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14 September 2026
Defendant Sought More than $4.6M in Fraudulent Refunds from IRSRead the Press Release
An Illinois woman was sentenced this week to 27 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain tax refunds by submitting false tax returns and fictitious financial instruments to the IRS.
“Monika Skinger engaged in a wide-ranging tax fraud scheme that flooded the IRS with fictitious financial instruments, including fraudulent checks,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Skinger attempted to take millions in refunds she had no right to receive. As we did in this case, the Department of Justice will continue to unmask fraudulent actors and swiftly bring them to justice.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Monika Skinger conspired with others to submit false individual and trust tax returns that claimed millions in refunds they were not entitled to receive. To induce the IRS to accept the false refund claims, Skinger personally submitted at least 16 fictitious financial instruments — such as checks, money orders, and payment vouchers — on behalf of herself and others. She also filed at least four false individual income tax returns for herself and at least two false trust tax returns. In total, Skinger sought $4.6 million in refunds from the IRS and received more than $1.2 million in fraudulent proceeds.
Skinger pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda Brailsford for the District of Idaho ordered Skinger to serve three years of supervised release and pay $303,672.44 in restitution to the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Bart Davis for the District of Idaho made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney David F. Scollan of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
DOJ’s Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG Target $245M in COVID Loan Fraud Enforcement Activity as State Partnerships Continue ExpandingRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division along with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General, as part of a Heartland Fraud Surge announced the results of Operation No Doze, a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in SBA’s small business COVID-era loan programs.
During the summer surge between June 12 and Sept. 1, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic.
Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss. And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss.
Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers.
Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years.
“Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”
“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”
“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”
“We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.”
Federal and State Partners Participating in Operation No Doze
U.S. Attorney Partners:
Central District of California, District of Kansas, District of Idaho, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, District of Montana, District of New Mexico, District of Oregon, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of California, Eastern District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Louisiana, Northern District of California, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Northern District of Iowa, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of California, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Indiana, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of West Virginia, Western District of Kentucky, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, Western District of New York, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Tennessee, Western District of Texas, Western District of Washington.
Federal and State Investigative Partners:
Amtrak, Office of Inspector General; City of Jacksonville, Office of Inspector General; Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General; Export-Import Bank of the United States; FBI; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Administration; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; HSI; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Secret Service; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; West Virginia State Police; Tampa Police Department.
Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit: In tandem with the results of Operation No Doze, the Fraud Division announced three new federal-state cooperation agreements with the Missouri Secretary of State, Nebraska Treasurer, and Kansas Treasurer to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts. On September 14, 2026, over twenty-five federal and state officials gathered for the Heartland Partnership Fraud Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, including representatives from 6 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 3 State Attorneys General Offices, 3 State Financial Offices, 3 Secretaries of State, 3 federal law enforcement partners, and 2 Members of Congress.
Federal and State Partners at the 2026 Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit
U.S. Attorney Partners:
U.S. Attorneys Office Partners (In-Person Attendance):
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matthew Price
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Thomas Albus
U.S. Attorney for District of Nebraska Lesley Woods
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David Waterman
U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser
State Partners:
Iowa: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate
Kansas: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab
Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley, Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg
Missouri: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Missouri Department of Social Services Jessica Bax
United States Congressional Representation:
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO)
These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts.
Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures)
1.) United States v. Jamie Gray (Indictment) – $55,931,875 – Western District of Missouri
Jamie Gray is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gray submitted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications claiming to own dozens of businesses that were operating before the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, the businesses Gray allegedly claimed to own were not in operation on or before February 15, 2020 (eligibility deadline). The only claimed business that actually existed was “Fur Lives Matter,” a Texas company that allegedly had no knowledge of Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray’s representations regarding ownership, employees, gross revenue, and business operations were entirely fabricated.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney for the Western District of Missouri. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert for the Western District of Missouri.
2.) United States v. Adrian Pupo Perez et al. (Indictment) – $2,400,000 – Northern District of Iowa
On July 9, 2026, a grand jury in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, charged Adrian Rafael Pupo Perez and Helen Yaima Leyva Santiesteban with 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Beginning in July 2020, Pupo Perez, Leyva Santiesteban, and more than 100 other individuals originally from Cuba allegedly sought fraudulent PPP loans and EIDLs by falsely claiming they were self-employed, among other allegedly false representations. The co-conspirators allegedly submitted approximately 470 fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of more than 100 individuals across the United States. They allegedly fraudulently sought more than $4.5 million in PPP funds, with approximately $2.4 million disbursed. Pupo Perez and Leyva Santiesteban are fugitives at this time.
Prosecuted by District Fraud Counsel Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek for the Northern District of Iowa.
3. United States v. Pu Wang and Rui Li (Indictment) – $102,397 – Northern District of Indiana
Pu Wang and Rui Li are charged with fraudulently obtaining federal grant funds for their company, Vibronix, by falsely representing that the company had no Chinese affiliates and by certifying that the funded work was performed in the United States when most of the work was allegedly performed in China. In addition to allegedly defrauding the Small Business Innovation Research federal grant program, Wang also allegedly certified in PPP loan applications that all covered employees had their primary residence in the United States. Wang was himself a covered employee and, according to the allegations, lived in China during the relevant period. Wang further allegedly certified that none of Vibronix’s board members were residents of the People’s Republic of China. Public SEC filings identified Wang as a Vibronix board member who was known to live in China at the time of the application for federal funds.
According to the indictment, Wang had received an award in 2014 sponsored by the PRC to encourage Chinese citizens who study in the United States to return to China.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for the Northern District of Indiana. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Lupa Northern District of Indiana.
4. United States v. Eve Zou (Information) – $319,800 – Western District of Texas
Eve Zou is charged with making false and fraudulent representations to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain EIDL funds and grants purportedly for legitimate business purposes. At the time of the charged offense, Zou was an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a state agency designed to protect children, the elderly, and adults in Texas with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The information alleges that Zou instead used EIDL proceeds for personal benefit, including the purchase of real estate in Austin, Texas and investments in brokerage accounts. Zou also allegedly made multiple false statements in the applications, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. Zou allegedly obtained three SBA loans totaling $319,800.
Zou has agreed to plead guilty to the charges against her. Zou also agreed to forfeiture of all assets purchased with the fraud proceeds, which have grown in value. As a result, the government intends to recoup more than Zou stole.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gann for the Western District of Texas. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung for the Western District of Texas.
5. United States v. Melissa Fireside (Indictment) — $1,573,350 – District of Oregon
Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds associated with her claimed businesses. The State of Oregon has charged Fireside with eight felony counts — including first-degree forgery, first-degree aggravated theft, computer crimes, and identity theft.
Fireside was charged in the District of Oregon with two counts of wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Fireside submitted an EIDL application using the identity of another person, G.F., without G.F.’s authorization. Fireside was alleged to be G.F.’s caregiver and manager of G.F.’s finances. Fireside allegedly also submitted a fraudulent PPP application supported by fabricated tax documents and bank records, falsely represented that the business was operating and had employees and substantial revenues, and then diverted the loan proceeds for her personal use. Fireside is believed to have fled the country and remains an international fugitive subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with the federal charges.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey A. Barrow for the District of Oregon. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Meyers for the District of Oregon.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DOJ’s Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG Target $245M in COVID Loan Fraud Enforcement Activity as State Partnerships Continue ExpandingRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division along with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General, as part of a Heartland Fraud Surge announced the results of Operation No Doze, a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in SBA’s small business COVID-era loan programs.
During the summer surge between June 12 and Sept. 1, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic.
Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss. And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss.
Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers.
Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years.
“Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”
“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”
“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”
“We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.”
Federal and State Partners Participating in Operation No Doze
U.S. Attorney Partners:
Central District of California, District of Kansas, District of Idaho, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, District of Montana, District of New Mexico, District of Oregon, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of California, Eastern District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Louisiana, Northern District of California, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Northern District of Iowa, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of California, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Indiana, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of West Virginia, Western District of Kentucky, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, Western District of New York, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Tennessee, Western District of Texas, Western District of Washington.
Federal and State Investigative Partners:
Amtrak, Office of Inspector General; City of Jacksonville, Office of Inspector General; Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General; Export-Import Bank of the United States; FBI; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Administration; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; HSI; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Secret Service; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; West Virginia State Police; Tampa Police Department.
Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit: In tandem with the results of Operation No Doze, the Fraud Division announced three new federal-state cooperation agreements with the Missouri Secretary of State, Nebraska Treasurer, and Kansas Treasurer to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts. On September 14, 2026, over twenty-five federal and state officials gathered for the Heartland Partnership Fraud Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, including representatives from 6 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 3 State Attorneys General Offices, 3 State Financial Offices, 3 Secretaries of State, 3 federal law enforcement partners, and 2 Members of Congress.
Federal and State Partners at the 2026 Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit
U.S. Attorney Partners:
U.S. Attorneys Office Partners (In-Person Attendance):
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matthew Price
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Thomas Albus
U.S. Attorney for District of Nebraska Lesley Woods
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David Waterman
U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser
State Partners:
Iowa: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate
Kansas: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab
Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley, Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg
Missouri: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Missouri Department of Social Services Jessica Bax
United States Congressional Representation:
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO)
These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts.
Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures)
1.) United States v. Jamie Gray (Indictment) – $55,931,875 – Western District of Missouri
Jamie Gray is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gray submitted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications claiming to own dozens of businesses that were operating before the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, the businesses Gray allegedly claimed to own were not in operation on or before February 15, 2020 (eligibility deadline). The only claimed business that actually existed was “Fur Lives Matter,” a Texas company that allegedly had no knowledge of Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray’s representations regarding ownership, employees, gross revenue, and business operations were entirely fabricated.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney for the Western District of Missouri. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert for the Western District of Missouri.
2.) United States v. Adrian Pupo Perez et al. (Indictment) – $2,400,000 – Northern District of Iowa
On July 9, 2026, a grand jury in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, charged Adrian Rafael Pupo Perez and Helen Yaima Leyva Santiesteban with 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Beginning in July 2020, Pupo Perez, Leyva Santiesteban, and more than 100 other individuals originally from Cuba allegedly sought fraudulent PPP loans and EIDLs by falsely claiming they were self-employed, among other allegedly false representations. The co-conspirators allegedly submitted approximately 470 fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of more than 100 individuals across the United States. They allegedly fraudulently sought more than $4.5 million in PPP funds, with approximately $2.4 million disbursed. Pupo Perez and Leyva Santiesteban are fugitives at this time.
Prosecuted by District Fraud Counsel Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek for the Northern District of Iowa.
3. United States v. Pu Wang and Rui Li (Indictment) – $102,397 – Northern District of Indiana
Pu Wang and Rui Li are charged with fraudulently obtaining federal grant funds for their company, Vibronix, by falsely representing that the company had no Chinese affiliates and by certifying that the funded work was performed in the United States when most of the work was allegedly performed in China. In addition to allegedly defrauding the Small Business Innovation Research federal grant program, Wang also allegedly certified in PPP loan applications that all covered employees had their primary residence in the United States. Wang was himself a covered employee and, according to the allegations, lived in China during the relevant period. Wang further allegedly certified that none of Vibronix’s board members were residents of the People’s Republic of China. Public SEC filings identified Wang as a Vibronix board member who was known to live in China at the time of the application for federal funds.
According to the indictment, Wang had received an award in 2014 sponsored by the PRC to encourage Chinese citizens who study in the United States to return to China.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for the Northern District of Indiana. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Lupa Northern District of Indiana.
4. United States v. Eve Zou (Information) – $319,800 – Western District of Texas
Eve Zou is charged with making false and fraudulent representations to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain EIDL funds and grants purportedly for legitimate business purposes. At the time of the charged offense, Zou was an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a state agency designed to protect children, the elderly, and adults in Texas with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The information alleges that Zou instead used EIDL proceeds for personal benefit, including the purchase of real estate in Austin, Texas and investments in brokerage accounts. Zou also allegedly made multiple false statements in the applications, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. Zou allegedly obtained three SBA loans totaling $319,800.
