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5 May 2026
Mexican National Sentenced to 10 years for Drug-TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 10 years in prison without parole for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, in 2019 law enforcement began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of a co-defendant. The investigation identified the co-defendant as a primary organizer of a drug trafficking organization responsible for methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine distribution. Members of the organization included Lopez-Sanchez, and several others.
On April 16, 2021, surveillance observed Lopez-Sanchez arriving at a residence in Belton, Mo., in a black 2015 GMC Yukon with Texas license plates. Lopez-Sanchez had arrived prior to an arranged controlled drug purchase by a confidential human source. Lopez-Sanchez was observed carrying a blue bag into the residence. Later that day, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped the black Yukon as it was travelling westbound on Interstate 44 near the Oklahoma state line. Inside the Yukon, law enforcement recovered 995 grams of cocaine and $58,601.00.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Man Sentenced to 37.5 Years in Prison for Shooting and Killing an Innocent Bystander – A 69-Year-Old Woman – On A Street in East HarlemRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that FAISIL McCANTS was sentenced today to 37.5 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff for possessing a machine gun in connection with an August 27, 2025, midday armed robbery and shooting in which McCANTS fired 15 rounds on a public street in East Harlem, striking and killing a 69-year-old bystander who was resting on her walker on the sidewalk.
“Faisil McCants, a repeat violent offender, unloaded 15 bullets in a matter of seconds in the middle of the day on the street in East Harlem, killing Robin Wright, a 69-year-old, wholly innocent woman and forever destroying a family,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “It is an unspeakable tragedy, born of wanton violence that outrages all New Yorkers and all Americans. New York City families expect and deserve to be free from purveyors of violence. To deliver for the good people of New York, we must get gun-toting criminals off our streets. New Yorkers have been clear: if someone commits a federal gun crime on our streets, New Yorkers want them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. McCants is now where he should be, serving a 37.5-year prison sentence.”
As alleged in public court filings, statements in public court proceedings, and the charging documents in the case:
On August 27, 2025, shortly before 12:30 p.m., McCANTS and two co-conspirators (“CC-1” and “CC-2”) robbed a drug dealer (“Individual-1”) near East 109th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. During the robbery, McCANTS and his co-conspirators got into a physical altercation with Individual-1 before both McCANTS and CC-1 grabbed backpacks from Individual-1—which contained marijuana—and then fled north on Madison Avenue, turning onto East 110th Street.
McCANTS pulled a black firearm—equipped with a machine-gun conversion device—out of his right sweatshirt pocket and discharged 15 shots in quick succession in the general direction of Individual-1. A photograph of McCants firing the machine gun is below:
A 69-year-old woman, Robin Wright, was standing with a walker on the northwest corner of East 110th Street and Madison Avenue—in the direction that McCANTS shot the firearm—when she was struck by gunfire. The Victim was transported to the hospital, where she died.
Multiple members of the Victim’s family submitted letters to the Court describing the Victim as a loving parent and grandmother who was simply enjoying her afternoon when she fell victim to McCants’ crime.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, McCANTS, 19, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department. He also thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the New York State Board of Parole.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra S. Messiter, Kathryn Wheelock, and Brandon D. Harper are in charge of the prosecution.
Man Charged with Orchestrating $450 Million Stock Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging VLADIMIR SKLAROV, a/k/a “Val Sklarov,” a/k/a “Gregory Mitchell,” a/k/a “Mark Simon Bentley,” with charges relating to his orchestration of an elaborate stock-backed lending scheme that defrauded a victim of at least approximately $450 million in valuable company shares. SKLAROV was arrested in Chicago and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman in the Northern District of Illinois on Monday, May 4, 2026. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in the Southern District of New York.
“As alleged, Vladimir Sklarov represented his company to be affiliated with, and have the financial backing of the famed New York Astor family in order to burnish his brand,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “That was a complete lie. Sklarov used false prestige to gain control of hundreds of millions of dollars in stock and then liquidated those shares for his own benefit. We urge investors in all sectors of the market to beware of fast talkers and smooth talkers who hide behind prestigious labels and cosmetic signs of wealth and access. And refer fraudsters, pretenders, and cheats to the SEC, FINRA, the FBI, and the DOJ. Our Office will continue to protect the integrity of the markets by pursuing bad actors who abuse trust and exploit others.”
“Vladimir Sklarov allegedly betrayed a trusting victim to steal more than $450 million in company shares,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI is committed to investigating fraudsters looking to selfishly profit.”
As alleged in the Indictment:[1]
From at least in or about 2021, up to and including at least in or about 2024, SKLAROV operated an entity called Astor Asset Group (“Astor”) that held itself out as a legitimate and experienced provider of stock-backed loans affiliated with the prominent Astor family. In reality, SKLAROV had no such affiliation, and instead ran a sham company designed to steal valuable stock through lies and misleading representations.
SKLAROV used Astor to defraud a victim (“Victim-1”) of at least approximately $450 million through the operation of a purported stock-backed lending agreement (“SLA”). SKLAROV told several lies in order to induce Victim-1 to transfer valuable shares in a company owned by Victim-1 (the “Company Shares”) as collateral for the loan, including that the loan would be funded with capital from the Astor family. Victim-1 received no such loan. Instead, soon after Victim-1 transferred the Company Shares, SKLAROV sold them; used some of the proceeds from the sale of Victim-1’s own property to fund the purported loan; and kept the hundreds of millions of dollars in remaining proceeds for himself and other members of the conspiracy.
At all times during the scheme, SKLAROV hid and lied about his true identity and instead claimed to be “Gregory Mitchell,” the “Managing Director” of Astor. Another individual acting at SKLAROV’s direction (“CC-1”) also used an alias and falsely claimed to be “Thomas Mellon,” the “CEO” of Astor. SKLAROV and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that their sham company was “[o]riginally set up on the foundations of the wealth of John Jacob Astor” and that they had various high-profile clients, including prestigious universities and investment funds. In addition to lying about his own identity and the identity, history, and intentions of Astor, SKLAROV and other members of the scheme falsely represented that Victim-1’s Company Shares would not be sold unless Victim-1 defaulted on the loan. Instead, shortly after liquidating Victim-1’s Shares, SKLAROV directed the proceeds through a complex web of domestic and international accounts associated with him, his co-conspirators, and his family members.
* * *
SKLAROV, 63, of Athens, Greece, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, all of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackie Delligatti and Shaun Werbelow are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Madison, South Dakota, Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 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 Madison, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on May 4, 2026.
Chase May, 35, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
May was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 11, 2026.
May was the target of an investigation into cocaine sales in Madison, South Dakota. Utilizing a confidential informant, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of cocaine from May during the Summer of 2024. When investigators learned that May had traveled to Omaha, which they believed was for the purpose of obtaining more narcotics, they arranged for the South Dakota Highway Patrol to conduct a traffic stop of May. After stopping May, troopers searched his vehicle and found 18 ounces of cocaine, seven pounds of marijuana, a pistol, and cash. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for May’s home and found an additional three ounces of cocaine and additional firearms. Throughout his involvement in the conspiracy, investigators believe May was responsible for trafficking approximately one kilogram of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
May was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Madison County Man Sentenced for Possessing Gun as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Madison County man has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Jack Deonte Chapman, 30, of Huntsville, to 46 months in prison. In November 2025, Chapman pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on October 11, 2023, officers with the Huntsville Police Department were working on a Huntsville Housing Authority detail at Butler Terrace. Officers observed Chapman sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in the alley behind a residence on Seminole Drive. Officers ran the tag on the vehicle and discovered that Chapman had been issued a citation for a suspended driver’s license and had six active warrants for his arrest. A short time later, officers conducted a traffic stop on Chapman. Officers approached the vehicle and could smell the odor of marijuana. Chapman was asked to exit the vehicle and was arrested. Officers searched the vehicle and found a Taurus G2C PT-111 9mm pistol under the pad of a child’s car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Chapman is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in the Circuit Court of Madison County for receiving stolen property and robbery.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Huntsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis A. Barlow prosecuted the case.
Local banker indicted for bank fraud conspiracy involving millionsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston area man has been taken into custody for allegedly acting as a loan officer on millions of dollars in fraudulent loans as part of a large-scale bank fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Siupo Ernest Mo has now made his initial appearance in Houston federal court.
According to the indictment returned April 29, from at least 2018 through 2022, Mo conspired with others in a scheme to obtain money from federally insured financial institutions through fraudulent loan applications.
The charges allege he worked as a loan officer and assisted in preparing and submitting loan applications containing false and fraudulent information.
The scheme allegedly included fake equipment invoices, fraudulent income tax returns and falsified financial and bank statements.
