.
Paul pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country. Upon his release from prison, Paul will be subject to five years of supervised release, which will include mandatory mental-health treatment. Paul must also make restitution in the amount of $5,471.37 to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission for Doe’s funeral costs and in a yet-undetermined amount to Doe’s family for costs associated with his crime, to include costs expended for transportation to court hearings and counseling costs.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
Serial Arsonist Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison for Setting Multiple Wildfires and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on May 11, 2026, Chief District Court Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Zachary Tyler Vantuyl, age 34, of Selah, Washington to 240 months in federal prison for five counts of federal arson and felon in possession of a firearm. Vantuyl was also ordered to pay $1,010,343.44 in restitution for costs and damages assessed from the wildfires.
According to public documents and materials presented at sentencing, Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) were investigating a series of wildfires set in 2023 and 2024. During these investigations and through the courage of eyewitness reports, agents began to see a pattern emerge involving what was confirmed to be a serial arsonist at work here in Eastern Washington.
Investigators were able to identify a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and the description of a male subject later confirmed to be Vantuyl at these fires in what was described by witnesses as disturbing behavior. Both the vehicle and Vantuyl were seen at wildfires set on September 3, 2024, and September 25, 2024. Specifically, on September 3, 2024, at approximately 1:00AM, a witness described to federal fire investigators having heard a vehicle and heard tires “peeling out” near the witness’s residence as the vehicle left the area. Within a few moments of the sound, the witness saw flames and embers in the area where the vehicle was stopped. At a follow up interview with ATF agents on September 25, 2024, the witness further described the vehicle as having a large 4x4 written on the driver’s corner and damage to the driver’s side of the vehicle. The witness described the driver as a white male with a “weathered” face, broad shouldered, with no facial hair and of average height. When the witness asked the man what he was doing, he claimed he was “DNR” (Department of Natural Resources). A firefighter with Kittitas Fire Rescue, who responded to the fire, contacted Vantuyl while the defendant was driving his truck near the fire. The firefighter went on to give an accurate description of the defendant’s vehicle. Both the witness and firefighter immediately identified Vantuyl from a photo array.
Similarly, at the scene of a September 25, 2024, wildfire, another firefighter witness advised federal investigators that he had seen a vehicle consistent the description of the defendant’s truck at the scene. The firefighter advised that, after the fire department arrived, Vantuyl’s truck left the scene at a high rate of speed, but returned about fifteen minutes later, hanging back and observing the fire. On September 26, 2024, a “Flock” camera in Selah captured a photograph of the defendant’s vehicle. The subsequent vehicle stop confirmed the details provided by witnesses and on surveillance cameras. Witnesses further took a photograph of the white Chevrolet Silverado that later came back registered to Vantuyl.
From the investigation, it was learned that Vantuyl had set additional fires on private property in White Swan, Washington. Specifically, on or about May 15, 2023, Vantuyl set fire to brush or grass on the privately-owned property of a now-former landlord located in White Swan, within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. According to the victim, who both testified at an earlier hearing and provided a victim impact statement to the court, the victim and the victim’s spouse had hired Vantuyl to care for the owner’s several horses and other farm chores. Vantuyl lived on their farm for approximately two years and during that time, set multiple fires on the property (displayed below).
The victim wrote: “I came to know him very well and began to see patterns that led me to believe he was the arsonist that set over a dozen fires on and near our farm. Even more disturbing and dangerous is his insidious and vindictive nature that led him to kill five of our dogs and abuse and shoot our horses. Mr. Vantuyl is incapable of feeling compassion for the suffering of animals and people. His motivation to cause harm and inability to feel remorse makes him a very dangerous man in any society.” The witness testified that the deaths of the animals happened after Vantuyl would make a remark, asking which ones were more valuable, or when he was annoyed at something.
On October 2, 2024, agents executed search warrants and conducted a traffic stop near Vantuyl’s residence in Selah, Washington of the white 2002 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck registered and driven by Vantuyl. During the traffic stop of Vantuyl’s truck, law enforcement located a large gun case in the backseat, which contained a Savage Arms 93R17 bolt action, .17 H.M.R. caliber rifle. Vantuyl is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. During the search of Vantuyl’s residence, they recovered evidence linking him to the fires.
On April 9, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Vantuyl with one count of “Timber Set Afire,” in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1855, and six counts of Arson of Federal Property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(f). Vantuyl was also charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Pursuant to a written plea agreement, counts 4 and 5 were dismissed at sentencing, though they were considered for restitution purposes.