Zou has agreed to plead guilty to the charges against her. Zou also agreed to forfeiture of all assets purchased with the fraud proceeds, which have grown in value. As a result, the government intends to recoup more than Zou stole.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gann for the Western District of Texas. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung for the Western District of Texas.
5. United States v. Melissa Fireside (Indictment) — $1,573,350 – District of Oregon
Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds associated with her claimed businesses. The State of Oregon has charged Fireside with eight felony counts — including first-degree forgery, first-degree aggravated theft, computer crimes, and identity theft.
Fireside was charged in the District of Oregon with two counts of wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Fireside submitted an EIDL application using the identity of another person, G.F., without G.F.’s authorization. Fireside was alleged to be G.F.’s caregiver and manager of G.F.’s finances. Fireside allegedly also submitted a fraudulent PPP application supported by fabricated tax documents and bank records, falsely represented that the business was operating and had employees and substantial revenues, and then diverted the loan proceeds for her personal use. Fireside is believed to have fled the country and remains an international fugitive subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with the federal charges.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey A. Barrow for the District of Oregon. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Meyers for the District of Oregon.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DOJ’s Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG Target $245M in COVID Loan Fraud Enforcement Activity as State Partnerships Continue ExpandingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division along with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General, as part of a Heartland Fraud Surge announced the results of Operation No Doze, a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in SBA’s small business COVID-era loan programs.
During the summer surge between June 12 and Sept. 1, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic.
Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss. And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss.
Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers.
Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years.
“Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”
“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”
“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”
“We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.”
Federal and State Partners Participating in Operation No Doze
U.S. Attorney Partners:
Central District of California, District of Kansas, District of Idaho, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, District of Montana, District of New Mexico, District of Oregon, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of California, Eastern District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Louisiana, Northern District of California, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Northern District of Iowa, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of California, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Indiana, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of West Virginia, Western District of Kentucky, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, Western District of New York, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Tennessee, Western District of Texas, Western District of Washington.
Federal and State Investigative Partners:
Amtrak, Office of Inspector General; City of Jacksonville, Office of Inspector General; Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General; Export-Import Bank of the United States; FBI; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Administration; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; HSI; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Secret Service; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; West Virginia State Police; Tampa Police Department.
Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit: In tandem with the results of Operation No Doze, the Fraud Division announced three new federal-state cooperation agreements with the Missouri Secretary of State, Nebraska Treasurer, and Kansas Treasurer to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts. On September 14, 2026, over twenty-five federal and state officials gathered for the Heartland Partnership Fraud Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, including representatives from 6 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 3 State Attorneys General Offices, 3 State Financial Offices, 3 Secretaries of State, 3 federal law enforcement partners, and 2 Members of Congress.
Federal and State Partners at the 2026 Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit
U.S. Attorney Partners:
U.S. Attorneys Office Partners (In-Person Attendance):
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matthew Price
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Thomas Albus
U.S. Attorney for District of Nebraska Lesley Woods
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David Waterman
U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser
State Partners:
Iowa: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate
Kansas: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab
Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley, Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg
Missouri: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Missouri Department of Social Services Jessica Bax
United States Congressional Representation:
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO)
These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts.
Fraud Division & SBA’s Operation “No Doze” Summer Surge
View a dynamic map of the Fraud Division & SBA’s Operation “No Doze” Summer Surge here.
Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures)
1.) United States v. Jamie Gray (Indictment) – $55,931,875 – Western District of Missouri
Jamie Gray is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gray submitted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications claiming to own dozens of businesses that were operating before the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, the businesses Gray allegedly claimed to own were not in operation on or before February 15, 2020 (eligibility deadline). The only claimed business that actually existed was “Fur Lives Matter,” a Texas company that allegedly had no knowledge of Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray’s representations regarding ownership, employees, gross revenue, and business operations were entirely fabricated.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney for the Western District of Missouri. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert for the Western District of Missouri.
2.) United States v. Adrian Pupo Perez et al. (Indictment) – $2,400,000 – Northern District of Iowa
On July 9, 2026, a grand jury in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, charged Adrian Rafael Pupo Perez and Helen Yaima Leyva Santiesteban with 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Beginning in July 2020, Pupo Perez, Leyva Santiesteban, and more than 100 other individuals originally from Cuba allegedly sought fraudulent PPP loans and EIDLs by falsely claiming they were self-employed, among other allegedly false representations. The co-conspirators allegedly submitted approximately 470 fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of more than 100 individuals across the United States. They allegedly fraudulently sought more than $4.5 million in PPP funds, with approximately $2.4 million disbursed. Pupo Perez and Leyva Santiesteban are fugitives at this time.
Prosecuted by District Fraud Counsel Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek for the Northern District of Iowa.
3.) United States v. Pu Wang and Rui Li (Indictment) – $102,397 – Northern District of Indiana
Pu Wang and Rui Li are charged with fraudulently obtaining federal grant funds for their company, Vibronix, by falsely representing that the company had no Chinese affiliates and by certifying that the funded work was performed in the United States when most of the work was allegedly performed in China. In addition to allegedly defrauding the Small Business Innovation Research federal grant program, Wang also allegedly certified in PPP loan applications that all covered employees had their primary residence in the United States. Wang was himself a covered employee and, according to the allegations, lived in China during the relevant period. Wang further allegedly certified that none of Vibronix’s board members were residents of the People’s Republic of China. Public SEC filings identified Wang as a Vibronix board member who was known to live in China at the time of the application for federal funds.
According to the indictment, Wang had received an award in 2014 sponsored by the PRC to encourage Chinese citizens who study in the United States to return to China.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for the Northern District of Indiana. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Lupa Northern District of Indiana.
4.) United States v. Eve Zou (Information) – $319,800 – Western District of Texas
Eve Zou is charged with making false and fraudulent representations to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain EIDL funds and grants purportedly for legitimate business purposes. At the time of the charged offense, Zou was an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a state agency designed to protect children, the elderly, and adults in Texas with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The information alleges that Zou instead used EIDL proceeds for personal benefit, including the purchase of real estate in Austin, Texas and investments in brokerage accounts. Zou also allegedly made multiple false statements in the applications, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. Zou allegedly obtained three SBA loans totaling $319,800.
Zou has agreed to plead guilty to the charges against her. Zou also agreed to forfeiture of all assets purchased with the fraud proceeds, which have grown in value. As a result, the government intends to recoup more than Zou stole.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gann for the Western District of Texas. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung for the Western District of Texas.
5.) United States v. Melissa Fireside (Indictment) — $1,573,350 – District of Oregon
Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds associated with her claimed businesses. The State of Oregon has charged Fireside with eight felony counts — including first-degree forgery, first-degree aggravated theft, computer crimes, and identity theft.
Fireside was charged in the District of Oregon with two counts of wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Fireside submitted an EIDL application using the identity of another person, G.F., without G.F.’s authorization. Fireside was alleged to be G.F.’s caregiver and manager of G.F.’s finances. Fireside allegedly also submitted a fraudulent PPP application supported by fabricated tax documents and bank records, falsely represented that the business was operating and had employees and substantial revenues, and then diverted the loan proceeds for her personal use. Fireside is believed to have fled the country and remains an international fugitive subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with the federal charges.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey A. Barrow for the District of Oregon. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Meyers for the District of Oregon.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.
D.C. Woman Sentenced in PPP Loan Fraud Scheme Uncovered by Fentanyl Trafficking BustRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, Brittany Blalock, 35, of Washington, D.C., was ordered to pay $41,666 in restitution to Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC and sentenced to 48 months’ probation in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Blalock pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The prosecution of Brittany Blalock originated from federal law enforcement’s investigation into the wholesale fentanyl trafficking ring led by Alfredo Rodriguez-Gonzalez and his co-conspirators. Through intelligence sharing and financial tracking between the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, investigators uncovered evidence of Blalock’s financial crime.
According to court papers, beginning in March 2021, Blalock conspired to apply for and receive forgivable PPP loans from the Small Business Administration. Blalock submitted false PPP loan applications on her own behalf and helped a co-conspirator submit fraudulent applications.
In March and April 2021, Blalock submitted two PPP loan applications to a small business lender in which she falsely claimed her sole proprietorship earned exactly $100,000 in 2020. Based on the falsified tax form, the lender approved and disbursed two loans of $20,833 each to Blalock.
Blalock then helped her co-conspirator, Karon Blalock, obtain his own SBA-approved bank account credentials and Social Security number in order to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications on his behalf. Using a falsified tax form claiming the same $100,000 in fraudulent sole proprietorship earnings, Karon Blalock received two additional PPP loan disbursements of $20,833 each, which he then used in furtherance of his fentanyl trafficking in the District of Columbia. Karon Blalock has pleaded guilty for his role in a multinational drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed wholesale quantities of fentanyl-laced pills across the United States, and is set to be sentenced by Judge Kollar-Kotelly on October 6, 2026.
In August 2021, Blalock submitted loan forgiveness applications for both of her PPP loans in which she falsely certified that she had complied with all program requirements. She also helped the co-conspirator submit forgiveness applications for his loans using the same false certifications. The lender approved all four forgiveness applications, and the Small Business Administration reimbursed the lender in full.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Solomon S. Eppel and Matthew W. Kinskey.
This investigation was led by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
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 JD Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Couple from Commerce Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Second Degree Murder and Child NeglectRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Commerce couple was sentenced to life imprisonment for the second degree murder of a two-year-old and several counts of child neglect, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar.
U.S. District Judge John D. Russell ordered Daniel Allen Ash, 34, and his girlfriend, Amber Dawn Murphy, 32, a member of the Cherokee Nation, to serve life imprisonment for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country and four counts of Child Neglect in Indian Country.
“This is a heartbreaking case involving a level of suffering no child should ever endure, especially from their own parents,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. “The neglect this young victim endured from a truly callous mother and father is hard to comprehend. These parents’ life sentences reflect not only the depravity and heartlessness of their actions, but our unwavering commitment to ensuring that children who cannot speak for themselves receive justice.
Because of the relentless dedication of investigators, medical specialists, and prosecutors, the truth was uncovered in full and accountability for Ash and Murphy was achieved. While nothing can erase the tragedy of this young life lost, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect vulnerable children and to ensure that those who harm them are brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Beginning in September 2024, court records and sentencing testimony revealed that Ash and Murphy were investigated after their two-year-old died. The toddler was severely malnourished, emaciated, and weighed only 17 pounds. A medical expert testified at sentencing that the toddler was so severely dehydrated that medical professionals could not collect a urine sample. Medical professionals who attempted to treat the toddler believed that his appearance was from chronic starvation.
Marshals with the Quapaw Nation discovered that Ash and Murphy were the sole providers for the toddler and three additional children, ages 10, 4, and 3. During sentencing, prosecutors explained that Ash knew something was wrong with the toddler and called Murphy while she was at work. Instead of taking the toddler to the doctor, Ash drove to his friend’s house. All of the children remained in an unair-conditioned vehicle, while Ash spent the next two hours updating his gaming console. When Ash returned to the vehicle, the toddler appeared to be lifeless, and Ash got his friend. His friend saw the toddler and told Ash to go to the hospital. Instead of going to the hospital, he drove to pick up Murphy from work, and they went home. Prosecutors said that Murphy called a friend after the toddler was making alarming noises, and then Ash and Murphy took the child to the hospital.
Law enforcement spoke with the surviving children and discovered that the 10-year-old was the primary caregiver for all of the children. She was responsible for feeding, changing diapers, and watching the children. When investigators visited the home, they found it unsuitable for anyone to live in. The home was extremely cluttered, filled with trash, covered in feces, spoiled food, and insect and rodent activity throughout.
