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8 April 2026
Four-Time Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Skyler Palmer (31, Tampa) has been charged by indictment with one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of all charges, Palmer faces a minimum sentence of 17 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on August 8, 2025, Palmer possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. He also possessed two firearms in furtherance of that drug offense. Palmer has previously been convicted of four felonies, including a prior firearm offense. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Former USP Big Sandy Lieutenant Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
A Harold, Kentucky, man, Michael Childers, 47, was sentenced today to 17 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier for falsification of records.
Childers was a Lieutenant at United States Penitentiary Big Sandy, located in Inez, Kentucky. According to his plea agreement, on April 13, 2021, Childers was in the lieutenants’ office, along with Lieutenant Terry Melvin, Lieutenant Kevin Pearce, Case Management Coordinator Samuel Patrick, and Captain’s Secretary Clinton Pauley, when an inmate who had requested protective custody was brought into the lieutenants’ office. The inmate pleaded for protective custody and then was assaulted by staff members without justification.
After the assault, Childers wrote an incident report in which he falsely claimed that the inmate had struck him with his head as well as a closed fist. Childers admitted he wrote these things knowing they were false, but did so in an attempt to impede the administration of justice regarding the investigation of the unlawful assault on the inmate.
“Today’s sentence marks a significant moment of accountability. BOP personnel are entrusted with authority and responsibility — positions that demand integrity, judgment, and a commitment to the rule of law. Instead, these defendants abused that authority, not only by engaging in unlawful conduct, but by taking steps to impede justice and conceal the truth,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our office remains committed to pursuing justice wherever the facts lead and such misconduct will be met with accountability.”
“The subject abused his position of power to lie about the assault of an inmate in an effort to cover up illegal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “The FBI will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who exploit their authority and damage the public's trust placed in them.”
“Today’s sentence underscores the serious nature of this misconduct and the violation of civil rights it involved,” said Federal Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III. “The Federal Bureau of Prisons will not tolerate abuse of authority and is committed to holding individuals accountable while ensuring the safety of those in our custody.”
Childers is the final defendant to be sentenced for the assault. Melvin pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights and violating an individual’s rights under the color of law and was sentenced in April 2026 to 48 months. Patrick and Pauley pleaded guilty for their roles in the assaults of inmates and were sentenced in November 2023 to 36 and 40 months, respectively. Pearce was convicted of writing false reports that covered up the assaults of inmates and was sentenced to 66 months. Finally, Ryan Elliott, also a former USP Big Sandy lieutenant, pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate and writing a false report about the assault of a second inmate in an unrelated incident. Elliott was sentenced in March 2024 to 12 months and one day.
Under federal law, Childers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for one year.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Loux of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, Chicago Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by DOJ-OIG and the FBI.
Former USP Big Sandy Lieutenant Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Harold, Ky., man, Michael Childers, 47, was sentenced on Wednesday to 17 months by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier for falsification of records.
Childers was a Lieutenant at United States Penitentiary Big Sandy, located in Inez, Ky. According to his plea agreement, on April 13, 2021, Childers was in the lieutenants’ office, along with Lieutenant Terry Melvin, Lieutenant Kevin Pearce, Case Management Coordinator Samuel Patrick, and Captain’s Secretary Clinton Pauley, when an inmate who had requested protective custody was brought into the lieutenants’ office. The inmate pleaded for protective custody and then was assaulted by staff members without justification.
After the assault, Childers wrote an incident report in which he falsely claimed that the inmate had struck him with his head as well as a closed fist. Childers admitted he wrote these things knowing they were false, bud did so in an attempt to impede the administration of justice regarding the investigation of the unlawful assault on the inmate.
Childers is the final defendant to be sentenced for the assault. Melvin pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights and violating an individual’s rights under the color of law and was sentenced in April 2026 to 48 months. Patrick and Pauley– pleaded guilty for their roles in the assaults of inmates and were sentenced in November 2023 to 36 and 40 months, respectively. Pearce was convicted of writing false reports that covered up the assaults of inmates and was sentenced to 66 months. Finally, Ryan Elliott, also a former USP Big Sandy lieutenant, pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate and writing a false report about the assault of a second inmate in an unrelated incident. Elliott was sentenced in March 2024 to 12 months and 1 day.
"Today’s sentence underscores the serious nature of this misconduct and the violation of civil rights it involved," said Federal Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III. "The Federal Bureau of Prisons will not tolerate abuse of authority and is committed to holding individuals accountable while ensuring the safety of those in our custody.”
“Today’s sentence marks a significant moment of accountability. BOP personnel are entrusted with authority and responsibility—positions that demand integrity, judgment, and a commitment to the rule of law. Instead, these defendants abused that authority, not only by engaging in unlawful conduct, but by taking steps to impede justice and conceal the truth,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our office remains committed to pursuing justice wherever the facts lead and such misconduct will be met with accountability.”
"The subject abused his position of power to lie about the assault of an inmate in an effort to cover up illegal actions,” said Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office. “The FBI will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who exploit their authority and damage the public's trust placed in them."
Under federal law, Childers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for one year.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Matthew Loux, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, Chicago Field Office; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by DOJ-OIG and the FBI.
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Former Substitute Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Receipt of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A former substitute teacher has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of minors and receipt of child pornography, announced Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Michigan.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.
Pleading guilty was Timothy Higle, 34, formerly of Clawson, Michigan.
According to court records, Higle solicited nude images and sexually explicit videos from minors over Snapchat. In exchange for producing the images and videos, Higle paid the minor victims using Cashapp and Venmo. In one instance Higle provided a minor with a vape pen and cartridge containing marijuana. Higle’s victims ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old at the time of the incidents. Law enforcement became aware of Higle’s conduct after one of the victims contacted the Michigan State Police in August 2024.
The evidence in this case has not established that Higle engaged in this conduct while working in his capacity as a teacher. Nevertheless, if someone believes they may have been a victim or knows of someone who may be a victim, they are encouraged to contact the FBI at (313) 965-2323.
“This is disgusting behavior for anyone. But we entrust teachers with our children, so it is especially alarming when one of them preys on children,” said Gorgon.
“The defendant had a choice, and he chose to exploit children and betray public trust,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “We are grateful for the bravery of the individual who came forward and reported this to our law enforcement partners at the Michigan State Police. Our dedicated team from the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency worked diligently to investigate this case, and this guilty plea represents an important step toward accountability.”
Higle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 11, 2026.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Michigan State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Nee and Sean King.
Former Philadelphia Probation Officer Sentenced to One Day in Custody and One Year of Home Detention for Conducting Years-Long Illegal Gambling OperationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Joseph M. Moore, 43, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney to one day in custody, one year of home detention, three years of supervised release, $200,000 in forfeiture, and a $7,200 fine for owning and running a longtime illegal gambling operation.
Moore and co-defendant James P. DeAngelo, 45, also of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty in October of last year to a one-count information charging them with conducting illegal gambling business. DeAngelo is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30.
As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendants, from approximately January 2017 to February 2025, Moore, who was a Philadelphia probation officer, owned and conducted the sports wagering business (the “Moore Gambling Business”), and DeAngelo, who was a Philadelphia police officer, worked closely with him.
The Moore Gambling Business allowed individuals to place various types of bets on sporting events, including wagers on the outcome of individual games, and wagers involving “block pools” and other sports gambling pools.
The entry fee for these pools was as much as $500, which would generate thousands of dollars for the winners. Winners paid Moore approximately 10% of their winnings as a “tip” or fee for participating in the pool. For ordinary bets on sporting events, bettors paid a fee to Moore that was included in the cost of the bet.
DeAngelo partnered with Moore and engaged another individual who provided access to an overseas gambling website that, for a fee, allowed a bettor to establish an account with the Moore Gambling Business and place bets on the overseas website.
Moore paid DeAngelo a percentage of the losses suffered by bettors, as much as 20%, as a fee for DeAngelo’s role in the Moore Gambling Business. DeAngelo also accepted wagers on individual sporting events from gamblers. In some of those cases, he acted as the “bookmaker” on those bets, and in other cases, directed gamblers to Moore and the Moore Gambling Business.
During the years of its operation, the Moore Gambling Business served hundreds of bettors who, in total, wagered hundreds of thousands of dollars on sporting events.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Former Executive of Chicago-Area Non-Profit Sentenced to Prison for $1.9 Million Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former executive of a Chicago-area non-profit organization has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for misappropriating nearly $1.9 million through a pair of fraud schemes.
BARBARA HARRIS served as the Executive Director of the Center for Community Academic Success Partnerships (CCASP), which received government grants to provide after-school programs to schools in the Chicago area. From 2012 to 2017, Harris schemed with another CCASP executive, TONY BELL, to submit grant applications that inflated CCASP’s projected annual expenses and falsely claimed that the organization would receive services from five subcontractors. In reality, Harris knew that the subcontractors, two of which were other non-profit groups run by Harris and Bell, provided no actual services to CCASP. The scheme resulted in approximately $1.8 million in losses to the Illinois Department of Education.
Harris also engaged in a separate fraud scheme before and after she was indicted in the CCASP fraud case. From 2021 to 2023, while serving as Co-Executive Director of another non-profit, specifically, the South Suburban Community Services (SSCS), Harris bilked the federally funded AmeriCorps VISTA program, which awards grants to non-profits working to bring communities out of poverty. Harris submitted grant applications falsely representing that VISTA members would work for SSCS programs in the south suburbs of Chicago. Harris knew, however, that those SSCS programs had already been funded. Harris nonetheless obtained approval for eleven VISTA members to work at SSCS, and none of them performed services in accordance with their assignment descriptions, causing a loss to the VISTA program of $98,699.
Harris, 55, of South Holland, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a federal wire fraud charge and admitted her criminal conduct in both schemes. On March 20, 2026, U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood sentenced Harris to 12 months in federal prison.
Harris’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, John Woolley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Midwestern Regional Office, and Adam Jobes, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General, and the Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General.
“This type of crime erodes the public’s faith in non-profit organizations generally and the federal programs that fund these organizations,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin Walgamuth argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum in Harris’s case. “Additionally, because the misappropriated grant funds were competitive, Harris’s conduct likely denied other organizations critical federal funding opportunities.”
Bell, 65, of Matteson, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a federal wire fraud charge. Judge Wood scheduled Bell’s sentencing for Aug. 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Former Army Employee and Top Secret Clearance Holder Arrested and Charged with Leaking Classified National Defense InformationRead the Press Release
The FBI arrested Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram, North Carolina yesterday and a federal grand jury indicted her today in connection with her alleged transmission of classified national defense information to individuals not authorized to receive it, including a journalist (the Journalist). Williams allegedly violated 18 U.S.C. § 793(d).
“Clearance holders accept a solemn obligation to protect the classified information entrusted to them,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “That they do so is critical to the security of our Nation. When clearance holders violate that trust, the National Security Division will act swiftly to hold them accountable.”
“We trust our war fighting individuals to cooperate as a team to protect our military and country,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Ellis Boyle. “We will pursue criminal charges to keep these warriors safe whenever we find leakers exalting their own feelings over the safety of the United States.”
“Courtney Williams swore an oath to safeguard our nation’s secrets as an employee supporting a Special Military Unit of the Army, but she allegedly betrayed that oath by sharing classified information with a media outlet and putting our nation, our warfighters, and our allies at risk,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This indictment should serve as a stark warning to all current and former clearance holders thinking of violating their positions of trust. If you jeopardize our national security by disclosing classified information without authorization, the FBI will hold you accountable for your crimes.”
“The tradecraft, tactics, and techniques used by the U.S. military unit in this case are classified and should be shared only with those with proper clearances and a need to know in order to protect American lives and safeguard classified National Defense information,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. “These are serious accusations. Anyone divulging information they vowed to protect to a reporter for publication is reckless, self-serving and damages our nation’s security.”
