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13 November 2025
Warwick, ND, Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
FARGO – On October 7, 2025, Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, sentenced Jordain Jaden Smith, age 26 of Warwick, ND, to 20 years in prison for Sexual Abuse of an Incapacitated Victim and Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Smith is also known by the following aliases: Jordain Jaden Smith, Jourdian Smith, Jordain Thompson, and Jordan Thompson.
Smith’s prison sentence will be followed by 25 years of supervised release following his prison sentence which will include many conditions. As part of the plea agreement in this case, Smith was also advised of the requirement that he must comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
In 2023, Smith was charged by Indictment with five counts alleging Smith sexually abused two minor females and possessed materials involving the sexual exploitation of one of the minors. Smith pled guilty to two of the charged offenses involving two minor females. The sexual abuse alleged in the Indictment occurred within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and reaffirms our office’s commitment to protecting children,” said United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase. “We will continue to pursue justice for victims of exploitation and hold offenders fully accountable.”
"Today's sentence of is one more step forward in the pursuit of justice for the two minor females who were viciously abused by Jordain Jaden Smith," said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. "Those who sexually exploit children will meet the full force of the law. The FBI has no higher calling than to protect innocent children from sexual predators like Smith. We are proud of our work with our Federal, State and Local partners on this investigation."
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), helps federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from: Grand Forks Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Lori H. Conroy assigned.
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Warwick Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Enticement of a Minor and ObscenityRead the Press Release
A Warwick man who used multiple online accounts to communicate with underage girls, including an 11-year-old in New Jersey, was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and for transmitting obscene material to a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Jeffrey Locke Slinn, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 15 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Slinn pleaded guilty on October 30, 2023, to attempted enticement of a minor and transfer of obscene material to a minor.
According to court documents, in July 2023, Slinn engaged in a series of sexually explicit online communications with an 11-year-old girl in New Jersey, attempting to entice her to engage in sexual conduct and exchanged sexually explicit images and videos with her.
Slinn was arrested on October 26, 2023, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor and transfer of obscene material to a minor.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, the Ocean Township, New Jersey, Police Department, and the Warwick, Rhode Island, Police Department.
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Ukranian National Sentenced to 7 Months for Human Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Taras Kosmirak, age 35, was sentenced on October 9, 2025, for Transportation of an Individual to Engage in Prostitution.
According to court documents, a Soviet-born Russian citizen provided law enforcement with information that she was aware of an individual who manages a human trafficking organization in Brooklyn, New York. During her work with law enforcement, the Russian citizen began communicating with this person to see if they would employ her to work as a sex worker for her. The individual in New York agreed that the Russian could come work for her as a commercial sex worker. The individual in New York arranged for Kosmirak to come and pick up the Russian citizen and bring her to New York. The Russian citizen then began communicating directly with Kosmirak. He explained travel information and coordinated a pick-up location. On March 14, 2025, Kosmirak arrived at the pick-up location in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Law enforcement officers apprehended Kosmirak at the pick-up location.
Kosmirak has been in custody since March 14, 2025. Judge Moorer imposed a time-served sentence. Kosmirak will be placed on a 5-year term of supervised release after incarceration, will be required to register as a sex offender, and will be referred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations, Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources
Ukrainian Pleads Guilty in DC in Laptop Farm Scheme That Generated Income for North Korean IT WorkersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Oleksandr Didenko, 28, of Kyiv, Ukraine, pleaded guilty November 10 in U.S. District Court in connection with a years-long scheme that stole the identities of U.S. citizens and sold them to North Korean IT workers so they could fraudulently gain employment at 40 U.S. companies, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Didenko, aka “Alexander Didenko,” pleaded guilty before Judge Randolph D. Moss to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Didenko agreed to forfeit more than $1.4 million, which includes approximately $181,438 in USD and cryptocurrency seized from Didenko and his co-conspirators.
Judge Moss scheduled sentencing for Feb. 19, 2026.