When the medical expert testified during sentencing, he described that all four of the children were neglected in every way possible. According to his testimony, he believes the three surviving children will struggle and be impacted forever by the neglect and loss they suffered. During the investigation, medical professionals treated the surviving children, and they are now in the custody of caregivers who are working with medical professionals to care for their needs.
Ash and Murphy will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Quapaw Nation Marshal Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs were the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Hockenbury, Valeria Luster, and Kate Brandon prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal 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.
Colombian National Pleads Guilty for Role in Dangerous Human Smuggling OrganizationRead the Press Release
Luis Enrique Linero Pinto, also known as “El Calvo,” 41, of Colombia, has pleaded guilty in court in El Paso, Texas, today after being extradited from Colombia for his role in a dangerous human smuggling conspiracy that left 40 aliens and two boat captains missing.
“Linero Pinto played a critical role in a prolific human smuggling conspiracy that used corruption and illicit means of transport to move aliens from Colombia to the United States for money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “During the transport, dozens of people disappeared at sea, never to be seen or heard from again. This conviction serves as the latest example of how Joint Task Force Alpha continues to lead the Department’s efforts to aggressively crack down on transnational human smuggling and trafficking networks that threaten the lives of those transported, as well as the security of our citizens and border.”
“While we grieve the lives lost due to this defendant’s conduct, it is right and good to applaud the tireless work of our special agents and prosecutors that secured this conviction and to highlight yet another successful international partnership,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Human smuggling organizations, by definition, engage in cross-border operations, so they can only be dismantled through cross-border partnerships. By cooperating in this way, we ensure that our border is secure, which is a key component in making certain that this country is one where Americans cannot merely survive, but thrive.”
“Human smuggling organizations put profit over human life, exploiting vulnerable people and placing them in dangerous, often deadly conditions,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan G. McRae of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. “HSI’s mission is to protect the American people and safeguard our borders by dismantling the transnational criminal networks that threaten public safety and national security. This guilty plea reflects HSI’s commitment to working with our domestic and international partners to identify, investigate and bring to justice those who facilitate these dangerous smuggling schemes.”
According to the indictment and court documents, Linero Pinto participated in a conspiracy to unlawfully smuggle aliens, transporting them through Central America and Mexico to the United States. Linero Pinto advised the migrants on how to get to San Andres Island, Colombia, where he personally received them, arranged for their accommodation, and brought them to boats that transported them to Nicaragua so they could illegally enter the United States. Linero Pinto bribed members of the Colombian Navy to acquire real-time intelligence about the position of Navy patrol vessels located between San Andres Island and Nicaragua, enabling the boats to avoid detection. On Oct. 21, 2023, a boat carrying approximately 40 aliens and two boat captains disappeared on its way to Nicaragua after leaving San Andreas Island. Linero Pinto has admitted his role in smuggling the aliens on that boat.
Linero Pinto was charged in October 2024 for conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States. He was arrested in Colombia in December 2024 at the request of the U.S. government. Linero Pinto’s extradition followed extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Colombian law enforcement authorities, and he made his initial appearance in federal court in El Paso in December 2025.
Linero Pinto pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and placing lives in jeopardy. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Linero Pinto faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HSI led the investigation, with assistance from their McAllen, El Paso, and Cartagena field offices. HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, the Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), Office of International Affairs (OIA), and Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department thanks Colombian law enforcement officials, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation.
The investigation and indictment were coordinated and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. attorneys’ offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, HSI, CBP, Border Patrol, and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; more than 371 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Trial Attorneys Danielle Hickman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Daria Andryushchenko of the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and TCOs, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROMAN SANTIAGO JR., 43, formerly of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford 120 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico using the U.S. Mail. Judge Nagala also ordered Santiago to pay a $15,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from September 2024 to February 2025, Santiago engaged in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the shipment of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut through the U.S. Mail. During the investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted multiple packages that were mailed from Puerto Rico to various addresses in Connecticut. Each package was intended for Santiago and contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine.
Santiago was arrested on February 12, 2025. At time of his arrest, a search of his Danbury residence and a storage unit he rented revealed a package of cocaine that had been mailed from Puerto Rico, additional quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, $276,298 in cash, and other items.
In total, investigators seized more than 11 kilograms of cocaine during the investigation.
On April 21, 2026, Santiago pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Judge Nagala ordered Santiago to forfeit the seized cash, and several pieces of jewelry with an total approximate value of $264,000, and his 2020 Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Santiago, who is released on a $50,000 bond and residing in New Britain, is required to report to prison on November 16.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, and the Danbury Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Plainville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Guevremont and Christopher Lembo.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Bombing Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Retaliation for Law Enforcement Seizing His FirearmsRead the Press Release
A Santa Barbara County, California, man pleaded guilty today to detonating a bomb at a Santa Maria courthouse in 2024 in an attack that injured three people, damaged the building, and was intended to kill law enforcement officers in retaliation for local law enforcement seizing his firearms earlier that year.
“McGuire launched a vicious, terroristic assault on a court of law with the intent to kill law enforcement officers and a judge,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “His attack injured three people and, were it not for the quick action of court security and law enforcement, it could have been far worse. McGuire will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“This defendant’s brazen act of terror resulted in physical, structural, and emotional harm, and could have had tragic consequences,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “Individuals who use bombs against law enforcement officials, judges, and other government personnel must be held accountable and face severe punishment for their actions.”
Nathaniel James McGuire, 22, of Santa Maria, pleaded guilty to one count of use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of malicious destruction of a building using an explosive.
McGuire has been in federal custody since September 2024.
According to his plea agreement, on Sept. 24, 2024, McGuire knowingly detonated a bomb in the Santa Maria courthouse, which serves the Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
McGuire walked in the door of the courthouse and threw a backpack containing an explosive device past the courthouse’s security screening device and towards Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies, The bomb slid between a victim’s legs and detonated in the building outside a courtroom. Five people were hospitalized and released the same day. The bomb resulted in personal injuries to three victims.
McGuire admitted in his plea agreement that he detonated the bomb with the intent to kill the sheriff’s deputies.
After the bomb exploded, McGuire left to retrieve two long guns and 10 Molotov cocktails from his vehicle and intended to re-enter the courthouse to kill sheriff’s deputies and “splatter” (kill) a judge. A courthouse security guard and several law enforcement officers stopped McGuire at his vehicle.
McGuire admitted to maliciously damaging the courthouse, which sustained approximately $35,000 in damages and had to be closed for several days.
He also admitted to detonating the bomb at the courthouse in retaliation for various alleged government wrongs, including Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies seizing his firearms earlier that year.
McGuire intended to harm the judge and the sheriff’s deputies on account of their status as government employees and officials.
A search of McGuire’s residence resulted in the seizure of other materials related to his bomb making.
McGuire is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2027, and will face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Maria Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark P. Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Su for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Brentwood Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for $6.9 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Helen Boerman, 48, of Brentwood, Tennessee, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for defrauding Medicare and other government health care programs out of nearly $7 million, announced United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Chief United States District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr. imposed the 42-month prison sentence on September 10, 2026, followed by one year of supervised release. Boerman was also ordered to pay $6,970,583.50 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
“Health care fraud is theft from American taxpayers and from programs intended to serve people who need them,” said United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek. “This defendant exploited those programs for millions of dollars through years of fraudulent billing. Today’s sentence holds her accountable and sends a clear message that those who steal taxpayer dollars will face serious consequences.”
According to court documents, over a period of approximately three-and-a-half years, Boerman, an optometric physician, used her practice, Brentwood Eye Care, to submit false claims to Medicare. As an enrolled provider, Boerman submitted claims seeking reimbursement for dates of service where patients did not in fact receive services and for wound care products that she had not actually purchased or used because she split wound care products intended for single use.
For example, in May 2022, Boerman, through Brentwood Eye Care, submitted Medicare claims on behalf of two beneficiaries for the placement of wound care products on May 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27, even though appointment records showed the patients had appointments only on May 20, 24, and 27. Boerman directed Brentwood Eye Care staff to create false records for the other dates to support services fraudulently billed to Medicare.
In addition to the fraudulent Medicare claims, Boerman made false claims between March 2020 and October 2024 to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid agency, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (“FEHBP”).
As part of her guilty plea, Boerman admitted that during the course of her criminal conduct she submitted approximately $11 million in false Medicare, TennCare, and FEHBP claims and received approximately $6.9 million.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Bogni prosecuted the case.
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Bookkeeper of Local Business Admits to Wire and Mail Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – The bookkeeper for a Bristol, Virginia-based business pled guilty today to a pair of federal fraud charges for stealing more than $200,000 to pay her bills and buy more than 400 items from Amazon.
Angela Sue Conley, 60, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud.
According to court documents, Conley worked as the bookkeeper for a Bristol, Virginia-based business (Company A) for more than 40 years until she was terminated in February 2025. As Company A’s bookkeeper, Conley was responsible for, among other duties, Company A’s payroll. As such, Conley had access to bank accounts and was issued a company credit card.
Beginning in January 2020 and continuing through February 2025, Conley devised a scheme to personally enrich herself through fraud by obtaining funds that belonged to Company A. Conley used her authority as bookkeeper to send wire transfers of funds from Company A’s bank account to Conley’s personal Capital One credit card account, her personal checking account, and to make hundreds of purchases from Amazon. These 474 items included high heel shoes, pool covers, and earrings. All of the items were delivered via the U.S. Postal Service or commercial interstate carrier.
Conley sent 38 payments totaling $139,246 from Company A’s bank account to her personal credit card account without authorization.
In addition, Conley transferred funds from Company A’s bank account to Verizon, BVU Authority, and the Virginia Department of Taxation as payment for Conley’s personal bills. All these payments were made without authorization.
In all, between January 2020 and February 2025, Conley caused $205,889 in fraudulent transactions to be made.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case
Attorney Who Failed to File Tax Returns and Pay More Than $3.1 Million Owed Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SIMES, 51, of Newtown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 10 months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release for offenses related to his failure to file tax returns and to pay more than $3.1 million in taxes, penalties, and interest owed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, for the 2013 tax year and the 2016 through 2022 tax years, Simes, an attorney, failed to file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,876,307 on gross income of more than $5.6 million. For the 2016 through 2020 tax years, Simes requested filing extensions until October of each year, but still failed to file and pay the taxes he owed.
In addition, Simes filed tax returns for the 2012, 2014, and 2015 tax years, but he paid only a fraction of taxes reported as due, thereby incurring substantial penalties and interest.
Simes was ordered to pay restitution of the presently outstanding balance of $2,871,676.
On March 9, 2026, Simes pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to file a tax return. Released on a $40,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on January 20, 2027.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Ames Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ames man was sentenced on September 11, 2026, to 27 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Luke Stephen Crouse, 35, met a minor in an online chatroom and coerced that minor over a period of months into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos. Crouse also sent the minor sexually explicit photos and videos of himself. Crouse has two prior child exploitation convictions for nearly identical conduct in online chatrooms with persons he believed to be minors who were undercover agents posing as 14-year-old girls.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Crouse will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In April 2025, Crouse was convicted of six counts of attempted indecent liberties with child under age 15, one count of production of child pornography, and two counts of proposing a sex act via a communication system to a minor less than age 15, in the Virgina Circuit Court for Rockbridge County, which was ordered to be served consecutively to the federal sentence.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Accenture Agrees to Pay $25M to Resolve Alleged Employment Discrimination ViolationsRead the Press Release
Accenture Federal Services (AFS), Accenture plc, and Accenture LLP (Accenture) have agreed to pay the United States $25 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act for failing to comply with anti-discrimination requirements in federal contracts and discriminating against employees and applicants for employment because of race or sex.
Most federal contracts contain a provision that requires contractors to provide equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment. As a condition to being a federal contractor, the company must certify that it will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race or sex and must further certify that it will take steps to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, “without regard to” race or sex. The settlement resolves allegations that from 2017 to the present, AFS falsely certified compliance with these conditions, while engaging in discriminatory employment practices.