Mo recruited others to prepare false tax returns and used those documents to support loan applications, according to the allegations.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - OIG conducted the investigation along with valuable assistance from the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice has created 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 a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Justice Department Sues the City of Denver for Unconstitutional Weapons BansRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department filed suit against the City of Denver, Colorado alleging that the City unconstitutionally bans certain constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles. These laws unconstitutionally infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in common use for lawful purposes.
As the complaint explains, the City enforces an ordinance that makes it a crime to possess so-called “assault weapons.” But that the City’s ban includes AR-15-style rifles, which are the most popular rifles in America. Law-abiding Americans own tens of millions of rifles like those banned by the City.
“The Constitution is not a suggestion and the Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Denver's ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles directly violates the right to bear arms. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the liberties of law-abiding citizens nationwide.”
“I have directed the Civil Rights Division, through our new Second Amendment Section, to defend law-abiding Americans from restrictions such as those we are challenging in these cases,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “Law-abiding Americans, regardless of what city or state they reside in, should not have to live under threat of criminal sanction just for exercising their Second Amendment right to possess arms which are owned by tens of millions of their fellow citizens.”
In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court, in its landmark decision District of Columbia v. Heller, held that the Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to possess weapons that are in common use for lawful purposes.
The Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section enforces the Second Amendment. If you believe your right to keep and bear arms is being infringed, please submit a complaint through justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron Pursuit in One Month, over 200 Child Victims Identified and More than 350 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide CrackdownRead the Press Release
DETROIT — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort. Eight individuals were arrested in the Eastern District of Michigan.
The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
“Creeps work in the shadows to hurt our children. But we work harder with our partners to find those creeps, bring them to light, and prosecute them. We do it to protect American children,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
“Our participation in Operation Iron Pursuit is another example of the work we do every day in Michigan to protect children and hold predators accountable,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of our FBI Bay City, Flint, and Grand Rapids Resident Agencies, alongside the FBI Detroit Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose work continues to safeguard our communities and protect children from those who seek to harm them.”
Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:
• A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
• A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
• A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
• A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.
• A Michigan man was indicted on charges of transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity and coercion and enticement
This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.
The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron PursuitRead the Press Release
In One Month, Over 200 Child Victims Identified and More than 350 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown
WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort.
The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:
- A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
- A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
- A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
- A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.
This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.
The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron PursuitRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort.
The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:
- A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
- A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
- A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
- A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.
This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.
The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron PursuitRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice announced today the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort.
The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
“Working closely with our partners at the FBI, our office has brought charges against four South Dakota individuals in connection with this nationwide operation,” said United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota Ron Parsons. “We have no higher priority than keeping your children safe.”
"The FBI is committed to protecting children in South Dakota and across the country," said FBI Minneapolis Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. "The arrests made during Operation Iron Pursuit are a significant step in bringing justice to child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. With our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office, we've taken some of the most dangerous child predators off the streets of our communities. They now face justice in Federal court. We continue to work each and every day to protect the innocent and support child victims through their healing process."
Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:
- A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
- A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
- A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
- A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.
This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.
The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron PursuitRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort.
The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
“There is no greater priority in the District of Utah than protecting and pursuing justice for our children,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “As with this administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue vigorously to combat crimes against children and hold offenders accountable.”
“Every child matters and deserves the opportunity to grow up free from harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI and our partners will continue working tirelessly to stop those who prey on our most vulnerable and hold them accountable.”
Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:
- A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
- A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
- A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
- A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.
This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.
The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron PursuitRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Kash Patel, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort.
The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“Every New Yorker wants, and every American wants, those who sexually exploit children and traffic in child pornography to be brought to justice and to be removed from our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The Department of Justice is committed to that mission, and under the leadership of Acting Attorney General Blanche we are delivering with a coordinated, all-hands-on-deck effort to identify, charge, and convict sexual predators. The unified message we’re sending is clear: if you think you can get away with targeting children—you’re wrong.”
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work—with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
“Removing dangerous child sex predators from our streets—such as the arrest of a Rockland County man for his alleged sexual exploitation of a minor—protects some of our most innocent and vulnerable members of society,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “We will never take our foot off the gas in the crimes against children fight. May today’s announcement emphasize FBI New York’s commitment to holding accountable those who commit this horrific abuse.”
Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (“VSD”) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials. Some of the alleged offenders include:
- A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
- A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
- A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
- A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.
This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.
The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department of Justice partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jury Finds Oklahoma City Man Guilty of Lying on Firearm Purchase Form and Possessing Gun while Under IndictmentRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted KEVIN KEES, 25, of Oklahoma City, of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm and illegally receiving a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 21, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging Kees with the offenses listed above. On April 29, 2026, a federal jury found Kees guilty on both counts.
Evidence presented at trial showed that, on September 20, 2025, Kees attempted to purchase a handgun from a federal firearms licensee in Oklahoma City. As part of the transaction, Kees was required to complete a background check form, on which he falsely claimed he was not under indictment in Oklahoma County. Public records reflect that, at the time, Kees was in fact under indictment for possession of contraband by an inmate in case number CF-2024-3647. Just weeks later, on October 11, 2025, Kees was found in possession of a firearm he had received while under indictment in the same case.
At sentencing, Kees faces up to 180 months in federal prison and fines of up to $500,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laney Ellis and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew E. Davis and Mary E. Walters are prosecuting the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with the City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Jury Finds Maryland Man Guilty of Murder After a Bar FightRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert Lowe, 42, of Montgomery Village, MD, was found guilty by a Superior Court jury today for the April 2024 murder of 43-year-old Kenneth Goins at a D.C. bar in Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Lowe was found guilty on one count each of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior felony conviction). According to the expected sentencing guidelines range, Lowe faces a potential maximum sentence of 33 years in prison for these crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2026, before the Honorable Todd Edelman.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, at approximately 1:10 a.m. on April 27, 2024, Lowe and the victim were inside of Desperados Burger and Bar, located at 1342 U Street, NW. The defendant went to the bar. Once there, he came up behind Mr. Goins and struck him in the head with a bottle. The two began to fight. In the ensuing fight, Mr. Goins started to get the best of the defendant and the defendant shot the victim multiple times, striking him once in the abdomen. The defendant then fled the bar, got on his motorcycle, and drove away. Members of MPD’s Third District were in the area and heard the gunshots. Body camera footage shows a person getting onto a motorcycle in the alley and a person in front of the bar pointing towards the man on the motorcycle yelling “hey, him.” The motorcycles took off and officers followed in their cruisers but lost them during pursuit. Officers attempted to render aid to the victim until EMS arrived on scene. Unfortunately, Mr. Goins died from his injuries.
Lowe was arrested on May 22, 2024, and has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Dinan and Tamara Rubb.
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Judge Sentences Methamphetamine Distributors to Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three men have been sentenced to a combined 48 years in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Patrick Stickley, 38, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison. Charles Lawrence Stevens, 33, of Winchester, Virginia, was sentenced to 106 months in prison. Both men were involved in a drug trafficking operation selling methamphetamine. Stickley had several others accepting mailed packages of drugs on his behalf for Stickley to then sell in Berkeley County. Stevens was the intended recipient of a package containing nearly two pounds of methamphetamine. The package was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force. A search warrant was executed at Stickley’s residence and officers seized 10 pounds of marijuana and 15 firearms.
Gerard Joseph Fitch, III, 36, of Augusta, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for the distribution of more than 5 grams of methamphetamine. Fitch sold 27 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Hampshire County. He has a history of drug trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States.
Investigative agencies include the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; HSI Cherry Hill/Joint Camden Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
These cases are 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.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Indictment Charges Cole Tomas Allen with Attempt to Assassinate the President and Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly WeaponRead the Press Release
cole_allen_indictment_signed.pdfWASHINGTON - A four-count Indictment was issued in U.S. District Court today charging Cole Tomas Allen, 31, with Attempt to Assassinate the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, in connection with the April 25 shooting during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The Indictment returned by the federal grand jury also charges Allen, of Torrance, California, with Assaulting an Officer or Employee of the United States with a Deadly Weapon, with Transportation of a Firearm and Ammunition in Interstate Commerce with the Intent to Commit a Felony, and with Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.
“Today’s indictment underscores a simple truth: there is evidence this defendant intended to assassinate the president, and that he shot a U.S. Secret Service officer after he traversed the country with a cache of ammunition to accomplish his goals,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “I commend our law enforcement partners for their swift action to neutralize this threat and prevent the death of the President. The use of violence to register dissent is anti-democratic at its core. We will pursue the maximum punishment available under the law against anyone who travels to the District of Columbia to engage in such acts.”