According to court documents, Didenko ran a website using a U.S.-based domain, "Upworksell.com," designed to help overseas IT workers buy or rent stolen or borrowed identities. Beginning in 2021, the IT workers used the identities to get hired on online freelance work platforms based in California and Pennsylvania. The work platforms allowed users to advertise themselves as contract gig workers, create free accounts, advertise their skills, and bid on IT work contracts.
Didenko paid individuals in the United States to receive and host computers at residences in Virginia, Tennessee, and Califomia.
In September-October, 2023, one of Didenko’s customers was unhappy with the services provided by his laptop farm in Virginia. The customer directed Didenko to send the computer to a laptop farm operated in Arizona by Christina Chapman. Chapman was sentenced on July 24, 2025, to 102 months of imprisonment for her involvement in a similar scheme involving IT workers from North Korea.
Through his company Didenko managed as many as 871 proxy identities and facilitated the operation of at least three U.S.-based “laptop farms.” He enabled his overseas clients to access the U.S. financial system through Money Service Transmitters rather than having to physically open an account at a bank within the United States, which was then used to facilitate the transfer of employment income to foreign bank accounts.
The IT worker clients were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their work, much of which was falsely reported to DHS, the IRS and Social Security Administration in the names of actual U.S. persons whose identities had been stolen.
On May 16, 2024, the Justice Department seized the online domain, Upworksell.com, and diverted all traffic to the FBI. Polish authorities arrested Didenko and on Dec. 31, 2024, extradited him to the United States.
This case was investigated by the FBI New York Field Office, with assistance from the FBI Norfolk, San Diego, and Knoxville Field Offices..
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert and Steven Wasserman for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of California, Eastern District of Tennessee, and Eastern District of Virginia, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Trial Attorney Jacques-Singer Emory of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section provided valuable assistance.
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Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming Announces Rescission of Marijuana Charging GuidanceRead the Press Release
CHEYENNE, WY – On September 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice rescinded previous guidance concerning the prosecution of simple marijuana possession. U.S. Attorney Smith promptly notified federal law enforcement agencies that marijuana offenses occurring on federal land, such as national parks, will now be rigorously prosecuted.
This comes after President Biden pardoned certain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents for offenses related to simple possession, attempted possession, or use of marijuana and directed U.S. Attorney’s not to prosecute those offenses. This significantly curtailed federal prosecutions of misdemeanor marijuana offenses.
U.S. Attorney Smith stated, “Marijuana possession remains a federal crime in the United States, irrespective of varying state laws. The detrimental effects of drugs on our society are undeniable, and I am committed to using every prosecutorial tool available to hold offenders accountable.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law, including the enforcement of federal statutes prohibiting the possession of marijuana and other controlled substances.
U.S. Attorney's Office Highlights Federal Prosecutions During Lapse in AppropriationsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson today released a summary of notable prosecutions and enforcement actions pursued during the recent lapse in federal appropriations. During that time, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continued uninterrupted its core mission to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and ensure justice for the people of the Western North Carolina.
“Our work never stops,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “During the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the majority of the Office’s prosecutors and staff continued to perform their duties without pay and despite personal challenges. The safety of our communities and our mission to uphold justice were never compromised, which speaks to the dedication of the public servants working at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Below are select cases federal prosecutors handled during the lapse in appropriations, where defendants were charged, pleaded guilty, or were sentenced to prison. This work was carried out under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Office also remained focused on protecting vulnerable populations and safeguarding public dollars that fund federal programs and institutions.
The following cases reflect the Office’s continued focus on its mission during the shutdown:
U.S. v. Decarlos Brown: A federal grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment, charging Decarlos Dejuan Brown, Jr., 34, with committing an act of violence causing death on a railroad carrier and mass transportation system, for the fatal attack of Iryna Zarutska on the city’s light rail system.