“Opportunity and promotion in the workplace must be earned through merit,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “Today’s resolution makes unmistakably clear that the Department will continue to aggressively pursue unconstitutional discriminatory employment practices.”
“Federal contractors have a straightforward obligation: make employment decisions without regard to race or sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “A company cannot take taxpayer dollars, certify that it is following that simple principle, and then use race or sex as a factor in deciding who gets an opportunity.”
The United States alleged that AFS took race or sex into account when making hiring decisions to achieve progress toward non-public workforce composition goals. Business unit leaders within AFS received monthly summaries of the specific percentage of each race and sex within the unit, with the figures highlighted green, yellow, or red to indicate whether representation was at or exceeded AFS’ goal, was within 5 percent of AFS’ goal, or was below 5 percent of AFS’ goal, respectively. These demographic goals were designed to, and did, drive changes in hiring practices based on race and sex. For example, at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021, AFS engaged in a round of entry level employee hiring to make further progress towards the company’s racial representation goals.
The United States further alleged that AFS took race or sex into account when making promotion decisions. For example, when considering managing director promotions, AFS conducted a separate discussion of candidates who furthered AFS’ race or sex demographic goals to ensure that these candidates received extra visibility with AFS leaders responsible for making promotion decisions. AFS also highlighted in color the names of candidates who furthered the company’s demographic goals to distinguish them from other candidates during the promotion review process and developed a separate “pipeline” of potential promotion candidates who would advance AFS’ demographic goals.
Finally, the United States alleged that AFS offered certain training, mentoring, leadership development programs, and educational opportunities where eligibility for these resources was limited by race or sex. For example, from August 2022 to February 2025, AFS ran the Amplify to Elevate training program, which reserved participation for employees based on race and was designed to boost the career prospects of these employees over others through mentorship and networking.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Abbott Agrees to Pay over $384M to Settle Allegations Related to Contaminated Infant FormulaRead the Press Release
Abbott Laboratories (Abbott), an Illinois-based healthcare company that manufactures and sells infant formula and nutritional therapy products, has agreed to pay $384,999,040 to resolve allegations that it caused false claims to be submitted between Jan. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2022, to federal and state programs arising from its failure to manufacture certain powder infant formula and nutritional therapy products at its Sturgis, Michigan, and Casa Grande, Arizona, facilities in compliance with federal and state statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
On Nov. 13, 2025, the United States filed its Complaint in Intervention alleging that Abbott caused government programs to purchase powder infant formula manufactured at the Sturgis facility despite the products’ failure to meet statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. The Complaint alleged that Abbott knowingly manufactured infant formula purchased with taxpayer dollars in an environment that put the products at unacceptable risk of microorganism contamination and significantly impacted the products’ reliability, quality, and safety.
“Today’s settlement is a victory for American families and makes clear the safety of our children is not negotiable,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter. “Abbott will pay a substantial sum to resolve serious allegations it violated federal health and safety requirements designed to protect babies. The Justice Department will act decisively against anyone who puts American families at risk and ensure misconduct carries serious consequences.”
“No company should be gambling on the health and safety of our Nation’s infants by allowing unsanitary conditions to persist at a facility manufacturing baby formula,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “The Department will hold accountable bad actors that knowingly misrepresent compliance with essential health and safety standards designed to protect American families.”
“It is critical that infant formula manufacturers adhere to regulatory and contractual requirements to ensure that the products they manufacture are safe for the babies who consume them,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey for the Western District of Michigan. “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to holding manufacturers accountable when the United States pays for noncompliant products.”
“Parents rely on companies like Abbott Laboratories to responsibly follow the rules and ensure their products – especially baby formula – are safe. USDA OIG remains vigilant against those that would compromise public health and safety by failing to comply with legal standards and put infants at risk,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “This behavior is inexcusable and will not be condoned.”
As described in the complaint, roof leaks were a common occurrence in the Sturgis plant, leading to water running and dripping over equipment. Rather than permanently addressing the root causes, Abbott used temporary solutions, such as roof leak umbrellas, to try to divert leaks in product processing areas even though Abbott corporate leadership understood that the wet environment put the products at increased risk of microorganism contamination. Similarly, the complaint alleged that Abbott continued to run spray dryers, where liquid formula was transformed into a dry powder, even after Abbott documented cracks and pits in the dryers, which also increased the risk of “micro” contamination, particularly in the presence of moisture.
Further, the Department alleged that Abbott made its spray dryer conditions worse by lengthening the number of product batches that passed through the dryers between cleaning cycles — enabling Abbott to increase production. The complaint also alleges that Abbott intentionally did not test for bacterial growth to avoid obtaining positive test results showing contamination, and that in certain instances where testing demonstrated “micro” contamination, Abbott failed to disclose the test results when responding to requests from FDA during 2019 and 2022 inspections at the Sturgis facility.
Under the civil settlement agreement, Abbott will pay $348,700,868 to the United States to resolve the False Claims Act allegations and an additional $36,298,172 to certain States for claims settled by their State Medicaid and WIC programs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and regulates the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional support — including infant formula — to eligible participants. More than half of all infant formula purchased in the United States is paid for with USDA funds through WIC. State Medicaid Programs also cover and pay for certain infant formula.
The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, which allow private individuals to bring suit on behalf of the United States for false claims submitted to federal programs and to share in any recovery. Relators Scott Millard, Kristine Cooper, and Loren Cooper, who were Abbott employees, will receive $69 million as their share of the federal settlement. The qui tam action, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, is captioned United States, et al., ex rel. Scott Millard, et al., v. Abbott Laboratories, No. 1:22-cv-994 (W.D. Mich.).
The resolution was the product of a coordinated effort by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, with assistance from USDA’s Office of Inspector General.
This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The matter was handled by Civil Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Asha Natarajan and Erin Colleran of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whitney Schnurr and Jacob Carlton for the Western District of Michigan.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Abbott Agrees to Pay over $384 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related to Powder Infant Formula and Nutritional Therapy ProductsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Abbott Laboratories (Abbott), an Illinois-based health care company that manufactures and sells infant formula and nutritional therapy products, has agreed to pay $384,999,040 to resolve allegations that it caused false claims to be submitted to federal and state programs arising from its failure to manufacture certain powder infant formula and nutritional therapy products at its Sturgis, Michigan and Casa Grande, Arizona facilities in compliance with federal and state statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and regulates the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional support—including infant formula—to eligible participants. More than half of all infant formula purchased in the United States is paid for with USDA funds through WIC. State Medicaid Programs also cover and pay for certain infant formula.
On November 13, 2025, the United States filed its Complaint in Intervention alleging that Abbott caused WIC programs to purchase powder infant formula manufactured at the Sturgis facility despite the products’ failure to meet statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. The Complaint alleged that Abbott knowingly manufactured infant formula purchased with taxpayer dollars in an environment that put the products at unacceptable risk of microorganism contamination. As described in the Complaint, Abbott failed to maintain its manufacturing equipment, failed to control the presence of water that fostered microorganism growth, and promoted a culture of concealment that systematically failed to identify, document, investigate, and prevent potential contamination.
“When someone supplies the government with food that is meant to be given to our infant children, we demand that it meet or exceed every federal nutrition and safety requirement,” said United States Attorney Timothy VerHey. “This case demonstrates that anyone who fails this standard will pay a high price.”
Under the civil settlement agreement, Abbott will pay $348,700,868 to the United States to resolve the False Claims Act allegations and an additional $36,298,172 to certain States for claims settled by their State Medicaid and WIC programs.
The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, which allow private individuals to bring suit on behalf of the United States for false claims submitted to federal programs and to share in any recovery. The qui tam action, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, is captioned United States, et al., ex rel. Scott Millard, et al., v. Abbott Laboratories, No. 1:22-cv-994 (W.D. Mich.).
The resolution was the product of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, and USDA’s Office of Inspector General.
This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The matter was handled by Civil Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Asha Natarajan and Erin Colleran of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whitney Schnurr and Jacob Carlton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
13 September 2026
SDTX continues Take Back America efforts with 212 new casesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas has charged another 218 people in immigration and border security-related matters from Sept. 4–10.
The cases include charges against 21 individuals—nine of whom are illegal aliens—allegedly involved in human smuggling. A total of 36 criminal complaints were filed for illegal entry, while another 150 people face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies related to narcotics, violent crime, immigration offenses, and more. The remaining five cases charged this week relate to other immigration-related crimes.
As part of the newly filed complaints, Albanian national Arben Cima has been charged with illegal reentry into the country. According to the charges, authorities previously removed him March 12, 2022, before discovering him again near Mission. According to his complaint, he has a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Two others—Jose Yojcom-Rocche and Antonio Rubio-Zuniga—were also allegedly found near Roma despite having been previously removed. According to the charges, Yojcom-Rocche has a prior conviction for lewd or lascivious acts with a child, while Rubio-Zuniga has a prior conviction for aggravated robbery.
All face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
In addition to the new cases, Mexican national Erik Guadalupe Ibarra Venegas was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities responded to a report of a suspicious man carrying tools and pushing two bicycles. During the encounter, law enforcement discovered a 5.56-caliber pistol on him. The investigation revealed Venegas had overstayed his visa and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The cases are referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigrants, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault, and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than 10 million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Federal grand jury indicts four in two related fraud schemes targeting elderly and vulnerable victimsRead the Press Release
DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that four defendants — Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney (aka Suekya Locke), Shakoya Crenshaw (aka Shakoya Locke), and Krystle Locke (aka Krystle Edwards / Krystal Locke) — were indicted in two related fraud schemes involving the exploitation of elderly or vulnerable individuals entrusted to their care.
According to the Aug. 26 indictments, the family of alleged fraudsters operated unlicensed boarding homes across North Texas that housed elderly and disabled residents. Investigators allege that the defendants used their positions of trust to carry out schemes involving financial exploitation, fraudulent property transactions and theft of government benefits.
“Safeguarding our senior citizens is among the Justice Department’s most solemn obligations,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Whether through the manipulation of an elderly woman’s home or the theft of a deceased resident’s Social Security benefits, the alleged exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the defendants’ care represents a profound breach of trust and a serious federal offense. Social Security is not a personal piggy bank to exploit at the expense of the American taxpayer, and we will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to claw back any federal dollars lost to fraud, waste and abuse, and to ensure those who target our most vulnerable community members face swift justice.”
Fraud Scheme Involving Sale of Elderly Woman’s Home
A federal grand jury charged Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, and Shakoya Crenshaw with one count of conspiracy to make false statements to a financial institution and four counts of making false statements to a financial institution.
The indictment alleges the defendants obtained power of attorney over a 79‑year‑old woman, W.S., residing in one of their unlicensed boarding homes. They allegedly orchestrated the sale of W.S.’s longtime Garland residence to Whitney and Crenshaw, funneling more than $156,000 in proceeds through multiple accounts before transferring $147,000 to Locke. Locke then allegedly used these funds to purchase a new home, misrepresenting the money as a “cash gift” from her daughter.
The defendants also allegedly made false statements to Capital Fund 1 and CrossCountry Mortgage, claiming the real estate transactions were arm’s‑length and that Locke received legitimate gift funds, assertions the indictment states they knew were false. In reality, the indictment asserts the defendants knew the transaction involved close family members and the funds originated from the sale of W.S.’s property.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison on the conspiracy count and up to 30 years on each false statement count. The indictment seeks forfeiture of any property traceable to the offenses.
“This indictment demonstrates the actions these defendants took to defraud elderly victims in their care,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to investigating those that engage in fraudulent schemes that target the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Social Security Benefits Theft Scheme
In a related matter, the grand jury also indicted Krystle Locke for allegedly stealing more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits belonging to a deceased resident of one of her unlicensed boarding homes. Locke is charged with four counts of theft of government money and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The indictment alleges Locke owned and operated John Thomas Residential Care Home and other unregistered boarding homes. In December 2022, the victim — identified as S.T. — executed a durable power of attorney naming Locke as his agent. Locke allegedly applied for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income on S.T.’s behalf, later redirecting S.T.’s benefit payments into her own account. Social Security Administration records show deposits of $42,638.29 on Oct. 17, 2024, and $2,302.00 the next day.