“As alleged in today’s indictment, the heavily armed defendant rushed security and shot a Secret Service Officer in an attempt to assassinate President Trump— but was stopped thanks to the courageous and immediate response from law enforcement,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Under the leadership of President Trump, violent political actors will never win— we will prosecute anyone who engages in these horrific acts to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The facts of this case are clear - Cole Allen traveled to Washington D.C. attempting to assassinate President Trump and senior members of his administration, and attacked federal law enforcement in the process - only stopped by brave security personnel who stood in the way,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We are grateful to our interagency partners for working with us in the investigation to add this additional charge. This FBI has been working 24/7 on this case since the night of the attack, and we will continue to do so until justice is done.”
The 2026 Dinner took place on April 25, 2026, at the Washington Hilton. President Trump was present at the Dinner. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., the defendant approached a U.S. Secret Service (USSS) security screening checkpoint located on the Terrace Level of the hotel and sprinted through one of the magnetometers at the checkpoint and ran in the direction of the stairs leading to the ballroom where the President was located.
As the defendant did so, he fired a Mossberg Maverick 88 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, hitting a USSS officer once in the chest. The USSS officer drew his service weapon and fired five times at the defendant. The defendant fell to the ground, was restrained by law enforcement, and was placed under arrest. The defendant suffered a minor injury to his knee but was not shot.
At the time of his arrest, the defendant was in possession of the Mossberg shotgun with one spent cartridge in the barrel. The defendant also possessed a Rock Island Armory 1911 .38 caliber pistol, dozens of rounds of unspent 12-gauge shotgun ammunition and .38 caliber ammunition, two knives, four daggers, multiple sheaths, multiple holsters, needle nose pliers, and wire cutters.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine, Charles Jones, and Adam Barry of the National Security Section for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Illegal Alien from England Pleads Guilty to Entering the US Without InspectionRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A citizen of the United Kingdom pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to entering the United States without inspection.
According to court records, Ibrahim Ayyub Khan, 27, and three other men walked through the heavily wooded border between Quebec and Somerset County during the pre-dawn hours of April 3, 2026. Their point of entry was within a few hundred yards of the Saint Zacharie, Maine port of entry that was manned by agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (“OFO”). Upon exiting the woods, Khan and his companions began walking down the Golden Road heading east.
Passersby in the area reported to an OFO agent seeing the four men walking east on the Golden Road. The OFO agent reported the sighting to the U.S. Border Patrol (“USBP”) station in Jackman. A USBP agent and an OFO agent responded to the area of the sighting, located the four men and took them into custody without incident. When questioned about their citizenship, Khan and his three companions stated they were citizens of the United Kingdom. The four were subsequently transported back to the Jackman Border Patrol station.
Khan faces up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office.
USBP, OFO, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI investigated the case.
Operation Take Back America: 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).
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HSTF: Jury Convicts Bahamian National in South Florida Cocaine Trafficking and Alien Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A jury in Fort Lauderdale convicted a Bahamian national for his role in a multi-vessel smuggling operation that transported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and dozens of unauthorized migrants from the Bahamas to South Florida.
Terrance Wallace, 32, was found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine, importing cocaine, and alien smuggling offenses following a jury trial.
“This defendant helped operate a transnational smuggling pipeline that brought both cocaine and unlawful migrants into South Florida by boat,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “That combination of narcotics trafficking and human smuggling poses a direct threat to public safety and the integrity of our borders. The jury’s verdict makes clear that those who work with criminal smuggling organizations to move drugs and people into this country will be prosecuted and held accountable.”
“Combatting transnational criminal organizations involved in narcotics and alien smuggling is a significant priority for HSI and the Homeland Security Task Force,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami. “Working alongside our HSTF federal, state, and local partners, HSI will utilize every resource at our disposal to pursue and dismantle these criminal organizations to protect our communities and defend our borders. This verdict sends a clear message: HSI will continue to pursue and hold traffickers accountable for endangering lives and threatening public safety.”
Five co-defendants — Malik Delancy, 23; Fiero Cooper, 33; Darren Sears, 25; Ivan Curry, 52; and Jeremiah Russell, 19 — previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on June 8.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 30, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, working alongside a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter, detected three go-fast vessels traveling from the Bahamas toward South Florida. Once the vessels entered U.S. waters, CBP, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and USCG units moved to intercept. Officers activated emergency lights and sirens and ordered the drivers to stop. One vessel ignored multiple commands, prompting officers to fire warning shots before disabling the boat.
Upon boarding, officers encountered Delancy, Cooper, Sears, Ivan Curry, and Russell. Law enforcement discovered approximately 168 kilograms of cocaine and 31 Chinese nationals on board, none of whom were authorized to enter the U.S.
Separately, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents observed Wallace and Teshawn Curry conducting counter-surveillance near the Fort Pierce Inlet on behalf of the drug trafficking and alien smuggling organization.
The investigation also revealed that Wallace participated in at least two prior successful drug smuggling ventures at the same location, bringing his involvement to more than 500 kilograms of cocaine. Text messages and videos recovered from Wallace’s cellphone showed him acting as a lookout during all three operations.
Wallace faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Acting Special Agent in Charge Figueroa, and Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the DEA, Miami Field Division, and made the announcement.
DEA West Palm Beach District Office and HSI West Palm Beach investigated the case, with assistance from CBP, USCG, the 7th Coast Guard District, the Davie Police Department, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Ustynoski, Ajay Alexander, and Catherine Koontz are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises of agents and officers from the DEA, HSI, CBP, USCG, the Davie Police Department, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-60233.
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Grove Hill Man Sentenced to 102 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Zachary Quinton Howard Mercer of Grove Hill, Alabama, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on September 20, 2024, deputies with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) were notified of a stolen vehicle approaching the Alabama State line from Mississippi. The investigation showed that the driver, Mercer, stole the vehicle at a gas station in Biloxi, Mississippi. Local officers tried to stop Mercer, but he took law enforcement on a high-speed chase, crossing into Alabama. MCSO Deputies intercepted Mercer, who continued eastbound on I-10, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour. Performing successful Pursuit Intervention Techniques, deputies were able to ultimately bring Mercer to a stop. Mercer was found in the driver’s seat of the stolen vehicle, with a loaded handgun in his lap. Mercer has multiple prior felony convictions including Aggravated Assault, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Theft of a Firearm, and Resisting Arrest. As a convicted felon, Mercer is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Mercer was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and pleaded guilty to the charge. United States District Court Judge Kristi DuBose sentenced Mercer to 102 months in prison followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for illegally possessing the firearm.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Terrill prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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.
Grand Rapids Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Anthony Spetoskey, age 35, of Grand Rapids. was sentenced to 360 months for sexual exploitation of a child. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker described his conduct as “about as egregious as I have seen.”
U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “Spetosky is an internet predator based in Grand Rapids who trolled for underage girls around the world to psychologically coerce them into doing themselves psychological and physical harm. He did this to make money, but also because he considered it fun. But while he was hunting for his victims, we were hunting for him. No one will see Spetosky on our streets for the next 30 years because he will be in prison, where he belongs, thanks to the hard work of federal law enforcement. Others like Spetosky should take note—we are coming for you too.”
In October 2024, HSI London advised HSI Grand Rapids that a subject involved in the sextortion of minor girls and the distribution of child pornography may be located in West Michigan. As a result of extensive investigative work, HSI Grand Rapids agents ultimately identified Spetoskey as that subject, despite his methodical attempts to conceal his identity online, evade detection, and obscure his location.
Spetoskey operated online under the identifier “NoLimits” and used a number of other names across various accounts. He ran a Telegram group used to coerce victims, including underage girls, into producing exploitative material, some of which involved self-harm. He bragged about his actions to online users and claimed responsibility for more than 250 victims over a five-year period. Spetoskey’s victims were located in the U.S. and overseas.
“This sentencing demonstrates the steadfast commitment of HSI to protect children from exploitation, no matter where offenders operate or how they attempt to conceal their crimes,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This investigation is a testament to the power of international collaboration, with HSI Grand Rapids, HSI London and foreign law enforcement working side-by-side to identify and apprehend a predator who targeted vulnerable victims both in the United States and abroad.”
HSI Grand Rapids and HSI London investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Constance Turnbull prosecuted it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/PSC.
Gallup Man Charged in Vehicular AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man was charged in federal court after allegedly striking and running over a victim with a car and causing her serious injuries.
According to court documents, on Monday, April 27, 2026, Darius Kyran Eskeets, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly struck the victim with a motor vehicle on a dirt road near a residence in Vanderwagen, New Mexico. During the incident, Eskeets allegedly drove toward the victim and others, causing them to move out of the roadway, before making a U-turn and veering off the road and up an embankment to strike the victim and run the victim over. Eskeets then drove away from the scene.
As a result of the incident, the victim suffered multiple injuries, including cuts to her right leg and hand, bruising, abrasions and contusions to her right side, hematoma, and a small pneumothorax.
Eskeets is charged with two felony crimes, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Eskeets was released to home detention with strict GPS monitoring pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Eskeets faces up to 10 years in prison.
