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21 April 2026
Mexican National Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling Liquid Meth into U.S. in Propane TanksRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 210 months in prison for importing 163 kgs of liquid methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents, on June 5, 2022, Paul Ivan Palmero-Martinez, 51, pulled up to the Eagle Pass Port of Entry driving a Ford F350 tow truck. He stated that he was traveling from Piedras Negras to San Antonio to purchase motor bikes for his business in Mexico, and that he had nothing to declare.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers (CBPO) directed Palmero-Martinez to secondary inspection, where he stated he was traveling to San Antonio to purchase an engine. A CBPO opened the back compartment of Palmero-Martinez’s vehicle and located two large propane tanks that looked and smelled as if they were recently painted. A K9 alerted to the smell of narcotics. Further inspection revealed anomalies in the propane tanks, which were then cut open to reveal six large packages of methamphetamine with a total weight of 168.2 kgs.
Palmero-Martinez told ICE Homeland Security Investigations agents that a co-conspirator was supposed to pay him for transporting the methamphetamine to San Antonio. He further admitted that he had previously transported the F350 from Mexico to San Antonio through the Del Rio Port of Entry to establish a crossing history and that he received $800 from the co-conspirator for doing so.
Following his arrest, Palmero-Martinez was charged in a four-count indictment. He pleaded guilty to one count on Sept. 19, 2022. Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses presided over the case.
ICE HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner 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.
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Meet the Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office: Questions and Answers with Darci GrahamRead the Press Release
Meet the Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office:
Questions and Answers with Darci Graham
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026
Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect Victims. Serve Communities.
Pictured: Darci Graham, Victim Witness Coordinator
Q: How did you become interested in working with victims of crime?
A: Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with individuals impacted by crime, helping them navigate complex legal processes while ensuring they feel supported and informed. I have a background in criminal justice and victim advocacy, with experience in both military and federal systems.
Early in my career as a police officer in the early 2000s, I witnessed a criminal justice system that often did not fully include victims, and many individuals had little to no voice in the courtroom. That experience significantly shaped my perspective and commitment to this work. I later participated in one of the first victim impact panels in Louisiana, which, at the time, focused on rehabilitation efforts as defendants prepared to reenter society.
Those experiences continue to drive my passion for strengthening victim services, ensuring that victims are heard, respected, and meaningfully included throughout the justice process, and building programs that make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Q: What are your responsibilities?
A: As the Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office, I ensure that victims of federal crimes are informed of their rights, supported throughout the criminal justice process, and connected to resources that promote safety, stability, and healing.
My role centers on advocacy, communication, and coordination. I work directly with victims to explain the court process, provide updates on their case, and ensure their voices are heard—particularly through opportunities like victim impact statements. I also help coordinate services such as safety planning, referrals to counseling, and assistance navigating financial or logistical challenges related to the case.
At its core, this work is about making sure victims are not navigating the system alone.
Q: How have you worked with victims in your past roles?
A: My background spans law enforcement, military service, victim advocacy, and systems management. I began my career as a police officer, where I served as both a Rape Crisis Officer and a Domestic Violence Investigating Officer. In those roles, I responded to and investigated sensitive cases, worked directly with victims in crisis, and ensured they were supported while navigating the justice process.
I later transitioned into victim advocacy, where I have worked with victims of violent crime, domestic violence, and sexual assault in both civilian and military settings. I have provided crisis support, helped individuals understand and navigate the legal system, coordinated with prosecutors and investigators, and ensured victims received consistent communication and access to resources throughout their cases. In these moments, I believe an advocate should be calm in the storm—someone who can provide clarity, stability, and support when everything feels overwhelming.
Across all these roles, my focus has remained consistent: supporting individuals during difficult moments, treating them with dignity and respect, and helping them navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence.
Q: What do you believe is the most important aspect of victim services?
A: I believe one of the most important aspects of victim services is ensuring victims can be heard. The victim impact statement is a powerful part of that—it allows individuals to share how the crime affected their lives in their own words. It also helps humanize the crime, giving the Court a fuller understanding of the real impact beyond the facts of the case.
When supported properly, it can help victims reclaim their voice and, for some, be a meaningful step in the healing process. At the same time, it’s always a personal choice, and our role is to support and empower victims in whatever they decide.
Q: What support is available for crime victims?
A: There are a wide range of resources available to support crime victims. These include victim advocacy services, counseling, crisis intervention, legal information, and financial assistance in certain cases. At the federal level, victims also have specific rights, including the right to be informed, to be present at proceedings, and to be heard at key stages of the process.
Additionally, national resources such as the Office for Victims of Crime and the National Crime Victim Hotline provide guidance and support to individuals seeking help.
The most important message is that support exists—and no one needs to feel alone in the process.
Q: What message would you like to share during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week?
A: This year’s theme—Listen. Act. Advocate. —is a reminder that supporting victims requires more than awareness. It requires action, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring that every victim is heard and supported.
Whether you are a professional in the justice system or a member of the community, we all play a role in creating an environment where victims feel safe coming forward and accessing the help they need.
Q: So that victims who work with you get a chance to know you better, what’s an interesting fact about you?
A: An interesting fact about me is that I had the opportunity to meet John Walsh and was featured briefly on America’s Most Wanted during coverage of the Baton Rouge Serial Killer case. I assisted in a segment focused on teaching women firearm safety and awareness.
Maryland Felon Sentenced for Conspiring to Commit Arson and Robbery at Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court today, in connection with an arson conspiracy.
U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Stephen Kennedy, 34, of Temple Hills, Maryland, to 45 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit arson, arson affecting interstate commerce, commercial robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, carrying an explosive device during the commission of a felony, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Chuang also ordered Kennedy to pay $367,354.82 in restitution. In February 2025, after a five-day trial, a federal jury found Kennedy guilty of these charges.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Acting Maryland State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray; Fire Chief Thelmetria Michaelides, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department; Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to court documents, from at least January 2021 to January 2022, Kennedy and co-conspirators, including co-defendant Donnell Kelly, conspired to commit arsons at 7-Eleven convenience stores. The co-conspirators set the fires so they could later steal the cash contained in ATMs in the stores.
Kennedy, Kelly, and other co-conspirators traveled to 7-Eleven locations while they were open for business and deployed explosive devices to set fire to the buildings. On at least one occasion, a co-conspirator demanded the contents from the store’s cash register. The co-conspirators burned the stores to force their closure and then shut off power to the security cameras, which enabled them to return to the unguarded locations to burglarize the ATMs.
This scheme resulted in losses to the ATM company of at least $90,000.
In October 2024, Kelly, who also pled guilty to conspiracy to commit arson, received a 10-year prison term, followed by three years of supervised release.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF Baltimore Field Division’s Arson & Explosive Investigations Group, Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Additionally, Ms. Hayes recognized the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, ATF Washington Field Division, U.S. Marshals Service, and Alexandria, Virginia Fire and Police Departments for their assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rosenthal and Christopher Sarma who prosecuted this case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Maple Shade Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Crimes, After Admitting One-Year-Old Victim Suffered Apparent Cocaine OverdoseRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County man was sentenced to 211 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing three firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Chief United States District Judge Renée M. Bumb imposed the sentence in Camden federal court today.
“Drug trafficking fueled by firearms poisons our communities, and in this case nearly resulted in the death of a one-year-old child. The District of New Jersey will aggressively pursue traffickers who flood our neighborhoods with drugs, arm themselves to protect their profits, and put our most vulnerable lives at risk. We will hold them accountable under federal law.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
Daniel Garcia Jr., 29, of Maple Shade, previously pled guilty on November 20, 2025, before Chief Judge Renée M. Bumb to a two-count information charging possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 23, 2024, Garcia and another individual rushed the minor victim to the hospital because the minor was not breathing, having seizures, drooling, and unresponsive. The minor received life-saving care at the hospital and was later flown to a children’s hospital. As part of the medical treatment, the victim’s urine was screened for controlled substances. The tests returned positive results for benzodiazepine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Medical personnel at the children’s hospital informed law enforcement officers that the minor had been administered benzodiazepine and fentanyl during treatment, but that cocaine had not been administered. A doctor at the children’s hospital told law enforcement that the minor’s symptoms—including seizure, cardiac arrest, and cardiac arrythmia—were all symptoms of a cocaine overdose. The one-year-old victim’s heart stopped twice during the course of the medical care, but the minor thankfully was revived and survived.
While the victim was receiving life-saving treatment at the hospital, Garcia left the hospital and drove home. Surveillance video showed Garcia taking a laundry bag out of his home, putting it into the trunk of a different car than he had driven home, parking the second car across the parking lot in a location far from Garcia’s residence, and then driving the first car back to the hospital.
The next day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Garcia’s home and found approximately $4,252 in cash, rubber bands consistent with those typically used in illegal drug packaging, an empty fold of paper consistent with illegal drug packaging, and an envelope containing both 9mm and .357 magnum ammunition. The day after that, June 25, 2024, law enforcement searched the car Garcia had parked across the parking lot, finding the laundry bag, $150,000 cash, approximately 329.1g of 100% pure methamphetamine, 767g of cocaine, 41 amphetamine tablets, 102 alprazolam tablets, 272 oxycodone tablets, 2.6g of MDMA powder, 1,341g of marijuana, 9.9g of psilocin and psilocybin mushrooms, 192g of crystalline cutting agents commonly used for illegal drug preparation, three digital scales, drug packaging material, two 9mm handguns, and a .357 magnum revolver. All three firearms were loaded.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Chief Judge Bumb sentenced Garcia to two concurrent terms of five years of supervised release, to begin after the term of incarceration. Garcia also agreed to forfeit three firearms, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, and more than $155,000 that law enforcement seized in June 2024.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation. U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, and the Maple Shade Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Fletcher, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Robin Kay Lord, Esq., Trenton, NJ.
Man Admits Threatening Social Security Administration Employees by PhoneRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Wayne County, Missouri on Tuesday admitted threatening employees of the Social Security Administration twice in 2025.
Timothy Wells Stevens, 57, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to two counts of transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce. On Oct. 1, 2025, Stevens was talking to an SSA employee in Pennsylvania and was told that there was no record showing that he was due payments. Stevens said, that if he did not receive payments, “I’m commin’ gunning’ for you all,” his plea agreement says. The employee told Stevens that the SSA takes all threats seriously, and he responded “No, I am going gunnin’ trust me, and I’m going to blow up every (expletive) office around here.”