The federal arson charges involved fires located both in Yakima County and Kittitas County and identified on the following map:
This was not Vantuyl’s first time setting fires. In 2012, Vantuyl was convicted of two counts of Arson in the First Degree and three counts of Arson in the Second Degree in Kittitas County Superior Court for five separate fires he started in April, May and June 2012 in Ellensburg, Washington. He was sentenced to a total period of confinement of 120 months, followed by 18 months of community custody, and ordered to pay $193,791.52 in restitution. Vantuyl also has several other arson-related charges, including convictions for unlawful burning, false reporting of fires to 911, as well as convictions for property damage, domestic violence, and violation of a protection order.
First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said, “The Eastern District of Washington is an ideal target for a serial arsonist like Mr. Vantuyl - in the summer when he set most of the fires, the landscape is dry with highly flammable brush and trees and high winds. Fire interdiction challenges are significant and forest fires are a known and potentially deadly risk in the region. And we know all too well about how fast fires can spread. Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that arson is not tolerated in the Eastern District of Washington, and my office will prosecute such cases to the fullest extent possible. This case is the result of excellent collaborative investigative efforts led by the ATF, federal and state authorities, and numerous firefighting and law enforcement agencies. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication it took from this team to bring this serial arsonist to justice.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais said of today’s sentence: “This sentence holds a dangerous offender accountable for a calculated pattern of destruction that put lives, homes, and entire communities at risk. Serial arson is not a victimless crime. It terrorizes neighborhoods and drains critical emergency resources. Our agency remains committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who use fire as a weapon and to safeguarding the public from acts of deliberate violence.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) as well as fire investigators from the Bureau of Land Management or the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Many firefighting components and law enforcement agencies responded to the fires or otherwise contributed to the investigation. Those include:
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Kalispel Tribe of Indians / Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Idaho Department of Lands
Selah Fire Department
Selah Police Department
Yakima Police Department
Yakima Fire Department
Yakima County Fire
Yakama Nation Fire Management
Kittitas County Fire and Rescue
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia A. Sikes and Courtney R. Pratten.
Case Nos. 1:25-CR-2045-SAB; 1:24-CR-2072-SAB.
San Marcos Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of a Business and Three Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Brandon Ivan Padilla of San Marcos pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he committed three carjackings and robbed a business, all while menacing his victims with a firearm.
Padilla admitted that on November 21, 2024, he pointed a gun at a clerk at American Smoke Shop in Escondido and demanded cash. The clerk gave Padilla $320. Padilla also admitted that he demanded a smoke shop customer’s car keys and cash while holding the gun inches from the customer’s ear. The customer handed over the keys; Padilla drove away in the person’s vehicle.
According to his plea agreement, Padilla stole another person’s car at gunpoint a few days later, on November 25, 2024. He admitted to approaching that individual in Escondido, brandishing a firearm and telling the victim to give Padilla all “his shit.” The victim followed Padilla instructions and gave up his phone and car keys. Padilla admitted to then taking control of the car and putting the keys in the ignition, but the car did not start.
Failing to successfully drive away in the car did not stop Padilla from carjacking another vehicle that same day. Padilla admitted to approaching yet another motorist in Escondido, racking his gun and pointing it at that individual’s forehead and chest, and forced the victim out of the truck. The victim did as he was told He also gave his wallet to Padilla who then got in the truck and drove away.
In all three carjackings, Padilla admitted that he would have caused death or serious bodily harm to the victims if they had not given him their cars.
Padilla is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.
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 gun violence and other violent crime, 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 Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
DEFENDANT Case Number 26CR388-JLS
Brandon Ivan Padilla Age: 20 San Marcos, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Hobbs Act Robbery (18 U.S.C. §1951)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Carjacking (18 U.S.C. §2119)
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A))
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and a $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Escondido Police Department
Sampson County Drug Boss Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Homer Allen Faison, III, 48, to 50 years in federal prison stemming from his leadership of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation that spanned from California to Eastern North Carolina. On November 19, 2025, a Raleigh jury convicted Faison of conspiracy to sell methamphetamine and 11 counts of selling methamphetamine.