According to court documents, from 2010 to 2016, Williams worked for a Special Military Unit (SMU) and held a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. As a clearance holder, Williams received training as to the proper handling, safeguarding, and storage of classified information. Williams also signed a Classified Nondisclosure Agreement which, in relevant part, confirmed her understanding that the unauthorized disclosure of classified information could constitute a criminal offense. In her role at the SMU, Williams had daily access to a broad range of classified information.
As alleged, between 2022 and 2025, Williams repeatedly communicated with the Journalist via telephone and text messages. During this period, Williams and the Journalist had over 10 hours of telephone calls and exchanged more than 180 messages. In one such message, the Journalist identified themselves as a journalist and stated that they sought information about the SMU in support of an upcoming article and book. After these communications with Williams, the Journalist published a book and article that named Williams as a source and attributed specific statements to her. Some of these statements contained classified national defense information. In addition to her disclosures to the Journalist, Williams also made unauthorized disclosures of national defense information via her social media accounts.
On the day the article and book were published, Williams exchanged several messages with the Journalist. In one such message, Williams stated that she was “concerned about the amount of classified information being disclosed.” In a separate message to a third party, Williams added that, “I might actually get arrested . . . for disclosing classified information.” In a subsequent message, Williams citied a statutory provision of the Espionage Act. And when asked how she knew that she may face legal consequences for her disclosures to the Journalist, Williams responded, “I have known my entire career,” adding that “they tell you everyday . . . 100 times a day.” Finally, in a message to a different third party, Williams stated that she was “probably going to jail for life.”
The FBI Charlotte Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Matt Hracho of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Approximately 14 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Rhode Island has returned an indictment charging Andrew Urbano Perez, 34, of Florida, with possession with intent to distribute approximately 14 pounds of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.
According to court documents, in December 2024, a Warwick police officer assigned to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)Task Force stopped a rental vehicle with Florida license plates operated by Urbano Perez. A K-9 working with law enforcement alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 14 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle and Urbano Perez was taken into custody.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the DEA and the participating task force agencies.
A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Five Alleged Drug Traffickers Indicted, Approximately 52 Pounds of Narcotics Seized by Homeland Security Task ForceRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned multiple indictments today against four illegal aliens from Mexico and one U.S. citizen for alleged drug trafficking in four separate cases after agents seized approximately 23,759.17 grams of narcotics (approximately 52.38 pounds) total during a two-day period last month.
Jesus Cecilio Ceballos-Mendoza, aka Jesus Cecilio Caballas-Mendoza, 40, and Jesus Ivan Meza-Lopez, aka Manuel Tadeo Olivas-Sanchez, 42, both illegally residing in California, were initially charged by complaint on March 19, 2026. According to the allegations in court documents, in March 2026, law enforcement received information that Ceballos-Mendoza regularly transports large quantities of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Salt Lake County, Utah. A controlled purchase with an undercover agent was organized and a traffic stop was conducted. During the execution of a search warrant, investigators located and seized approximately 9,355.7 grams of methamphetamine, 1,122.8 grams of heroin, and 439.8 grams of fentanyl inside the vehicle, all of which field-tested positive for their respective controlled substances. Ceballos-Mendoza, and Meza-Lopez are charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Their initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for April 9, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. in courtroom 8.4. The case is being investigated by a DEA Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake Metro Narcotics Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by ATF, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, the Salt Lake City Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Luis Angel Cervantes Salinas, 24, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on March 19, 2026. According to the allegations in court documents, On March 18, 2026, agents executed a search warrant at the residence and vehicle of Cervantes Salinas in Salt Lake County. During the search of the residence, agents located and seized approximately 1,678.27 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl, and a 12-gauge shotgun. As a previously convicted felon, Cervantes Salinas, is restricted from possessing a firearm and ammunition. During a search of his vehicle, agents located and seized approximately six grams of field-tested positive fentanyl. Cervantes Salinas was arrested. Cervantes Salinas is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and felon in possession of a firearm. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.4. The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) and the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF).
Juan Carlos Gonzalez Soto, 26, of Mexico, illegally residing in West Valley City, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on March 19, 2026. According to the allegations in court documents, on March 18, 2026, agents executed a search warrant at the residence and vehicle of Gonzalez Soto in West Valley City. During the search of the residence, agents located and seized approximately 2,554 grams of field-tested positive cocaine, and approximately $20,500 of U.S. currency. In the vehicle, agents located and seized approximately six grams of field-tested positive cocaine. Gonzalez Soto was arrested a short distance away from the residence. Upon being booked at the Davis County Jail, agents also found approximately 31.6 grams of cocaine on Gonzalez-Soto. He is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for April 9, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. in courtroom 8.4. The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF), and Homeland Security Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Jose Francisco Aguilar Lozano, 37, of Mexico, was initially charged by complaint on March 23, 2026. According to the allegations in court documents, on March 20, 2026, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation on a tractor truck and trailer on Interstate 80 near Park City. Aguilar Lozano was the driver and sole occupant of the tractor truck. During the traffic stop, a K-9 alerted for the odor of narcotics on the tractor truck. During the search, officers located a black backpack with rectangle shaped bundles wrapped in black tape or plastic. Homeland Security Investigators arrived on scene and arrested Aguilar Lozano. The bundles in the backpack were seized, and the substance tested positive for fentanyl. In total, eight bundles were seized with a combined weight of approximately 8.565 kilograms. Aguilar Lozano is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A three-day jury trial is scheduled for June 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.1. The case is being investigated jointly by a Homeland Security Investigations agent assigned to the Homeland Security Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
All hearing for each case will be held at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
First Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The Organized Crime Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the cases.
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.
These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The case was investigated by agents and officers of the HSTF Salt Lake and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Indictment Charges Man with Defrauding Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm HeleneRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Asheville has indicted Christian Michael Hall, 49, of Drexel, N.C., on charges of defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by falsely claiming his property was damaged by Tropical Storm Helene when in fact he did not have an interest in the affected property, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Every dollar of federal assistance is needed to repair my district after the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Those committing fraud and wasting those valuable dollars will not be tolerated.”
On September 27, 2024, Tropical Storm Helene struck the Western District of North Carolina, causing massive devastation, including extensive property damage and loss of life. On September 28, 2025, a major disaster declaration was issued for areas impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, and federal agencies were able to provide relief to affected individuals and entities through financial assistance for property repairs and other disaster-related needs. FEMA made financial assistance and benefits available to individuals and families affected by the storm. Eligible individuals, including renters and property owners, who lost the use of their residences could qualify for FEMA benefits. Specifically, impacted individuals could receive assistance for relief for home repair, personal property damage, transportation, medical expenses, and housing assistance, among other benefits.
The indictment alleges that, on or about September 30, 2024, Hall filed an application for disaster assistance with FEMA seeking benefits for a residence in Valdese, North Carolina, that had sustained damage from Tropical Storm Helene. According to allegations in the indictment, Hall falsely asserted that the impacted property was his primary residence, even though he did not own, rent, reside, or work in that residence. As a result of his fraudulent application, Hall obtained approximately $20,932.14 in FEMA benefits to which he was not entitled.
Hall is charged with fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against Hall are allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General and FEMA’s Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina is committed to protecting federal disaster relief programs from waste, fraud and abuse. To report suspected disaster-related fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at 1-866-720-5721, or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
Dominican National Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Carlos Alexander Martinez-Jimenez, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to one year in prison, to be served consecutive to his current state prison sentence. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In January 2026, Martinez-Jimenez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025.
In February 2017, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Furnishing a False Name or Social Security Number as well as Identity Fraud in Fall River District Court, for which he was sentenced to 134 days in state prison. He was subsequently removed from the United States in April 2017 after serving his sentence.
Sometime after his April 2017 removal, Martinez-Jimenez unlawfully reentered the United States.
On Jan. 31, 2024, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Trafficking 18 grams or more (Less Than 36 grams) of Heroin/Morphine/Opium/Fentanyl in Essex Superior Court. He was sentenced to three-and-a-half to five years in state prison and is currently serving that sentence.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and David T. Wesling, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Zachary Stendig of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Defuniak Springs Man Indicted for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Michael R. Foster, 49, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with one count of attempted enticement of a minor. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.
Foster appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for August 24, 2026, before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
If convicted, Foster faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available 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.
Davenport Man Sent Back to Federal Prison for 10 Years on Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on April 7, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Adam Christopher Smith, 41, was found to be in possession of a distribution quantity of meth in March 2025. Smith went into an ice cream store as officers approached him and attempted to hide the meth under a freezer.
At sentencing, the Court also found that Smith violated the terms of his federal supervised release and imposed a 30-month concurrent sentence. In 2020, Smith was sentenced to a 70-month prison term for possession with intent to deliver heroin and possession of a gun in furtherance of that crime in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. Smith was released from prison in February 2024. In February 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for violations of his supervised release term.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Smith will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
Dade City Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Committing Aggravated Identity Theft While Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Vivina Barnwell (62, Dade City) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. Barnwell pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025. The court also ordered Barnwell to pay more than $96,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Barnwell’s adult son, P.C., was a beneficiary of Social Security disability benefits. P.C. went missing in 2016 and remains missing to this day. Despite reporting him missing to the local police, Barnwell concealed his disappearance from the Social Security Administration, which continued to make monthly benefit payments onto P.C.’s debit card. Barnwell had control of that card and used it to withdraw and spend P.C.’s benefits for her own use.
“The intentional deception perpetrated against the Social Security Administration in this case constitutes theft of taxpayers’ dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Such fraud will not be tolerated against our federal programs.”
“Stealing Social Security benefits intended for another is an egregious betrayal of trust. Ms. Barnwell’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit SSA programs for personal gain,” said Norman Jenkins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Atlanta Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect beneficiaries and ensure that funds meant to support disabled individuals are used for their care and well-being.”
Department of Justice efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The core mission of the National Fraud Enforcement Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Division will fulfill that mission by coordinating with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification of fraud against taxpayer dollars; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the New Port Richey Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
Collin County man sentenced to federal prison as part of Operation Take Back America for robbing firearms storeRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A McKinney man has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison in connection with the robbery of a firearms store in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Brandon Elliott Bennett, 22, pleaded guilty to conspiracy of theft from a federal firearm licensee and theft from a federal firearm licensee and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on April 7, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on May 5, 2024, Bennett conspired with others to rob Mister Guns, a licensed gun store in Plano, by ramming a vehicle into the front entrance of the business, knocking off the entrance door and causing extensive damage to the storefront. Once inside, Bennett smashed several glass display cases with a sledgehammer, and stole over 60 firearms, including rifles, handguns, and pistols. Bennett fled the scene and later sold the firearms for profit.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.
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Cocaine Dealer and Repeat Immigration Offender Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Newark man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and illegal reentry into the United States after removal. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, Adan Cuevas-Arteaga, 44, had been previously deported to Mexico on five separate occasions between 2007 and 2019. Most recently, he illegally returned to the United States and sold cocaine. Search warrants executed on Cuevas-Artega’s residence and car recovered cocaine, digital scales, drug packaging material, $7,400 in cash, and two rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition.
“The defendant demonstrated a blatant disregard for our nation’s laws by repeatedly entering the United States unlawfully, and, once here, profiting from the distribution of illegal narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “My office will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute drug dealers, especially those who have no legal right to be in the United States in the first place.”
“The distribution of illegal narcotics continues to plague our communities,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul. “Adan Cuevas-Arteaga profited from trafficking cocaine while disregarding our immigration laws needed for public safety. Today’s charges serve as a reminder that the FBI, through the Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, will continue to target these offenders and the adverse impact they are having on our communities.”