About 30 minutes later Stevens called again and reached an SSA employee in California. During that call, he said, “Cause I’m telling you now, if I have to sell my place I’ve owned for 17 years and go live under a bridge, I’m hunting every last one of you (expletives) down and I’m gonna blow you up,” his plea agreement says.
On Oct. 9, 2025, investigators interviewed Stevens, who confirmed that it was his voice on the recorded call with the California employee.
Stevens is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28. The charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and fine.
The Federal Protective Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case.
Madison County Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Jonathan James Moore, 58, of Jackson, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
The investigation in this case began in January 2025 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the uploading of 13 files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to a Google mail (Gmail) account. Further investigation revealed that the Gmail account was owned and operated by Jonathan James Moore, a resident of Jackson. Search warrants for Moore’s residence and his Gmail account were obtained and executed in February 2025, which resulted in the discovery of hundreds of CSAM images, including images involving prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and material that portrayed the sexual abuse or exploitation of infants and toddlers.
Following the search of his home, Moore was interviewed, and he admitted to viewing images of nude children that he downloaded from the internet for sexual gratification. He also admitted to “screenshotting” and cropping some of the images that he obtained and then uploading the images to his Google Photos account.
In April 2025, a federal grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against Moore charging him with several child sexual exploitation offenses, including possession of child pornography. Following his guilty plea to the possession offense, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Moore to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Judge Anderson also ordered that Moore pay a fine of $5,000 and a special assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “Criminals are using technology to victimize and exploit child victims with increasingly disturbing frequency. This case demonstrates that no matter where offenders are located, our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners will find them and hold them accountable for internet crimes against children.”
This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Jackson Police Department, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
MS-13 members sentenced to decades in federal prison for brutal murders committed at direction of gang leaders in El SalvadorRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – Eight illegal aliens and members of the violent transnational criminal organization Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, have been sentenced for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that included witness tampering and multiple murders of individuals as young as 14.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now imposed a 50-year term of imprisonment for Edgardo Martinez-Rodriguez aka Largo, 35, while Wilman Rivas-Guido aka Inquieto, 30, received 45 years. At the hearing, the court heard how Martinez-Rodriguez was a high-ranking leader in the conspiracy and initiated numerous murders. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Brown noted the violent nature of the crimes committed.
Six others were previously sentenced. Miguel Angel Aguilar-Ochoa aka Darki, 40, Wilson Jose Ventura-Mejia aka Discreto, 30, and Walter Chicas-Garcia, 28, each received 50-year sentences. Marlon Miranda Moran, 26, was ordered to serve 35 years, while Luis Ernesto Carbajal-Peraza, 34, and Carlos Garcia-Gongora, 28, were ordered to serve 45 years.
All are El Salvadoran nationals illegally present in the United States. They previously pleaded guilty, admitting to being members of MS-13 and participating in a criminal enterprise responsible for murders, extortion, drug trafficking, robbery and obstruction of justice in and around the Houston area from 2017 through 2018.
“Today’s sentences send a clear message – those who carry out violence for transnational criminal organizations will be held accountable, no matter where the orders come from,” said Marck. “These defendants used brutality to advance within their criminal enterprise, and now they face the consequences. The Southern District of Texas will diligently continue working to dismantle violent criminal gangs that threaten our community.”
“These defendants, acting on behalf of a transnational criminal gang, carried out brutal murders, killing victims with machetes, baseball bats, and their bare hands, and then glorifying their violent acts by sending photos of their carnage to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department commends the brave law enforcement officers and those who came forward to help law enforcement to resolve these cases. The lengthy sentences imposed send an unmistakable message that MS-13 and its accompanying violence are not welcome in the United States. The Criminal Division will relentlessly pursue MS-13 and hold those accountable who bring MS-13 violence to American communities.”
“This case centers on when MS-13 violence was at its peak in Houston. These gang members are among the most ruthless and violent criminals we’ve seen. They made of our communities their killing fields,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Today’s hefty sentences should send a message to other violent terrorist organizations that the rule of law and justice will eventually catch up to you. This investigation, and today’s sentences, would not have been possible if it weren’t for our partnerships with the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and our law enforcement partners in El Salvador.”
“All eight of these MS-13 gang members illegally entered the country – including Aguilar Ochoa who illegally entered the U.S. four times – and went on to reign terror on our local communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Burke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Houston. “Working in conjunction with our partners, we were able to bring an end to the lawlessness that they’ve spread and hold them accountable for their depraved actions.”
In February 2025, the State Department designated MS-13 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. MS-13 engages in violent criminal activity across the United States, including Texas, Virginia, Maryland, New York and California, and throughout the countries where it operates, including El Salvador and Honduras. Members use intimidation and violence, including murder and assault with deadly weapons, such as machetes, baseball bats, firearms and ligatures used for strangling, all to maintain power, reputation and territory.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Martinez-Rodriguez and Rivas-Guido admitted to involvement in murder ordered and approved by high-ranking MS-13 leaders in El Salvador, who at times monitored executions by phone.
Members carried out the murders to increase or maintain rank within the gang and targeted individuals believed to be rival gang members, law enforcement cooperators or people working against MS-13’s interests. After the murders, they sent photos of the victims’ bodies to leadership in El Salvador as proof of the executions to rise in rank, sometimes further mutilating or dismembering the bodies before sending them.
All have been and will remain in custody.
FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from police departments in Houston, Galveston and Prince George’s County in Maryland, Sheriff’s offices in Harris and Liberty counties, Texas Department of Public Safety, University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Office of the Attorney General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keri Fuller and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Britni Verdeja prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorneys César S. Rivera-Giraud and Ben Tonkin from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force nationwide initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state and local partners in targeting transnational criminal organizations and led by the prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vulcan.
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.
MS-13 Members Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Brutal Murders Committed at Direction of Gang Leaders in El SalvadorRead the Press Release
Eight illegal aliens and members of the violent transnational criminal organization Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, have been sentenced for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that included witness tampering and multiple murders of individuals as young as 14.
“These defendants, acting on behalf of a transnational criminal gang, carried out brutal murders, killing victims with machetes, baseball bats, and their bare hands, and then glorifying their violent acts by sending photos of their carnage to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department commends the brave law enforcement officers and those who came forward to help law enforcement to resolve these cases. The lengthy sentences imposed send an unmistakable message that MS-13 and its accompanying violence are not welcome in the United States. The Criminal Division will relentlessly pursue MS-13 and hold those accountable who bring MS-13 violence to American communities.”
“Today’s sentences send a clear message – those who carry out violence for transnational criminal organizations will be held accountable, no matter where the orders come from,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck for the Southern District of Texas. “These defendants used brutality to advance within their criminal enterprise, and now they face the consequences. The Southern District of Texas will diligently continue working to dismantle violent criminal gangs that threaten our community.”
“This case centers on when MS-13 violence was at its peak in Houston. These gang members are among the most ruthless and violent criminals we’ve seen. They made our communities their killing fields,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Today’s hefty sentences should send a message to other violent terrorist organizations that the rule of law and justice will eventually catch up to you. This investigation, and today’s sentences, would not have been possible if it weren’t for our partnerships with the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and our law enforcement partners in El Salvador.”
“All eight of these MS-13 gang members illegally entered the country – including Aguilar Ochoa who illegally entered the U.S. four times – and went on to reign terror on our local communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Burke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston. “Working in conjunction with our partners, we were able to bring an end to the lawlessness that they’ve spread and hold them accountable for their depraved actions.”
Today, Edgardo Martinez-Rodriguez also known as Largo, 35, was sentenced to 50 years in prison and Wilman Rivas-Guido also known as Inquieto, 30, was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Six other MS-13 members have been sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment in connection with this case: Miguel Angel Aguilar-Ochoa also known as Darki, 40, Wilson Jose Ventura-Mejia also known as Discreto, 30, and Walter Chicas-Garcia, 28, each received 50-year sentences. Marlon Miranda Moran, 26, was ordered to serve 35 years in prison, while Luis Ernesto Carbajal-Peraza, 34, and Carlos Garcia-Gongora, 28, were ordered to serve 45 years in prison. All have been and will remain in custody.
All are El Salvadoran nationals illegally present in the United States. They previously pleaded guilty, admitting to being members of MS-13 and participating in a criminal enterprise responsible for murders, extortion, drug trafficking, robbery and obstruction of justice in and around the Houston area from 2017 through 2018. In February 2025, the U.S. State Department designated MS-13 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. MS-13 engages in violent criminal activity across the United States, including in Texas, Virginia, Maryland, New York and California, and throughout the countries where it operates, such as El Salvador and Honduras. MS-13 routinely uses intimidation and violence, including murder and assault with deadly weapons like machetes, baseball bats, firearms, and ligature strangulation, all to maintain power, reputation and territory.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Martinez-Rodriguez and Rivas-Guido, who were sentenced today after admitting to involvement in murder ordered and approved by high-ranking MS-13 leaders in El Salvador, who at times monitored executions by phone. Members carried out the murders to increase or maintain rank within the gang and targeted individuals believed to be rival gang members, law enforcement cooperators or people working against MS-13’s interests. After the murders, members sent photos of the victims’ bodies to leadership in El Salvador as proof of the executions and in an effort to rise in rank, sometimes further mutilating or dismembering the bodies before sending the photos. Martinez-Rodriguez was a high-ranking leader in the conspiracy and initiated numerous murders ordered and approved by MS-13 leaders in El Salvador.
FBI and HSI conducted the investigation with assistance from police departments in Houston and Galveston, Texas, and Prince George’s County in Maryland; Sheriff’s offices in Harris and Liberty Counties in Texas; Texas Department of Public Safety; University of North Texas Center for Human Identification; U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Office of the Attorney General.
Trial Attorneys César S. Rivera-Giraud and Ben Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Keri Fuller and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Britni Verdeja for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted this case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force nationwide initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in targeting transnational criminal organizations, and led by the prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vulcan.
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.
Leader of Chicago Street Gang Sentenced to Life in Prison for Participating in Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Multiple MurdersRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A leader of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang in Chicago has been sentenced to life in federal prison for participating in a criminal organization that terrorized the West Side of Chicago for two decades by committing murders, robberies, extortions, witness tampering, and drug dealing.