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 Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Four Defendants, Including Two Former U.S. Postal Service Employees, Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Steal $84 Million in U.S. Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that four defendants: Saahir Irby, 28, and Tauheed Tucker, 24, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cory Scott, 26, of Ardmore, Pa., and Alexander Telewoda, 26, of Clifton Heights, Pa., have entered pleas of guilty before United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson on charges of conspiracy to steal government funds, theft of government funds, and mail theft.
As detailed in court filings and statements, between June 2023 and September 2024, Irby and Tucker, while working as United States Postal Service (“USPS”) mail processing clerks, stole thousands of envelopes containing U.S. Treasury checks from mail sorting machines at the USPS Philadelphia Processing and Distribution Center. Irby and Tucker removed the checks from the USPS facility and sold them to defendants Scott and Telewoda, who then advertised the stolen checks for resale on the cloud-based instant messaging application Telegram. Upon receiving payment from interested buyers, Scott and Telewoda mailed the stolen Treasury checks to buyers around the country who attempted to cash the stolen checks.
Over the course of the scheme, Irby and Tucker sold Scott and Telewoda thousands of stolen Treasury checks whose face value exceeded $84 million. Scott’s and Telewoda’s customers successfully negotiated approximately $11 million worth of these stolen Treasury checks at financial institutions. A grand jury returned a superseding indictment against the four defendants in May 2025; Irby was previously charged with — and has pleaded guilty to — a separate instance of mail theft involving another batch of Treasury checks that he stole and sold to an unnamed individual in August 2024.
Irby, Tucker, and Telewoda are scheduled to be sentenced in August, and Scott in September. Irby faces a maximum possible term of 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine, while the remaining defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, with substantial assistance from the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, the Lower Merion Township Police Department, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Rice.
Former soldier sentenced to federal prison for stealing vehicle, ramming Fort Stewart buildingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: A U.S. Army retiree who crashed a stolen vehicle into a Fort Stewart office building has been sent to federal prison and ordered to pay substantial restitution.
Treamon Dominic Lacy, 42, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after his conviction at trial in U.S. District Court on charges of Theft of Government Property and Damage to Government Property, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Lacy to pay $579,868 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“As a former servicemember, Treamon Lacy used his knowledge of operations at Hunter Army Airfield to steal a vehicle and crash through the front doors of an occupied building,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “It’s a miracle no one was injured or killed, and this sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”
As described at trial, Lacy was a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant when in July 2023 he gained access to Fort Stewart, entered the motor pool and stole a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle, known as a Humvee, and drove to the headquarters building of the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Division. Lacy then drove the vehicle into the entrance of the building, causing extensive damage.
No one was injured, and military police took Lacy into custody. A federal grand jury indicted Lacy in August 2023, and he was convicted at trial in U.S. District Court in September 2025. After sentencing he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
“The readiness and safety of our military installations rely on skilled special agents, a robust force protection, and the swift action of law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor, Army CID, Southeast Field Office. “I commend the diligent work of our special agents and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office who investigated and prosecuted this alarming incident.”
The case was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Michael Z. Spitulnik.
Former Postal Employee Admits Stealing Checks from St. Louis MailRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former U.S. Postal Service supervisor on Monday admitted stealing 89 checks from the mail.
Benita D. Randle, 43, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee. John W. Harrison, 26, of Black Jack, Missouri, pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2026, to one count of possession of stolen mail matter.
Randle was a supervisor at the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center, which processes, sorts and distributes all non-parcel mail for the St. Louis metropolitan areas. She had access to all the mail at the center. Between September and October of 2023, Randle stole mail containing checks and gave that mail to Harrison, who opened the mail and removed the checks.
Randle’s crime was uncovered when her leased Nissan Juke was repossessed for her failure to maintain insurance. The car dealership found Harrison’s backpack, which contained an AR-style handgun, cocaine, fentanyl and loose checks, and called the St. Charles Police Department. After officers arrived at the dealership, so did Randle, who falsely claimed that she did not handle mail in her job. She later lied to investigators with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General that she never drove the Juke and did not have access to mail.
Investigators determined that Randle had stolen 89 checks from mail that belonged to dozens of victims. They also found one counterfeit check that bore the same bank account and payor information as one of the stolen checks. The total face value of the 90 checks was $369,248.
Randle is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20 and Harrison on June 3. They face a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the St. Charles Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Sentenced for Threatening to Kill Newspaper Reporter, Muslims, and PoliticiansRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Peter Daniel Ring, 31, of Bell, Florida, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to sending multiple threatening interstate communications to kill or cause physical injuries. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “With threats and acts of violence directed at public figures becoming alarmingly more frequent, my office is committed to aggressively prosecuting cases like this to send a clear message: we have zero-tolerance for criminality in the Northern District of Florida. Threats of violence by deranged individuals can quickly lead to actual violence. Vigilant investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners and aggressive prosecutions can prevent tragedy from striking.”
Court documents reveal that in June 2025 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received a complaint that a threat to kill a reporter had been received. The defendant was identified as the source of the threat, and when contacted by the FBI he said he would not make any more threats. However, two months later, the FBI received another tip that the defendant was posting religiously and politically motivated threats of violence against Muslim people, members of the media, and prominent politicians. Between May and September 2025, the defendant made threats to kill or cause physical injury to at least fourteen victims.
“Threats of violence are never taken lightly,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This person’s actions caused fear and disruption, and the sentencing reflects the serious consequences of threatening to take innocent lives. The FBI will not tolerate individuals who use intimidation to terrorize our communities.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Florida Certified Public Accountant and Attorney Indicted for Embezzling More than $890,000Read the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Melissia Gauthreaux has been charged by federal indictment with six counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Gauthreaux faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Gauthreaux that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $894,274.26, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Gauthreaux was the founder, president, and managing member of Accounting Resources and Management Services, LLC. From 2017 through 2021, Gauthreaux used her business to steal more than $890,000 from one of her clients, a public figure who lived in the Middle District of Florida. Gauthreaux had signatory authority on her client’s bank accounts and was able to remove the funds without the client’s knowledge or consent.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.
IndictmentFentanyl Distributors Sentenced to 33 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four men who sold fentanyl in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia were sentenced to a combined 33 and half years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Kentrel Anthony Rollins, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl and a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Rollins, also known as “T-Rock,” was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that spanned from Baltimore to Hampshire County, West Virginia. Investigators seized fentanyl, two firearms, rounds of various ammunition, and more than $17,000. Eleven other defendants in this case were convicted and sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison. Read more about the case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/baltimore-fentanyl-organizations-shut-down-federal-indictments
Jwan Martine Smith, 40, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison. Matthew James Elsea, 43, of Stephenson, Virginia, was sentenced to 87 months. Smith and Elsea were a part of a drug trafficking operation, led by Delano Butler, that distributed large amounts of fentanyl in the Eastern Panhandle. Investigators watched Smith, Elsea, and others transfer items from a stash apartment into vehicles. Officers conducted multiple traffic stops and seized 14 firearms and 30,000-40,000 pressed fentanyl pills. Subsequent searches of other vehicles and properties yielded more fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and drug paraphernalia. Total drug weight is nearly 8 pounds of fentanyl and 4.5 grams of methamphetamine. Smith has prior drug and home invasion convictions and was under parole supervision for several prior offenses during the commission of this crime. Butler was convicted of his role in April 2026. He is awaiting sentencing. Read more about this case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/twenty-five-charged-drug-trafficking-eastern-panhandle
Tyler Lantz Gordon, 34, of Rawlings, Maryland, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for selling fentanyl near a protected location. Gordon sold fentanyl-laced capsules near West Virginia University Potomac State College. The fentanyl totaled 37 grams, equaling more than 18,000 potentially deadly doses. Gordon has prior drug convictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States.
Investigative agencies include the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force and the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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. These cases are 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.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Federal grand jury indicts 2 Cincinnati men for possessing machinegunsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury indicted two Cincinnati men for illegally possessing machineguns due to firearm conversion devices.
Michael Goss, 18, and Felix Burnette, 22, are each charged in separate indictments with one count of illegally possessing a machinegun. They appeared in federal court in Cincinnati this afternoon and their cases were unsealed at that time.
“The two cases announced today demonstrate our continuing commitment to bring federal firearms charges whenever we can,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Public safety in Cincinnati is top priority. If you possess a firearm equipped with a Glock switch, you will be subject to federal prosecution regardless of age or criminal history.”
According to their indictments and local arrest information, each of the men possessed a firearm equipped with a Glock switch device. These devices convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms or machineguns.
On March 12, Goss and Burnette were arrested near the Valley Shopping Center on Reading Road. The defendants were together in a vehicle that was stopped by Cincinnati police officers for having illegal window tint.
The federal charges announced today will supersede the local ones.