S.T. died on Oct. 19, 2024. Despite being notified of his death, Locke allegedly withdrew tens of thousands of dollars in the days that followed and failed to return the funds after being directed to do so.
If convicted, Locke faces up to ten years in federal prison for each count of theft of government money, plus a mandatory consecutive two‑year sentence for aggravated identity theft.
The FBI Dallas conducted the investigation into the mortgage‑fraud scheme.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Veteran’s Administration OIG and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the Social Security benefits theft scheme.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elise Aldendifer and Chad Meacham from the Fraud section are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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11 September 2026
Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches 500 New Immigration Cases Through First 2 Weeks of SeptemberRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 500 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from August 28 through September 10, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. 449 of those new cases were split between the district’s Del Rio and El Paso offices. Charges were brought against alien smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for child sex crimes, numerous DWIs, violent crimes, thefts, and numerous prior removals.
Among the new cases, two U.S. citizens are charged with bringing in and harboring aliens after they were arrested on Sept. 4 near Fort Hancock. A U.S. Border Patrol agent camera operator observed six individuals walking north from the direction of the Rio Grande River in an area known to be utilized by transnational criminal organizations for the illegal entry and rapid pickup of smuggled aliens. Around the same time and in the same remote area, according to a criminal complaint, another USBP agent encountered a vehicle traveling south. The agent stopped the vehicle and inquired about the occupants’ destination, redirecting them to the gas station they claimed to be looking for, located in the opposite direction. Soon after that encounter, another agent conducted an investigatory stop on the vehicle while it was traveling north toward I-10. The criminal complaint alleges that during the investigatory stop, the USBP camera operator observed the group of six individuals began running south. The complaint alleges that the two vehicle occupants, identified as George Soledad-Lucero and Sarah Nicole Olivas, agreed to be transported to the Fort Hancock Border Patrol Station for questioning about their whereabouts that morning. It further alleges that while Soledad-Lucero provided conflicting statements, Olivas stated the two were driving enroute to pick up illegal aliens and expected to be paid $2,000. Soledad-Lucero allegedly recruited Olivas for the use of her vehicle and the two communicated through Instagram.
An illegal alien from Mexico was charged with illegal re-entry after being arrested approximately 10 miles west of the Tornillo Port of Entry. Jorge Herrera-Vargas was recently deported from the U.S. for the ninth time on July 16. In June, he was convicted for his third DUI.
Christian Ernesto-Lopez, also an illegal alien from Mexico, was found approximately four miles west of the Fort Hancock POE after being removed from the U.S. on Aug. 3, through Jacksonville, Florida. In April 2025, Ernesto-Lopez was convicted of assault by strangulation and assault with a deadly weapon in Raleigh, North Carolina. His criminal record also includes two convictions for domestic violence, including one for assaulting a pregnant woman.
Santos Gomez-Delacruz, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was found approximately 20 miles east of the Fort Hancock POE after being removed for the seventh time in March. He now faces an illegal re-entry charge.
In Del Rio, USBP agents arrested Johan Alexander Moncada-Narvaez, an illegal alien from Venezuela, and charged him with illegal re-entry. Moncada-Narvaez was deported for the first time in August. In July, he was convicted of engaging in prostitution with a 14 to 15-year-old and engaging in electronic communication relating or describing sexual conduct with a child. For those two convictions in Clay County, Minnesota, Moncada-Narvaez was sentenced to five years of probation.
Iden Escobar-Loaiza, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested and charged with illegal re-entry. In 2023, he was convicted of his third DUI. Escobar-Loaiza has also been convicted of inflicting corporal injury and disorderly intoxication.
Illegal alien from Mexico Adrian Missael Gonzalez was also charged with illegal re-entry in Del Rio. Gonzalez has been removed from the U.S. twice before and has a criminal record that includes two convictions for burglary of a vehicle, vehicle theft, and property theft.
Jorvin Joseph Ramos-Orellana, an illegal alien from Honduras, was arrested in Eagle Pass and charged with illegal re-entry. Ramos-Orellana was deported for the first time in February, after being convicted in 2025 of terroristic threats and acts, reckless conduct, and aggravated assault.
Oscar Ernesto Romero-Aravelo, an illegal alien from El Salvador who has been deported four times, was arrested in Eagle Pass. His criminal record contains three DUI convictions.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Two Mescalero Men Plead Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two Mescalero men pleaded guilty to federal assault charges stemming from an unprovoked attack that left a victim with serious head injuries.
According to court documents, on September 11, 2025, John Doe was at a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation when he was assaulted by Harlyn Cody Geronimo, 50, and Raymond Shaun Chee, 28, both enrolled members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Geronimo and Chee struck John Doe in the head during the assault. Geronimo also struck John Doe with his fists and a pair of rain boots and kicked him while he was on the ground. The assault caused significant contusions and a 4-centimeter scalp laceration to John Doe’s head and resulted in serious bodily injury.
Witnesses reported that Geronimo, who was wearing steel-toed boots, kicked John Doe in the head. After the incident, Chee fled the scene.
Following his arrest, Geronimo’s steel-toed boots were recovered and found to contain dried blood. Geronimo later denied assaulting John Doe, despite witness statements to the contrary.
Geronimo and Chee pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, they face up to 10 years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Two Dallas-area women sentenced in nationwide identity theft fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two women have been ordered to federal prison for participating in an aggravated identity scheme that targeted JCPenney stores across the country.
Cabria Cunningham, 27, Rowlett, and Mykiah Furlough, 27, Dallas, pleaded guilty Sept. 5, 2025, and Feb. 19, 2026, respectively.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner has ordered both Cunningham and Furlough to serve 24 months in federal prison. Both must also serve one year of supervised release following their prison terms and pay restitution to the victims. In imposing the sentences, the court noted that Furlough’s relative, Ashley Urune, recruited both women into the scheme.
In 2022 and 2023, the three women traveled to JCPenney stores across the country and posed as legitimate customers who had JCPenney-branded credit cards. They used fraudulent identification and customers’ personal information to access credit accounts at the register.
They then used those accounts to purchase merchandise and gift cards, which they later sold on social media.
Furlough and Cunningham were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Urune, 34, Dallas, was also charged and previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She is set for sentencing Dec. 3.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Promoting Abusive Tax ShelterRead the Press Release
A Texas man was sentenced this week to 60 months in prison for promoting an abusive tax shelter to business owners around the country.
According to court documents, Aanand Shukla, of Jonestown, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States related to his efforts to promote a fraudulent tax shelter to business owners across the country. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2017 to 2025, Shukla and his co-conspirators promoted, sold and personally used an abusive trust tax shelter that promised clients — for quoted fees as high as $225,000 — that they could “own nothing, control everything” and eliminate taxes on nearly all of their business income while maintaining full control over their money.
Shukla marketed the scheme nationwide through seminars, webinars, podcasts and direct sales pitches. He instructed clients to restructure their companies so that approximately 98% of their business income flowed through layered trusts and a private family foundation. He told clients to run personal expenses — such as vehicles, entertainment and mortgage payments — through trust accounts and claim those expenses as deductions. Shukla typically sold these trust packages to clients for $25,000 to $55,000, created trust documents, trained other promoters and referred clients to tax preparers he had personally selected and knew would participate in the scheme. Shukla facilitated the concealment of more than $27 million in income from the IRS.
On March 10, Shukla pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s Nation Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Boris Bourget, Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones and former Trial Attorney Lauren K. Pope of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Three Illegal Aliens Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion and Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and CoercionRead the Press Release
Maurilio Lazcano-Vargas, age 40, of Mexico, who is present in the United States without authorization, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. Edyn Efrain-Arevalo, age 53, of Guatemala, and Zabdi Guzman-Diaz, age 41, of Mexico, who are also present in the United States without authorization, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion.
According to admissions made as part of their pleas, since at least August 2024, Lazcano-Vargas operated a prostitution scheme that prostituted women, many of whom were illegal aliens in the United States, in various locations in Louisiana. He operated the prostitution venture with his co-defendants, Efrain-Arevalo and Guzman-Diaz, and would ensure that the women that he prostituted would perform commercial sex acts and provide him or others with the money that they earned from such acts.
Specifically, beginning in and after October 2025, Lazcano-Vargas placed online ads through social media mobile and computer applications for commercial sex acts featuring women in the Middle District of Louisiana. He along with others, rented apartments in the Baton Rouge, Kenner, and New Orleans areas so that women could engage in these acts.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Lazcano-Vargas and others would take the money that the women made, tell the women the prices they were to charge and the amount of time that corresponded with the prices along with any rules for acts that were an extra charge, and communicate directly with other participants in the sex trafficking at the end of the night. Lazcano-Vargas and others also would monitor the total number of men that each women had commercial sex with and how much money was made. A single young woman would have as many as 20 “Johns” or more in one day.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall stated, “These defendants not only entered our country illegally, but then took advantage of these young women by trafficking them for sexual activity. These crimes check the boxes of the highest priorities of our office and this Administration.” Wall applauded the teamwork of the several agencies involved which included the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Ross lead the prosecution.
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.
Springfield Man Sentenced to over 20 Years for Meth and FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Roy Dewayne Reed, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton, to 262 months in federal prison without parole, followed by four years’ supervised release.
On Sept. 10, 2025, an officer with the Springfield Police Department (SPD) conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Reed at a gas station on East Division Street. As an officer attempted to contact Reed, he reversed his vehicle toward the officer and fled into midday traffic at a high rate of speed, driving in the median, and taking Interstate 44 briefly. Officers pursued Reed but ultimately abandoned the pursuit in the interest of public safety.
Less than an hour later, officers with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office located Reed’s truck at a residence on East Division. Officers located two loaded handguns and six plastic baggies of methamphetamine with a combined weight of approximately 111.84 grams inside two crossbody bags located in the back of the truck. Surveillance footage from the residence showed Reed throwing both bags, one at a time, into the back of the truck.
Reed is a career offender, with eleven previous felony convictions, including multiple assaults, manufacture and distribution of drugs, unlawful possession of firearms, resisting arrest, and motor vehicle theft. At the time that he committed the federal offenses, he was on probation for delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and tampering with a motor vehicle.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greene County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, and the Springfield, Missouri Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sioux City Man Who Failed to Register as a Sex Offender Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A man who escaped custody and failed to register as a sex offender pled guilty on September 10, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City.
Duane Levering, age 41, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of escape from custody and one count of failure to register as a sex offender. In 2005 Levering was previously convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in the United States District Court for Nebraska. Based on this conviction, Levering is required to register as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on December 23, 2025, Levering began confinement following his conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. On April 23, 2026, the U.S. Marshals Service received a Notice of Escaped Federal Prisoner for Levering from the Bureau of Prisons stating Levering failed to return to Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center from his reported employment site. Levering admitted he willingly left the center and failed to register his new residence with the sex offender registry while he was on the run.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Levering remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Levering faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-4019.
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Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Bloomfield Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERIC STAGGERS, 43, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to escape from custody.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2015, Staggers was sentenced in the Southern District of Alabama to 37 months of imprisonment and 25 years of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender. Following his release from prison, Staggers moved to Connecticut and his supervision was transferred to the District of Connecticut. In September 2024, Staggers was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 21 months of imprisonment for violating several conditions of his supervised release.
On August 13, 2025, while Staggers was completing his sentence at the Drapelick Center, a Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) in Bloomfield, Staggers left the facility and claimed that he was headed to his place of employment. Later that morning, Drapelick Center staff learned that Staggers was not scheduled to work that day, contacted him, and directed him to return to the halfway house. Staggers failed to return.