LABAR SPANN, 47, of Chicago, was convicted in December 2025 after a five-week trial in federal court in Chicago on all four counts against him, including racketeering conspiracy, two murders in aid of racketeering, and extortion. The jury found that Spann committed a total of four murders in a premeditated manner as part of the racketeering conspiracy, including the killings of Rudy Rangel on June 4, 2003; Willie Woods on April 16, 2003; George King on April 8, 2003; and Maximillion McDaniel on July 25, 2000.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin imposed a life sentence on Spann during a hearing in federal court in Chicago. Given the gravity of Spann’s crimes, the life sentence was a mandatory penalty under federal law.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois Secretary of State Police Department, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois State Police, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“At defendant’s direction, his co-conspirators ruthlessly murdered, extorted, and robbed anyone in their way, from rival gang members, to law enforcement cooperators, to innocent bystanders,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Morrissey, Michelle J. Parthum, and Emily C.R. Vermylen argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “His actions ended the lives of four men, depriving their families of time with their loved ones. The harm and pain caused to these families can never be repaired.”
The Four Corner Hustlers operated primarily in the Chicago neighborhoods of West Garfield Park and North Lawndale on the city’s West Side, as well as in the former LeClaire Courts public housing development on the city’s Southwest Side. According to evidence presented at Spann’s trial, the gang dealt drugs and robbed and extorted rival dealers, while using violence and intimidation to prevent victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement. The gang engaged in numerous acts of violence, including multiple murders and armed robberies. During the trial, the jury heard testimony from other members of the Four Corner Hustlers, eyewitnesses to numerous crimes, law enforcement officers who responded to crime scenes, and expert witnesses who analyzed forensic and other evidence.
Spann was indicted in 2017 along with eight other members of the Four Corner Hustlers and two additional defendants. All the defendants were convicted.
Kentucky Woman Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Committing Identity Theft and Bank Fraud in JacksonvilleRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Abigail Payton (30, Kentucky) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to three years and six months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and bank fraud. Payton pleaded guilty on November 13, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Payton obtained the personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers, of at least four victims. She then used fraudulent driver licenses containing the victims’ personal information—but with Payton’s photo—to open checking accounts at credit unions in Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale. Payton applied for loans in two of the victims’ names and spent more than $38,000 of the proceeds. She also wrote checks to herself from accounts she had opened in two other victims’ names. Payton also opened accounts at other banking institutions under separate victims’ names, causing an additional $35,000 in loss.
In May 2024, Payton was stopped by law enforcement in Kentucky. During that encounter, officers located blank checks issued in additional victims’ names as well as a cellphone with photos of fraudulent driver licenses containing Payton’s photo, but personal information belonging to others.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.
Interstate Drug Trafficking Conspirator Enters Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Malachi Brian Maurice Younger, 23, of Hagerstown, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Younger was involved in a conspiracy to distribute illicit drugs in Berkeley County, West Virginia. On March 28, 2024, law enforcement seized large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, along with packaging materials, a digital scale, razor blades, and cash, from a stolen Jeep operated by Younger. In the following months, investigators repeatedly observed Younger engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions in Maryland and West Virginia, often using a stolen black Jaguar SUV. On July 27, 2024, Younger fled from Pennsylvania State Police in the same Jaguar and was found in possession of additional fentanyl mixtures, oxycodone, drug paraphernalia, and cash.
Younger will be sentenced for his conviction at a later date.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration-Hagerstown investigated.
Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Honduran national sentenced to 54 months in prison for drug trafficking and returning after removalRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 30-year-old Honduran citizen was sentenced today in U.S District Court in Seattle to 54 months in prison for his role in a significant drug deal and for returning to the U.S. after being removed, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Jorge Aguilar Martinez was arrested in October 2025. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted that Aguilar Martinez’ conduct was driven by his desire to make money at the expense of a community decimated by fentanyl pills. “Fentanyl pills have proven to be lethal,” the judge said, “It is very easy to get a fentanyl pill that contains a deadly dose.”
According to records filed in the case, Aguilar Martinez connected a drug customer to those who claimed to be able to provide large amounts of meth and fentanyl pills. The customer was working with law enforcement. After the drug deal was struck, Aguilar Martinez and two other coconspirators were arrested with
some 28 pounds of methamphetamine and 10,000 fentanyl pills. Some of the meth had been packaged in cereal boxes.
Aguilar Martinez’ two coconspirators were charged and then released from criminal detention pending trial. Both were illegally present in the U.S. and were removed before the criminal cases were resolved.
In asking for a five-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “(T)he drug crisis is one of the most significant challenges faced within this District and nationwide. Aguilar Martinez’s conduct as a drug trafficker, particularly trafficking the quantities in this case, is not only extremely serious, but also demonstrates total lack of respect for the law. More significantly, it evinces a callous disregard for the wellbeing or safety of others. Although Aguilar Martinez has no other drug convictions, he has been arrested on several prior occasions for drug trafficking behavior.”
Judge Robart also noted that Aguilar Martinez almost immediately returned to the U.S. after being removed in 2024, showing that he did not respect the law.
Aguilar Martinez is directed to serve four years of supervised release should he return to the U.S. again. He is expected to be removed following his prison term.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Storey. Ms. Storey is an attorney with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service specially designated to prosecute criminal cases in federal court.
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.
Hialeah Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing 100 Kilograms of Marijuana and Five Firearms for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Jose Ruben Curet Villa (41, Hialeah) has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Curet Villa faces a minimum penalty of 40 years, up to life, in federal prison. The date for his sentencing hearing has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, in April 2024, Curet Villa made an illegal arrangement with his co-conspirators to set up “pop-up shops,” where he sold and distributed large volumes of marijuana at five locations in Jacksonville. He conspired with others, including those who provided locations and security for these temporary businesses. On two occasions, a confidential informant made controlled purchases of marijuana from Curet Villa and his co-conspirators at these pop-up shops. Based on their investigation, law enforcement believed that Curet Villa was transporting marijuana from the townhome where he was staying to the pop-up shops.
On November 15, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at various locations associated with Curet Villa, including the townhome where Curet Villa had been staying and was present. Items recovered included: a money counter, vacuum sealers, plastic bags and marijuana residue, scales, cash, five firearms (one of which was stolen), 113 rounds of ammunition, and more than 298 pounds of marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
Georgia Man Indicted for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Edward Blake Langford, 42, of Winder, Georgia, has been indicted in federal court for attempted enticement of a minor. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Langford appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 8:30 am, before District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.
If convicted, Langford faces a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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.
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.
Gardner Woman Charged with Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gardner woman was charged today in federal court in Worcester with fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Leidy E. Otero, 43, was charged with one count of receipt of stolen government money or property and one count of Social Security fraud – concealment. She will appear in U.S. District Court in Worcester at a later date.
According to the charging documents, from January 2015 through March 2025, Otero allegedly received approximately $185,266 in Social Security disability benefits that she knew she was not entitled to. It is further alleged that Otero concealed material information from the Social Security Administration with the intent to fraudulently obtain the Social Security benefits.
The charge of receipt of stolen government money or property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Social Security fraud – concealment provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Gang Members Charged in Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Four Dallas area gang members were charged by federal criminal complaint for their roles in trafficking methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Ventrous Deshun James, Joseph Lewis Morgan, Dionyuta Henry, and David Beaty, were charged by federal complaint on April 14, 2026, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to the criminal complaint, in October 2025, law enforcement agents initiated a joint investigation into members of the ‘007 Bonton bloods’ criminal street gang. As part of the investigation, agents searched multiple residences in Seagoville. They located significant quantities of controlled substances and evidence of drug trafficking activity, including approximately 22.7 pounds of methamphetamine, 4.6 pounds of methamphetamine tablets, 1.6 pounds of cocaine, 77.9 pounds of marijuana, and 52.2 grams of marijuana wax. Agents also seized more than $61,000 in U.S. currency, along with additional narcotics trafficking paraphernalia, as depicted below:
In addition, as alleged in the complaint, agents recovered more than 25 firearms, including three firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices (“switches”), which convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons, as well as additional switches, ammunition, and firearm magazines.
If convicted, each defendant faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison. The defendants remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) Special Investigation Division (SID), the DPD Gang Unit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Group VII and the FBI Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force, Dallas Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Poore is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fourteen Individuals from Southwest Michigan Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that on April 14, 2026, a grand jury indicted eight defendants for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other related offenses. Six defendants had previously been indicted in separate cases. The eight defendants indicted on April 14 are listed below:
United States v. Echols, et al., No. 1:26-cr-00035
NameAgeResidenceStatus and ChargesShawn Bernard Echols,
a/k/a “Doe,” “Brother-in-Law”
56Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled SubstancesLamont Roquinton Thomas, a/k/a “Jug,” “Jughead”52Berrien Springs, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineAnthony Lynn Lloyd,
a/k/a “Amp”
54Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylAdrian Linn Travier36Kalamazoo, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of MethamphetamineLamar Edward Sanders47Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled SubstancesKeith Trayvon Curtis
a/k/a “Tray,” “Nephew”
35Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled SubstancesLue Chanel Williams54Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Commit Concealment Money Laundering and False Statement within the Jurisdiction of the United StatesUnited States v. Traylor, No. 1:26-cr-00036
NameAgeResidenceStatus and ChargesGregory Levell Traylor,
a/k/a “Vell”
47Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin, and CocaineThe six defendants previously indicted are listed below:
United States v. Ballard, et al., No. 1:26-cr-00016
NameAgeResidenceStatus and ChargesKorey Demichael Ballard,
a/k/a “Dizzle”
31Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of Methamphetamine and CocaineCharles Xavier Williams41Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of MethamphetamineDeshun Lee Holmes38Benton Harbor, MichiganPending Guilty Plea – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineDemyron Lashun Robinson42Benton Harbor, MichiganIndicted – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Distribution of CocaineUnited States v. Scott, et al., No. 1:25-cr-00176
NameAgeResidenceStatus and ChargesMichael Deanglo Scott,
a/k/a “Bink,” “Binky”
32Benton Harbor, MichiganPled Guilty – Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineMichael Devontae Scott,
a/k/a “Big Head”
33Benton Harbor, MichiganPled Guilty – Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineThe investigation arose after agents learned that a group of Benton Harbor drug traffickers were obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs through third-party carriers out-of-state. For example, on July 9, 2025, investigators seized over 19 pounds of methamphetamine from a FedEx box delivered from California to Bangor, Michigan. On November 19, 2025, investigators executed over a dozen search warrants in Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, St. Joseph, and Kalamazoo, Michigan and elsewhere, which resulted in the seizure of nearly a kilogram of fentanyl, over 500 grams of cocaine, over $40,000 in cash, and multiple firearms. Further details of the investigation are available in the criminal complaint filed in United States v. Scott, No. 1:25-mj-00612.