The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 25-CR-134.
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Cincinnati man who supplied methamphetamine to area drug dealers sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Quinten McCommons, 36, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, McCommons was a source of supply of methamphetamine for numerous street-level drug traffickers throughout the greater Cincinnati region.
In October 2023 and November 2023, McCommons distributed methamphetamine that was lab-confirmed to be between 81 percent and 98 percent pure crystal methamphetamine. He conducted drug sales transactions at the Beechmont Mall.
When law enforcement officials searched McCommons’s residence, they discovered methamphetamine, digital scales and more than $2,300 in cash.
McCommons has prior local convictions for aggravated drug trafficking, aggravated possession of drugs and possession of marijuana, as well as aggravated assault, domestic violence, disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing.
The defendant was arrested in November 2023 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit; and officials with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette is representing the United States in this case.
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Center City Real Estate Agent Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Lengthy Fraudulent Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jonathan Barach, 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 37 months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release by United States District Judge Mia Roberts Perez, in connection with a fraudulent loan scheme in which he raised millions of dollars from individuals and businesses, supposedly for short-term real estate financing opportunities, when no such projects existed. Judge Perez also ordered Barach to pay a forfeiture judgment of $1,496,928.99, victim restitution in the amount of $1,496,928.99, and a $200 special assessment. The Court issued judgment after hearing live testimony from multiple victims of Barach’s crimes who described the enduring financial, emotional, and mental impact that Barach’s theft had on themselves and their families.
The defendant was charged by information in August of last year and pleaded guilty in September to one count of wire fraud and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction.
As detailed in court filings, Barach served as a licensed residential real estate agent and the co-founder and principal agent for The Barach Group, LLC, a Philadelphia-based real estate team, and formed a second company, TBG Real Estate, LLC, also based in the city.
In addition to offering traditional residential real estate services, between July 2017 and April 2021, Barach used the Barach Group and TBG Real Estate to fraudulently solicit and raise approximately $3.1 million from 19 individuals and businesses for purported, but, in reality, non-existent, short-term real estate investments in Philadelphia.
Barach raised these funds through a series of material misrepresentations, including by falsely stating that the money would be used to provide bridge loans to builders and contractors looking to purchase and flip distressed real estate properties or to complete renovation projects. However, there were no real estate projects, no financing opportunities existed, and Barach knew the newly raised capital would be used for his own purposes and debts. In fact, not a single dollar was invested in real estate.
Instead, Barach typically transferred victim funds to his personal bank accounts, withdrew large sums of cash, made assorted personal expenditures — including a 4.7 carat diamond ring purchased for more than $46,000, designer clothing from Louis Vuitton, and expensive front-end seats at sporting events — and made five- and six-figure deposits at casinos and sportsbook operations.
Barach manipulated and victimized people he knew personally, and many victims trusted him with their retirement accounts, children’s educational funds, and life savings. Although he paid back some of his earlier lenders with a portion of the funding secured from later lenders, over $1.49 million of the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds remain unpaid.
This case was investigated by the FDIC Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Terri Marinari and Samuel Dalke.
Career Criminal Headed to Federal Prison for Violent Crime Spree, Including Carjacking and Gunpoint AbductionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- George Landy, 55, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, attempted interference with commerce by robbery, and carjacking.
According to court documents, in October 2022, George Landy committed three violent crimes in Indianapolis over the span of just eight days.
On October 16, 2022, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Landy entered the Family Dollar on East 38th Street, pretending to shop for cold medicine and carrying a box to the checkout counter as if he intended to purchase it. Instead, he lifted his shirt to reveal a .22‑caliber semiautomatic handgun tucked into his waistband and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk was forced to hand over $200.
On October 23, 2022, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Landy attempted to rob a McDonald’s on West 38th Street. He approached the drive‑through window, forced it open, pointed a firearm at an employee, and demanded money. He fired a shot toward the worker, then attempted unsuccessfully to open the cash register himself. Landy then fired another shot into the restaurant before fleeing on foot. No one was injured.
On October 24, 2022, Landy approached a woman walking to her car in the parking lot of a Dollar Tree on Pendleton Pike in Lawrence, Indiana. He initiated a conversation under the guise of asking for her phone number and a date. As the woman began getting into her vehicle, Landy lifted his shirt to display a firearm and ordered her into the passenger seat. He demanded money, warning that “bad things would happen” if she could not pay. When the victim explained she only had $30 in cash, Landy abducted her and her vehicle to drive to two banks, where he compelled her to withdraw $500. He then drove her downtown and left her at the IndyGo bus station, stealing her wedding ring, debit card, driver’s license, and other jewelry before fleeing in her car.
Landy has an extensive criminal history, including 22 prior convictions, 12 of them felonies, ranging from burglary and felony theft to drug offenses and resisting law enforcement. At the time of the 2022 armed robberies, he was on probation for felony auto theft.
“These were brazen, violent robberies that evinced a blatant disregard for human life and the safety of our community. These terrifying crimes could easily have resulted in tragedy, and the emotional toll inflicted on innocent people simply going about their daily routines is profound,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Today’s sentence affirms that individuals who commit violent acts in our community will be held fully accountable.”
“George Landy victimized numerous innocent people during his violent crime spree, leaving lasting trauma in its wake. The offenses he committed—both in this case and in his past—are deeply disturbing and unequivocally heinous. The only appropriate place for Landy is where he is now headed: federal prison. I am extremely proud of the police officers and agents whose dedication and relentless efforts brought him to justice,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Massa, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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California Drug Dealer Sentenced to 31 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Fortunato Beltran, 45, to 31 years in federal prison for conspiracy to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl and selling methamphetamine and fentanyl. On November 21, 2025, a federal jury convicted Inmate Beltran of the charges.
“Fentanyl kills everyone, especially our kids. This California thug brought his Mexican poison here to kill children in our communities. We sent a strong message: Learn the lesson: don’t sell drugs, go to prison for decades if you do: do better.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
In early 2024, ATF and DEA began investigating a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization shipping tens pounds and hundreds pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine to Eastern North Carolina. Inmate Beltran orchestrated bulk shipments of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California and Mexico into Eastern North Carolina for distribution. Agents with the ATF and DEA purchased over $100,000 of drugs from Inmate Beltran’s organization, totaling 35 pounds of methamphetamine and almost seven pounds of fentanyl.
“Drug trafficking creates a cycle of violence in our communities that too often includes illegal firearm use and possession,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Coordinated efforts among our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners help break up these drug trafficking networks, stop violent gun crimes, and make our neighborhoods safer.”
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ATF and DEA investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley J. Avera and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alison N. Lester prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-71-M-4.
Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Setting NYPD Vehicles AblazeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Jakhi McCray pleaded guilty to committing arson of 10 New York City Police Department (NYPD) vehicles and one trailer in Brooklyn, New York. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz. When sentenced, McCray faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as a fine and restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, NYPD, announced the guilty plea.
“The defendant’s actions were not only dangerous, but they were also a direct attack on public safety and the rule of law,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “By deliberately setting fire to multiple police vehicles in the pre-dawn hours, the defendant put at risk the lives of first responders and residents asleep in their beds nearby, and ultimately, strained resources meant to protect the community. Today’s guilty plea ensures accountability and sends a clear message that acts of violence and destruction against law enforcement will be met with serious consequences.”
“This defendant’s actions—setting fire to multiple NYPD vehicles and causing significant damage—demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law. Arson is not a form of protest—it is a dangerous crime that puts lives at risk,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo. “The swift work of the ATF New York Arson and Explosives Task Force, comprised of ATF, NYPD, and FDNY personnel, underscores the strength of our coordinated response to violent crime. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to protect our communities and ensure those who commit violent acts are brought to justice.”
As detailed in court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, on June 12, 2025, McCray scaled a fence into a secure, private lot on DeKalb Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Central Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn that housed NYPD vehicles, and intentionally set on fire 10 NYPD vehicles and one trailer. Shortly thereafter, an NYPD officer assigned to inspect the lot saw the fire and observed McCray escaping through a hole in the fence. McCray ultimately self-surrendered on July 21, 2025. NYPD estimates the arson caused over $800,000 in damages. The arson was committed two days before protests were scheduled to be conducted over the June 14-15, 2025 weekend, compromising NYPD resources to protect and secure the public.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JAKHI MCCRAY
Age: 22
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-68 (ENV)
Borrower at Failed Oklahoma Bank Charged with Bank Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Oklahoma returned an indictment yesterday charging SHAUN U. CHRISTIAN (“Christian”), 57, of Lindsay, Oklahoma, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering in relation to the now-defunct First National Bank of Lindsay (“FNBL”).
According to court documents, Christian is alleged to have conspired with FNBL’s former President and CEO, Danny Seibel, 55, to defraud FNBL. The indictment alleges that, among other things, Christian and Seibel submitted false information in connection with multiple loans in 2021. Seibel is further alleged to have manipulated bank records related to Christian’s accounts to conceal overdrafts and past-due balances, allowing additional funds to be extended to Christian. The alleged scheme continued until shortly before FNBL’s failure in October 2024. The indictment also alleges that Christian laundered proceeds from the fraud through various personal expenditures.
Christian is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, four counts of bank fraud, and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, Christian faces a maximum penalty for each count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty for each count of money laundering of ten years.
On December 3, 2025, Seibel was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, six counts of bank fraud, ten counts of false bank entries, one count of obstructing the examination of a financial institution, and one count of failure to maintain an anti-money laundering program. If convicted, Seibel faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for each conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and false entry count, five years for obstructing the examination of a financial institution, and ten years for failure to maintain an anti-money laundering program.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia E. Barry and Jackson D. Eldridge for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Trial Attorneys Mark Goldberg, Elysa Q. Wan, and J. Ryan McLaren of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture (MNF) Section Bank Integrity Unit are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Billings man sentenced to 5 years in prison for sexual abuse on the Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who sexually assaulted a child on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 60 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Matthew Paul Stopsatprettyplaces, 49, was convicted by a jury in December 2025 of abusive sexual contact of a child.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in 2019, Stopsatprettyplaces gave 9-year-old Jane Doe a ride to a family member’s residence in Hardin. En route, he took advantage of Jane Doe while she was asleep. He first put his hands on Jane Doe’s thighs, which woke her up. But Stopsatprettyplaces continued the assault by putting his hand on her inner thighs and then under her shirt, fondling her bare breasts. On a subsequent occasion at Jane Doe’s house in Hardin, Stopsatprettyplaces again assaulted Jane Doe, ten 10 years old, by kissing her all over and fondling her over her clothes.
Jane Doe disclosed the sexual abuse a few years later to a therapist, who mandatorily reported to the child abuse hotline, which triggered an immediate investigation by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Hendricks and Paul Vestal prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.
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Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Theft of MailRead the Press Release
Marvell Trevenski Jackson, Jr., age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Brian A. Jackson to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and theft of mail, announced U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, between at least July 2023, and continuing through at least May 2025, Jackson conspired with others, known and unknown, to defraud federally insured financial institutions, including Neighbor's Federal Credit Union (“NFCU”), Essential Federal Credit Union (“EFCU”), First Guarantee Bank and Trust (“FGB”), Navy Federal Credit Union (“Navy FCU”), and Regions Bank, among others. Jackson and his co-conspirators employed a variety of methods, including stealing or obtaining stolen mail to obtain personal and financial information of bank customers; altering or washing checks stolen from the mail; creating counterfeit checks using stolen bank account information; disseminating spam text messages designed to trick bank customers into revealing bank account information and login credentials; and using that confidential information to unlawfully access and transfer funds from victims accounts. To further the purpose of the conspiracy and to evade detection, Jackson recruited other individuals, commonly known as “money mules,” to either open accounts or whose existing accounts could be used to receive the fraud proceeds. Once the stolen funds were deposited into the accounts held by the money mules or other co-conspirators, these individuals withdrew the funds, keeping a portion for themselves and providing the majority to Jackson.