“Homer Faison didn’t just sell drugs; he built a pipeline of poison stretching across this country directly into the heart of the Eastern District of North Carolina. By flooding our neighborhoods with hundreds of pounds of dope, he greedily profited from addiction and destruction: ruining families, destroying lives. Today’s sentence ensures that this menace to society stays off the street for a long time. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Inmate Faison collected money and took orders for drugs from his North Carolina based co-conspirators, then travelled to California, bought bulk highly pure methamphetamine from suppliers. After negotiating large purchases with California suppliers, Inmate Faison coordinated shipment of the methamphetamine back to Sampson County and sold it out of homes and businesses in the Clinton area. Inmate Faison sold at least 220 pounds of methamphetamine between 2020 and May of 2023. In total, six North Carolina residents, a Virginia drug customer, and three California based suppliers were charged as a part of Inmate Faison’s drug conspiracy gang.
“We are grateful for the hard work of the men and women of our law enforcement partners who work every day to remove drug offenders from our communities. This case is another example of how strong partnerships produce real results within the justice system.” Jimmy Thornton, Sheriff of Sampson County.
“Major drug dealing networks promote violence and threaten the safety of the entire community”, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “This particular network spanned the country and impacted countless neighborhoods and families. ATF is proud to have been part of a collaborative effort to bring this dangerous criminal network to an end.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, Clinton Police Department, DEA, IRS, NCSBI, and former Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler Lemons and Brad Knott collaborated on this multi-year investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Caroline Webb and Charles Loeser 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. 7:23-CR-65-D-1.
Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Receipt and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A recidivist sex offender previously convicted of taking indecent liberties with a child has been sentenced to seventeen-and-a-half years in prison for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Registered sex offender James Patrick McGraw, 62, of Wadesboro, N.C., a was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release.
“We have a duty to the community to protect children from child predators, and it is one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “I have no patience for repeat child predators who have had a chance at rehabilitation and instead return to child exploitation. We will seek significant sentences in those cases.”
According to information in filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, the Wadesboro Police Department (WPD) received information that an individual, later identified as McGraw, was accessing and uploading material to his cloud storage that contained CSAM. In May 2022, McGraw was interviewed by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation regarding using the TOR network on the dark web and his phone to access CSAM. McGraw admitted to accessing CSAM and being sexually interested in girls as young as 8 years old. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at McGraw’s apartment, where they seized a laptop and an external hard drive. A forensic examination of the seized items revealed a number of CSAM files, some of which depicted infants and toddlers and children under the age of 12 being sexually abused, as well as bestiality and S&M content.
On July 2, 2025, McGraw pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography and possession and access with intent to view child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained age 12. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, NC SBI, and the Wadesboro Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Ammunition as a Felon and While Actively Engaged in the Use of a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 8, 2026.
Bradley Two Eagle, 27, was sentenced to two years and six 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.
Two Eagle was indicted for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 28, 2026.
On October 17, 2025, the Rapid City Police Department responded to an emergency call reporting that gunshots had been fired. Law enforcement spoke with Two Eagle, who gave a false identity and then fled from the officers. As Two Eagle ran, he threw ammunition to the ground. Law enforcement caught Two Eagle. They recovered his discarded ammunition and also found a methamphetamine syringe on him. Two Eagle had previously been convicted of a felony offense. Possessing ammunition or firearms after such a conviction is a federal felony. It is also a federal felony to possess ammunition or firearms while actively engaged in the use of a controlled substance such as methamphetamine.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Two Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Puerto Rican Man Sentenced in Waco for Role in Fentanyl Death of Army SpouseRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Puerto Rican man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco today to 188 months in prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy to possess that resulted in the death of a U.S. Army spouse, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Gilberto Joel Hernandez-Marin, 31, of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, led a Puerto Rico-based drug trafficking organization with co-conspirator Adxel Romero-Flores, 34, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The DTO was found to be directly responsible for the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in the death of a dependent spouse of an active-duty U.S. Army soldier along with the distribution of thousands of fentanyl pills throughout the Western District of Texas.
During the investigation, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division intercepted approximately 8,100 deadly fentanyl pills from the DTO that were destined for central Texas.
“Hernandez-Marin and his co-conspirators in this Puerto Rican DTO knowingly and recklessly trafficked thousands upon thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into our communities, ultimately killing a U.S. military spouse,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Thanks to the investigative actions of our partners at Army CID, we were able to put a stop to this group’s deadly fentanyl trafficking and hold them accountable.”