“This investigation shows the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies,” stated U.S. Attorney VerHey. “With the assistance of my office, various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies worked together to focus their efforts on disrupting the supply chain of some of the largest methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine traffickers in Southwest Michigan. We look forward to proving these defendants’ involvement in the drug trafficking and money laundering beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine continue to cause devastating harm in our communities, and we will not tolerate those who seek to profit from the distribution of these dangerous substances,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I commend the dedicated members of the FBI St. Joseph Resident Agency for their work on this case and their role in the broader homeland security mission through the Michigan Homeland Security Task Force and Operation Lake Effect. We will continue our efforts to disrupt and dismantle individuals and organizations who distribute dangerous drugs in our region.”
These cases were investigated and prosecuted by the Michigan Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Lake Effect. 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Michigan State Police, Southwest Enforcement Team, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, Battle Creek Police Department, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Benton Township Police Department, Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department, Lincoln Township Police Department, St. Joseph Department of Public Safety, and St. Joseph Township Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vito S. Solitro.
The charges in the indictments are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former State Labor Department Employee Charged with Accepting Bribes to Approve More Than $500,000 in Fraudulent Unemployment Compensation ClaimsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of wire fraud and theft of government property, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The five-count Indictment named Elizabeth Goss, 43, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from in and around June 2020, to in and around February 2023, Goss, while working at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, accepted unauthorized payments from unemployment compensation claimants to approve and expedite Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and other pandemic-related unemployment claims even though the claimants were not entitled to those benefits. The Indictment alleges that Goss’s actions resulted in the payment of approximately $528,449 in unemployment compensation benefits to which claimants were not entitled.
“This investigation and the resulting Indictment send a clear message that government employees who steal and misuse public funds will be brought to justice,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Our office and our law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out fraud and safeguarding the public treasury.”
“At the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, we are relentless in protecting the integrity of unemployment insurance programs,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we are going on offense against fraud—tracking down those who exploit these benefits and holding them accountable. Fraud will not be tolerated. If you try to game the system, we will find you.”
“Postal Inspectors remain steadfast in pursuing individuals who misuse the mail to defraud government programs intended to support the American public in times of need,” said Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Division, Dave Cunningham. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and coordinated efforts of our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, whose dedication was instrumental throughout this investigation.”
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both at each of Counts One through Four (wire fraud) and a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both at Count Five (theft of government property). Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Commercial Real Estate Vice President Convicted at Trial of Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Attorney for the United States, Sean S. Buckley, announced today that JARED SOLOMON, a former vice president of leasing at the commercial real estate company Vornado Realty Trust, was convicted of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and bank fraud, in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud his former employer, forge signatures, and lie to banks. The defendant was found guilty following a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska.
“Jared Solomon engaged in a decade-long scheme to defraud his former employer of over $9.5 million,” said Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean S. Buckley. “Solomon submitted fake invoices and agreements for work never performed, concealing his identity behind forged signatures and sham businesses he set up to receive the payments. Using the fraudulent proceeds, Solomon purchased real estate and other luxury goods. This Office is committed to holding accountable those who seek to defraud, deceive, and victimize others through lies, misrepresentations, and identity theft.”
According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial:
Beginning in 2009, SOLOMON, a Vornado leasing agent, created fake commercial real estate broker companies. Over approximately the next fourteen years, SOLOMON lied to his then-employer, Vornado Realty Trust, by claiming that brokers were owed broker fees or construction reimbursement expenses on certain commercial real estate deals that he worked on. In fact, no work had been performed on those deals, and the payments were sent to bank accounts that SOLOMON controlled in the names of his fake businesses. SOLOMON spent the fraud proceeds on a $4.5 million house in Purchase, New York; an apartment in the Upper East Side; a country club membership; and a Porsche, among other luxury expenses. SOLOMON also forged the signatures of real people on the fake agreements that he submitted to his employer, provided a fraudulent business certificate to a bank to open a business bank account, and provided false information and a doctored bank statement to a mortgage lender to obtain an $850,000 mortgage loan. SOLOMON made approximately $9.5 million from his scheme to defraud Vornado.
* * *
SOLOMON, 48, of New York, New York, was convicted of one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison, and two counts of bank fraud, which each carries a maximum sentence of 30 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. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026.
Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Z. Margulies, Rita K. Maxwell, Joe Zabel, and Daniel C. Richenthal are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Saadhana Jakka and Olivia Sebade.
Foreign National Sentenced for Unlawfully Photographing Vital U.S. Military InstallationsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Polish national was sentenced Monday for photographing and video- and audio-recording vital U.S. military installations and aircraft, equipment, and operations without approval of the installation commander.
According to court documents, Michal Miroslaw Rokita is a foreign national who travelled on a passport issued by Poland to the United States with the intent to unlawfully take images and audio recordings of vital U.S. military installations and equipment. From about April 7, 2026, to April 14, 2026, Rokita took photographs of installations and equipment of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) and the Tonopah Test Range (TTR), without first obtaining permission of the military installation commander. The NTTR and the TTR are designated under 18 U.S.C § 795 and Executive Order No. 10104 as vital military installations and are located within Nevada.
At various times Rokita met with a person who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and operates a website identified as DreamlandResort.com. Rokita provided photographs and video- and audio-recordings to the person. On April 11, 2026, Rokita met with the person in Las Vegas to participate in a livestream event on YouTube titled “Our fearless Field Investigator Michal reports from his recent recon mission to Tikaboo Peak.” During the livestream, Rokita and the other person showed and described a large number of photographs and video recordings.
Rokita and two other people discuss the content of the livestream at 23:00 of the livestream, U.S. v. Michal Miroslaw Rokita, Case No. 226-mj-00296
Rokita pleaded guilty to one count of photographing defense installations without authorization and one count of publication of photographs of defense installations without authorization. U.S. Magistrate Judge Maximiliano D. Couvillier III sentenced Rokita to time served.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Keaton Southwick for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations PJ Detachment 1, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Federal jury convicts man of kidnapping after he abducted and sexually assaulted Gwinnett County womanRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – On April 16, 2026, following a four-day trial, a federal jury convicted Alfredo Capote of kidnapping. Capote tied up the victim’s teenaged son, sexually assaulted the victim, abducted her, and drove her to several Georgia cities over the course of two days. At the time of the kidnapping, Capote was under indictment for fraud and money laundering.
“While on pretrial release facing serious federal charges, Capote kidnapped and sexually assaulted his then-girlfriend repeatedly before she escaped and ran to safety,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “The victim’s family deserved justice for her terrifying ordeal, especially after the victim was gunned down mere weeks after her rescue. I am grateful for the strong federal and local law enforcement partnerships throughout Georgia that led to Capote’s capture, charging, and conviction.”
“This was a deliberate and brutal crime carried out against a victim who trusted the defendant,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our partners worked tirelessly to get justice for the victim’s family, and today’s verdict sends a clear message that we will not stop until violent offenders are held accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: on April 7, 2016, Alfredo Capote and an unknown, masked man went to the house of the victim, who Capote was dating at the time. Capote staged a ruse in which he led the victim and her then-17-year-old son to believe that the masked man was robbing Capote and looking for Capote’s money at the victim’s house. After the armed, masked man tied up the victim in her bedroom, the masked man and Capote tied up her son in his bedroom. Capote, who was also armed, returned to the victim’s bedroom and sexually assaulted her.
Capote then took the victim from her home in Duluth, Georgia to a friend’s house in Austell, Georgia, where he sought assistance getting a new phone and a place to stay for the night. Unaware that a kidnapping was ongoing, the friend booked a hotel room for Capote, where Capote again sexually assaulted the victim.
The following day, Capote took the victim to Perry, Georgia to another friend’s house. While Capote was driving with the victim in Perry, the victim escaped by jumping out of the car and running to a nearby gas station.
At the time of the kidnapping, Capote was on bond facing more than a dozen counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering in the Northern District of Georgia. During the kidnapping, Capote cut off a court-ordered ankle monitor to facilitate his evasion of law enforcement. Capote remained a fugitive for over a year and was arrested in Louisiana on April 18, 2017.
Sentencing for Alfredo Capote, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, is scheduled for July 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Perry Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, Cobb County Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and Skye Davis are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chloe Smith and Robert Shapiro.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Federal Jury Convicts Porcupine Man of Five Charges of Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted Gary Pourier, age 59, of Porcupine, South Dakota, of five charges of Abusive Sexual Contact, following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 16, 2026.
The charges carry a sentence of up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, and a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Pourier was indicted in August 2024.
In July of 2024, Pourier was at the Common Cents Convenience Store near Porcupine when he made contact with the 10-year-old female victim. Pourier sexually fondled the young girl inside the store. After the victim left the store, she reported to a guardian what had happened. Law Enforcement with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to the scene as well as the child’s home. Based on the child’s age, the Federal Bureau of Investigation also responded. The investigation revealed that Pourier made contact with the child, fondled her breasts, and pulled her into his body and would not let the child immediately leave.
The investigating agent with the FBI discovered that this was not the first time Pourier had been accused of sexually touching a child. In 2005, Pourier engaged in sexual contact with two young female children while their mothers attended a cultural ceremony. Both children reported the contact several months later and an investigation was initiated by the FBI in 2006. In 2006, Pourier admitted to becoming aroused while playing with the children. Pourier, however, was never charged.
In the fall of 2024, the FBI learned of another victim. Pourier sexually touched a teenaged girl inside a truck in the summer of 2023, following a sundance ceremony. In total, Pourier was indicted for sexually touching four victims.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for August 3, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
If you or anyone you know has information about additional crimes Pourier might have committed, please contact FBI Special Agent Brian Healy at 605-343-9632.
Federal Grand Jury Charges Southern Poverty Law Center for Wire Fraud, False Statements, and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A Grand Jury in Montgomery, Alabama, today returned an indictment charging the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) with 11 counts of wire fraud, false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama Northern Division filed two forfeiture actions to recover alleged proceeds of the organization’s fraud scheme. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
“The SPLC is manufacturing racism to justify its existence,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Using donor money to allegedly profit off Klansmen cannot go unchecked. This Department of Justice will hold the SPLC and every other fraudulent organization operating with the same deceptive playbook accountable. No entity is above the law.”