Between at least July 2023 and continuing until at least May 2024, Jackson conspired with others, known and unknown, to obtain personal identifying information (“PII”), along with personal and business checks, that were stolen from the U.S. mail.
For example, between July 1, 2023, and September 26, 2023, Jackson communicated with a co-conspirator, a mail carrier and resident of Denham Springs, Louisiana, to purchase over $119,000 worth of checks stolen from the mail, including a check in the amount of $1,450. Members of the conspiracy later altered the check, changing the payee to that of a money mule and the amount payable to $60,000. Members of the conspiracy deposited the check at a Regions Bank in Baton Rouge. The funds were withdrawn before the bank identified the fraud, causing a loss of $60,000 to Regions Bank.
In another instance, in or around February 7, 2024, Jackson stole mail, including personal and business checks totaling at least $20,378 that had been placed for collection in the blue boxes at the US Postal Service's office located on Florida Street in Baton Rouge. These stolen checks and others, totaling over $270,000, were later located in a residence used by Jackson, along with the tools and supplies required for printing counterfeit checks.
In total, Jackson and his conspirators obtained or sought to obtain over $500,000 by negotiating, and attempting to negotiate, altered or counterfeit checks using checks and other financial data obtained from stolen U.S. mail.
Members of the conspiracy also engaged in “smishing,” short for “SMS phishing,” a cyber-attack technique whereby perpetrators use Short Message Service (“SMS”) or text messages purporting to be from reputable companies to induce victims to reveal personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or bank account numbers.
Between April and May 2025, members of the conspiracy sent fraudulent text messages to customers of NFCU, EFCU, and FGB. The text messages falsely reported unauthorized financial transactions and directed customers to provide login credentials and other confidential information needed to access their bank accounts. In some instances, members of the conspiracy followed fraudulent text messages with phone calls to customers to elicit personal and confidential information regarding their accounts by impersonating bank employees.
Members of the conspiracy then used the bank account information provided by customers to conduct unauthorized electronic transfers of funds from victims' accounts. To conceal the fraud and evade detection, Jackson advertised the scheme using his Instagram account and recruited money mules to open bank accounts at NFCU, EFCU, and FGB, which could be used to receive unauthorized electronic transfers from customers’ bank accounts in exchange for keeping a portion of the funds.
Thereafter, members of the conspiracy unlawfully accessed and transferred funds from customer's accounts to the accounts opened by money mules at NFCU, EFCU, and FGB. Jackson directed the money mules to withdraw or to electronically transfer the stolen funds to himself or other members of the conspiracy.
Jackson and his co-conspirators executed the smishing scheme in East Baton Rouge Parish, Iberville Parish, Livingston Parish, and others, defrauding financial institutions including NFCU, EFCU, FGB, and their customers of over $300,000.
Jackson’s convictions are punishable by a maximum of 35 years in prison, a $1,250,000 fine, and up to 8 years of supervised release. The Court may also order restitution.
“Fraud comes in all shapes and sizes,” stated U.S. Attorney Wall. “This administration, and our office, are committed to using every tool available to pursue fraudsters and hold them fully accountable for their actions.”
U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Lundin Craig is in charge of the prosecution.
Action Across the Country Today Prosecute Schemes to Defraud over $260 Million in Taxpayer Funded COVID Relief and Social Security Disability ProgramsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division announced the following actions of the Department of Justice across the country today to hold individuals accountable for schemes that attempted or succeeded in defrauding taxpayer-funded programs of over $260 million.
“The National Fraud Enforcement Division will vigorously pursue those who steal taxpayer dollars. We will find you and bring you to justice for the American people,” said Colin McDonald, Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
In the District of New Jersey: U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced that tax preparer Leon Haynes, 52, of Teaneck, New Jersey, who sought more than $170 million in fraudulent COVID-19-related tax refunds was sentenced today to 12 years in prison. Haynes was also ordered to pay more than $55 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Following a six-day jury trial in November 2025 before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, Haynes was convicted of 15 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns, one count of mail fraud, and two counts of tax evasion. This is the largest COVID-19 tax relief fraud case to be tried to date in the country.
In the District of Colorado: U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly announced that Ikponmwosa Erhinmwinrose, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Nyerhovwo Presley Agbure, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, were each sentenced in connection with a fraud ring that stole millions in government funds and victimized thousands of people nationwide. Erhinmwinrose will spend 17 years in federal prison, and Agbure will spend 57 months in federal prison for their involvement in this fraud ring.
According to the evidence presented at the trial and sentencing of Erhinmwinrose, he and other conspirators, including Agbure, applied for more than $90 million in government benefits and stole more than $7.6 million in government benefits from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, multiple state unemployment insurance programs including from the state of Colorado, and tax refunds. The PPP and EIDL are economic relief programs launched by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the Middle District of Florida: U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe announced that Viviana Barnwell was sentenced this morning in Tampa to two years in prison. Barnwell’s adult son, P.C., was a beneficiary of Social Security disability benefits. P.C. went missing in 2016 and remains missing to this day. Despite reporting him missing to the local police, Barnwell concealed his death from the Social Security Administration, which continued to make monthly benefit payments onto P.C.’s debit card. Barnwell had control of that card and used it to withdraw and spend P.C.’s benefits for her own use. The total loss was $96,186.
In the Eastern District of Missouri: U.S. Attorney Thomas Albus announced that the owner of a fossil replica company was indicted Wednesday and accused of fraudulently seeking disability benefits. Scott A. Taylor, 50, is still on probation from a prior disability fraud case. In September 2025, Taylor pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft of government money. In December 2025, Taylor was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to repay $106,923 to the Social Security Administration. The new indictment accuses Taylor of applying for Social Security disability benefits in January 2026, falsely claiming that he had not worked since 1993.
A charge set forth in an indictment is merely an accusation and does not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The Fraud Division will fulfill that mission by coordinating with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification of fraud against taxpayer dollars; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice.
Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
7 April 2026
Two Men Plead Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man and a Boston man have pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to cocaine trafficking charges, following a series of arrests targeting gangs in the Brockton and Randolph areas. The charges stemmed from the search of a luxury apartment in Dorchester, where over a kilogram of cocaine and two loaded guns were recovered.
Giovany Fouyolle, 31, of Randolph, pleaded guilty on March 25, 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Adonis Graham, 34, of Boston, pleaded guilty today to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencings for May 26, 2026 and July 2, 2026, respectively.
Fouyolle and Graham were arrested on Dec. 17, 2025, after search warrants were executed at numerous residences and stash houses associated with the Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates. One of the places searched was a unit at the Imprint Apartments in Dorchester, which Fouyolle used as a stash location. Approximately 1,170 grams of cocaine, along with two loaded guns and $2,000 cash in bare kitchen cabinets, were located in the apartment.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine 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. 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; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton, Taunton and West Bridgewater Police Departments; Plymouth and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Plymouth, Norfolk and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices; and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
Three 18th Street Gang Leaders Sentenced to over 115 Years in Prison for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Jose Douglass Castellano, also known as “Chino,” a high-ranking member of the 18th Street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to more than 35 years’ imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy in connection with his participation in the October 25, 2017 murder of 20-year-old Jonathan Figueroa in Saugerties, New York. Castellano is the third and final gang leader to be sentenced under a seventh superseding indictment in connection with a sprawling racketeering conspiracy that also involved the September 12, 2016 murder of 15-year-old Joshua Guzman in Hempstead, New York; the February 2, 2018 murder of 20-year-old Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez in Queens; and multiple shootings and other gang activity. Junior Zelaya Canales, also known as “Terco,” a Queens-based regional gang leader, and Walter Fernando Alfaro Pineda, also known as “Clever,” a Texas-based national gang leader, were each sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment in February and March 2026, respectively. Co-defendants Yanki Misael Cruz Mateo, also known as “Doggy” and “Wino,” Israel Mendiola Flores, also known as “Chapito,” Yoni Alexander Sierra, also known as “Arc Angel” and “Wasson,” Jose Jimenez Chacon, also known as “Little One,” Carolina Cruz, also known as “La Fiera,” and Eric Chavez, also known as “Lunatico,” were also previously sentenced.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentences.
“The defendants were high-ranking members of an international criminal organization fueled by violence and fear that left a wake of sorrow and destruction in its path,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “These significant sentences send the message that our Office will never waiver in its efforts to eradicate the scourge of gang violence. It is my sincere hope that the justice meted out provides a measure of comfort and closure for the victims of these senseless crimes. The arrest, prosecution, and incarceration for decades of violent gang members achieves the goal of the Administration’s Operation Take Back America: protecting our communities from those individuals like these defendants who cause the greatest harm.”
Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Dallas, the New York State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Nassau County Police Department, the Hempstead Police Department, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance during the investigation.
“For years, these three high-ranking 18th Street gang members plagued our community with senseless violence, death, and tragedy without any consideration for public safety. May today’s significant sentences highlight the shared determination of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to dismantle a notorious international gang’s hierarchy, and offer a small sense of closure to the victims of their unthinkable actions,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
According to court filings and proceedings, 18th Street is a well-known and well-established international criminal organization and violent street gang with members and associates residing throughout New York State including Queens and Long Island, and elsewhere throughout the United States including Houston, Texas. 18th Street members regularly engage in murder, attempted murder, assault, extortion, illegal drug and firearms trafficking, false identification document production, witness tampering, and money laundering.
The defendants and their co-conspirators committed multiple acts of violence to promote and enhance the prestige and reputation of the gang, and to maintain and increase their own membership and status in the gang, including the following:
September 12, 2016 Murder of Joshua Guzman
In September 2016, Zelaya Canales, then the regional leader of the Shatto Park Locos Sureños (“SPLS”) sect of 18th Street, ordered that Guzman be killed, in part, because the gang perceived Guzman to have been disrespectful towards 18th Street gang members. In the evening of September 11, 2016, Zelaya Canales dispatched two lower-level gang members to Long Island to lure Guzman out and murder him as part of a demonstration of their allegiance to 18th Street. On September 12, 2016 at approximately 1:03 a.m., the Hempstead Police Department received a ShotSpotter notification of gunshots fired near the intersection of Linden Avenue and Laurel Avenue in Hempstead, New York. A Hempstead Police Department officer and members of Nassau Police Department responded to the location and discovered the body of 15-year-old Guzman near the curb. Guzman was shot once in the back of the head and pronounced dead at the crime scene. Following the murder, Zelaya Canales arranged and agreed with Alfaro Pineda to send one of the perpetrators to Texas to thwart his apprehension.
July 9, 2017 Attempted Murder of Rival Gang Members
On July 9, 2017, at approximately 10:35 p.m., NYPD officers responded to the Woodside section of Queens, New York, after numerous calls were made to 9-1-1 concerning multiple gunshots. Multiple witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing approximately three to four men run towards Woodhaven Boulevard. After a canvas of the area, police officers recovered nine 9-millimeter shell casings among other evidence. Zelaya Canales led the shootout with assistance from at least two additional 18th Street gang members over a territorial dispute with a rival gang.
NYPD subsequently went to Zelaya Canales’s apartment in Queens to execute two arrest warrants unrelated to the shooting. During the execution of the warrants, NYPD ultimately recovered a 9-millimeter Ruger with a defaced serial number, 4 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition, 56 rounds of .357 magnum ammunition, 34 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition and 23 rounds of .38 ammunition. Subsequent forensic ballistics examination revealed that the Zelaya Canales’s 9-mm Ruger was the same weapon that fired the 9-millimeter shell casings found at the crime scene of the July 9, 2017 shootout in Woodhaven.