Illegal possession of a machinegun is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and Cincinnati Police Interim Chief Adam Hennie announced the charges.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Allison B. Oswall from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Office is representing the United States in these cases. Oswall was designated this spring as a special prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help bring federal gun cases as part of the federal, state and local violent crime reduction initiative.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Federal agents arrest Highland County man for sexual exploitation crimesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Highland County man was arrested today and is charged federally with sexually exploiting minors from California, Texas and Michigan. Mark A. Chandler, 37, of Mount Orab, Ohio, appeared in federal court in Cincinnati this afternoon. He faces charges of sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement, and receipt of child pornography.
According to charging documents, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office received a tip regarding Chandler in November 2025. The resulting investigation revealed that Chandler allegedly paid at least five girls he met online to engage in sexually explicit acts on video.
Chandler used multiple social media apps to connect with the victims, who were all approximately 14 years old. The criminal complaint affidavit details that Chandler groomed victims online for up to two years and allegedly paid the victims through Visa gift cards in exchange for sexual videos and images.
Screen recordings and messages on Chandler’s electronic devices allegedly show that he threatened to kill at least one of the victims if she “tattled” on him. Chandler referred to drowning the victim or using knives to cut the victim’s throat.
Chandler was originally arrested on local charges in Highland County.
Sexual exploitation of children is a federal crime punishable by at least 15 and up to 30 years in prison. Coercion and enticement carries a potential penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Receipt of child pornography is punishable by five to 20 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Highland County Sheriff Randy Sanders and Highland County Prosecuting Attorney Anneka P. Collins announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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FBI Undercover Operation Results in Three Men Charged After Travelling for the Purpose of Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with MinorsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – RICHARD JACKSON WHITE, age 46, from Purvis, Mississippi, NICHOLAS JOHN ENGOLIA, age 32, from Slidell, Louisiana, and DUSTIN LEE SEITZ, age 40, from Gulfport, Mississippi, were charged between March 27, 2026 and April 28, 2026, as the result of an Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undercover operation concerning individuals seeking to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. All three men were previously charged at the time of their apprehension by criminal complaints.
According to one indictment, beginning on or about January 28, 2026, until on or about March 3, 2026, ENGOLIA corresponded online with an individual he believed to be a fifteen-year-old female for the purpose of attempting to persuade the fifteen-year-old to engage in criminal sexual activity. The correspondence culminated with ENGOLIA traveling by car from Slidell, Louisiana, to Covington, Louisiana, to engage in sexual conduct with someone he believed to be a fifteen-year-old female. During the correspondence, ENGOLIA attempted to transfer obscene matter to the person he believed to be a minor. ENGOLIA was charged in a two-count indictment with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) (Count 1), and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470 (Count 2).
According to a bill of information, on or about February 24, 2026, WHITE travelled from Mississippi to Louisiana for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with an individual he believed to be a fifteen-year-old female. WHITE has been charged with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b).
According to a bill of information, beginning on or about March 2, 2026, and culminating on or about March 4, 2026, SEITZ travelled from Gulfport, Mississippi, to Mandeville, Louisiana, by car to engage in sexual conduct with an individual SEITZ believed to be a fifteen-year-old female. SEITZ has been charged with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b).
If convicted, ENGOLIA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up to life in prison as to Count 1 and up to ten (10) years in prison as to Count 2. SEITZ and WHITE each face a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) years. Each defendant also faces at least five (5) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count. Additionally, each defendant may also be required to register as a sex offender.
U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that indictments and bills of information are merely charges and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Anne Flippo is in charge of the prosecution of ENGOLIA, Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Knight is in charge of the prosecution of WHITE, and Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh is in charge of the prosecution of SEITZ.
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Eugene Man Charged with Damaging Federal PropertyRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man made his first appearance in federal court today after allegedly destroying federal property while attempting to breach the Eugene federal building.
Soren Emery Polzin, 18, has been charged by criminal complaint with depredation of federal property.
“The harm in this case goes beyond the thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the federal building on January 30, 2026,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Federal employees were trapped inside, terrified of what would happen if the building were fully breached. This was a riot, not a lawful protest.”
“This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building on January 30, 2026,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Violence and destruction of property jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. The FBI will continue to pursue individuals who exploit a situation to pursue violent, extremist agendas—anarchists and other agitators who set out to sow discord and upheaval.”
According to court documents, on the evening of January 30, 2026, a group of individuals, including Polzin, damaged the exterior windows and doors and attempted to gain access to the Eugene federal building while federal civilian employees were inside. Polzin repeatedly banged on and kicked the lobby window, eventually shattering the window with his lower body.
Polzin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Eugene Man Charged with Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Ryan Bruce Gaither Jr., 37, with assault on a federal employee involving physical contact and aggravated assault on a federal employee causing bodily injury.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2026, Gaither spit on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Special Response Team officer and bit a second officer.
Gaither made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
If convicted, Gaither faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
Federal Protective Service is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Chicago Police Sergeant Charged in Federal Court with Fraudulently Obtaining Covid-Relief LoansRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – A Chicago Police sergeant has been charged in federal court with fraudulently obtaining more than $41,000 in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and consistent with the Administration’s priorities to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal fraud in the federal government entitlement and benefit programs, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is taking a fresh look at Covid-19 fraud. This prosecution reflects those efforts.
BRANDI WRIGHT engaged in fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), one of the sources of relief under the CARES Act, according to a criminal information filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The information alleges that Wright submitted two applications for PPP loans in 2021 on behalf of a bakery business she claimed to own but that did not actually exist. The applications contained materially false statements and misrepresentations about Wright’s purported business, including gross revenue, payroll needs, and operational expenses, the information states.
Wright fraudulently obtained two loans totaling $41,662, which she intended to use for her personal benefit, the information states.
Wright, 44, is a Chicago Police sergeant who resides in Chicago. The information charges her with wire fraud, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Arraignment in federal court has not yet been scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Boutros announced the charge along with Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Adam Jobes, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Rothblatt and Sheri Mecklenburg.
The public is reminded that an information contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
wright_information.pdfCharlotte County Coach Sentenced to 60 Years for Child Sexual Abuse OffensesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Dagoberto Miguel Pena (37, Punta Gorda) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 60 years in federal prison for producing, receiving, possessing, and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Pena was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Pena pleaded guilty on January 23, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, from October 2024 through February 2026, Pena used and persuaded two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of their sexual abuse.
In April 2025, law enforcement launched an investigation into Pena, a physical education teacher and a coach, after a parent discovered his inappropriate communications with a minor. Search warrants executed on Pena’s cellphone and online storage account revealed text messages with minors. In some text messages, Pena received images of a minor nude and engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, images and videos that Pena had taken during his sexual abuse of two minors were located. The investigation further identified a third minor that Pena possessed images and videos of engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, and with assistance from the Punta Gorda Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case 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.justice.gov/psc.
Canadian Man Sentenced to More Than 15-and-a-Half Years in Prison for Lead Role in Multi-Million Dollar International Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Canadian citizen extradited from Panama has been sentenced in federal court to 188 months of imprisonment, to be followed by one day of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $35,000 and restitution of $780,870 on his convictions of conspiracy to commit both wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Stefano Zanetti, 44, on May 4, 2026.
“Zanetti and his co-conspirators inflicted severe financial and emotional injury upon numerous elderly victims and their families through this scheme,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “This prosecution and the sentence imposed confirm that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will use all of the resources at our disposal to investigate, identify, and bring to justice those who prey upon vulnerable members of our community, whether these predators are located in the United States or abroad.”
“Preying on seniors by exploiting their love for family—through false claims of emergencies involving their grandchildren—is a particularly cruel form of fraud,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. “HSI, working alongside the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bethel Park Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will track down and disrupt these transnational schemes and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
According to information presented to the Court, Zanetti was the leader of a scheme to defraud elderly victims in Pittsburgh and across the United States. Members of the conspiracy contacted victims and falsely claimed that a family member of the victim, usually a grandchild, had been detained in connection with a legal proceeding and needed money for bail. The victims were directed to withdraw cash and provide it to a “courier” who would visit them at their homes. In reality, the victims’ family members had not been detained, and the courier was actually a member of the conspiracy. Through his plea agreement, Zanetti accepted responsibility for $1.5 million to $3.5 million in losses to victims as a result of the scheme.