“The SPLC allegedly engaged in a massive fraud operation to deceive their donors, enrich themselves, and hide their deceptive operations from the public," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "They lied to their donors, vowing to dismantle violent extremist groups, and actually turned around and paid the leaders of these very extremist groups - even utilizing the funds to have these groups facilitate the commission of state and federal crimes. That is illegal – and this is an ongoing investigation against all individuals involved.”
The SPLC is a non-profit organization headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, whose mission, according to its website during the relevant time period, was to be a “catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.”
According to the indictment starting in the 1980s, the SPLC began operating a covert network of individuals who were either associated with violent and extremist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, or who had infiltrated violent extremist groups at the SPLC’s direction. Unbeknownst to donors, some of their donated money was being used to fund the leaders and organizers of racist groups at the same time that the SPLC was denouncing the same groups on its website.
“Donors gave their money believing they were supporting the fight against violent extremism,” said Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. “As alleged, the SPLC instead diverted a portion of those funds to benefit individuals and groups they claimed to oppose. That kind of deception undermines public trust and social cohesion.”
Between 2014 and 2023, the SPLC secretly funneled more than $3 million in donated funds to individuals who were associated with various violent extremist groups including:
- Ku Klux Klan
- United Klans of America
- Unite the Right
- National Alliance
- National Socialist Movement
- Aryan Nations affiliated Sadistic Souls Motorcycle Club
- National Socialist Party of America (American Nazi Party)
- American Front
According to the indictment, the objective of the scheme and artifice was to obtain money via donations through materially false representations and omissions about what the donated funds would be used for.
In order to covertly pay the individuals, the SPLC opened bank accounts connected to a series of fictitious entities. The covert nature of the accounts allowed the SPLC to disguise the true nature, source, ownership, and control of the fraudulently obtained donated money the SPLC paid the individuals. In order to keep the scheme going, the SPLC made a series of false statements related to the operation of the accounts.
A conviction will result in the forfeiture of financial gains from the alleged illegal activities.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel made the announcement in Washington.
The details contained in the civil forfeiture complaint are allegations only.
Federal Grand Jury Charges Southern Poverty Law Center for Wire Fraud, False Statements, and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A Grand Jury in Montgomery, Alabama, today returned an indictment charging the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) with 11 counts of wire fraud, false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama Northern Division filed two forfeiture actions to recover alleged proceeds of the organization’s fraud scheme. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
“The SPLC is manufacturing racism to justify its existence,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Using donor money to allegedly profit off Klansmen cannot go unchecked. This Department of Justice will hold the SPLC and every other fraudulent organization operating with the same deceptive playbook accountable. No entity is above the law.”
“The SPLC allegedly engaged in a massive fraud operation to deceive their donors, enrich themselves, and hide their deceptive operations from the public," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "They lied to their donors, vowing to dismantle violent extremist groups, and actually turned around and paid the leaders of these very extremist groups - even utilizing the funds to have these groups facilitate the commission of state and federal crimes. That is illegal – and this is an ongoing investigation against all individuals involved.”
The SPLC is a non-profit organization headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, whose mission, according to its website during the relevant time period, was to be a “catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.”
According to the indictment starting in the 1980s, the SPLC began operating a covert network of individuals who were either associated with violent and extremist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, or who had infiltrated violent extremist groups at the SPLC’s direction. Unbeknownst to donors, some of their donated money was being used to fund the leaders and organizers of racist groups at the same time that the SPLC was denouncing the same groups on its website.
“Donors gave their money believing they were supporting the fight against violent extremism,” said Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. “As alleged, the SPLC instead diverted a portion of those funds to benefit individuals and groups they claimed to oppose. That kind of deception undermines public trust and social cohesion.”
"Today’s indictment reflects that no one – no organization – is above the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Sara J. Jones with the FBI-Mobile Field Office. “Charitable donors deserve transparency about how their contributions will be used, and those who betray that trust through concealment and fraudulent means must be held accountable. The alleged fraudulent activities of the Southern Poverty Law Center sowed hate-filled discord and spurred criminal conduct as set forth in the indictment. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect the American public from financial crimes and to pursue justice against those who violate public trust."
Between 2014 and 2023, the SPLC secretly funneled more than $3 million in donated funds to individuals who were associated with various violent extremist groups including:
- Ku Klux Klan
- United Klans of America
- Unite the Right
- National Alliance
- National Socialist Movement
- Aryan Nations affiliated Sadistic Souls Motorcycle Club
- National Socialist Party of America (American Nazi Party)
- American Front
According to the indictment, the objective of the scheme and artifice was to obtain money via donations through materially false representations and omissions about what the donated funds would be used for.
In order to covertly pay the individuals, the SPLC opened bank accounts connected to a series of fictitious entities. The covert nature of the accounts allowed the SPLC to disguise the true nature, source, ownership, and control of the fraudulently obtained donated money the SPLC paid the individuals. In order to keep the scheme going, the SPLC made a series of false statements related to the operation of the accounts.
A conviction will result in the forfeiture of financial gains from the alleged illegal activities.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel made the announcement in Washington.
The details contained in the civil forfeiture complaint are allegations only.
Elkhart Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jerry Boomershine, 62 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Boomershine was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment with 48 months to be served consecutively and 3 months to be served concurrently with his state sentence, followed by 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay $8,450.00 in restitution.
“The Defendant thought he got away with it when he robbed a Goshen Bank in May of 2018, as he wore a mask over his face when pointed a gun at employees and robbing them of about $8450. While police were unable to find the bank robber at the time, they did recover the sweatshirt that he was wearing. In April of 2025, the Defendant’s luck ran out when a sample of his DNA was compared to the DNA on the sweatshirt. The Defendant was caught, prosecuted, and sentenced due to the vigilance and unrelenting efforts of the FBI, the Goshen Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said US Attorney Adam Mildred.
“Regardless of age, those who choose to commit violent crimes will be held accountable. Crimes like bank robbery create fear and danger for victims who are simply going about their day,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI and our partners will continue to use every available resource to identify offenders, hold them accountable, and safeguard the communities we serve.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Goshen Police Department and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
Eastern District of Texas observes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report, there were 6.7 million violent victimizations of persons age 12 or older in the United States in 2024. Violent victimization includes rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
According to EOUSA, in fiscal year 2025 across the country, Victim-Witness professionals from the U.S. Attorney community, contacted victims more than 513,000 times regarding services and court updates; our Asset Forfeiture personnel contributed to almost $331 million in forfeited funds being granted to victims through remission or restoration; and our Financial Litigation Programs collected over $1 billion in restitution from criminal defendants for the benefit of victims.
“In the Eastern District of Texas, we have experienced Victim-Witness professionals who listen to victims and answer their questions,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Our Financial Litigation and Asset Forfeiture teams act diligently to maximize asset recovery on behalf of victims; and every day, our Assistant U.S. Attorneys appear in court to advocate for the rights of victims under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and take steps to protect them.”
Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty and we are honored to participate in the National observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.
For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.
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Eagle Butte Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Shane Bruguier, age 47, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 16, 2026.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years and up to life in custody, a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Bruguier was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025.
The evidence presented at trial established that between January 13, 2015, and November 29, 2015, the 8-year-old victim awoke to Bruguier rubbing her vagina after he had pulled down her underwear. The offense occurred in Eagle Butte, SD, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to state court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Bruguier was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending sentencing.
Dutchess County Couple Charged in Credit Card and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Ketty Larco-Ward, announced today the arrest of OPEYEMI OLUJOBI, a/k/a “Tyler Olujobi,” and JENNIE DAVIDSON. OLUJOBI and DAVIDSON are charged with using stolen credit cards in the names of hundreds of victims, which they had mailed to them as part of a conspiracy to fraudulently take over those victims’ accounts and make over half a million dollars in unauthorized purchases. OLUJOBI and DAVIDSON were arrested in Poughkeepsie, New York, this morning and are expected to appear this afternoon in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause.
“As alleged, Tyler Olujobi and Jennie Davidson enriched themselves by impersonating hard-working New Yorkers and exploiting the good credit their victims had spent years building,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “After using the U.S. Postal Service to further their scheme, the defendants embarked on a half-million-dollar spending spree at retail stores across the Tri-State Area. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting New Yorkers from thieves who profit from other people’s hard-earned credit, and we will continue to bring perpetrators of these shameless fraud schemes to justice.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to investigating those who use the U.S. Mail to steal personally identifying information and take advantage of the American public,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. “The deliberate use of someone else’s identity for financial gain will not be tolerated, and postal inspectors will continue to work tirelessly to put a stop to complex bank and mail fraud schemes such as this.”
As alleged in the Complaint:[1]
From at least May 2023 through October 2024, OLUJOBI, DAVIDSON, and/or their co-conspirators contacted a publicly traded consumer financial services company (“Victim Bank-1”) and used other people’s names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, and addresses to falsely identify themselves as the true accountholders of over 200 store credit card accounts. After gaining access to the cardholders’ accounts, the perpetrators changed the address listed on the account to one of four addresses in Hopewell Junction, New York (one of which was OLUJOBI and DAVIDSON’s residence). They also changed victims’ phone numbers to one of many controlled by participants in the scheme. Once they completed these steps, the perpetrators reported the victims’ card lost or stolen and requested that a new card be shipped to the address on file (i.e., one of the Hopewell Junction addresses).
After they obtained their victims’ credit cards, OLUJOBI, DAVIDSON, and/or their co-conspirators used those cards at various retail locations to make around $575,000 in unauthorized purchases of gift cards and other merchandise. Video surveillance associated with many of these transactions shows OLUJOBI and DAVIDSON using the stolen cards. If a transaction was declined or a credit limit was approached, OLUJOBI, DAVIDSON, and/or their co-conspirators promptly contacted Victim Bank-1 and requested to have the charges approved or the credit limit raised. At times, DAVIDSON disposed of the proceeds of certain fraudulent transactions by loading tens of thousands of dollars of her fraud proceeds into an online betting account to obscure the illicit source and then transfer those funds into her personal bank account.
* * *
OLUJOBI, 28, and JENNIE DAVIDSON, 29, both of Poughkeepsie, New York, are each charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; conspiracy to commit access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of seven and a half years in prison; access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. DAVIDSON is also charged with money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding efforts of the USPIS.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reyhan Watson and Isabelle Lelogeais are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Convicted Sex Offender Receives Multiple Life Sentences in PrisonRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted sex offender will serve life in prison for the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of numerous children across the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
U.S. District Judge Annemarie Axon sentenced Graham Daniel Ash, 42, of Pinson, Alabama, to four life sentences plus 280 years in prison followed by a life term of supervised release. In December 2025, Ash pleaded guilty to an 11-count indictment, which included the sexual exploitation of children, transportation of child pornography, coercion and enticement of minors, possession of child pornography, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, and penalties for registered sex offenders. Ash was previously convicted of electronic solicitation of a child in Jefferson County, Alabama, in 2022.