September 20, 2017 Assault of John Doe
On September 20, 2017, Chavez, together with another 18th Street gang member, approached John Doe on the street and shot him because they believed he was a member of the rival gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). John Doe survived and was treated for a gunshot wound at a local hospital.
October 25, 2017 Murder of Jonathan Figueroa
By October 2017, gang members in New York suspected Jonathan Figueroa, a fellow 18th Street gang member, of cooperating with law enforcement in connection with the investigation of the murder of Joshua Guzman. Senior gang members, including Castellano, sought Alfaro Pineda’s authorization to murder Figueroa. Alfaro Pineda’s authorization was sought because Alfaro Pineda had initiated Figueroa into 18th Street in Houston, Texas, and because murdering a fellow gang member required approval from a senior member of the gang, such as Alfaro Pineda. With Alfaro Pineda’s authorization, Castellano activated gang members based in Kingston, New York, and directed them to coordinate with Queens-based gang members to see to Figueroa’s execution. Gang members in Kingston then began digging a grave in Turkey Point State Forest in anticipation of Figueroa’s arrival.
In the late-night hours of October 24, 2017, Cruz Mateo lured and travelled with Figueroa from Queens to Kingston, New York. Upon their arrival in Kingston, they were met by Flores and other 18th Street members and associates who, into the early morning hours of October 25, 2017, brought Figueroa to Turkey Point State Forest, brutally stabbed him to death and buried him in the makeshift grave. Cruz Mateo ordered the murder to be video-recorded—capturing multiple 18th Street members and associates repeatedly stabbing Figueroa, slashing his throat, amputating his ear, and dragging his body. In the video, Cruz Mateo stated that Figueroa was being murdered for “being a rat.” Cruz-Mateo then sent the video to other 18th Street members as a warning to other gang members who disrespected the gang or may cooperate with law enforcement. Figueroa, whose body was discovered in February 2018 by the FBI, along with state and local law enforcement authorities, in a five-foot deep grave in Turkey Point, sustained more than 100 stab wounds including at least one stab wound to the head that appears to have fractured his skull, and a slash to his throat that ruptured his trachea.
February 2, 2018 Murder of Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez
On February 2, 2018, several gang members killed Blanco Hernandez because they believed he was a member of the rival MS-13 gang. Chacon had met Blanco Hernandez weeks earlier through their mutual employer, a New Jersey-based house painting company. On the morning of the murder, Cruz and Chacon picked up Blanco Hernandez at his home in New Jersey under the guise of going to smoke marijuana as friends. Cruz and Chacon drove Blanco Hernandez to Queens where they met 18th Street gang members including Cruz Mateo and Sierra who entered the rear passenger seat of Cruz’s car on opposite sides, sandwiching Blanco Hernandez between them. Cruz drove Chacon, Cruz-Mateo, Sierra and the victim about 1.6 miles away to a quiet residential neighborhood. Cruz-Mateo, Sierra and Blanco-Hernandez got out of the car and started walking eastbound, while Cruz and Chacon stayed behind with the car. After walking for a few minutes, Cruz-Mateo drew a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun and shot Blanco-Hernandez in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Blanco Hernandez’s body was discovered on a residential street in the Jamaica Hills section of Queens. He sustained three gunshot wounds: two gunshots to the torso and one to the head.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan P. Lax, Erin Reid, Adam Amir and Rebecca Urquiola are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Tareva Torres.
These convictions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Central Operations and Regional Enforcement (CORE) Region 28, located in New York, is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEAJ, US Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP), the US Marshals Service SDNY, the US Marshals Service EDNY, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), US Postal Inspection Service, US Coast Guard, US Federal Probation SDNY, US Federal Probation EDNY, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the United States Secret Service, the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
The Defendants:
WALTER FERNANDO ALFARO PINEDA, also known as “Clever”
Age: 46
Houston, Texas
(Sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment on 3/16/26)JUNIOR ZELAYA-CANALES, also known as “Terco”
Age: 29
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment on 2/20/26)JOSE DOUGLAS CASTELLANO, also known as “Chino”
Age: 27
Brooklyn, New York
(Sentenced to 425 months’ imprisonment on 4/7/26)Co-Defendants Previously Sentenced:
YANKI MISAEL CRUZ MATEO, also known as “Yenki Misael Cruz Mateo,” “Yankee Mateo,” “Doggy,” and “Wino”
Age: 26
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 540 months’ imprisonment on 1/14/25)ISRAEL MEDIOLA FLORES, also known as “Chapito” and “Sinaloa”
Age: 31
Kingston, New York
(Sentenced to 425 months’ imprisonment on 5/16/23)YONI ALEXANDER SIERRA, also known as “Arca,” “Arc Angel,” and “Wasson”
Age: 27
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment on 1/10/25)JOSE JIMENEZ CHACON, also known as “Little One”
Age: 27
New Brunswick, New Jersey
(Sentenced to 269 months’ imprisonment on 11/12/24)CAROLINA CRUZ, also known as “La Fiera”
Age: 32
Elizabeth, New Jersey
(Sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment on 2/11/25)ERIC CHAVEZ, also known as “Lunatico”
Age: 27
Jamaica, New York
(Sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment on 5/13/25)E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-139 (S-7) (LDH)
Ten Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine in the Magic ValleyRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced the sentences of ten defendants who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Magic Valley. According to court records, the defendants possessed and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the Magic Valley area. During the investigation, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers seized over 30 pounds of methamphetamine from the drug trafficking organization. Several individuals involved in the conspiracy traveled to Arizona and California to obtain methamphetamine that they brought back to Idaho for distribution.
Today, Oscar Alejandro Perez-Gomez, 33, of Jerome, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Perez-Gomez to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
The following defendants were previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy:
- Luis Enrique Gonzalez, 41, of Jerome, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and on October 16, 2025, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Leonardo Espinoza-Romero, 33, of Jerome, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and on May 14, 2025, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Daniel D. Thomas, 49, of Jerome, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and on June 17, 2025, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Jesus Arturo Torres-Herrera, 37, a Mexican National, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and on January 14, 2026, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He will be deported to Mexico upon his release from prison;
- Liliana Morales-Caliz, 36, a Mexican National, was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine, and on December 17, 2025, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and will be deported to Mexico upon her release;
- Artemio Morgan Hurtado, Jr., 35, of Shoshone, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and on April 24, 2025, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;
- Robert Troglia, 54, of Jerome, was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine, and on May 15, 2025, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release;
- Patrick Delacruz, 41, of Jerome, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and on June 5, 2025, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release; and
- Raquel May, 29, of Twin Falls, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and on June 17, 2025, was sentenced to three years of probation.
As part of the same investigation, nine additional defendants were prosecuted in Idaho state courts for crimes including possession of controlled substances and trafficking in methamphetamine.
The cases were primarily investigated by the Idaho State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition to the work of these agencies, U.S. Attorney Davis thanked the following agencies for assisting in the investigation: Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome Police Department, Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher A. Booker and Francis J. Zebari prosecuted the cases.
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Tax preparer indicted for filing false tax returns causing thousands in fraudulent claimsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston area woman has been taken into custody on charges that she willfully helped clients file false tax returns with the IRS, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Bobbie Zermeno aka Roberta Villarreal is set to make her initial appearance in Houston federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray at 2 p.m.
A federal grand jury returned the 14-count indictment March 25, which was unsealed upon her arrest.
Zermeno ran a tax preparation business in Houston from at least 2017 to 2022, according to the charges. At times during those years, she allegedly added false credits or deductions on tax returns to fraudulently lower her clients’ overall tax liability.
The indictment alleges Zermeno utilized false Schedule C losses for businesses that did not even exist and false car mileage expenses to fraudulently inflate her clients’ tax refunds. The false amounts claimed on these returns would, at times, exceed thousands of dollars, according to the charges.
Zermeno allegedly earned money from the scheme by charging her clients preparation fees of hundreds of dollars per return. The charges also allege she did not disclose some of these fees to her clients.
If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison for each count of aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns as well as potential fines of up to $250,000.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Lu and Brad Gray are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
St. Louis Fentanyl Dealers Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a fentanyl dealer from St. Louis to prison for 155 months in prison, days after sending a co-defendant to prison for 210 months.
Sentenced Tuesday was Toneisha D. Smith, 27, who sold fentanyl to the Drug Enforcement Administration and nearly hit three DEA task force officers with her car when they were investigating her. Trequan A. Dotson, 25, was sentenced on April 2. Three others have also been convicted.
Police responding to a violent domestic dispute at Dotson’s home in the 4600 block of Newport Avenue in St. Louis in August of 2023 found fentanyl, a money counting machine, $10,111 in cash and two AR-style rifles, one AK-style pistol and four AR-style pistols, many with large-capacity magazines. Police then found more fentanyl and drug paraphernalia at an apartment in the 2300 block of South 7th Street, which Dotson used for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl. Police found more fentanyl after Dotson led them on a high-speed chase on Oct. 16, 2023.
After being jailed, Dotson told another member of the drug trafficking conspiracy to supply fentanyl to Smith and taught Smith how to mix fentanyl with cutting agents before selling it. Smith admitted that she and her co-defendants, including Larry C. Hayes III, sold fentanyl to the DEA from March to June of 2024.
During a court-approved search of Smith’s home on Miami Street in St. Louis on April 1, 2024, investigators found Smith, Hayes and Marcel Harris along with fentanyl, cash and an AR-style pistol. On June 18, 2024, investigators were preparing for another court-approved search of a residence on Sidney Street in St. Louis. Smith left the home and got into her vehicle before officers and agents arrived. When she saw task force officers approach her vehicle, she sped away, aiming her Kia K5 at three of the task force officers. The officers were able to jump out of the way. Smith drove over the parking lot curb and through an adjoining yard and trees before flattening all four tires when she drove off a small embankment. She ultimately escaped. Investigators found fentanyl, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the home. They also found a Rock River Arms AR-15 that had been stolen from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
“This investigation is a prime example of the dangers DEA personnel face on a daily basis protecting our communities from drug-related violence and the drugs that are poisoning our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis, DEA St. Louis Division. “We remain relentless in our pursuit of drug traffickers wreaking havoc on the American people, as we work towards a Fentanyl Free America.”
Smith was charged by complaint on June 18, 2024, and investigators found her and Hayes in a home on California Avenue the next day, along with fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.
Smith pleaded guilty in December to one count each of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, assaulting or resisting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Dotson pleaded guilty in September to one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl in a separate, 2023 case and admitted violating his supervised release in a 2019 case.
Hayes, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Harris, 23, of Jennings, Missouri, pleaded guilty in June to a fentanyl conspiracy charge. In addition to the conduct described above, he admitted being caught twice by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department with fentanyl, including after an Aug. 10, 2023, high-speed chase. U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp sentenced Harris to 10 years in prison in September.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Voss prosecuted the case.
Soviet Illegal Alien Convicted by Federal Jury for Selling Fentanyl and Ecstasy Through the MailRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal jury convicted an illegal alien, Janusz Pachomow, 49, for conspiring to use the mail to send deadly drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and ecstasy all over the United States. Pachomow entered the United States from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s.
This illegal alien met individuals from Europe and Australia while purchasing drugs through the dark web. Using encrypted applications, Pachomow agreed to ship drugs all over the United States through the U.S. Mail. Though an encrypted email account, these co-conspirators provided a temporary link to Pachomow that contained purchasers’ names, addresses, and the drug types and quantities purchased. He would then fulfill those orders from the large stash of drugs at his house. Pachomow received payment in cryptocurrency.