In September 2021 and again in February 2022, three-man crews reporting to Zanetti traveled to Pittsburgh to execute the fraud and collect money directly from its victims. All six of those individuals—Roderick Feurtado, Tarek Bouanane, Roberto Gutierrez, Hector Enrique Escorihuela Gil, Yhonlester Wuiler Manuel Da Silva Quintero, and Adrian Orozco Perez—have been convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment. Samuel David Ferrer Avila and Cesar Javier Chourio Morante, who helped Zanetti execute the scheme to defraud from abroad, were also convicted and sentenced after having been extradited from Panama. A separate indictment returned in the District of Vermont also charged 25 Canadian nationals for their connection to the call centers that targeted victims as part of Zanetti’s conspiracy.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan noted that Zanetti played an important role in the complicated fraud with “perfect knowledge” about its various parts. Judge Ranjan also emphasized the emotional toll and financial losses that Zanetti’s scheme imposed upon the victims.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured the arrest and extradition from Panama of Zanetti, Ferrer Avila, and Chourio Morante.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bethel Park Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zanetti and his co-conspirators.
California Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Returns and Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Benefits; Caused More than $25 Million in Losses to the GovernmentRead the Press Release
A California tax preparer pleaded guilty yesterday to fraudulently including false information on federal income tax returns to get substantial refunds for his clients – and cause large tax losses to the U.S. Treasury – and COVID-19 business-relief loan applications to obtain money he used for unauthorized purposes.
Kerwin Aldric Jordan, 71, of Castaic, California and formerly of Pebble Beach, California, pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding in the preparation of false federal income tax returns and one count of wire fraud.
According to his plea agreement, Jordan was the president of The Jordan Corporation, a tax preparation business, and also owned and operated a business called Jordan and Jordan A Financial Conquest. Jordan held himself out as a tax attorney and certified public accountant, neither of which he was. Jordan prepared federal tax returns for his clients which fraudulently reduced his taxpayer-clients’ taxable income.
Jordan falsely reported that the taxpayer-clients had one or more businesses, even though he knew the businesses did not exist. He also reported losses for these non-existent businesses and used those losses to reduce the taxpayer-clients’ taxable income.
For example, Jordan reduced a married couple’s $2 million income with fraudulent expenses of more than $1 million for non-existent businesses, eliminating additional taxes the couple would have owed and generating a tax refund of almost $25,000. The couple paid Jordan nearly $28,000 for the preparation of their return.
From 2018 to 2023, Jordan filed more than 1,370 federal tax returns for clients, which reported total business losses over $73 million. Prosecutors contend that the tax returns Jordan prepared resulted in more than $25 million in losses to the United States Treasury.
Jordan also lied on loan applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), two programs Congress created in March 2020 to help businesses weather the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jordan applied for PPP loans for his companies and received a total of $188,667. He also applied for EIDL loans for Jordan and Jordan; Euphrates Wealth Asset Management, of which he was the owner; and Lifestyles of the Rich in Faith Church, a non-profit organization of which he was the principal, receiving a total of $276,600. To obtain these loans, Jordan falsely reported that the companies had employees when, in fact, they had none.
U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson for the Central District of California scheduled an Oct. 5 sentencing hearing, at which time Jordan will face a maximum sentence of 32 years in prison.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranee A. Katzenstein for the Central District of California and Matthew R. Hoffman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Tax Section, are prosecuting this 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.
Bakersfield Man Sentenced to over 21 years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — David Garcia, 39, of Bakersfield, was sentenced Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 21 years and 10 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Oct. 17, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped an SUV for traffic violations. Garcia, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, had an active parole warrant for his arrest. Garcia is also a documented former member of the Varrio Fillmore Trece Sureño criminal street gang. A search of Garcia’s SUV revealed a Glock 29, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with eight rounds. This firearm was later determined to be stolen. Garcia’s criminal history dates back approximately 20 years. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a prior felony conviction in 2016 for robbery.
Garcia pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2025.
In a black backpack on the front passenger seat, officers found one plastic bag containing 343.5 grams of methamphetamine, one plastic bag containing 11.2 grams of cocaine, and one plastic bag containing 8.5 grams of a mixture containing cocaine and methamphetamine. Officers also discovered three digital scales and a box of sandwich bags.
The Bakersfield Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Karp 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.
Aurora Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Robbery, Brandishing A FirearmRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Euriah Hymes, 23, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the plea agreement, between January 17 and February 14, 2024, Hymes committed 12 armed robberies of convenience stores in three different counties across the Denver Metro area. In each of these robberies, workers in the convenience stores were threatened with a gun as Hymes demanded cash and stole tobacco products.
“Euriah Hymes’s robbery spree spanned three counties and victimized more than a dozen people,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “This strong sentence will keep a violent criminal off of our streets for a significant time.”
“Those who commit brazen, violent crimes targeting our community will be identified, pursued, and held accountable,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. “Clerks in 12 convenience stores were held at gunpoint and traumatized. Partnerships like the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force continue to be a force multiplier in our work and our success in crushing violent crime.”
United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI Denver Field Office, the Safe Streets Task Force, Broomfield Police Department, Westminster Police Department, Federal Heights Police Department, Thornton Police Department, Denver Police Department, and Aurora Police Department.
The prosecution was handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Case Number: 25-cr-00204-GPG
4 May 2026
Woman Convicted in Multi-State Check Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A North Carolina woman who engaged in a multi-state check fraud scheme pled guilty today, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Inspector in Charge Felicia George of the Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division, and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Detroit.
Shannon Kurrie, age 61, originally from North Carolina, was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for a scheme where she was responsible for over $250,000 in losses.
At the hearing, Kurrie admitted to using stolen personally identifiable information provided to her by the leaders of the conspiracy, opening bank accounts in the names of victims, and fraudulently depositing their personal and United States Department of Treasury checks on behalf of the conspiracy. Kurrie impersonated numerous individuals by presenting fictitious identification to banks around the country, including in Grosse Pointe and Dearborn, Michigan, as well as Fort Wayne, Indiana. In each instance, Kurrie presented false documents and opened accounts before depositing large checks.
Sentencing before United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith will occur after a presentence report is prepared. Kurrie faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 30 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $1,000,00, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, TSA Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Dorval Norwood, K. Craig Welkener, and Jasmine Moore.
Westmoreland County Resident Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Producing and Possessing Images of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Avonmore, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 420 months in prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, on his convictions of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Kenneth Bee, 55.
According to information presented to the Court, over a period of several years, Bee produced images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further, in and around September 2022, Bee possessed images of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bee.
This case was brought as a 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.justice.gov/psc.
Two Sentenced to Prison for St. Louis CarjackingsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men have been sentenced to prison for two carjackings in St. Louis in 2024.
U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Monday sentenced Davion Pruitt, 19, of St. Louis, to nine years in prison in prison. Tywone Calvin, 20, of Pine Lawn, was sentenced on April 27 to nine and one-half years in prison.
The pair stole a 2011 Cadillac Escalade at gunpoint on Dec. 23, 2024. Three days later, they carjacked a 2017 Chevrolet Trax.
The Escalade’s driver had met a woman, Mya Reagan, on Facebook. Pruitt and Calvin told Reagan to find someone to rob, and she arranged to meet with the victim on Dec. 23, 2024. Reagan had the victim stop at a gas station for cigars near South Broadway and Interstate 55. When the victim exited the store, he was confronted by two armed men, who stole his SUV. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers found the SUV later that day with three men who said they bought the vehicle from someone matching Reagan’s description.
On Dec. 26, 2024, at about 3:35 a.m., the second victim received an alert from his key fob about his Chevrolet Trax. He went outside to find two armed men by his SUV who demanded the keys and drove away. Later that day, St. Louis County Police Department officers spotted the stolen Trax with Pruitt and Calvin inside. Calvin crashed after letting Pruitt out, and then got out of the vehicle and ran, dropping a handgun. Pruitt was arrested by St. Louis police on Feb. 14, 2025. Officers found a 9mm handgun with a laser sight.
Calvin and Pruitt both pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Reagan pleaded guilty to the carjacking charge on April 10 and is scheduled to be sentenced in July.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie J. Schneider is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Two Sentenced to Prison for $522M Genetic Testing Fraud and Illegal Kickback Scheme Targeting Medicare and MedicaidRead the Press Release
Two men were sentenced today for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance companies by submitting over $522 million in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary genetic tests that were obtained through the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes.
Reyad Salahaldeen, 57, of Buford, Georgia, was sentenced to 151 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Mohamad Mustafa, 28, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to paying health care kickbacks.
“Under the guise of health care, these two fraudsters attempted to steal more than half a billion dollars from taxpayers through a web of sham contracts, lies, and bribes,” said Colin M. McDonald, Assistant Attorney for the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “These schemes deplete America’s pocketbook and destroy the trust in medicine that patients deserve and demand. The Department of Justice will remain vigilant in our efforts to deter those defrauding the American people in the name of health care. I thank the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners at FBI and HHS-OIG who worked tirelessly for this just outcome.”