Staggers was located and arrested in New Haven on November 30, 2025. He has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for December 21, at which time Staggers faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter has been investigated by U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Louisville, Ky., man, Timothy Acker, 57, was sentenced on Thursday to 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for possession of child pornography.
Acker was previously convicted in 2018 for distributing illegal material involving minors and was a registered sex offender. In 2024, law enforcement investigated and identified Acker as an online user operating multiple illicit content‑sharing groups on encrypted messaging platforms. In early 2025, a separate investigation by law enforcement led to the discovery of thousands of illicit images across multiple electronic devices in Acker’s possession. Some of these files corresponded to content distributed online through the earlier investigation. Acker admitted to knowingly possessing the child sexual abuse material that he obtained via the internet.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General; and Chief Clint Aldridge, Owenton Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Owenton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. Collaboration from Leigh Ann Roberts, Commonwealth Attorney for Kentucky’s Fifteenth Judicial District, facilitated the federal adoption of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Registered Sex Offender Charged with Sexual Exploitations of Children and Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced today that DUSTIN TOMPKINS, a registered sex offender, was charged with sexual exploitation of children by persuading, and attempting to persuade, them to create and send him sexually explicit images, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and committing offenses against children while being a registered sex offender. TOMPKINS, who is currently detained on charges that he violated the terms of his supervised release, was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause in White Plains federal court.
“The Southern District of New York will use every available tool to protect children,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Dustin Tompkins represents every parent’s greatest fear: an adult who allegedly used social media to gain access to children and exploit them for his own sexual gratification. As alleged, while on supervision for a prior conviction for receipt and distribution of child pornography, Tompkins used social media to communicate with minors and persuade them to create and send him sexually explicit images. Tompkins is also alleged to have amassed additional child pornography via social media applications. If you have information to report, please immediately contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.”
As alleged in the Complaint:(1)
On or about March 18, 2015, TOMPKINS pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to receiving and distributing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2) and (b)(1), and was subsequently sentenced to 77 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release.
On or about January 30, 2026, officers from the U.S. Probation Office conducted a routine supervisory visit and discovered hidden in TOMPKINS’s bedroom an unsanctioned smartphone. A subsequent court-authorized search of that smartphone found images comprising child pornography. The search of the smartphone further revealed that, on or about January 24, 2026, TOMPKINS had created a messaging group using a social media application by which he received and viewed approximately 55 files containing child pornography.
Finally, the smartphone search found that TOMPKINS, using a second social media application, had posed as an adult woman and exchanged messages with minors. Specifically, on or about October 14, 2025, Tompkins directed a 13-year-old to engage in sexually explicit conduct, photograph the conduct, and transmit the photograph to him. Then, on or about December 26, 2025, Tompkins directed, and attempted to direct, a 16‑year-old to engage in sexually explicit conduct, photograph and record the conduct, and transmit the photograph and video to him.
There may be other victims. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1‑800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.
* * *
TOMPKINS, 38, of Mount Kisco, New York, is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, which each carry a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison. TOMPKINS is also charged with one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. TOMPKINS is finally charged with one count of committing the offenses charged in Counts One and Two while being a registered sex offender, which requires a sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed pursuant to Counts One and Two.
The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald thanked Homeland Security Investigations of the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Probation Office.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Briggs and John Wynne are in charge of the prosecution.
^
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.
Portland Man Found Guilty of Stealing Pandemic Relief FundsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury found Beniamin Lucescu, age 57, a Portland resident, guilty today of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between April 2020 and May 2022, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Beniamin Lucescu and his wife, Georgeta Lucescu, conspired to steal almost $500,000 in pandemic relief funds by lying to the Small Business Administration about their intended use of the funds. Beniamin Lucescu repeatedly lied on the applications for the relief funds, claiming they would only use them for economic injuries their business, Rose City Senior Care, suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In reality, Beniamin Lucescu planned to use the pandemic relief funds for personal expenses and investments. As soon as they received the pandemic relief funds, Beniamin Lucescu used almost all of the $500,000 to pay off their old personal federal tax debt and invest in cryptocurrency.
“The pandemic was a time of unprecedented hardship, when Americans needed their government’s help most. Beniamin Lucescu chose to exploit that crisis for his own gain. His fraud stole critical taxpayer-funded resources from Americans who were counting on them. We will not tolerate those who abuse government relief programs for personal profit. Thanks to the dedicated work of the SBA-OIG and my office, Lucescu was held accountable and brought to justice,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
On September 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an eight-count superseding indictment charging Beniamin and Georgeta Lucescu with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Beniamin Lucescu was also charged with money laundering.
Beniamin Lucescu will be sentenced on December 14, before a U.S. District Judge.
Georgeta Lucescu is scheduled for trial on February 8, 2027. Georgeta Lucescu is charged by indictment. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General with assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Bateman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Bodell.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months of imprisonment on his conviction of possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Aquay Mitchell, 26, on September 10, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, on September 24, 2024, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police detectives observed and attempted to stop Mitchell, suspecting that he possessed a firearm. Mitchell fled and was ultimately located hiding in a stairwell, with officers also finding a firearm, keys, and a cell phone along Mitchell’s flight path. The firearm was a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number that had been reported stolen, and the cellular telephone and keys belonged to Mitchell, who has multiple felony convictions. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Mitchell was indicted in connection with the incident and a warrant issued for his arrest.
On February 4, 2026, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers were conducting a proactive patrol of Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood when they observed Mitchell at a convenience store and took Mitchell into custody on the federal arrest warrant. In a search incident to arrest, officers recovered from Mitchell’s person a loaded semi-automatic pistol that also had been reported stolen, a knotted plastic baggie containing 11 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale, and a cellular telephone.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mitchell.
New Jersey Woman Who Defrauded Pandemic Relief Program of More Than Half a Million Dollars Sentenced to a Year and a Day in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Treva Harris, 50, of Medford, New Jersey, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, a $7,500 fine, a $100 special assessment, and $535,000 in restitution by United States District Judge John F. Murphy for fraudulently obtaining a loan award of approximately $535,000 from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), established by the federal government to provide emergency financial assistance to small businesses and their workers suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The defendant was charged by information in August of last year and pleaded guilty in October to one count of bank fraud, waiving prosecution by indictment.
As detailed in court filings and statements, in 2020, Harris applied for and received multiple pandemic relief loans backed by the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”), including two loans for a Philadelphia childcare business named Child Prodigy Education Center (“CPEC”).
The first of the two loans was an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) that resulted in approximately $514,900 in disbursements to Harris. Harris’s EIDL loan application, originally submitted in April 2020, accurately represented that her childcare business had only three employees, gross income of $165,907 for the past 12 months, and $113,420 in “cost of goods sold” (i.e. payroll).
However, just two months later, Harris submitted a separate PPP loan application for CPEC, including fabricated IRS documentation, in which she falsely claimed that CPEC actually had 27 employees and a monthly payroll of $214,000, or $2,568,000 annually. Based on that application, she received a loan of $535,000, much of which she promptly misspent on personal luxury retail purchases, large cash withdrawals, and checks written to her boyfriend’s business.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Chandler Harris and Matthew T. Newcomer.
Milton Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearms as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Darin Leigh Roy Vanness, 32, of Milton, Florida, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping dangerous, violent felons, like this defendant, off our streets is the surest way to keep our communities safe. I appreciate the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to bring this dangerous criminal to justice.”
Court documents reflect that Milton Police Department obtained a warrant to search the defendant’s home after receiving reports that he had fired a pistol inside the home during a domestic dispute. The defendant is a convicted felon and cannot legally possess a firearm. Upon searching the home, investigators found four 3D printers, multiple firearms made up of printed and manufactured gun parts, additional gun parts - both printed and manufactured - a Winchester rifle, significant amounts of ammunition, and some drugs and drug paraphernalia.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, and investigative efforts demonstrated by the Milton Police Department throughout this case,” said Milton Police Chief Frank. “This case is a strong example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement and our prosecutorial partners work together with a shared commitment to justice, accountability, and the safety of the community we serve.”
The case involved an investigation by the Milton Police Department, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Walter E. Narramore.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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.
Mexican Man Charged for Smuggling Illegal Aliens into the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Mexican man made his initial appearance in court Thursday for allegedly smuggling two illegal aliens from Mexico into the United States.
“Human smuggling is a direct violation of our nation's laws that compromises the security of our borders and puts human lives at risk for corporate-style profit,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “This criminal complaint sends a clear message to smugglers: we will aggressively pursue, disrupt, and dismantle operations that treat human beings as cargo. Our office, alongside our dedicated federal and local law enforcement partners, remains unyielding in our mission to secure our borders and hold smugglers fully accountable under federal law.”
According to allegations in the criminal complaint, on April 14, 2025, a Border Patrol Agent initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Adrian Najera-Santos. When the vehicle came to an abrupt stop, Najera-Santos and two passengers fled into the desert. After a brief foot chase and search of the area, law enforcement apprehended Najera-Santos and the two others. During their interviews, the two passengers stated that they had paid to be smuggled into the United States and to California. They were picked up by a vehicle and taken to an unknown town where Najera-Santos picked them up to take them to Santa Maria, California. They were to pay Najera-Santos $700 for driving them.
Najera-Santos is charged with one count of transporting illegal aliens. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 10 years in prison.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is investigating the case; and the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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McCurtain County Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that William Claborn Clark, a/k/a William Claborn Clark, Jr., a/k/a William Elaborn Clark, Jr., age 46, of Valliant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office, and the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office.
On November 10, 2025, Clark pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on May 10, 2025, law enforcement discovered Clark in possession of one .45ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol, one .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle, one break-open rifle, and 23 rounds of ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Clark will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.
Man Involved in Shooting Sentenced to 96 Months Imprisonment for Illegally Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Sedalia, Mo., man who was involved in a shooting in downtown Springfield, Mo., on July 20, 2025, was sentenced today for illegally possessing a stolen semi-automatic pistol equipped with a high-capacity magazine during the incident.
Kenkori Lenell Grant Jr., 25, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Grant Jr., who has prior felony convictions for harassment in the first degree, assault in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm, pleaded guilty on Feb. 23, 2026.
On July 20, 2025, officers with the Springfield Police Department heard shots fired near the intersection of S. Patton Ave. and W. Walnut St. slightly after midnight. Officers responded and found a victim who had suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound. Officers located a blood trail on the pavement of the parking lot near a gold, 2014 Chevy Cruze. The officers observed that there was blood on the Cruze and located an “AR” style pistol underneath the car. The firearm was a Fort Barnes Armory, semi-automatic pistol equipped with a 30-round, high-capacity magazine and loaded with 19 rounds of assorted ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
The shooting was captured on Great Southern Bank surveillance cameras, which depicted Grant Jr. walking through a crowd, approaching an individual, and lifting the front of his shirt, revealing a firearm in the front of his waistband. Later investigation revealed that Grant Jr. made threats against the individual that he approached. Grant Jr. then placed his right hand on the firearm and began pulling it from his waistband, while exchanging words with the individual, who then pulled a pistol and shot multiple rounds toward Grant Jr. and his companion, striking both.
As innocent bystanders ran from the area, Grant Jr. fled northbound, removing the firearm from his waistband. After snaking his way through the parking lot, Grant Jr. can be seen kneeling by the Cruze and placing the gun under the car before walking away from the scene as officers were beginning to arrive. The firearm possessed by Grant Jr. was found to have been stolen.
On the day of the shooting, Grant Jr. was already on probation for felon in possession of a firearm out of Pettis County, Mo., and had only been released from prison approximately two months prior to July 20, 2025.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Lexington Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Distribution leading to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., man, Darryl Anderson, Jr., 27, was sentenced to 245 months in prison on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Chad Meredith for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
On January 7, 2023, Lexington Police Department officers responded to a fatal overdose in Lexington. At the scene, investigators recovered the victim’s cellphone and, using a passcode provided by a friend, found recent messages showing that the victim had arranged to purchase marijuana and three “30” pills from a contact saved as “DJ,” whom police identified as Anderson. Law enforcement also discovered drug evidence, including fentanyl residue on a bathroom sink, a cut straw, and a counterfeit blue “M 30” pill; laboratory testing confirmed both items contained fentanyl.