“In Soviet Russia, drugs sell in mail. Not in USA. What a disgrace to escape communism only to pollute the land of the free. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits -Do right.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Pachomow made his elderly mother drive him to the local post office to mail the drugs across the country. He typically mailed between three to 18 shipments a day. In an attempt to avoid detection, Pachomow affixed return addresses for various, random, uninvolved local businesses near his home. Those businesses received undeliverable items.
Law enforcement investigated and uncovered the scheme as local businesses reported suspicious mail “returned” to their addresses. German customs officials intercepted a suspicious package bound for Pachomow containing over 15 pounds of ecstasy pills shaped like Homer Simpson and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un. The pills were hidden inside a water heater.
While executing a search of his home, law enforcement discovered large quantities of drugs, a plethora of drug paraphernalia including fentanyl gloves, and packing supplies matching the envelopes already recovered.
In response to the jury’s verdict, Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, USPIS, said "the U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina who helped bring this investigation to a successful conclusion. Illegal shipments of drugs threaten the safety of all our communities. These crimes are a priority for Postal Inspectors and demonstrate the importance of our mission that includes the safeguarding of the Postal Service, its customers, and preventing the illegal use of the U.S. Mail.”
“This verdict reflects the successful collaboration across international borders and agencies to disrupt a criminal enterprise responsible for distributing dangerous drugs to communities nationwide,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte. “Through the combined efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service, German customs, HSI Frankfurt, and our partners in the Eastern District of North Carolina, HSI remains committed to pursuing individuals who exploit online marketplaces and the postal system for illicit profit at the expense of public safety.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan accepted the jury’s verdict. The USPIS, HSI, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, and Aberdeen Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka and Logan Liles prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-242-FL.
Sixteen-Time Waterloo Felon Sentenced to over Two Decades in Federal Prison for Distributing Fatal Dose of FentanylRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and xylazine that caused an overdose death was sentenced April 6, 2026, to 21 years in federal prison.
Bridgette Marie Washington, age 47, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 22, 2025, guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death.
Court records show that between July 2022 and January 2023, Washington and two other individuals sold methamphetamine, powder heroin, and M-30 pills which contained fentanyl. Washington sold drugs that led to four non-fatal overdoses in September, November, and December 2022. On January 2, 2023, Washington sold substances she marketed as “A1” drugs (meaning that they were potent) to multiple customers. Each person who used the drugs Washington sold on that day lost consciousness. One individual who used some of the drugs died as a result of using them. Washington had an extensive criminal history, including convictions for 15 felony offenses prior to the conduct that led to her federal charge.
Washington was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Washington was sentenced to 252 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Washington is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Nagin and Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-02014-CJW-MAR.
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Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Todd Babb, 62, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City on April 6, 2026, to 210 months’ imprisonment. Babb pled guilty November 19, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence showed that Babb was previously convicted of at least five prior felony drug offenses, one in Iowa District Court and one in Federal Court in the Northern District of Iowa. Babb admitted that between 2018 and August 2024, he and others conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of mixed methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. During a search of Babb’s residence, law enforcement seized over $3,000 in cash and ¼ pound of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to others. Approximately one pound of methamphetamine was also seized from a vehicle observed driving away from Babb’s residence.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Babb to 210 months’ imprisonment, and he must serve a ten-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Babb remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4068. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Repeat Felon Sentenced to Almost 22 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that a repeat felon was sentenced to prison for almost 22 years for illegal gun possession and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities.
Terence Gerod McBride, 39, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On June 20, 2025, McBride pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Estella D. Patterson of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), joined U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
“McBride is in his thirties now, but he will be in his sixties when he is released from federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Armed, repeat offenders are being held accountable and serving real time in the federal system. Taking these crimes seriously and removing dangerous people and their weapons from our streets will save countless lives.”
According to court documents, on June 15, 2023, around 6:30 p.m., CMPD officers attempted to stop an SUV being driven by McBride, but the defendant refused to stop. As officers followed McBride, the defendant discarded a backpack onto a residential street containing a Glock, model 33, .357 caliber semi-automatic pistol, 17.31 grams of cocaine, and over $20,000 in cash. Six days after the attempted traffic stop, CMPD officers arrested McBride in the driveway of a residence near where the defendant had discarded the backpack containing the firearm. When McBride was arrested, he had a South Carolina ID bearing McBride’s picture but another name. He also had $13,994 in cash on his person. McBride was released on state bond following his arrest.
According to court records, McBride later became a suspect in a homicide stemming from a March 17, 2024, shooting in Charlotte. Warrants were issued for McBride’s arrest. McBride was located in New York on August 16, 2024. The defendant was in the front seat passenger of a car that ran a red light. During the subsequent traffic stop, law enforcement recovered two firearms and an amount of cocaine base. McBride was again in possession of fraudulent identification.
McBride is in federal custody. He will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.
Registered Sex Offender to Serve Ten Years in Federal Prison for Repeat Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – GEORGE WALTERS, 78, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
“The stiff sentence imposed by the Court justly punishes Walters as a repeat child predator who possessed and shared child porn less than one year after completing federal supervision related to his prior child pornography conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Protecting our children from vile predators will always remain a priority of this office.”
According to public records, in September 2025, FBI agents conducted an online undercover investigation to identify individuals possessing and sharing child pornography. Through their investigation, law enforcement identified an internet protocol (IP) address associated with Walters that made several child pornography images and videos available to others through a file-sharing website. Walters is a registered sex offender, having previously been convicted 2010 in the Western District of Oklahoma for possession of child pornography. Most recently, Walters was arrested on October 27, 2025, after law enforcement executed a search warrant on his phone and found child pornography.
On November 4, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Walters with possession of child pornography. Walters pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026, and admitted he knowingly possessed child pornography.
At the sentencing hearing on April 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Walters to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release for life. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk cited the Walters’ criminal history and emphasized that Walters committed the offense less than a year after being discharged from supervised release for his prior child pornography conviction.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Accessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Aloha, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for accessing with the intent to view child sexual abuse material while on probation for a 2023 conviction for sex abuse.
Thomas Allen Vetsch, 56, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. He is a registered sex offender due to a 2006 conviction for encouraging child sex abuse.
“Protecting our children is the District of Oregon’s top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable.”
“Mr. Vetsch’s 10-year sentence is clearly warranted, as he is a repeat offender with previous convictions for sexual abuse of a minor and accessing child sexual abuse material,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify those engaged in the exploitation of children, whether directly or indirectly, and will continue to seek out and arrest those who access these materials.”
According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, investigators searched Vetsch’s residence and seized a laptop containing 43 images of child sexual abuse material.
On August 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Vetsch with transportation of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography.
On January 12, 2026, Vetsch pleaded guilty to accessing with intent to view child pornography.
This case was investigated by HSI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mira Chernick and Pamela Paaso.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Panama City Beach Man Indicted for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – David Carlton Lee, 59, of Panama City Beach, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of transportation of child pornography, one count of possession/access with intent to view child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Lee appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 27, 2026 at 8:30 in Tallahassee, Florida before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
If convicted, Lee faces a minimum 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years imprisonment, on the transportation count; and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the possession counts.
The case is being jointly investigated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Panama City Beach Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Member Sentenced for Armed Assault Against RivalRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.
Bryan S. Fletcher, also known as “Fletch,” 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to eighty-four months in federal prison without parole for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On Sept. 17, 2022, Fletcher and twelve other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, the Los Valerosos, chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo. Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle. Fletcher, who was an associate of the Los Valerosos at the time, and others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway. The victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg. Fletcher and several others fled the scene before law enforcement could arrive.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, 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.
Orleans Parish Resident Sentenced to 144 Months for Assault on a Postal Employee and Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JODY HARRIS (“HARRIS”), age 33, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced on March 10, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to 144 months, three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $200.00 special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to Assault of a Postal Employee, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 2114(a) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(1), and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
On or about December 16,2024, HARRIS assaulted a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee with the intent to rob, steal mail, money and other property of the United States. In doing so, HARRIS endangered a USPS letter carrier by using a dangerous weapon, a Beretta Model APX handgun.
According to court documents, on the day of robbery, the victim was delivering mail on his route in the 8400 block of Forshey Street. HARRIS approached the victim and brandished the
Beretta firearm, after removing it from his black cross body bag. HARRIS then threatened the victim while armed with the handgun, and demanded the victim give him everything he possessed, Fearing for his life, the victim gave HARRIS the USPS vehicle keys, USPS mail scanner, and his USPS mail satchel with mail inside. HARRIS then entered the USPS vehicle and stole the USPS Arrow key, a key used by USPS employees to access blue collection boxes.
During the robbery, HARRIS stole a USPS mail scanner with GPS capabilities. The mail scanner tracked to the 8800 block of Forshey Street. As a part of the investigation NOPD discovered that HARRIS frequented a residence in the 8800 block of Forshey Street and confirmed that HARRIS recently left the residence.
Later that same day, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) got a search warrant for the Forshey Street residence and recovered postal vehicle keys, a postal Arrow Key, a Debit Card with the name "Jody F Harris,” a firearm, a Beretta Model APX, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine as well as stolen mail.
After leaving the Forshey Street residence, the investigation then revealed that HARRIS drove his vehicle to a residence in the 6300 block of Baccich Street. As a result, NOPD got a search warrant for the Baccich Street residence and seized a USPS mail satchel with the Postal Carrier's initials, a black cross body bag with red trim, drugs and drug paraphernalia, 139.3 grams of marijuana, 2.1 grams of Xanax, .8 grams of Xanax, l.l grams of crack cocaine and a digital scale. HARRIS was subsequently arrested.
HARRIS previously pled guilty to a felony in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, and thus, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit, Alexandra Giavotella of the Public Corruption Unit and Gregory M. Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Orange County Man Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Fraud Scheme that Submitted Nearly $270 Million in Bogus Claims to Medi-CalRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man has pleaded guilty to submitting nearly $270 million in fraudulent claims over an 11-month span to Medi-Cal for expensive prescription drugs containing generic ingredients that were not medically necessary and, in many instances, not provided to the purported recipients, the Justice Department announced today.
Paul Richard Randall, 66, of Orange, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of wire fraud committed while on release. He has been in federal custody since June 2025.
“This defendant used a public health program as his personal piggy bank,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This guilty plea should send a message that this administration — consistent with the President’s war on fraud — will not turn a blind eye while criminals fleece taxpayers.”
“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the Department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.”
“The defendant was a repeat fraudster who caused Medi-Cal, a program designed to help those in need, to be billed nearly $270 million for expensive and medically unnecessary medications,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He and his co-schemers stole over $178 million through false and fraudulent claims for these medications, lining their own pockets with public funds. The Criminal Division will aggressively prosecute those who defraud Medicaid and exploit taxpayer-funded benefit programs.”
“Schemes that bill Medicaid for costly drugs that patients never needed or received threaten the integrity of the program,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This plea shows our firm resolve, alongside our law enforcement partners, to exposing such fraud operations, ensuring those responsible are held accountable, and safeguarding taxpayer-funded health care programs.”
According to his plea agreement, Randall, along with Kyrollos Mekail, 37, of Moreno Valley, and Patricia Anderson, 58, of West Hills, took advantage of Medi-Cal’s suspension of its requirement that health care providers obtain prior authorization before providing certain health care services or medications as a condition of reimbursement. The suspension of the prior authorization requirements was part of an ongoing transition of Medi-Cal’s prescription drug program to a new payment system.