U.S. v. Kelvin Simmons: Kelvin Wayne Simmons, 49, is charged with first-degree murder of an officer for killing Cherokee County Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes II. A grand jury sitting in Asheville returned the indictment on October 7, 2025, also charging Simmons with attempted carjacking resulting in death; escape; attempted carjacking; carjacking; use of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence; assaulting, resisting and impeding an officer; and possession of a firearm by a felon.
U.S. v. Derick Cucumber: A federal grand jury in Asheville indicted Derrick Alan Cucumber, 45, of Cherokee, N.C., charging first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for killing Mario Sanchez Nino.
U.S. v. Wyatt Salus: Wyatt Austin Salus, 26, of Cullowee, N.C., pleaded guilty to making interstate threats to kill and injure United States Senator Thom Tillis. Sauls called Senator Tillis’s office and left a message threatening to injure and kill Senator Tillis. Salus said in his message that Senator Tillis “should not feel safe in North Carolina,” adding, “I will kill you if I see you.”
U.S. v. Vance Lewis: Vance Deangelo Lewis, 33, of Charlotte, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a felon. It is alleged that on or about October 2, 2025, Lewis knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute nearly half a kilogram of fentanyl and half a kilogram of methamphetamine. The indictment also contains a forfeiture notice that gives notice the defendant must forfeit to the United States 14 firearms and ammunition recovered during the investigation.
U.S. v. Eunorio Cortez-Cortez: Eunorio Cortez Cortez, 52, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 64 months in prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien and violating the terms of his federal supervised release. At the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge granted the government’s motion for an increased sentence based on Cortez’s extensive criminal history, including a conviction for Indecency with a Child by Exposure and multiple convictions for Assault Causing Bodily Injury to Family Member.
U.S. v. Madison Winslow: Madison Dare Winslow, 26, of Lincolnton, N.C., was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for selling fentanyl that caused a teenage victim to fatally overdose. Winslow, who was trafficking fentanyl in and around Catawba County, sold fentanyl-laced pills to a 17-year-old victim that were pressed to appear as prescription pills containing oxycodone hydrochloride. Later the minor ingested one or more of the pills causing the victim to fatally overdose.
U.S. v. Xana Dove: On October 8, 2025, Xana Dayanae Dove, a 28-year-old former Gastonia police officer pleaded guilty to straw purchasing a firearm. According to filed plea documents and the court hearing, on May 25, 2023, Dove purchased a Springfield Hellcat Pro, 9mm pistol from a licensed firearms dealer located in Belmont, North Carolina. In completing the purchase, Dove made a false and fictitious written statement when she falsely stated on ATF’s Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 that she was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm when the defendant knew this statement was false and fictitious.
U.S. v. Marian Dumitru, et al.: Two Romanian nationals residing unlawfully in the United States are facing federal charges for a multistate fraud scheme involving over $760,000 in stolen SNAP benefits funds. Marian Ovidiu Dumitru, 38, and Catalin Dumitru, 36, are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States; possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices; illegal possession of device-making equipment; two counts of wire fraud; and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
U.S. v. Shubh Patel: On October 22, 2025, a federal grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment charging Shubh Ketankumar Patel, 23, an Indian citizen residing in Waxhaw, N.C., with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and false impersonation of an employee or officer of the United States, for his role in a scheme to steal millions from elderly victims, by posing as a federal law enforcement officer.
U.S. v. Jason Speier: Jason Nathaniel Speier, 42, of Arden, N.C., pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025, to wire fraud for a scheme to defraud customers who purchased log cabin kits. Speier admitted to receiving more than $2.5 million in customer payments and defrauding at least 24 customers located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
U.S. v. Shabazz McCarthan: On October 6, 2025, Shabazz Emmanuel McCarthan, 38, of Indian Trail, N.C., was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for committing fraud using the stolen identities of military service members, some of whom were deployed overseas. In addition to the prison term imposed, McCarthan was ordered to pay $175,544.45 in restitution to the victims.