According to court documents, Salahaldeen controlled four laboratories, Express Diagnostics, LLC, in New Jersey (Express); BioConfirm Laboratory USA, LLC and BioConfirm Laboratories, LLC, in Georgia (BioConfirm); and Tox Management, LLC and Tri-State Toxicology, LLC, both in Texas. From 2018 through August 2020, Salahaldeen and co-conspirators paid kickbacks and bribes to a network of purported “marketers” who targeted individuals covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance and induced them to provide their health insurance information and DNA samples in order to obtain costly genetic tests designed to predict the risk of cancer, adverse drug reactions, and other conditions. The marketers obtained DNA samples through telemarketing, door-to-door solicitation, appearances at health fairs, and other methods of in-person solicitation. Further, the marketers, at the direction of Salahaldeen and co-conspirators and in exchange for kickbacks and bribes, obtained fraudulent laboratory requisition forms for the tests from medical providers who had not treated or consulted with the beneficiaries, and did not use the test results in treatment. As part of the scheme, Salahaldeen falsified laboratory requisition forms, letters of medical necessity, and other medical records to make the tests appear legitimate.
After the indictment was returned and he learned of the warrant for his arrest, Salahaldeen sought to evade law enforcement by traveling from North Carolina to Texas, where he attempted to enter Mexico. Salahaldeen was apprehended at the border when he falsely presented another person’s identification in a further attempt to evade arrest and prosecution.
Mustafa, who controlled Express and BioConfirm with Salahaldeen, participated in the scheme by paying kickbacks and bribes to various marketers to induce them to obtain DNA samples and fraudulent test requisition forms from medical providers. To conceal the scheme, Mustafa and Salahaldeen created sham contracts, invoices, and other documentation that disguised the illegal kickbacks and bribes as payments for purported marketing services.
The four laboratories billed approximately $522 million in false and fraudulent claims, of which Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers paid approximately $84 million.
In addition to the prison sentences, Salahaldeen was ordered to pay $84,594,165 in restitution and to forfeit $3,044,866 from two bank accounts, a 2019 GMC Yukon, and properties in Texas and Georgia. Mustafa was ordered to pay $64,301,569 in restitution.
Eleven of Salahaldeen and Mustafa’s co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty in connection with this fraud scheme and were sentenced as follows:
- Travores Wills, a marketer, was sentenced to 46 months in prison
- Elijua Watson, a marketer, was sentenced to 27 months in prison
- Diego Pancha Valencia, a marketer, was sentenced to 26 months in prison
- Shauntae Walker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 24 months in prison
- Cassandra Latham, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 21 months in prison
- LaTosha McCune, a marketer, was sentenced to 18 months in prison
- Vinit Patel, a medical doctor, was sentenced to 12 months in prison
- Jose Rodriguez Ospina, a medical doctor, was sentenced to 12 months in prison
- Edward Giles, a marketer, was sentenced to 12 months in prison
- Derek McCune, a marketer, was sentenced to 12 months in prison
- Nelson Giraldo, a medical doctor, was sentenced to 6 months of house arrest and 3 years of probation
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Acting Principal Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan and Acting Assistant Chief Gary A. Winters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Three people arrested by Homeland Security Task Force and four charged with multi-state burglary and drug trafficking conspiracy targeting local pharmaciesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Four individuals from California are facing charges in a multi-defendant conspiracy accused of burglarizing pharmacies and distributing multiple controlled substances throughout southern Illinois and across the country. Three of the four Defendants are in custody.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the following individuals with one count of conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance: hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone:
- Anthony Ellison, 25, of Morneo Valley, California,
- Tyrus Crew, Jr., 35, of Eastvale, California,
- James Robinson, 36, of Chino, California, and
- Idani Johnson, 34, of Compton, California.
Ellison, Crew, and Robinson are in custody. In February 2026, Ellison and Crew were arrested in Ohio for related burglary charges. Robinson is in state custody in Ohio for conduct unrelated to this prosecution. An arrest warrant has been issued for Johnson.
“The Department of Justice is committed to dismantling criminal organizations, especially those which target our local businesses and distribute stolen drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure dangerous criminal organizations are held accountable.”
According to the indictment, from April 2024 until February 2026, the four are accused of traveling from California to Ohio where they then targeted pharmacies across the United States, including pharmacies located in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Idaho with the intent to steal any material or compound containing any quantity of controlled substance. The conspiracy is accused of committing a series of burglaries in the Southern District of Illinois from July 16-17, 2024. These burglaries occurred at pharmacies in Bethalto, Maryville, Lebanon, Breese, and Neoga.
“Pharmacies across the nation, from rural communities to metropolitan cities, are registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration,” DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said. “This is done to protect our communities and ensure that pharmaceuticals are safely and accurately accounted for. The DEA will aggressively pursue any individual who has the audacity to steal controlled substance medications from a DEA Registered facility. The theft of controlled substances is a felony under federal law and will not be tolerated.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Agents with DEA, Ada County Sheriff’s Office (Idaho), and West Chester Township Police Department (Ohio) contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Chicago comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, USPIS, IRS-CI, HIDTA, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.
Three from Sioux City Sentenced to Federal Prison for Participation in Methamphetamine Conspiracy and DistributionRead the Press Release
Paulette Allen, age 64, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced March 3, 2026, to more than 3 years in federal prison, after an October 9, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of distribution of controlled substances.
Donald Most, age 61, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced April 29, 2026, to 4 years in federal prison, after an October 14, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Martin Godbersen, age 65, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced April 7, 2026, to 17 years in federal prison, after a jury found him guilty on October 29, 2025, of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, after having been previously convicted of a serious drug felony. Godbersen was found not guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
Evidence in the case and at trial showed between July 2023 and June 2025, Allen, Most and Godbersen knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Most and Allen admitted that Most was providing Allen with methamphetamine on a weekly basis. In April 2025, law enforcement utilized a confidential source to purchase methamphetamine from Allen and Most on two occasions. Allen took the confidential source to Most’s home, where Godbersen later arrived and provided them with methamphetamine.
On April 22, 2025, Godbersen was subject to a traffic stop where law enforcement located a baggie of over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine in Godbersen’s pocket, as well as additional methamphetamine in the center console of his vehicle.
Allen, Most, and Godbersen were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Allen was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Most was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Godbersen was sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Allen, Most, and Godbersen are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4031.
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Three Venezuelans arrested, 1,418 pounds of cocaine seized on marine interdiction in southeast of Puerto Rico as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF)Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 29, 2026, Air and Marine Operations, an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, interdicted a vessel, arrested three Venezuelan nationals, and seized 1,418 pounds (643.3 kilograms) of cocaine southeast of Puerto Rico.
“The U.S. Attorney’s office remains committed to the investigation and prosecution of transnational drug traffickers,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will find them and bring them before the courts to face Justice.”
“Our teams demonstrated exceptional coordination and vigilance in intercepting this vessel and preventing a significant amount of dangerous contraband from reaching our shores,” said Christopher Hunter, Director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “This operation underscores our commitment to protecting the people of Puerto Rico and maintaining the integrity of our borders.”
At approximately 10:52 p.m. on April 28, 2026, an AMO Caribbean Air and Marine Branch Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft detected a vessel of interest about 35 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Rico. The vessel, a 30-foot yola-type boat with two outboard engines, was observed with multiple fuel containers and suspected contraband aboard.
An AMO UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter kept surveillance while AMO Coastal Interceptor Vessels from Ponce and Fajardo moved to interdict the suspect vessel.
At approximately 12:58 a.m. April 29, 2026, AMO marine interdiction agents intercepted the vessel after agents fired two warning rounds that prompted the vessel operator to stop his vessel.
Charlie G. Marval-Henriquez, Jhoan A. Rodríguez-Núñez, and Josué A. Rodríguez-Núñez, Venezuelan nationals on board the vessel were taken into custody. Agents discovered multiple bricks of cocaine concealed within 20 black fuel containers. All three persons on board the vessel were charged pursuant to a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute and importing cocaine.
The Homeland Security Task Force leads the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Camille García is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.
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Texas Man Found Guilty in HSTF Case Involving Large-Scale Cartel Firearm TraffickingRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury in Del Rio convicted a Dale man on two counts of firearms trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bobby Brandon Galvan aka “Puravidarecia,” 30, was affiliated with the La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM) cartel and straw purchased numerous weapons, to include an AK-47 rifle that was recovered after it was used in a shootout between cartel members and Mexican law enforcement. On Feb. 20, 2025, LNFM was officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity by the U.S. Department of State.
An investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found that, between Sept. 16, 2023, and April 14, 2024, Galvan had purchased 24 AK-47 styled firearms, all of which ended up in Toluca, Mexico for use by Mexican cartels. At trial, the leaders of criminal conspiracy were identified as Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga aka “El Pez,” and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga aka “El Fresa.”
U.S. v. Sealed Case #2:25cr2061Galvan’s straw purchasing activity was part of a larger criminal operation carried out by LNFM, a transnational criminal organization. In his role, Galvan would purchase the firearms, attempt to obliterate their serial numbers, and transfer the firearms to co-conspirators who would then traffic them to Mexico.