Through a business called Monte Vista Pharmacy, Randall and his co-schemers exploited Medi-Cal’s prior authorization suspension by billing Medi-Cal tens of millions of dollars per month for dispensing high-reimbursement, non-contracted, generic drugs through Monte Vista Pharmacy. Some prescription medications purportedly were to treat pain and included Folite tablets, a vitamin available over the counter.
Normally, these high-cost reimbursement medications would have required prior authorization under Medi-Cal’s old payment system. Medication involved in this scheme was medically unnecessary, frequently was not dispensed to patients, and procured by kickbacks.
From May 2022 to April 2023, Monte Vista billed Medi-Cal more than $269 million and was paid more than $178 million for 19 expensive, non-contracted drugs containing low-cost, generic ingredients that were not medically necessary, not provided, or both.
Randall and others then laundered their illicit proceeds by transferring the proceeds of the Medi-Cal fraud scheme to a third party to pay kickbacks to Anderson, to promote the fraud scheme and to conceal and disguise the transfers from detection by law enforcement.
Randall admitted in his plea agreement to transmitting by wire at least approximately $269,120,829 in false and fraudulent claims to Medi-Cal for purportedly dispensing the fraud scheme medications that Anderson prescribed, on which Medi-Cal paid at least approximately $178,746,556.
United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi scheduled an August 3 sentencing hearing, at which time Randall will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
Relatedly, Mekail pleaded guilty in August 2024 to two counts of health care fraud and awaits sentencing. Anderson is charged with two counts of health care fraud.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the FBI, and the California Department of Justice are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Roger A. Hsieh of the Major Frauds Section and Trial Attorney Siobhan M. Namazi of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section are prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorney James E. Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling asset forfeiture matters in this case.
Oneida County Man Pleads Guilty to Money Order FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Delos Thurston, age 27, of Clinton, New York, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to money order fraud. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), made the announcement.
Thurston admitted that between April 2025 and January 2026, while he was employed as the Postmaster of the Morrisville, New York, Post Office, he fraudulently issued 179 money orders for his own benefit without paying for them, and in so doing stole $118,088.19 from the United States.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This defendant stole from the honest, hard-working American taxpayer. That he did so by abusing the authority entrusted to him as a public servant is abhorrent. We thank the Office of Inspector General for its continued efforts to bring fraudsters to justice.”
USPS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Matthew M. Modafferi stated, “The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is committed to upholding the integrity of the Postal Service and its workforce. Our office will continue to investigate Postal Service employees who violate the public’s trust and engage in fraudulent activity. The USPS-OIG is thankful for the great longstanding relationships we have developed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat fraud.”
Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Thurston faces a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The USPS-OIG is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
New Yorkers sentenced to federal prison for illegal counterfeit passport operation in the Eastern District of Texas as part of Operation Take Back AmericaRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – Two New York women have been sentenced to federal prison for an illegal counterfeit passport operation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Ciera Julieth Blas, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on April 7, 2026.
Kelly Josek, 41, of New York, New York, also pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison by Judge Mazzant in January 2026.
According to information presented in court, officers with the Flower Mound Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Blas, where Josek was a passenger. During the stop, officers discovered seven U.S. Passport Identification Cards along with accompanying bank cards matching the names identified on the passports. The investigation was turned over to the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service who later discovered that Blas and Josek used the personal identifying information of over 80 other individuals, along with passport-style photos of 12 different individuals, to create counterfeit passport cards bearing their names and images.
“This case highlights the significant work of local law enforcement in protecting our communities, and our nation every day,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “In this case, a routine traffic stop was anything but routine. Counterfeit passport cards, and other identifying documents, enable all types of crime from fraud to terrorism. We take these crimes very seriously and we appreciate the Court sentencing Blas to the statutory maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and Josek to over seven years.”
“Today’s sentencing is very welcome and the positive result of several years of unceasing investigative work by the DSS Resident Office in Dallas,” said Ryan Pack, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Houston Field Office. “The significance of the penalty clearly demonstrates how seriously fraud involving the use of counterfeit U.S. passport cards and other official government documents is taken.”
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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Flower Mound Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
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New York Man Charged in Multi-State Cargo-Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man has been indicted for allegedly conspiring to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of cargo and sell the items for illicit profit. The goods allegedly stolen include beer worth approximately $35,200; 33,750 pounds of frozen snow crabs worth approximately $325,000; pallets of blueberries; and more than $430,000 worth of designer cologne.
Romoy Forbes, 31, a Jamaican national living in Deer Park, N.Y., has been indicted for interstate transportation of stolen goods, and conspiracy to commit that offense. Forbes was previously arrested on Feb. 5, 2026 in Long Island, N.Y., after being charged by complaint in the District of Massachusetts. He was later released on conditions and will be arraigned in federal court in Worcester at 3:15 p.m. today.
According to the indictment, Forbes and his co-conspirators were able to steal the goods, partly through fraudulent emails that they sent to shippers. The emails were made to appear as though they were being sent by legitimate trucking carrier companies, offering and agreeing to receive and deliver goods that the shippers had advertised as in need of transportation.
On July 15, 2025, Forbes allegedly obtained the frozen snow crab from a storage warehouse in Worcester, Mass. that was intended to be delivered on behalf of a freight service company based in Maine, to a customer in Jacksonville, Fla. Forbes allegedly procured the seafood by falsely representing that he was acting on behalf of a trucking carrier company based in Illinois. Instead of delivering the goods to the true customer in Florida, Forbes allegedly transported it to a loading dock in Queens, N.Y.
According to the charging documents, on June 6, 2025, before the alleged seafood heist, Forbes allegedly obtained a shipment of beer worth approximately $35,200, from a brewery in Newark, N.J. that was intended for delivery to a customer in Portland, Maine. Instead of delivering the beer to the true customer in Maine, Forbes allegedly drove the beer to Long Island, N.Y., where he provided it to an individual in return for payment.
In addition, on June 26, 2025, Forbes allegedly obtained blueberries from a storage business in Winslow Junction, N.J., that was intended to be delivered on behalf of a freight service company based in Maine, to a customer in Illinois, by falsely representing that Forbes was acting on behalf of a trucking carrier company based in New Jersey. Forbes allegedly did not deliver the fruit to the customer. Instead, on June 27, 2025, a contact in Forbes’ cellphone named, “My customer for everything,” allegedly texted Forbes, “You bringing the blues,” to which Forbes texted “Yes, just text me the address,” “we can do 4000 and I will bring it to you right now,” and “OK, so I will be there tomorrow to drop off the blueberries.”
After the seafood, beer and blueberry thefts, on July 25, 2025, Forbes allegedly conspired to steal cologne in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. that was intended to be delivered on behalf of a freight service company based in Illinois, to a customer in Los Angeles, by falsely representing that Forbes was acting on behalf of a trucking carrier company based in Illinois. Instead of delivering the fragrances to the true customer in California, Forbes allegedly contacted his “customer for everything” offering to sell the cologne and sent the contact a video of the cologne, to which the contact replied, “Ok.”
The charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit that offense carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI in New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and False Use or Forgery of a PassportRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Michael Scott Hillwig, 59, of Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false use or forgery of a passport. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “It is of vital importance to raise awareness about the vulnerability of our personal identifying information online, which fraudsters relentlessly pursue as they seek to enrich themselves by exploiting their victims. As this defendant has learned, my office is just as relentless in our pursuit of criminals like him, and we aggressively prosecute such frauds to the fullest extent to achieve justice for the victims of these crimes.”
Court documents reflect that in May 2023, the defendant unlawfully obtained personal identification information of other people, including their names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and passport card numbers. He then fraudulently withdrew funds from the bank accounts of multiple victims by presenting U.S. passport cards bearing his photograph, but with the personal identifying information of the victims. During the course of this fraud scheme, Hillwig travelled to financial institutions in South Carolina and throughout Florida, including in Bonifay, Niceville, and Winter Garden, where he would provide bank tellers with a victim’s social security number and the fraudulent U.S. passport card in order to make withdrawals from their bank accounts.
“This case demonstrates how criminals exploit U.S. passports to victimize innocent Americans,” said Ryan McSeveney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office. “Working with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Holmes County Sheriff's Office, and our federal partners, DSS remains committed to protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents and bringing to justice those who use them for identity theft and financial fraud.”
Hillwig’s term of imprisonment will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Hillwig was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims.
The case involved a joint investigation by U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and Holmes County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
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.
National Partnership of Insurance Brokers and its Former Subsidiary Agree to Pay over $135 Million for Affordable Care Act Enrollment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
AP of South Florida, LLC (APSF), an insurance brokerage company headquartered in Florida, has agreed to plead guilty for its role in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment fraud scheme. APSF, through its highest-ranking executives, preyed on thousands of vulnerable consumers to fraudulently enroll them into fully subsidized ACA plans, for which the federal government awarded $141.5 million in unwarranted subsidies. In a parallel civil resolution, AssuredPartners, Inc., a national partnership of insurance brokers and the then-parent company of APSF, agreed to pay $107 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent ACA health insurance plan applications. AssuredPartners, Inc., is not charged in the criminal information.
The Department of Justice announced this case and two others in support of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at a press conference in Washington today.
“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the Department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.”
The Criminal Case
The federal government offers subsidies to help eligible beneficiaries pay for health insurance plans. These subsidies are offered as tax credits to beneficiaries or as payments to insurers as Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs). APTCs are paid directly to insurance plans by the federal government in the form of a payment toward the beneficiary’s applicable monthly premium.
A criminal information was filed yesterday charging APSF with one count of major fraud against the United States. APSF has agreed to resolve the criminal charge by pleading guilty and paying restitution of $27.6 million. As part of its plea agreement, APSF admitted that, through certain of its executives and employees, APSF knowingly and intentionally defrauded the federal government. According to court documents, APSF targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and, through “street marketers” working on APSF’s behalf, sometimes offered cash and gift cards to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans. APSF enrolled these vulnerable consumers in ACA plans that were fully subsidized by the federal government by submitting false and fraudulent applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements to be eligible for the subsidies. As a result of being enrolled in subsidized ACA plans for which they did not qualify, some of these consumers experienced serious disruptions in their medical care or prior insurance coverage under Medicaid or other programs. Some consumers who APSF fraudulently enrolled into fully subsidized ACA plans lost access to free health benefits through Medicaid or local assistance programs, and as a result, these consumers faced increased costs in accessing HIV medication, medication to treat opioid dependence and medication to treat mental health disorders. At times, consumers faced unaffordable co-pays and other costs because APSF enrolled these consumers in plans without regard to the consumers’ medical needs, the availability of other programs (including Medicaid and local assistance programs) and the consumers’ ability to pay out-of-pocket costs.
“APSF defrauded the U.S. government in order to line their pockets by exploiting the vulnerable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI and its partners are working every day to put an end to corporate malpractice. We are turning off the spigot and other entities ripping off the taxpayer for illicit gain should take note.”
“As yesterday’s resolution demonstrates, the Criminal Division will pursue both corporate and individual actors that defraud the United States taxpayer and exploit consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Together with our partners, we previously prosecuted the former President of APSF, who will serve 20 years in prison for his crimes. Yesterday, the Department is announcing that his employer, APSF, has agreed to plead guilty for its role in the scheme and will pay $27 million in restitution. For over a year, APSF made money on the backs of vulnerable consumers and by siphoning money from a critical social safety net meant to protect working families. The conduct was orchestrated by APSF’s highest ranking executive and was pervasive throughout the company. Open and notorious corporate frauds will not be tolerated.”
“Exploiting people in crisis to generate profit at the expense of taxpayers is unconscionable,” said Inspector General T. March Bell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “By manipulating the ACA marketplace and disrupting access to essential treatments, APSF compromised core federal health care protections and inflicted real harm on consumers who relied on those safeguards. HHS‑OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to apply the full scope of our oversight and enforcement authorities to protect taxpayer dollars and consumers.”