According to court documents, beginning in August 2023, Ash distributed images and videos of child sexual abuse material in his online correspondence with an undercover FBI agent with the District of Columbia Field Office. A federal search warrant was subsequently executed on Ash’s residence in Pinson, Alabama. Agents recovered a laptop and two smashed cell phones from Ash’s residence.
Following the search warrant, FBI Agents in the District of Columbia and Northern District of Alabama continued their investigation into Ash. Search warrants for Ash’s online accounts and the forensic examination of his seized devices revealed evidence of other crimes that Ash committed between February and October 2023. Those crimes occurred in the Northern District of Alabama and elsewhere and involved minor victims located throughout the United States. In his communications with these children, Ash repeatedly coerced and directed children to perform sexually explicit acts in the images and videos he demanded of them. Ash also traveled out of state to rape and sodomize an 11-year-old child. The investigation has led to the identification of more than 25 minor victims, who range in age from 7 to 14 years, residing in various states.
Ash was also charged in an indictment in the District of Columbia and pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. That court sentenced him in April 2025 to 216 months in federal prison.
If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The FBI Birmingham Field Office, Violent Crimes Against Children Unit, and FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. Other federal and state law enforcement agencies in Missouri, Texas, California, Connecticut, West Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, Florida, Indiana, New York, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Colorado, and Maryland were instrumental in identifying and locating the minor victims. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.
Child Pornography Distributor from Dubuque Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography to multiple people was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison.
Jonathan Reed Snow, age 26, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 24, 2025, guilty plea to distribution of child pornography.
Evidence at sentencing showed that in August 2024, law enforcement officers searched Snow’s home and seized electronic devices. Officers discovered that between September 2023 and August 2024, Snow distributed, received, and possessed child pornography in Discord accounts and on multiple electronic devices. Snow traded child pornography with others online. In total, he possessed over a thousand images and videos of child pornography, which included depictions of prepubescent children and of sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Snow was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Snow was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $24,000 in restitution to victims in this case. He must also serve a 10‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Snow is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-1018.
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Carter County Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault by StranglingRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyler Layne Gillispie, age 32, of Dickson, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on May 6, 2025, Gillispie assaulted the victim, a dating partner, by strangling.
The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Gillispie will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Buffalo man pleads guilty to COVID fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamar Jackson, 43, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
According to the plea agreement, on June 29 2020, Jackson and his co-conspirators submitted a fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the Small Business Administration for a business that he supposedly owned. The defendant and his co-conspirators knew that the EIDL application contained materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. The application falsely stated that Jackson was the sole proprietor of a lawn and garden business that had eight employees and $142,000 in revenue for the 12 months prior to the COVID pandemic. Jackson did not own a lawn and garden business, did not have employees and did not earn revenue. As a result, the SBA disbursed $70,900.00 in EIDL funds to Jackson.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 31, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
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Bridgeville Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun ViolationsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment April 7, 2026, charging a Bridgeville, Delaware man for unlawfully possessing fentanyl and an AR-15-style rifle. Lamir Faison, 21, appeared for an initial appearance on April 16, 2026, before the Honorable Laura D. Hatcher.
According to the indictment, Faison was found in possession of fentanyl, which he intended to distribute, and an AR-15-style rifle. Faison is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction.
Faison is charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted, Faison faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
ATF, the Delaware State Police, and the Delaware State Department of Probation and Parole investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Pierce is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-60.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Albuquerque Man Charged with Aiming Laser at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office HelicopterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man is facing federal charges after allegedly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and striking the cockpit over a dozen times.
According to public court documents, on October 7, 2025, Jorge Pinon Armendariz, 47, directed a green laser at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Metro 1 helicopter while it was assisting ground operations. The laser struck the aircraft multiple times, including repeated hits to the pilot’s eyes.
Still image from the recording from inside the helicopter at the time of the strikeUsing the aircraft’s onboard camera, the crew tracked the laser beam first to a vehicle in a McDonald’s drive-thru and later to a nearby residence. Ground deputies responded to the residence, and Armendariz fled the scene. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies identified Armendariz as the individual who repeatedly aimed the laser beam at Metro 1 that night.
At the time of the incident, Armendariz had an active state warrant for violating conditions of pretrial release in a state case allegedly involving receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, New Mexico had the second-highest number of reported laser incidents per capita in 2024 and 2025, second only to Washington, D.C.
Armendariz is federally charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 39A. If convicted of the current charges, Armendariz faces up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena Ritchey is prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment (Armendariz).pdf View the Motion to Detain (Armendariz).pdfAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
20 April 2026
Wilmington Man Indicted After Machinegun and Manifesto are FoundRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on April 16, 2026, charging a Wilmington, Delaware man for unlawfully possessing a Glock 19 equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
According to court documents, on Monday, November 24, 2025, at approximately 11:47 p.m., patrol officers of the New Castle County Police Department were conducting a property check in Canby Park West when they observed a white Toyota Tacoma in the parkland, after hours. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver, and sole occupant, 25-year-old Luqmaan Khan of Wilmington. During the stop, officers developed probable cause to order Khan out of the vehicle, and he refused to comply. Subsequently, Khan resisted arrest and was taken into custody by the officers.
During their investigation, officers discovered in Khan’s vehicle a .357 caliber Glock handgun loaded with 27 rounds. The handgun had been inserted into a microplastic conversion firearm brace kit. Within the vehicle, officers also found all the following: (i) three more loaded, 27-round magazines (one in the storage slot of the conversion kit); (ii) a loaded Glock 9mm magazine; (iii) an armored ballistic plate; and (iv) a marble composition notebook.
In the handwritten notebook, Khan discussed additional weapons and firearms, how they could be used in an attack, and how law enforcement detection could be avoided once an attack was carried out. The notebook referenced a member of the University of Delaware’s Police Department by name, and included a layout of a building with entry and exit points under which the words “UD Police Station” were printed.
On November 25, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and NCCPD executed a search warrant at Khan’s Wilmington residence. Within, law enforcement recovered a Glock 19 9mm handgun equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device, commonly called a “switch.” Law enforcement also recovered a .556 rifle with a scope and a red dot sight, eleven more extended magazines, hollow point rounds of ammunition, and a two-plate tactical vest equipped with a single ballistic plate.
The Indictment charges Khan with possession of a machinegun. If convicted, Khan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment. If Khan is ultimately convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting the case.United States Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace stated, “The United States has charged Luqmann Khan with possessing a weapon that could have killed scores of Delawareans in mere seconds. And as we have previously alleged, the evidence indicates that Khan was planning to use that weapon, and potentially others, in an attack on the Delaware community. We thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI and NCCPD for thwarting Khan before he could do real harm, and we look forward to proving our case against Khan in court.”
“According to the indictment, Luqmaan Khan illegally armed himself with these dangerous weapons. Machinegun conversion devices pose a real danger to our communities. One pull of the trigger is no longer just one bullet; it could be 15 rounds in one second. The FBI, in collaboration with our dedicated law enforcement partners, is unwavering in our commitment to hold individuals like Mr. Khan accountable. The safety and well-being of Delaware residents remain our highest priority,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul.
“Thanks to the proactive work of these patrol officers, a dangerous threat to our community was stopped before it could escalate into violence. Their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to public safety embody the values we expect and the courage our residents depend on every day. We also extend our sincere thanks to our federal partners, whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing this incident to a safe and successful conclusion,” said Colonel James J. Leonard III of the New Castle County Police Department.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-71.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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United States Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
DETROIT, MI – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 19-24, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, along with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and the Detroit Crime Victims’ Action Team, will be recognizing crime victims and those who have dedicated their lives to serve and assist victims of crime.
“During National Crime Victims’ Right Week, we reaffirm the principle that victims will be heard, respected, and protected. We will prosecute the criminals and defend the vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
“Thank you - all of you - for your collective work restoring dignity, respect, and humanity to people within our state who have been abused, murdered, and victimized. Thank you for keeping the focus on them,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. “Survivors matter. And we must be accountable to them. We cannot just give lip service to victims and public safety. We must mean it. We must be out and bold about it. We must live it.”
Since 1981, NCVRW has challenged us to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime. During NCVRW, we recognize the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflect on how far we have come. This year the theme is LISTEN. ACT. ADVOCATE. Protect Victims, Serve Communities.
Each year in April, the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims' rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
This year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week events will kick off with a Survivor Walk on Sunday, April 19, 2026 @ 10:00 am on Belle Isle. The meeting point is adjacent to the Scott Fountain. The main event will be a community and resource fair on Friday, April 24, 2026 @ 12pm at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russel Street, Detroit, MI 48211.
Shauntaye Phillips, the wife of Harold Phillips, a victim of a fatal animal attack, will be the guest speaker and will share her emotional story of how she is using her voice to help others.
Following the event, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be hosting a Wellness Event featuring vendors, food trucks, resources, and more. For additional information about 2026 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities or about victims’ rights and services in Wayne County, please contact Mechelle Donahoo, Director of Victim Services, 313-224-5626 or visit https://www.waynecountymi.gov/Government/Elected-Officials/Prosecutor
All are welcome to attend this event.
This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act, commonly shortened to VOCA. This act was passed by Congress and signed into law on October 12, 1984. VOCA established the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), a Federal Victim Notification System, discretionary grants for victim service organizations, victim assistance positions in the Department of Justice, financial support for the Children’s Justice Act Program, and assistance and compensation for victims and survivors of terrorism.
For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.
The Detroit Crime Victims’ Action Team consists of representatives from the following agencies: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Crime Stoppers of Michigan; Drug Enforcement Administration; Department of Homeland Security; Office of Inspector General; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Michigan Attorney General’s Office; U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
United Kingdom Citizen Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for $97 Million Wine Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, James Wellesley, also known as “Andrew Fuller” and “Andrew Templar,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 10 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy in connection with a scheme to defraud over 140 victims around the world of over $97 million. As part of the sentence, Judge Chen ordered Wellesley to pay $1 million in forfeiture and postponed the imposition of restitution until a later date.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Unlike a fine vintage that improves over time, the defendant will spend years in prison to reflect on his fraudulent wine scheme. James Wellesley preyed on investors around the globe to induce them to invest tens of millions of dollars on lies,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentence sends a message to fraudsters that that our Office will prosecute you to the full extent of the law.”