Galvan was arrested July 29, 2025, and indicted on Aug. 20 for one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms and one count of straw purchase of firearms. Galvan is one of 26 defendants indicted for charges ranging from firearms trafficking to illegal alien smuggling to money laundering.
Galvan faces up to 40 years in federal prison for each of the two counts. 18 of the indicted co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and await their sentencing hearings. Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses presides over the case.
“This trial is significant in that, not only did it trace two dozen rifles from a Texas town to a Mexican cartel, but it is one of the first trials in the nation to involve a conspiracy to traffic firearms under the relatively new firearms trafficking statute,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “I want to extend my congratulations and gratitude to our federal prosecutors and all of our law enforcement partners who contributed to this well-deserved result. I also want to thank the members of the jury for fulfilling their honorable duty as Americans. Let this verdict show that the Western District of Texas and the American People will not stand idly by and allow anyone to arm our adversaries in violation of federal law."
“This conviction underscores ATF and our law enforcement partners’ unwavering commitment to stopping the flow of illegal firearms from our communities into the hands of violent cartel organizations” said ATF Houston Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “The defendant’s actions directly fueled armed violence in Mexico, and we will not allow our communities to be exploited as a source of weapons for transnational criminal groups. ATF and our partners will continue to identify, investigate, and dismantle these trafficking networks at every level.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to dismantling the networks that supply weapons to violent transnational criminal organizations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge John A Pasciucco, HSI San Antonio. “This conviction demonstrates the impact of coordinated federal law enforcement efforts to disrupt the flow of firearms fueling cartel violence in Mexico. HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities and our national security by trafficking firearms across our borders.”
“I would like to highlight the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ critical role in our Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) efforts, bringing specialized expertise to the firearms trafficking component of this case,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “Through the HSTF framework, and working alongside FBI Kansas City, FBI’s Law Enforcement Attache Office in Mexico City, and Homeland Security Investigations, we leveraged actionable intelligence and combined our respective expertise to disrupt weapons trafficking networks tied to La Nueva Familia Michoacana. HSTF collaboration remains central to our mission as we work to identify and dismantle transnational criminal organizations—wherever they operate—and hold them accountable.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Warsame Galaydh and Brett Miner are prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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.
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Texas Doctor Convicted for Illegally Distributing More than a Million PillsRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Southern District of Texas convicted a Texas physician yesterday for unlawfully distributing more than a million pills of opioids and other dangerous controlled substances.
“Medical physicians who exploit their prescribing authority for profit over patient care break an inherent trust with their patients and we will hold them accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The Department of Justice remains committed to protecting the public from dangerous and unlawful distribution of controlled substances, especially when the drug dealer is a doctor.”
“Patients put their trust and their lives into the hands of our medical and health care professionals,” said DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz. “The highly addictive, dangerous misused drugs in this case – oxycodone and hydrocodone – are meant to treat pain, not cause it. DEA remains relentless in our pursuit of those who poison our communities and exploit our health care system, all to line their own pockets with the profit from other’s pain.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Barbara Marino, M.D., 65, of Tomball, was the sole prescribing physician at Angels Clinica. From Angels Clinica, Marino prescribed the highly dangerous, addictive, and commonly abused opioids oxycodone and hydrocodone and the muscle relaxer carisoprodol. Marino prescribed these drugs from a clinic hiding in plain sight, behind mirrored windows, in a Houston strip mall:
Image of Clinic Where Marino Prescribed Drugs (Gov’t Trial Ex. No. 301)
Many of the patients who received prescriptions from Marino were brought to Angels Clinica by street-level drug dealers, often called “crew leaders” or “runners.” These crew leaders and runners brought patients to Marino for prescriptions, filled those prescriptions at Houston-area pharmacies, and then sold the pills on the street. Angels Clinica was a cash-only clinic, charging people based on what drug Marino would prescribe them. In less than a year, Marino received more than $400,000 from Angels Clinica’s owners for writing prescriptions that lacked a legitimate medical purpose and were outside the usual course of professional medical practice.
Marino’s prescribing exhibited many of the red flags of a pill mill, as published in the Texas State Board of Pharmacies “YOU MIGHT BE A PILL MILL IF…” checklist. The evidence at trial showed that Marino intentionally disregarded all the red flags and prescribed almost every patient she saw the dangerous combination of an opioid, like oxycodone or hydrocodone, and the muscle relaxer carisoprodol. More than 99% of the time, Marino prescribed only the strongest short-acting versions of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and carisoprodol.
Among Marino’s patients was a woman in her third trimester of pregnancy. Marino prescribed this pregnant patient the dangerous drug cocktail of hydrocodone and carisoprodol. The patient’s OB/GYN testified at trial about how dangerous that drug cocktail was for both the woman and her unborn child, and that the patient missed an important follow-up visit with the OB/GYN. As the prosecutor said in her closing arguments, this patient “didn’t go to her doctor, she went to her drug dealer.”
Another of Dr. Marino’s patients was a man who had been diagnosed as bipolar and schizophrenic. The patient’s mother testified that he often claimed to be former President Richard Nixon. Nonetheless, Dr. Marino prescribed him the hydrocodone and soma cocktail at least three times.
The jury convicted Marino of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and four counts of distributing a controlled substance. Marino faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
DEA investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Drew Pennebaker and Yael Mash of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the Texas Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for a Series of FraudsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Monday sentenced a man who committed identity theft, check fraud and pandemic fraud to 42 months in prison and ordered him to repay $77,360 to his victims.
For over three years, Darryon M. Sutherlin, now 29, engaged in a series of frauds and financial crimes, including filing a fraudulent application for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, check fraud and the use of stolen identities to obtain loans and credit. His crimes continued even after he was indicted.
On May 26, 2022, Sutherlin used the stolen identity of a New Jersey resident to finance a $25,850 loan for a 2016 BMW. Sutherlin also used the New Jersey man’s name, Social Security number and a fake ID to obtain a personal loan of $8,500 and two credit cards.
On Dec. 7, 2022, Sutherlin deposited two stolen and altered U.S. Treasury checks, totaling $10,436, into his personal bank account.
On Jan. 31, 2023, Sutherlin’s property manager contacted the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department after seeing pounds of marijuana and driver’s licenses in different names but with Sutherlin’s photo in his apartment. Officers caught Sutherlin with stolen personal and U.S. Treasury checks and unauthorized bank cards and false driver’s licenses, including the New Jersey victim’s license. They found more bank cards, false driver’s licenses, bank paperwork and a large trash bag containing stolen, opened U.S. mail in his apartment. In total, officers recovered roughly 23 unauthorized debit and credit cards, 13 false driver’s licenses and 2 false Social Security cards, all of which bore the information of more than 10 different identity theft victims.
Sutherlin sought a Paycheck Protection Program loan on March 23, 2021, by falsely claiming that he ran a construction business and by submitting a false Form 1040 Schedule C showing bogus gross earnings. After receiving a $20,833 PPP loan, Sutherlin immediately withdrew a large portion of the loan funds in cash and spent the remainder on personal expenses.
After he was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on May 15, 2024, Sutherlin obtained a loan of $8,500 from a credit union branch in Collinsville, Ill. by using the identity of a Massachusetts man whose name appeared on one of the licenses found in his apartment in 2023. Sutherlin’s bond was revoked, and he has been in jail since the new offense was discovered.
Sutherlin pleaded guilty in September in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of identity theft.
“The sentencing in this case illustrates that individuals who engage in mail theft will be held accountable for their actions,” stated Acting Inspector in Charge, Nicholas Bucciarelli, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Domicile. “The Postal Inspection Service is proud to work with our local, state, and federal partners to bring mail theft perpetrators to justice and prevent financial crimes targeting local citizens, postal customers, and financial institutions.”
“This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Glen Carbon Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Felon Admits Possessing Machine Gun in Stolen Car After ChaseRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man on supervised release from a prior carjacking case on Monday admitted being caught with a fully automatic handgun after fleeing from police in a stolen car.
Davell A. Horton, 29, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that on July 15, 2024, St. Louis County Police Department officers spotted an Infiniti G37 with no license plates that matched the description of a stolen car. Horton was driving, ignored police attempts to pull him over and instead sped away on a circuitous route around north St. Louis County.
Eventually, Horton crashed the car into a light pole. His passenger fled, dropping a handgun. Horton also ran, leaving behind a .45-caliber Glock equipped with a high-capacity magazine and a “switch,” or auto sear, that modified it into a fully automatic weapon.
Horton was on supervised release at the time, having been sentenced in January of 2021 to 70 months in prison for carjacking.
He now faces up to 15 years in prison at his sentencing, scheduled for August 10.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.