“Our message is simple,” U.S. Attorney Ferguson added. “Those who threaten public safety, pollute our neighborhoods with deadly drugs, exploit the vulnerable, or steal taxpayer dollars will face the consequences. No matter the circumstances, we will always work hard to protect the people of Western North Carolina.”
For additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office and to view additional details for each case please visit our website.
U.S. Attorney highlights essential public safety work continued during shutdownRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced today numerous arrests, indictments, guilty pleas and sentencings that occurred during the recent 43-day lapse in government appropriations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remained active during the shutdown, completing excepted duties related to national security, violations of federal law and essential public safety functions.
“The arrests and case proceedings detailed below provide just a small snapshot of the work continued by this office during the lapse in federal funding. The Southern District of Ohio is comprised of committed public servants dedicated to our office’s essential function of protecting public safety at all times. Our staff came to work each day and continued the mission of pursuing justice,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II.
- On Oct. 2, three defendants from Colorado and Oregon were indicted by a federal grand jury in Columbus for allegedly operating an online drug trafficking business that shipped methamphetamine, cocaine, and a host of other controlled substances to buyers around the country. Jesse Wasson, 27, of Parker, Colorado, Amandra Heffelfinger, 40, and Jennifer Blake, 39, both of Lebanon, Oregon, were arrested on Oct. 6.
- In Dayton, on Oct. 2, the former commander of a local AMVETS Post pleaded guilty to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Danny Dale Gordon, 49, of Kettering, defrauded AMVETS Post #24 in Dayton of approximately $622,000. He used the money at various local gambling casinos, for travel and hotel expenses, and frequenting a Dayton-area “gentlemen’s club.” He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and will be sentenced at a future date.
- Drey E. Lewis, 30, and Tyler J. Watkins, 35, of Middletown, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for narcotics and money laundering crimes. Lewis, an inmate, coordinated drug activity from federal prison, including with a Mexican source of supply, and Watkins handled the drugs and money outside of prison.
- On Oct. 6, Timothy Farr, 43, of Dayton, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to armed robbery. Farr was indicted in January 2025 and charged with 12 armed robberies throughout southwest Ohio in December 2024. His plea agreement recommends a sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison.
- In Cincinnati, on Oct. 7, Darias Jackson, 35, of Cheviot, was sentenced in federal court to more than 13 years in prison. Jackson was a convicted felon and on supervised release for a federal drug-trafficking crime when he tried to murder his friend. Jackson shot the victim multiple times before leaving him in an apartment complex parking lot. Jackson tried to bribe the friend with $15,000 to recant his report to law enforcement that Jackson had shot him. The defendant obstructed justice and attempted to tamper with multiple witnesses.
- Eric L. Bell, 36, of Columbus, is a convicted felon who was on community control when he engaged in methamphetamine trafficking. He was sentenced in federal court in Columbus on Oct. 7 to more than 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Myron Nichols, 29, of Mt. Healthy, pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati to fentanyl and firearms crimes. When stopped by Cincinnati police in November 2024 for multiple traffic violations, Nichols fled in the stolen vehicle he was driving and later fled on foot. Officers located fentanyl and a pistol in the vehicle.
- On Oct. 8, William Kisor, 57, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in federal court in Columbus to attempted coercion and enticement. Kisor had served more than 11 years in federal prison for child pornography crimes. After being released from prison, Kisor contacted the same online undercover agent with whom he communicated prior to his 2012 conviction, never realizing that the person was an agent of law enforcement. The undercover agent used the persona of an adult mother with minor daughters. The defendant contacted the agent in hopes of beginning an incestuous relationship with the “mother” and “daughters.”
- In federal court in Columbus on Oct. 8, a Morrow County man pleaded guilty to two armed bank robberies. James T. Scurlock, 45, of Cardington, admitted to robbing the same bank, Huntington Bank on Gemini Place, on two different occasions in March and May 2025. His plea agreement includes a sentence recommendation of 144 to 171 months in prison.