“Yesterday’s action underscores that companies cannot enrich themselves by manipulating federal health care programs and exploiting vulnerable individuals,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation. “In this case, executives falsified eligibility information to drive millions in improper subsidies, turning a program meant to provide care into a source of illicit revenue. IRS Criminal Investigation traced the flow of funds behind this scheme, and we will continue to pursue those who misuse taxpayer dollars for personal gain.”
According to court documents, APSF received commissions and other payments from an insurance company in exchange for enrolling consumers in the ACA plans. In turn, APSF paid a street marketing company in exchange for consumer referrals. To maximize these commission payments, APSF used misleading sales scripts and other deceptive sales techniques to convince consumers to state that they would attempt to earn the minimum income necessary to qualify for a subsidized ACA plan, even when the consumers initially stated to APSF’s insurance agents that they had no income. APSF also bypassed the federal government’s attempts to verify income and other information and deliberately a large volume of applications to Medicaid for various individuals in a way that guaranteed their denial so that they could sign up these same consumers for a fully subsidized ACA plan and maximize commissions.
APSF’s former president, Cory Lloyd, was previously convicted at trial in November 2025 for his role in the scheme and sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment. According to court documents, Lloyd began the scheme at a legacy entity. In February 2021, APSF acquired certain assets of that legacy entity. Lloyd then became the President of APSF, where he continued to orchestrate the fraud scheme on behalf of APSF.
Evidence presented in Lloyd’s trial showed that, while President of APSF, he received complaints from a medical provider alerting Lloyd that multiple consumers, “who were homeless, were given cash to sign up” for these ACA plans. The provider further complained that: “All of them have opioid addiction and were desperate for money. All of them were unaware they had insurance until the provider tried to get them medications through the county hospital for uninsured patients. These people are worse off than if they had no insurance because they are being asked to pay >$500 per month for their medications.” Evidence presented in Lloyd’s trial also showed that, despite receiving such warnings, APSF continued to fraudulently enroll consumers in fully subsidized ACA plans by “bumping up” their income to make them appear qualified for subsidies.
A change of plea hearing for APSF will be set for a later date, where the terms of the plea agreement between APSF and the Department of Justice will be considered by a federal judge. If the plea agreement is accepted by the court, APSF will be sentenced by a federal district court judge at a later date.
The government reached its criminal resolution with APSF based on several factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense conduct; the fact that the fraud began at a legacy entity whose assets were acquired by APSF in February 2021; APSF’s failure to conduct adequate acquisition diligence, oversee the acquired operations, and detect the open and pervasive fraudulent scheme, which allowed the conduct to persist at APSF for approximately 18 months after the asset acquisition; and the pervasiveness of the offense, which involved multiple former APSF employees and former members of its senior executive management, including its President (Lloyd), who personally conducted and promoted the scheme. APSF also did not voluntarily and timely self-disclose the conduct to the Department of Justice but did receive credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct, cooperating with the government’s investigation, and implementing remedial measures.
FBI, HHS-OIG and IRS-CI are investigating the criminal case.
Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the criminal case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
The Civil Case
The False Claims Act settlement resolves allegations that, from February 2021 through September 2022, APSF knowingly submitted false or fraudulent applications for subsidized ACA plans on behalf of thousands of consumers in order to obtain commissions and bonus payments from insurers. APSF contracted with “street marketers” who targeted homeless shelters, bus stops, drug treatment clinics and similar locations. The marketers offered incentives, such as cash or gift cards, to individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans or to provide their personal information so that APSF could submit applications on their behalf. APSF employees then submitted applications falsely representing that the consumers would make a minimum income amount just over the federal poverty line in order to cause the government to pay the highest subsidy amount.
APSF employees also knowingly submitted false information to Florida’s Medicaid program in order to generate letters stating that the applicant was denied Medicaid coverage and then used these letters as a qualifying event to trigger a Special Enrollment Period, which allowed APSF to submit applications for ACA plans outside of the normal enrollment periods. APSF employees also evaded the federal government’s attempts to verify information in consumers’ ACA applications by submitting false information in response to inquiries from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services when it sought to verify the false information (including income information) submitted by APSF. Some consumers experienced disruptions in their medical care as a result of being enrolled by APSF in subsidized ACA plans that did not provide coverage for their medical needs. APSF received commissions, bonuses, and/or other payments for consumers it enrolled in ACA plans, and a significant portion of APSF’s revenues from these fraudulently obtained payments flowed up to its then-parent corporation, AssuredPartners.
“Federal benefit programs funded by American taxpayers provide an important safety net for vulnerable populations,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Yesterday’s resolution sends the clear message that the United States will hold accountable actors who exploit those programs to enrich themselves at the expense of the public.”
“Our office will use all available tools, including the False Claims Act, to confront those who submit false claims under the Affordable Care Act,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “This case exemplifies our dedication to protecting our nation’s taxpayers from fraud.”
“This $135 million resolution lays bare a brazen scheme that caused real harm by targeting vulnerable individuals for profit and disrupting their access to critical care,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “Because of APSF’s manipulation of individuals’ enrollment statuses, Medicaid and other programs intended to support vulnerable populations were undermined in fulfilling their mission. HHS-OIG will continue to aggressively pursue accountability for those who choose greed over patients and work to protect the integrity of public resources.”
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The whistleblower will receive $24.3 million as their share of the recovery in this case.
The resolution obtained in the civil matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The civil matter was handled by Attorneys Wendy Zupac and David Wiseman of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor for the Middle District of Florida.
The Commercial Litigation Branch’s Fraud Section investigates complex health care fraud allegations and files suit under the civil False Claims Act to recover money on behalf of defrauded federal health care programs. Settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act exceeded $6.8 billion in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025. Working with United States Attorneys, investigative agencies, and whistleblowers, Fraud Section attorneys have recovered more than $85 billion in False Claims Act settlements and judgments since 1986.
The claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability in the civil settlement.
Middlesex County Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Old Bridge, New Jersey man was arrested and charged with child pornography offenses, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced today.
Daniel Berwick, 38, was charged by criminal complaint with two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Berwick made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court today and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In August and September 2025, Berwick persuaded and enticed Minor Victim-1 and Minor Victim-2 to send him photos and video recordings on the social media platform Snapchat that depicted the minors engaged in sexual activity. As part of his scheme, Berwick catfished his victims by presenting himself as a 17-year-old high school student and appropriating the photos and video recordings of an adult content creator. Law enforcement became aware of Berwick after Minor Victim-1 reported him on Snapchat after he threatened to send compromising photos of her to her family and officials at her high school. After searching Berwick’s electronic devices, law enforcement uncovered, among other things at least 1,000 images of child pornography, including prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler, and images portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct.
The production of child pornography charges each carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum term of 30 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The possession of child pornography charge carries a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment, which is increased from a maximum of 10 years because at least one image associated with the offense includes a prepubescent minor, and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Offense, under the direction of Prosecutor Linda Estremera, and the Old Bridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Thomas J. Montagna, for their assistance in the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Robert C. Scrivo, Esq., Mandelbaum Barrett PC
berwick.complaint.pdfMexican citizen sent to federal prison for importing $1.4M worth of cocaineRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 24-year-old foreign national with a B1/B2 visa has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Roberto Ferral-Sanchez pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Ferral-Sanchez to serve 48 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard that Ferral-Sanchez was not a lower-level participant in the organization given the amount of narcotics involved. In handing down the sentence, the court noted bringing narcotics across an international border is a critical and risky drug trafficking function.
On Sept. 14, 2025, Ferral-Sanchez approached primary lane at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. Authorities referred him to for further inspection where an X-ray of the Chevrolet Cruze he was driving revealed anomalies along the rocker panels on both sides of the vehicle.
Law enforcement removed the back paneling and discovered two hidden aftermarket compartments containing approximately 16 sealed and marked bundles.
The packages tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 18.7 kilograms and have an estimated street value of approximately $1.4 million.
Ferral-Sanchez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Sentenced for Attempting to Receive Child Pornography and Unlawfully Being in the United StatesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Mexican national living in Oklahoma City was sentenced today after being arrested in Owasso for attempting to meet a minor child for sex, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge William P. Johnson sentenced Jose Luis Granados Baltazar, 33, for Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography and Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Granados Baltazar was ordered to serve 60 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release. Upon his release, Granados Baltazar is expected to face removal proceedings.
In May 2025, Granados Baltazar began Facebook messaging with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old. For several days, Granados Baltazar was communicating with an undercover police officer. Granados Baltazar discussed sexual topics, sent the purported minor child a photograph of his penis, requested a sexually explicit photograph, and wanted to meet for sex. When Granados Baltazar arrived at the agreed-upon location in Owasso, he was detained. While booking Granados Baltazar into jail, law enforcement determined that he had been previously removed from the United States in 2022.
Granados Baltazar will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Owasso Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel 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.
Mexican National Extradited from Canada Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican National pleaded guilty today for conspiring to distribute and distributing narcotics in and around Portland after being extradited from Canada.
Fernando Adolip Cruz-Lerma, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances.
According to court documents, in April and May 2019, Cruz-Lerma conspired with others to engage in drug trafficking. In April, Cruz-Lerma transported a victim from the state of Washington to Clackamas County due to a drug debt that the victim owed to members of the drug trafficking conspiracy. The victim was killed by members of the drug trafficking conspiracy in furtherance of the conspiracy. Cruz-Lerma assisted with leaving the victim’s body along a rural road in Clackamas County after the victim had been killed.
In May 2019, Cruz-Lerma distributed approximately two pounds of methamphetamine.
On June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a superseding indictment charging Cruz-Lerma with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances and to use a communication facility and distribution of methamphetamine.
Cruz-Lerma faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on July 8, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Cruz-Lerma has agreed to pay restitution in full. Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal has previously been sentenced as part of this investigation.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Portland Police Bureau, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Canadian authorities to secure the arrest and July 2024 extradition of Cruz-Lerma from Canada.
CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
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.
Mexican Illegal Alien Sentenced to Time Served for Re-Entry of Removed Alien and Illegal Use of a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIEL ALDAIR QUEZADA-QUEZADA, a/k/a “Cristobal Flores,” age 29, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on April 1, 2026, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), and illegal use of a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. QUEZADA-QUEZADA was sentenced time to served, and a $200.00 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. QUEZADA-QUEZADA has been detained in federal prison since February 19, 2025.
According to court documents, QUEZADA-QUEZADA, reentered the United States after being previously deported on June 9, 2020. QUEZADA-QUEZADA is a native and citizen of Mexico who has no claim of United States citizenship nor lawful immigration status. On December 25, 2024, QUEZADA-QUEZADA was arrested and charged by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in a Motor Vehicle, and a Driver Must Be Licensed Violation in Terrebonne Parish, LA. On December 27, 2024, federal officers visited Gulf South Services, Inc. in Gray, LA, where QUEZADA-QUEZADA claimed employment. QUEZADA-QUEZADA had provided the company with a South Carolina State Identification Card and Social Security Card under the name “Cristobal Flores.” On that same day, QUEZADA-QUEZADA executed pre-employment forms with Gulf South Services, Inc. stating he was a U.S. citizen and authorized to work under the Social Security Number he provided earlier. On January 8, 2025, the federal officer began to investigate the true identity of Cristobal Flores and the Social Security Number used by QUEZADA-QUEZADA. On January 10, 2025, federal officers determined that the Social Security Number was legitimately issued to a U.S. citizen, not QUEZADA-QUEZADA.
U.S. David I. Courcelle praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Louisiana State Police and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).