Anderson admitted selling pills to the victim on multiple occasions, including the night before his death, and noted that he purchased the pills for $10 each and sold them for $20. A search warrant executed at Anderson’s apartment led to the seizure of approximately eight pounds of marijuana, a digital scale, and $2,340 in suspected drug proceeds. Anderson acknowledged distributing fentanyl to the victim and that the victim’s use of that fentanyl resulted in his death.
“Fentanyl is a deadly poison, and those who knowingly distribute it must understand that their actions have consequences—especially when those actions result in the loss of a human life,” said Jason Parman, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “You don’t know what you’re getting on the street—counterfeit pills can contain deadly doses of fentanyl, as this case tragically demonstrates. This sentence holds Darryl Anderson accountable for selling fentanyl to a victim who ultimately paid the highest possible price. Our office, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who profit from this poison and hold them responsible for the devastation their drugs cause in our communities.”
Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and; Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Leesville Man Sentenced to over 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – On September 1, 2026, United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Earl Thompson, a.k.a. “Nook,” 45, of Leesville, to 174 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine with five years of supervised release after serving his sentence. Thompson had previously pled guilty.
“Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl have no place in our society, and justice demands punishment that reflects their total disregard of the lives, the families, and the communities that they devastate,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “With our state and federal partners, this Office will continue to use every tool available to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle these criminal organizations that poison our neighborhoods with illegal narcotics.”
In 2024, federal, state, and local agencies launched an investigation into a multi parish narcotics trafficking organization operating throughout Vernon Parish and Central Louisiana. Eleven defendants were indicted on January 21, 2026, for their involvement in a drug network responsible for moving large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Thompson played a significant role in the conspirators’ distribution activities. According to court documents, between July 11, 2025, and November 2, 2025, Thompson entered into a conspiracy with 12 others to obtain distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine for resale in and around Vernon Parish. Further investigation revealed that on July 25, 2025, one of Thompson’s co-conspirators delivered ten pounds of methamphetamine to him. Thompson eventually admitted that all methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was intended for distribution.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Forest Service, and the United States Army Criminal Investigations Division.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy, with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole of government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:26-CR-00027-05.
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CONTACT: Public Affairs: USALAW-News@usdoj.gov
United States Attorney’s Office: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
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(337) 262-6704Leader of the Trinitarios in Massachusetts Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A state leader of Trinitarios pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering charges, including his participation in two murders and two other attempted murders.
Ery Jordani Rosario, a/k/a “Racacha,” 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Dec. 10, 2026. Rosario was charged in February 2025.
The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to coordinate and execute violence, and undertake extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members. In Massachusetts, the Trinitarios are alleged to have a state leadership, and multiple local Chapters in the cities of Lynn, Lawrence, Haverhill and Boston.
Rosario was one of the leaders who convened a gang meeting on Dec. 1, 2024. During the recorded meeting, Rosario and other chapter leaders of the Trinitarios discussed the reorganization and restructuring of the Trinitarios chapters, including the need for members to pay dues and contribute to the gang’s operations. The leaders discussed the need to have money on hand to help members who commit shootings and to fund a war against rival gang members. They also discussed the potential violence that will be visited upon members who betrayed the gang.
Rosario also admitted to his participation in an August 2021 shooting outside of a department store in Salem, Mass. During this incident, Luis Jeffrey Santana and other Trinitarios members confronted two victims they believed to be rival gang members and engaged in a verbal altercation with them in the store. The Trinitarios and victims separated, exited the store and proceeded in different directions. The Trinitarios members, however, called for reinforcements who arrived shortly thereafter. The victims proceeded to their vehicle and as they turned out of the parking lot, a black sedan driven by Ery Jordani Rosario containing multiple Trinitarios pulled up and a shooter began firing multiple rounds at the victims. At the same time, a second vehicle pulled out and blocked traffic while the shooting took place.
During today’s court proceedings, Rosario admitted to his membership and leadership in the gang. Photographs and videos recovered in the investigation showed Rosario wearing Trinitarios beaded necklaces, making Trinitarios gang signs with his hands and associating with other members and leaders.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. On June 9, 2026, additional federal racketeering and drug charges were unsealed charging 26 additional leaders, members and associates of the Lawrence, Haverhill and Boston Chapters of the gang. According to court documents, members of the Trinitarios have allegedly participated in at least fifteen murders in Essex County since 2017. Since 2025, a total of 56 leaders, members and associates have been charged in federal court.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy”) provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, a controlled substance (also known as drug conspiracy) provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million dollars. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester, N.H. Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
DOCKET NO.
CASE STATUS
1
Ricardo
Bratini-Perez
24-CR-10310
Pleaded Guilty,
Sentenced to 120 Months
2
Rosnel
Polanco
24-CR-10263
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
3
Eric
Rosario
24-CR-10263
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
4
Robert
Santana
24-CR-10263
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
5
Yeferson
Vallecillo Cambar
24-CR-10335
Pending
6
Elvis
Trujillo
24-CR-10336
Pending
7
Abel
Severino-Reyes
24-CR-10373
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
8
Warly
Ruiz
24-CR-10380
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
9
David
Garcia
25-CR-10006
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
10
Tomy
Sanchez
25-CR-10007
Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing
11
Carlos
Ramirez
25-CR-10008
Pleaded Guilty
12
Justin
Alba
25-CR-10058
Pending
13
Darwin
Batista
25-CR-10058
Pending
14
Janoy
Batista
25-CR-10058
Pending
15
Aaron
Diaz Liranzo
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty,
Sentenced to 168 Months
16
Israel
Garcia-Vasquez
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing
17
James
Jimenez
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing
18
Ery
Jordani Rosario
25-CR-10058
Pending
19
Westyn
Lantigua
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing
20
Kelvin
Liranzo Roman
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing
21
Michael
Miliano
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
22
Enmanuel
Paula-Cabral
25-CR-10058
Pending
23
Luis Jeffrey
Santana
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty,
Sentenced to 120 Months
24
Luis Enrique
Santana
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty,
Sentenced to 136 Months
25
Angel
Santos
25-CR-10058
Pending
26
Wilving
Lopez
25-CR-10062
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
27
Leonardo
Espinoza
25-CR-10236
Pleaded Guilty,
Awaiting Sentencing
28
Isiah
Medina
25-CR-10302
Pending
29
Rodderrith
Peralta
25-CR-10302
Pending
30
Derek
Mercado
25-CR-10411
Pleaded Guilty,
Sentenced to 37 Months
31
Yordali
Yorro
25-CR-10058
Pending
32
James
Cabrera
25-CR-10058
Pending
33
Luis
Crispin
25-CR-10058
Pending
34
Angel
Castillo-Garcia
25-CR-10058
Fugitive
35
Osviallis
Serrano
25-CR-10058
Fugitive
36
Jervis
Almanzar
25-CR-10058
Pending
37
Enrique
Duran
25-CR-10058
Pending
38
Abigail
Arias
25-CR-10058
Pending
39
Justane
Garcia
25-CR-10058
Pending
40
Riky
Montilla
25-CR-10058
Pending
41
Jeremy
Felix
25-CR-10058
Pending
42
Jose
Martinez
25-CR-10058
Pending
43
Jayden
Muniz
25-CR-10058
Pending
44
Geovane
Fernandes
25-CR-10058
Pending
45
Jahir
Davila
25-CR-10058
Pending
46
Yanuel
Mejia
25-CR-10058
Pending
47
Luis
Fernandez Lopez
25-CR-10058
Pending
48
Victor
Diaz
25-CR-10058
Pending
49
Xavier
Puello
25-CR-10058
Pending
50
Joelfry
Cabrera
25-CR-10058
Pending
51
Richard
Pena
25-CR-10058
Pending
52
Hector
Mota
25-CR-10058
Pending
53
Jean
Delgado
25-CR-10058
Pending
54
Luis
Cabral
25-CR-10058
Pending
55
Yoldari
Tejeda Coronado
25-CR-10058
Pending
56
Martin
Taveras
25-CR-10058
Pending
Kansas man wearing ankle monitor caught with methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 168 months in prison after law enforcement officers found him with a distribution amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Dakota Dale McDaniel, 38, of Haysville pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In September 2025, as part of an investigation, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) attempted to stop McDaniel with lights and sirens. He refused to yield and kept driving. Before losing sight of him, a trooper observed that McDaniel was wearing a black backpack. When law enforcement located McDaniel a short time later, the motorcycle and the backpack were on the ground. A trooper searched the backpack and found a bag of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and a firearm among other items. McDaniel was wearing a Kansas Department of Corrections ankle monitor, and the charger for it was also in the backpack.
Laboratory tests determined that the bag contained 240.23 grams of 98.2 percent pure methamphetamine.
“Dakota McDaniel can now add another prison sentence to his long resume as a career criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We’re grateful for the exceptional teamwork among our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to keep methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs off our streets.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Kansas Highway Patrol, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, and Butler County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kari Burks prosecuted the case.
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Jackson County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Jackson County, Mississippi man was sentenced on September 9, 2026, to 15 years in prison, the maximum amount of prison time provided by federal law, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Curtis Lee Craven, 46, was found possessing a firearm by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department on June 22, 2025, after they were called to his home for a domestic disturbance. Craven was captured on an audio recording physically and verbally abusing a female victim while holding her at gunpoint.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Illinois Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
An Illinois woman was sentenced this week to 27 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain tax refunds by submitting false tax returns and fictitious financial instruments to the IRS.
“Monika Skinger engaged in a wide-ranging tax fraud scheme that flooded the IRS with fictitious financial instruments, including fraudulent checks,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Skinger attempted to take millions in refunds she had no right to receive. As we did in this case, the Department of Justice will continue to unmask fraudulent actors and swiftly bring them to justice.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Monika Skinger conspired with others to submit false individual and trust tax returns that claimed millions in refunds they were not entitled to receive. To induce the IRS to accept the false refund claims, Skinger personally submitted at least 16 fictitious financial instruments — such as checks, money orders, and payment vouchers — on behalf of herself and others. She also filed at least four false individual income tax returns for herself and at least two false trust tax returns. In total, Skinger sought $4.6 million in refunds from the IRS and received more than $1.2 million in fraudulent proceeds.
Skinger pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda Brailsford for the District of Idaho ordered Skinger to serve three years of supervised release and pay $303,672.44 in restitution to the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Bart Davis for the District of Idaho made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney David F. Scollan of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Juan Cervantes Rodriguez, a/k/a Arellano Antonio Gomez, a/k/a Juan Roberto Cervantes, a/k/a Juan Cervantes Rodriguez, a/k/a Juan Rober Cervantes, a/k/a Juan Robert Cervantes, a/k/a Juan Cervantes-Rodriguez, a/k/a Juan Rober Cervantes-Rodriguez, a/k/a Antonio Gomez Arellano, a/k/a Juan Robert Rodriguez, a/k/a Juan Rober Rodriguez-Cervantes, age 47, a Mexican national unlawfully present in McCurtain, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
On June 11, 2026, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on April 21, 2026, Rodriguez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on May 3, 2010, August 29, 2011, and November 29, 2017.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chuck Sullivan and Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Adrian Alcantar-Sanchez, a/k/a Pedro Ruiz-Betancur, age 46, a Mexican national unlawfully present in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and 78 months imprisonment for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division.