- Anicleto Olvera-Sanchez, 35, of Columbus, was the target of a drug trafficking investigation. When law enforcement officers searched his residence, they recovered fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. A search of Olvera-Sanchez’s cell phone revealed evidence that he paid a teenage girl to create and send him sexually explicit videos and images. On Oct. 8, he pleaded guilty in federal court in Columbus to sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. His plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of 188 to 206 months in prison.
- Ronald Allen Meadows, 54, of Chillicothe, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Columbus on Oct. 8 to 10 years in prison for drug and firearms crimes. Meadows was convicted in this district in 2017 for drug and firearm offenses and was on supervised release during the commission of his latest crimes.
- Federal agents arrested Rooble D. Adan, 31, of Minneapolis, on Oct. 10, on charges alleging he robbed a bank in Columbus on Oct. 8. According to the charging documents, at approximately 9am, Adan entered the Chase Bank on Cleveland Avenue and handed a financial advisor a note claiming Adan had placed bombs on himself and on the building. The note also indicated a link to foreign terrorists. Adan allegedly smacked a female teller in the face and took nearly $3,000 in cash from tellers’ drawers before fleeing the bank. Adan was arrested by Columbus police officers shortly after leaving the bank.
- On Oct. 20, Dwayne K. Funderburke, 41, of Columbus, appeared in federal court in Cincinnati on charges alleging he caused damage to federal property by breaking into the U.S. Courthouse in Columbus. Funderburke allegedly crashed his car into the pop-up vehicle barriers outside the Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse on Marconi Blvd. on Sept. 22. After crashing, Funderburke allegedly broke into the courthouse garage, picked up a trash can and used it to smash a glass door leading into the courthouse. Officers located him in a lower garage stairwell and took him into local custody.
- Shaheed Russell, 29, of Columbus, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Columbus on Oct. 21. Surveillance video shows Russell allegedly fleeing the scene of a homicide near North High Street and East 4th Avenue. Russell is currently on supervised release following a conviction in the Southern District of Ohio for a federal firearm offense. He was charged on Oct. 21 with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and, if convicted, faces up to 15 years in prison.
- An indictment was filed in Cincinnati on Oct. 22 charging two defendants in a violent carjacking. Trevor J. Lancaster, 20, of Covington, Kentucky, and Deondre A. Burgin, 21, of Cincinnati, allegedly aided and abetted each other in the theft of a Mercedes-Benz in June 2025. The defendants allegedly used force, violence and intimidation – including the use of a firearm – resulting in serious bodily injury.
- In Cincinnati, on Oct. 22, a local man admitted to committing federal crimes when he defrauded victims out of more than $6.5 million through an online laundry and dry-cleaning pickup and delivery business. Benjamin Cantey, 41, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud. Cantey lied about his business experience and prior business success to recruit and defraud investors. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris announced this guilty plea.
- On Oct. 30, Ramiro Mendoza, 29, of Santa Maria, California, pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that involved more than 300 pounds of methamphetamine. In January 2025, Mendoza drove a box truck to pick up six pallets of narcotics that had been shipped to Middletown as purported paver stones imported from Mexico. Mendoza faces at least 10 years in prison.
- Four co-defendants pleaded guilty throughout the month of October to crimes committed as part of a multi-state narcotics conspiracy involving nearly $25 million in laundered drug proceeds. Charles Wooden, 47, of Pickerington; Courtney Musick, 38, of Pickerington; Alexis Ortega, 32, of Columbus; and Gregory Fountain, 30, of Columbus and Chicago, pleaded guilty to participating in fentanyl and cocaine trafficking conspiracies and money laundering. The narcotics conspiracy in this case is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Money laundering carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
- On Oct. 31, Ciriaco Garcia-Yerena, 46, an illegal alien from Mexico, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Columbus to illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony. Garcia-Yerena has a prior drug trafficking conviction in the Southern District of Ohio.