“James Wellesley swindled nearly $100 million from investors by pretending to be an executive broker for fine wine collections. Wellesley spoiled the reputation of a prestigious industry as well as his clients’ trust. The FBI continues to stem fraudulent schemes that steal from the wallets of victims,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
From at least June 2017 and continuing through February of 2019, Wellesley posed as the Chief Financial Officer and Operations Manager of Bordeaux Cellars. Wellesley, along with his co-conspirator Stephen Burton, solicited investors at, among other places, investor conferences held in the United States and overseas. Wellesley and Burton claimed to investors that Bordeaux Cellars brokered loans between investors and high-net-worth wine collectors that would be fully collateralized by high-value collections of wine. They promised that investors would receive regular interest payments from the borrowers, and that Bordeaux Cellars would keep custody of the wine, securing the loans while the loans were outstanding. These representations were lies: the “high-net-worth wine collectors” did not actually exist, and Bordeaux Cellars did not maintain custody of the wine purportedly securing the loans. Instead, Wellesley and Burton used incoming loan proceeds to make fraudulent interest payments to investors and for their own personal expenses.
From June 2017 to December 2018, victims who had invested in Bordeaux Cellars received supposed interest payments and many victims rolled over their principal investments to new loans at the end of the loan terms. However, the supposed interest payments that victims received were not sourced from lenders paying interest on the loans, but rather were sourced from new investment funds fraudulently obtained by Bordeaux Cellars, in a classic Ponzi-like scheme. Of the over $97 million solicited from victims, Bordeaux Cellars paid back only approximately $14 million before their Ponzi scheme unraveled, leaving victims with losses of over $83 million.
Burton pleaded guilty in July 2025 to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub is in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section, Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Erika Ellis, and Anne Pings and Amanda J. Chadwick of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The Defendant:
JAMES WELLESLEY
Age: 59
London, United KingdomE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-79 (PKC)
U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 19-25.
NCVRW began in 1981 to honor victims of crime, promote victims’ rights, and recognize those who work with and advocate on behalf of victims of crime. The theme for this year’s observance is Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities. Our victim witness professionals listen with compassion as victims share their stories and provide guidance throughout every step of the criminal justice process. The financial litigation team acts diligently to recover illegally obtained funds on behalf of crime victims. And every day, Assistant U.S. Attorneys appear in court to advocate for the rights of victims under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act and ensure those rights are protected.
“This week we honor the strength and resilience of crime victims and survivors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby. “Together with our law enforcement and community partners, we will continue working to ensure that no victim feels alone and that justice is accessible to all.”
Over the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama has provided direct services to over 700 crime victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to maintain pivotal partnerships with One Place Metro Birmingham Family Justice Center, One Place of the Shoals, the National Children’s Advocacy Center, North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention. These partnerships are key to expanding access to services and enabling crime victims to find the justice they seek, in whatever form that might take.
In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Financial Litigation Program (FLP) has worked tirelessly to recover illegally obtained funds and return them to crime victims. In 2025, the FLP collected over $12.3 million in restitution debts imposed in criminal cases. These funds were provided directly to crime victims. The FLP also collected nearly $309,000 in fines imposed in criminal cases in 2025.
U.S. Attorney’s Office staff will attend the following events to commemorate NCVRW 2026:
- One Heart in the Park hosted by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. at East Lake Park.
- NCVRW Candlelight Vigil hosted by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Bessemer Division, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Perfecting Reconciliation Church.
Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program can be found here.
For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist crime victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19-25)Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). During NCVRW, we recognize the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflect on how far we have come.
Since 1981, NCVRW has challenged the nation to confront and remove barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime. Every April, the Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, leads communities throughout the country in their annual observance of NCVRW. In 2026, we will observe NCVRW with the theme:
LISTEN.
ACT.
ADVOCATE.
Protect Victims. Serve Communities.
Being victimized by a crime can leave a lasting impact on individuals and the community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine is committed to honoring the rights and experiences of crime victims. Prosecutors and victim specialists work together to ensure victims’ voices are heard. For many, this is a crucial step in healing and providing victims with some sense of justice. NCVRW is a reminder to those touched by crime that many victim services are now available through community partners and justice professionals, who are ready to listen, act, and advocate, while prioritizing safety for both individuals and communities.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine is committed to prosecuting those who violate federal law and collaborating with law enforcement to hold offenders accountable through the justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Benson. “We recognize, however, that prosecuting offenders is only one piece of an integrated approach in recognizing and supporting victims of crime.”
The 2026 NCVRW Resource Guide, with outreach tools and materials to help you raise awareness in your community, is available at https://ovc.ojp.gov/news/announcements/now-online-2026-ncvrw-resource-guide.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Observes National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee joins the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This year’s theme is "Listen. Act. Advocate. Protecting victims, serve communities.”
There were 6.7 million violent victimizations of persons age 12 or older in the United States in 2024, according to a Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report. Violent victimization includes rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
According to EOUSA, in fiscal year 2025 across the country, USAO victim witness professionals contacted victims more than 513,000 times regarding services and court updates; asset forfeiture personnel contributed to almost $331 million in forfeited funds being granted to victims via remission or restoration; and Financial Litigation Programs collected over $1 billion in restitution from criminal defendants for the benefit of victims.
Our U.S. Attorney's Office has experienced victim witness professionals who listen to victims share their stories and answer their questions; the financial litigation and asset forfeiture teams act diligently to maximize asset recovery on behalf of victims; and every day, Assistant U.S. Attorneys appear in court to advocate for the rights of victims under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and take steps to protect them.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Victims of crime deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and sensitivity in the criminal justice system. At the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, we are committed to providing victims with the highest level of support, protection, and assistance during the often difficult and confusing legal court process. Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty and we are honored to participate in the National observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates."
For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.
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U.S. Attorney Moore Capito to Lead Tuesday Ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito will join with crime victim survivors and advocates tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. for a Ribbon Tree Ceremony as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
WHO: U.S. Attorney Moore Capito
WHAT: Ribbon Tree Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Green space outside the Kanawha County Courthouse, corner of Virginia Street East and Goshorn Street, Charleston.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Information and resources are available:
- About OVC and its programs: https://ovc.ojp.gov/
- About National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview
- About victim and witness resources in the Southern District of West Virginia: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/programs/victimwitness-assistance
- Via the SDWV Victim Witness Program: (304) 345-2200.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is (800) 799-SAFE.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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U.S. Attorney Bart Davis and Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Allen announce North Idaho SAUSARead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Bart M. Davis, United States Attorney for the District of Idaho, and Benjamin Allen, Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney, are pleased to announce that Julia Zimny has been selected as the first North Idaho Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA). In a recent meeting, U.S. Attorney Davis administered the oath of office at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Coeur d’Alene, while Allen welcomed Zimny on board as the first employee to hold this coveted position.
A coalition of governmental agencies partnered together to create and fund the North Idaho SAUSA to address drug trafficking crimes along the I-90 and US-95 corridors in North Idaho. The local government partnership includes Shoshone and Latah Counties, along with the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg, Lewiston, Mullan, Osburn, Pinehurst, Post Falls, Smelterville, Wallace, and Wardner. Additionally, the State of Idaho provided funding for the position through Governor Brad Little’s “Esto Perpetua” initiative. Finally, the position is additionally funded by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) federal grant program, administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Zimny into this newly created position” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “I am very thankful for the work of the partnership that created and funded this position, which will provide a valuable resource to help address drug trafficking in North Idaho. I want to also recognize the important efforts of Benjamin Allen, Luke Malek, and former U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit in bringing this position to fruition.”
“The implementation of this position within our region is a landmark step in prioritizing the fight against drug trafficking in North Idaho. It sends a clear message to those involved in the drug trade that they are not welcome in our communities.” said Allen “By dedicating the resources necessary to detect, investigate, and now prosecute those responsible for moving drugs through our communities, we create an environment of deterrence in our region, all while shifting the burden for incarceration off of our local taxpayers by transferring these cases into the federal court system, creating significant cost savings for our constituents” Allen commented.
Under the SAUSA structure, Ms. Zimny will be an employee of the Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office but will be detailed full time to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal drug crimes that occur in the partner jurisdictions.
The North Idaho SAUSA program joins the Treasure Valley Partnership Gang SAUSA program in Boise, which began in 2007, and the Eastern Idaho Partnership SAUSA program in Pocatello, which began in 2015. Each SAUSA program utilizes state and local resources to support a dedicated prosecutor to prosecute, convict, and sentence armed criminal and drug traffickers in their communities. By utilizing the federal criminal justice system and the United States Bureau of Prisons, the programs each create a cost avoidance benefit to the State of Idaho of approximately $2.5 million a year.
HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney position.
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Two Wilmington Men Arrested for Conspiring to Distribute Four Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Two Wilmington residents were arrested on April 14, 2026, for conspiring to distribute approximately four kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Victor Roman-Maldonado, 38, and Gilberto Alvarez III, 42, were subjects of a drug investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Delaware State Police.
On April 14, 2026, law enforcement executed search warrants at Roman-Maldonado’s and Alvarez’s residences in Wilmington, a third Wilmington address, and two vehicles connected to Roman-Maldonado. The search revealed two parcels, shipped from Puerto Rico to Delaware through the United States Postal Service, containing approximately four kilograms of cocaine.
The criminal complaints charged both defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Roman-Maldonado and Alvarez face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, and the United States Postal Inspection Service Philadelphia Division, Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen made the announcement.
The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Delaware State Police are conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Corey J. Hauser are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 26-211M (Roman-Maldonado) and 26-212M (Alvarez).
The charges contained in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Tallahassee Pair Federally Indicted for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Christy Cody Holgate, 49, and Kim Demetrius Benson, 52, have been indicted in federal court. Both were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft. Also, Holgate was charged with four counts of theft of mail and Benson was charged with one count of theft of mail. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Holgate and Benson appeared in federal court for their arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 2, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.
If convicted, Holgate and Benson face a maximum of five years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit mail theft. Each count of theft of mail carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment.
This case was jointly investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Valon Jackson, Jr., age 40, from Sioux City, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison, after a November 5, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.