On November 14, 2025, Alcantar-Sanchez pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on March 29, 2025, a trooper conducting a routine traffic stop on I-40 in Sequoyah County discovered Alcantar-Sanchez in possession of 878.7 grams of pure fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. At the time he was apprehended, Alcantar-Sanchez had been previously removed from the United States on June 19, 2009, and April 6, 2012, and was in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Alcantar-Sanchez will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edith Singer represented the United States.
Hedge Fund Founder Charged with Scheme to Misrepresent Fund Performance to InvestorsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and the Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Ketty Larco-Ward, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging VUK VUKOVIC, founder of the hedge fund Oraclum Capital LLC (“Oraclum”) and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the Orca Bason Fund, L.P. (the “Orca Bason Fund” or the “Fund”), with securities fraud and wire fraud. VUKOVIC was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis.
“We will continue working with our committed law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use deception to put investors’ money at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As alleged, Vuk Vukovic attracted investors to his fund and lulled them into keeping their money invested by reporting high rates of return that were not real. Investors deserve honest and accurate information when deciding where to put their hard-earned money.”
“Vuk Vukovic allegedly used interstate commerce to carry out a deceptive scheme involving the purchase and sale of securities,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “These allegations represent a serious breach of market integrity, and the FBI remains committed to enforcing securities laws to protect investors.”
“When individuals allegedly mislead investors and defraud them, the consequences extend far beyond their immediate crimes—they threaten the economic stability and livelihoods of American citizens,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. “While investing always carries inherent risk, a breach of trust adds an unacceptable layer of deception. Postal Inspectors remain steadfast in holding accountable anyone who violates protective laws and compromises that trust. We urge the public to recognize the red flags of fraud, resist high-pressure tactics, and carefully assess every investment opportunity before acting.”
As alleged in the Complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court:(1)
Oraclum is a New York-based hedge fund that operates and manages the Orca Bason Fund. The Orca Bason Fund purports to make investment decisions “using wisdom of crowds and a network analysis of social media bubbles to predict where markets will end up.” Since at least 2024, however, VUKOVIC has engaged in a scheme to obtain investor money by misrepresenting the Orca Bason Fund’s returns to investors. VUKOVIC’s misrepresentations include: sending false monthly account statements to investors that show their investment in the Orca Bason Fund earning greater returns than it actually did; and sending falsified brokerage account statements to a potential investor reflecting a higher net asset value and greater returns than actually existed.
* * *
VUKOVIC, 38, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the USPIS. Mr. McDonald further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Maggie Lynaugh and Kyle Wirshba are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitutes only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Hardy, Iowa, Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Scott Devries, 57, from Hardy, Iowa, was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City on September 11, 2026, to 90 months’ imprisonment. Devries pled guilty April 20, 2026, to one count of possession of child pornography.
Evidence at the hearings showed that between January 2021 and August 2022, Devries possessed and received visual depictions of child pornography, which included prepubescent minors or a minor under the age of 12. While executing a search warrant, law enforcement discovered 20 electronic devices that contained child sexual abuse material. Forensic analysis of the devices found over 1.6 million images of child pornography, some of which involved material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct including the violent sexual torture of children as well as the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
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.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Devries to 90 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ of supervised release following his imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Devries must also pay restitution in the amount of $39,500 to the victims in the case. Devries remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Charles City Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3060.
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Glendale Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Steal U.S. Postal Service Vehicles and Mail Belonging to More Than 200 VictimsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Glendale man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to steal approximately 30 United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier vehicles as well as the mail inside them, including 100 credit and debit cards belonging to other people, some of which he then illegally used.
Vegen Hartoonian, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Hartoonian, the lead defendant in this case, has been in federal custody since October 2025.
According to his plea agreement, from September 2023 to November 2024,
Hartoonian and his co-conspirators followed postal vehicles using rented vehicles such as a Dodge Caravan, BMW and GMC SUVs, and a Mitsubishi Outlander. The car rental used to follow a USPS vehicle during a September 2023 incident was paid for with stolen credit card information.
Once the mail carrier got out of the USPS vehicle to deliver mail, Hartoonian and his co-conspirators stole the postal vehicle, drove it to another location, and then stole the mail inside the vehicle.
In total, Hartoonian and his co-conspirators stole approximately 30 USPS postal vehicles – each vehicle valued at $11,651 – and the mail of approximately 232 victims and illegally possessed 100 credit and debit cards belonging to other people.
Hartoonian further admitted to unlawfully possessing a victim’s credit card number in connection with a scheme to steal USPS vehicles and the mail inside them during a January 2024 incident.
United States District Judge Christina A. Snyder scheduled a December 7 sentencing hearing, at which time Hartoonian will face a statutory maximum sentence of seven years in federal prison.
Three other defendants have already pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges in this case and remain in federal custody:
- Jose Arviso, 50, of San Bernardino;
- Sanjay Varma, 44, of Pasadena; and
- Juan Nuñez, 25, of Highland Park.
One other defendant – Mark Anthony Quitugua, 43, of Lincoln Heights – has pleaded not guilty to federal criminal charges and is scheduled to go to trial in January 2027. He is free on $10,000 bond.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Neil P. Thakor of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting this case.
Gang task force arrests Cincinnati man allegedly tied to multiple shootingsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Federal agents arrested a Cincinnati man this morning who allegedly possessed firearms connected to at least two homicides and three total shootings.
Lamont Champion, 27, appeared in federal court for an initial appearance this afternoon.
“As alleged in the complaint, Champion possessed a firearm that had previously been used to murder two individuals in Cincinnati and himself used a second firearm to commit two other shootings,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We continue to work with our partners at the ATF and the Cincinnati Police Department in leveraging the capabilities of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) to identify these crime guns and hold shooters to account.”
According to charging documents, law enforcement officials recovered a firearm from Champion in June 2026 from which ballistics results matched casings from a February homicide of two victims at the Villages of Roll Hill. Law enforcement seized this firearm.
This morning, agents recovered a second firearm from Champion that he allegedly used in two separate subsequent shootings. Champion allegedly shot a victim on East Clifton Avenue in July 2026. In the second shooting, in August, Champion allegedly fired gunshots at the occupants of a car in the area of the Enclave Event Center.
Analysis from National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) indicates the same firearm was used in the July and August shootings.
Agents executed a search warrant at Champion’s residence this morning and recovered both the 9mm handgun allegedly used in the July and August shootings and a second firearm.
Champion’s phone was searched and allegedly contained a series of text and audio messages in which Champion referred to himself as the “reaper,” explained how good he is at shooting/killing people, how he does it with a smile on his face and how “hittin a mother***er” would make him happy for a whole month. The messages also contained Champion describing the events of one of the shootings and mockingly describing the way the victim reacted to being shot.
Champion has prior felony convictions for fentanyl and firearms crimes. Possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Frederick C. Shadley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Allison Oswall from Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson’s Office are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Four-Times Deported Illegal Immigrant from Mexico Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A four-times deported illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for knowingly selling more than pound quantities of fentanyl pills to a buyer to whom he also sold firearms and ammunition.
Antonio Espinoza Zarate, 56, a.k.a. “El Gato,” of the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge Wesley L. Hsu.
Espinoza pleaded guilty on May 7 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. He has been in federal custody since March 2025.
According to his plea agreement, from July 2023 to March 2025, Espinoza conspired with others to knowingly distribute fentanyl by obtaining distribution-level quantities of the powerful synthetic opioid to sell to potential drug customers.
Specifically, in July 2023, Espinoza obtained 4,592 pills (527 grams) of fentanyl, which he sold to a buyer in Los Angeles for $4,500. Espinoza also sold the buyer $1,700 in firearms and ammunition, including a Glock pistol and 131 rounds of ammunition.
In August 2023, Espinoza met with another buyer in Los Angeles and, for $8,000, sold the buyer 9,826 pills containing slightly more than 1 kilogram of fentanyl. Espinoza also sold the buyer a rifle for $2,000.
Espinoza, a Mexican national, was removed from the United States in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2017, according to court documents.
The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-led El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California, with support from special agents with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California – Criminal Investigative Division; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department regarding dangers to the community from the sales of narcotics and firearms.
Assistant United States Attorney Neil P. Thakor of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.
Founder and Former CEO of Artificial Intelligence Company Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today that ILIT RAZ, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Joonko Diversity, Inc. (“Joonko”), pled guilty to securities fraud for her role in a scheme to defraud investors and mislead them about core aspects of the company she founded, including the identity and quantity of Joonko’s customers and Joonko’s revenue. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein.
“Fraud in the startup space hurts investors and makes it more difficult for other enterprising businesses to raise money,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Ilit Raz lied to investors about key aspects of her startup company, Joonko Diversity, Inc., and fabricated documents to support those lies, to obtain $27 million in investments. Her now-bankrupt company left victim investors with millions of dollars in losses.”
“The guilty plea makes clear that defrauding investors and misrepresenting essential facts about a company will not be tolerated,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “By admitting to her role in the scheme, Ilit Raz has acknowledged the seriousness of her actions and the harm caused to investors. Victims deserve justice, and the FBI will continue to work to ensure they receive it.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment and other public filings in this case:
Joonko was a company that purported to offer an artificial intelligence-based product designed to help prospective employers identify and hire job candidates from diverse backgrounds. To induce prospective and existing Joonko investors to invest approximately $27 million in funding rounds in 2021 and 2022, RAZ made false claims regarding central aspects of Joonko’s business, including falsely representing how many customers Joonko had at the time, and falsely representing the identity of those customers. For example, RAZ falsely represented that Joonko’s customers included some of the world’s largest companies, including a credit card company, sports apparel brand, online travel company, and luxury fashion brand. In truth and in fact, and as RAZ knew, these companies were never Joonko customers. In addition to overstating the number of customers that Joonko had and the identity of those customers, RAZ also made false representations about Joonko’s actual and anticipated revenues.
After RAZ made false and misleading statements regarding Joonko’s customers and revenue, several investors who received those statements invested in a series of funding rounds with Joonko. Specifically, on or about June 1, 2021, several investors, including venture capital firms, invested a total of approximately $10 million in a Series A round with Joonko. On or about June 2, 2022, several investors, including venture capital firms, invested a total of approximately $17 million in a Series B round with Joonko.
In or about 2023, a Joonko investor (“Investor-1”) became suspicious about Joonko’s performance and requested certain information from Joonko, including bank statements. In response, on or about April 3, 2023, RAZ emailed Investor-1 a purported Joonko bank statement, which depicted that the company had an average balance of over $5,000,000. In truth and in fact, and as RAZ well knew, the bank records that RAZ emailed to Investor-1 were forged, and the actual bank records showed that Joonko’s true account balance was millions of dollars lower. Less than a week later, on or about April 8, 2023, RAZ emailed Investor-1 a set of purported purchase orders for Joonko customers. RAZ knew that many of the purchase orders she emailed to Investor-1 were fictitious, contained forged signatures, and were executed on behalf of purported customers that had no business relationship with Joonko.
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RAZ, 40, an Israeli citizen, pled guilty to securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. McDonald also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Burnett and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution.
Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who possessed firearms illegally was sentenced September 9, 2026, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Joshua Layne Kelly, age 25, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 28, 2026, guilty plea to one count of possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
At the guilty plea, Kelly admitted that on November 6, 2025, in Webster County, he possessed an FIE, Little Ranger .22 caliber revolver and a High Standard, Double Nine .22 caliber revolver, knowing he was then a felon. In early November 2025, he offered to sell an individual cooperating with law enforcement two revolvers. On November 6, 2025, in Fort Dodge, he sold the cooperating individual an FIE, Little Ranger .22 caliber revolver, a High Standard, Double Nine .22 caliber revolver, and approximately 3.5 grams of synthetic cannabinoids (K2/Spice).
Prior to his possession of the firearms, he had been convicted of numerous crimes including multiple incidents of Burglary and Theft. At the time of his possession of the firearms, he was also an unlawful user of marijuana.
Kelly was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Kelly was sentenced to 57 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.
Kelly 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE), the Fort Dodge Police Department, and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-03064.
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