Hernandez-Marin, Romero-Flores, and codefendants Julio Samuel Bonilla-Tirado, 44, of Copperas Cove, Juan Carlos Cabral, 34, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, each pleaded guilty and were sentenced at various stages throughout the case. U.S. District Judge Alan Albright sentenced Bonilla-Tirado to 14 years in prison on July 9, 2025. Romero-Flores was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison on Dec. 2, 2025; and Cabral was sentenced to 20 years in prison on March 31.
“These sentencings are the result of outstanding teamwork and dedication from our Special Agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Lane Allen, Army CID Central Texas Field Office. “This case underscores our commitment to combatting threats of illegal drugs affecting the Army community, regardless of their origins.”
Army CID investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation; the Killeen Police Department; the Copperas Cove Police Department; and the Puerto Rico Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton prosecuted the cases.
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Puerto Rican Man Pleads Guilty to Damaging AircraftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Puerto Rican man pleaded guilty today in connection with an incident in which he opened an emergency exit door while aboard a JetBlue flight preparing for takeoff from Boston to Puerto Rico.
Angel Luis Morales Torres, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of damaging or disabling an aircraft. U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2026. Morales was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025.
On Jan. 7, 2025, Morales was a passenger aboard a JetBlue flight scheduled to fly from Boston to Puerto Rico. While the aircraft was on the taxiway preparing for takeoff, Morales stood up from his seat, ran down the aisle and entered an empty emergency exit row, where he began attempting to open the emergency exit door. A flight attendant attempted to restrain Morales and he was eventually tackled by another passenger. Prior to being restrained, Morales managed to open the emergency door, causing the emergency inflatable slide to deploy, and rendering the aircraft inoperable.
The charge of damaging or disabling an aircraft carries a maximum of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $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 Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Prior Felon Sentenced After Strangling His Wife & Pistol-Whipping HerRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A felon living in Tulsa was sentenced today for strangling his wife and possessing a loaded firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante sentenced Rodney Neal Stach, 45, for Assault of a Spouse by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Stach was ordered to serve 70 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
In August 2025, Tulsa Police officers were dispatched to a home in East Tulsa. When officers arrived, the victim told officers that Stach was extremely irate, grabbed a loaded firearm, and began hitting the victim with the firearm. While pistol-whipping the victim, Stach stated, “I should shoot you right now. No one will find you.” The victim told officers that Stach had strangled her prior to escaping and running to a neighbor's house.
Court records show that Stach had been convicted of eight felonies prior to this incident. Some of his prior felonies include maliciously torturing and killing a pig by stabbing it to death, committing multiple burglaries, including resisting arrest and fleeing from law enforcement.
The victim is a tribal citizen, and Stach will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kelly prosecuted the case.
If you think that you or a loved one may be in an abusive relationship, Domestic Violence Intervention Services offers services for all survivors. You can call the 24-hour information and crisis line at (918) 743-5763 or (918) 7-HELP-ME for more information. You can also get more information by texting our 8 PM to 1 AM Text Line: Text SAFE to 207-777
Poplar bookkeeper sentenced for embezzling over $150,000 from local companyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Poplar bookkeeper who wrote unauthorized checks, modified payroll amounts, and utilized company checks and credit cards for unauthorized personal expenses was sentenced today to 6 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Parker Lee Gray Hawk, 36, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of wire fraud.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Fort Peck Manufacturing, Inc., (FPM), with assistance from its bank, discovered Gray Hawk was taking money from the company. In late 2023, FPM learned their bank account had a negative balance based on some questionable transactions, including checks with wholly round numbers and no taxes withheld. All the questionable checks were signed by Parker Gray Hawk. A review of the bank statements indicated a number of checks written and signed by Gray Hawk to non-FPM employees. Gray Hawk also used the company credit card to make online purchases, including from Amazon, and initiated other unauthorized electronic payments, including to Apple, CashApp, PayPal, and Western Union.
Law enforcement interviewed the non-FPM employees to whom Gray Hawk wrote checks and they said she requested they cash the checks, and they would keep some of the money while Gray Hawk kept the rest.
Gray Hawk embezzled approximately $166,156.47 from FPM between 2021 and 2023 ($98,644.28 in fraudulent checks and $67,512.19 in fraudulent electronic transactions). Gray Hawk was ordered to pay $131,901.57 in restitution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law & Justice conducted the investigation.
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