Evidence in the case revealed on June 19, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a concerned citizen reported a reckless driver, later identified as Jackson, speeding through residential neighborhoods with no headlights on. Officers located the vehicle and observed the car traveling at a high rate of speed, then abruptly stop, and park. As officers activated their emergency lights, Jackson accelerated at a high rate of speed again with the headlights off evading police. As Jackson fled law enforcement, another concerned citizen reported his reckless driving in another part of town. Law enforcement proceeded to that area and located the vehicle. As officers approached, Jackson began reversing in a reckless manner, leaving the roadway and hitting an unoccupied vehicle before again fleeing officers. Jackson continued to flee, driving through a person’s yard, through driveways, and along Broken Kettle Road, where he struck yet another vehicle ultimately incapacitating his vehicle. He then fled on foot but was apprehended a short distance away. Jackson had blood-shot and watery eyes and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Officers located marijuana, cocaine and multiple items of drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. After he was taken into custody, Jackson began making threats against law enforcement.
On June 20, 2024, a citizen walking a dog on Broken Kettle reported finding a firearm in a yard. Officers located the firearm and observed that it was on the Jackson’s flight path. Fingerprint testing confirmed the firearm and loaded magazine bore Jackson’s fingerprints.
Jackson has a history of violence, a 2023 arson conviction, and a 2011 federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon. Jackson left a location after a verbal altercation, retrieved a gun bearing a homemade silencer, and waited outside the location to ambush his victim. Jackson repeatedly fired at his victim, hitting him once.
Jackson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jackson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4084.
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Sex Offender Caught with Child Pornography at Halfway House Sentenced to More than 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Cristian M. Stevens on Monday sentenced Leslie B. Clark, 60, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to 141 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the offense of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Clark has a prior 2017 federal conviction for possessing child pornography. In May 2025, Clark was temporarily residing at a halfway house in Neelyville, Missouri following his release from federal prison. During that timeframe, investigators discovered that someone within the facility was uploading child sexual abuse material through a social media messaging service. Investigators subsequently traced the account to Clark. As Clark was set to begin his term of supervised release, his assigned probation officer seized his cell phone and discovered several videos containing child pornography. At his guilty plea hearing in January, Clark admitted that he used his cell phone to obtain the videos.
After serving his 141-month sentence, Clark will be placed on a lifetime term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Probation Office, the Southeast Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Poplar Bluff Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the government.
Settlement of Fair Housing Act Lawsuit over Access for Persons with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that the United States has settled a federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) lawsuit against LETTIRE CONSTRUCTION CORP. (“LETTIRE”) and other parties involved in the design and construction of the Chestnut Commons rental building located in Brooklyn. Through three settlements filed in federal court (two of which were filed previously), LETTIRE and other defendants in the lawsuit have agreed to make retrofits at three rental buildings: The Tapestry located in Manhattan, the Atrium at Sumner located in Brooklyn, and Chestnut Commons located in Brooklyn. The parties further agreed to provide up to $100,000 to compensate aggrieved persons who sustained damages from inaccessible conditions at The Tapestry and Chestnut Commons, the retrofits at the Atrium at Sumner having been made prior to occupancy. The parties also agreed to pay civil penalties totaling $70,000.
The settlement with the parties who designed and constructed Chestnut Commons was approved today by U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, thereby resolving the case. On April 29, 2025, Judge Hellerstein approved a settlement with the parties who designed and constructed The Tapestry, and a settlement with the parties who designed and constructed the Atrium at Sumner.
“The Fair Housing Act is about whether people with disabilities can actually live in and move through their homes—in other words, Fair Access means just that,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, these buildings were constructed with barriers—high thresholds, inaccessible bathrooms—that can make daily life difficult or even impossible for those with disabilities. New Yorkers want their neighbors with disabilities to have housing they can access and use, and we will continue to enforce the law to ensure they have it. We appreciate the cooperation of Lettire and its partners in working constructively with the government and in committing to remedying these conditions.”
The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require multifamily housing complexes constructed after January 1991 to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities.
According to the allegations in the Complaint, the inaccessible conditions in the buildings that LETTIRE constructed included excessively high thresholds at building entrances and entrances to common use areas, common use bathrooms that lack grab bars and pipe insulation, excessively high thresholds at entrances to individual apartments and within the apartments, and bathrooms in individual apartments that lack sufficient clear floor space for people who use wheelchairs. The Complaint alleges that these features in the common use areas of LETTIRE’s buildings, as well as in the buildings’ apartment interiors, did not meet the specifications set forth in the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, Design Guidelines for Accessible/Adaptable Dwellings.
Under today’s settlement, LETTIRE, CHESTNUT COMMONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORP. and MHANY MANAGEMENT, INC. agreed to make retrofits to the public and common use areas as well as the individual units at Chestnut Commons to improve accessibility. The settlement also requires CHESTNUT COMMONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORP. and MHANY MANAGEMENT, INC. to establish procedures to ensure FHA compliance at its future development projects, including to retain an FHA compliance consultant to assess the design documents and conduct site visits to identify non-compliant conditions. In addition, CHESTNUT COMMONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORP. and MHANY MANAGEMENT, INC agreed to institute policies and training to ensure that its employees and agents will comply with the FHA’s accessibility requirements. LETTIRE agreed to these terms in a previously approved settlement.
Aggrieved persons may be entitled to monetary compensation from the fund created through today’s settlement. Aggrieved individuals may include those who:
- Were discouraged from living at Chestnut Commons because of the lack of accessible features;
- Have been hurt in any way by the lack of accessible features at Chestnut Commons;
- Paid to have an apartment at one of Chestnut Commons made more accessible to persons with disabilities; or
- Otherwise were discriminated against on the basis of disability at Chestnut Commons as a result of inaccessible design and construction.
The Office has reached over two dozen agreements in recent years with developers and architects to remedy inaccessible housing in this District, including suits against The Durst Organization, Glenwood Management, Silverstein Properties, Related Companies, Atlantic Development, and Toll Brothers.
Any individual who may be entitled to compensation can file a claim by using the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the United States Attorney’s Office’s website http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/civilrights.html, or by sending a written claim to:
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10007
Attention: Chief, Civil Rights Unit
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle J. Marryshow is in charge of the case.
Senior Executive Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Leading a Money Laundering Operation for Transnational Criminal OrganizationsRead the Press Release
Alain Bibliowicz Mitrani, a resident of Miami, Florida and a citizen of France and Colombia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon in federal court in Brooklyn to 12 years in prison for his role in a sprawling money laundering and fraud operation. The defendant was convicted by a federal jury in December 2025 of conspiracies to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and unlicensed money transmitting in connection with his scheme to launder more than $300 million, including for persons affiliated with cartels and other transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking, such as the Sinaloa Cartel. The Court also imposed a $330 million forfeiture money judgment against Bibliowicz.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the sentence.
“As punishment for laundering hundreds of millions of dollars for drug cartels and drug traffickers, a crime that shocks the conscience, the defendant will deservedly spend a significant portion of the rest of his life in prison,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This prosecution is an example of how the Office is meeting the Administration’s goal of totally eliminating drug cartels and drug trafficking organizations by targeting and stopping their cash money lifeblood.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, for their assistance.
“Today’s sentence strikes at the heart of a criminal enterprise that funneled hundreds of millions of illicit funds into the hands of drug cartels and traffickers,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “Money laundering operations, such as Bibliowicz's, are the lifeblood of transnational criminal organizations, enabling them to expand their reach and inflict harm across borders. This case underscores the effectiveness of our investigative efforts and the resolve of law enforcement to disrupt criminal networks at every level. Together with our partners, HSI New York is committed to tracking illicit financial flows, exposing those who profit from crime, and ensuring they face justice.”
“Individuals like Bibliowicz Mitrani, who willingly launder money, enable billion‑dollar criminal enterprises to operate in the shadows. He moved millions in illicit cash for criminal organizations and cartels, hiding his conduct behind a sham technology company. His laundering fees funded a lavish lifestyle of luxury travel, high‑end jewelry, and a multimillion‑dollar home. With today’s sentence, that life of luxury is over—and the only thing he’ll be laundering now are his clothes,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge ChavisAs proven at trial, from approximately 2020 to 2024, the defendant led a scheme to launder more than $300 million, much of which represented drug proceeds belonging to drug cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and other transnational criminal organizations. The defendant was a co-owner and chief executive of a company called Treebu, which purported to be a legitimate technology business. In reality, Treebu’s public-facing operations were a cover for an elaborate multi-million-dollar money laundering enterprise based in Florida and Colombia.
Cartels and other transnational criminal organizations that engage in drug trafficking operate vast criminal enterprises that generate significant revenue globally by trafficking illicit narcotics. Because these organizations generate billions of dollars in illicit revenue annually from trafficked narcotics, they must find ways to repatriate these proceeds back to their home countries to fund their ongoing enterprises. In many cases, drug trafficking organizations rely on separate money laundering operations, such as Treebu, to repatriate their funds. In exchange, money laundering organizations and their associates, like the defendant, earn a significant commission for taking on the risk of laundering illicit proceeds for these criminal organizations.
The defendant established shell companies that were used to open bank accounts used to transmit the illegal proceeds to obscure the source of the funds. To protect the scheme from detection, the defendant lied to U.S. financial institutions about the purpose and activities of these companies, and he failed to register as a money transmitting business as required under state and federal law. In total, financial records show that the defendant and his organization laundered more than $300 million.
The defendant used his profits from this scheme for personal expenses and to fund his lavish lifestyle, including to purchase expensive jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels, make payments towards his approximately $4 million Miami mansion, and fund luxury travel, including more than $16,000 on luxury hotel stays abroad in April 2023.
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.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Amir, Lorena Michelen, and David Berman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Zoubida Bicane.
The Defendant:
ALAIN BIBLIOWICZ MITRANI
Age: 51
Miami, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-39 (CBA)
Sapulpa Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bandy Jay Linam, age 47, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment charged Linam with knowingly possessing a .22 caliber revolver and nine rounds of .22 caliber ammunition in the Eastern District of Oklahoma on September 30, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Latimer County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Linam was released on bond with conditions of release pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joshua David Price, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, in 2011, Price began communicating with a 15-year-old girl online. After a trip to Maryland to see her, he flew her to Sacramento and then drove her to Klamath Falls, Oregon. During the trip, Price filmed videos of the minor victim and him engaged in sex acts. Price pleaded guilty on Jan. 12, 2026.
The Klamath Falls (Oregon) Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.