- Hussein Mohamed, 27, of Dublin, Ohio, was sentenced on Nov. 3 to more than 10 years in prison for committing three bank robberies in Columbus. During the third robbery, Mohamed possessed a firearm.
- On Nov. 4, Wilbert Romero-Natera, 25, of Columbus, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for committing a string of armed robberies of hotels in 2021. The defendant committed four robberies in Grove City, Columbus and Hebron, and brandished a firearm during three of those robberies.
- Also in Columbus, on Nov. 4, Mexican national Jose Adin Benjume-Gutierrez, 45, pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States and to distributing cocaine. Benjume-Gutierrez was arrested after fleeing from immigration officers. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the federal drug crime and up to two years in prison for the immigration offense.
- On Nov. 6, Jermaine Dorsey, 25, of Hamilton, was sentenced in federal court in Cincinnati to 96 months in prison for conspiring to and attempting to traffic firearms and illegally possessing machine guns. In a two-week timeframe in November 2024, Dorsey sold 15 firearms, two machinegun conversion devices and more than 150 rounds of ammunition.
- Eric Campbell, 48, of Groveport, was sentenced on Nov. 6 in Columbus to 15 years in prison for child pornography crimes. Campbell was on supervised release in this district for a prior conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor when he committed new offenses, namely, receiving and possessing child pornography.
- On Nov. 6, former Kroger head replenishment buyer, Mark Disbennett, 40, of West Chester, pleaded guilty to charges related to a kickback scheme that caused consumers to pay higher prices for produce. Disbennett disclosed to co-conspirator produce vendors Chris Farley, 66, of Happy Valley Oregon, and Craig Sono, 68, of Portland, Oregon, the highest price Kroger was willing to pay for certain produce. During the height of the pandemic, Disbennett received more than $147,000 from the co-conspirators.
- Katrina D. Favret, of Tennessee, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Columbus on Nov. 7 to her involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
- On Nov. 10, federal agents arrested a Dayton man on federal charges alleging he participated in a shootout on the University of Dayton campus on Nov. 1. Dylan Hiner, 19 is charged with illegally receiving a firearm while under indictment of another felony crime.
- Myron Billups, 46, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in federal court on Nov. 12 to 126 months in prison for possessing 26 pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers observed Billups receive a plastic storage bin and place it in the trunk of a car. Billups was stopped for a traffic violation and a K9 alerted to the vehicle, leading officers to discover approximately 26 pounds of methamphetamine in the storage bin.
- On Nov. 12, a criminal complaint was unsealed in Columbus that charges Hector Velandia-Anaya, 18, with forcibly assaulting federal officers and resisting arrest. The Venezualan national allegedly attempted to flee from immigration officials, dragging two officers with his vehicle while he began to drive away, before stopping.
Indictments and criminal complaints merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Receives Key to the City of Miami from Mayor Francis SuarezRead the Press Release
MIAMI – At the City of Miami Commission meeting on October 23, 2025, Mayor Francis Suarez presented U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones with the Key to the City of Miami in recognition of his deep hometown roots and more than 22 years of service to the community and nation.
A proud Miami native and the son of a Cuban political refugee, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones has devoted his career to protecting and serving the people of South Florida, as a national security official, prosecutor, military officer, trial judge, and now as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Florida. Mayor Suarez commended him for his steadfast dedication to justice and for leading one of the nation’s busiest and most impactful U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
“This is an incredible honor from our incredible city, and I’m proud to serve the people who make Miami safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “The safety of our community is a shared responsibility between state, local, and federal partners. Mayor Suarez’s leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety have made our city stronger, and I’m deeply grateful to accept this recognition on behalf of all who dedicate their lives to serving our community.”
Mayor Suarez praised Reding Quiñones for his long record of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to safeguarding Miami’s residents. He highlighted the partnership between the City of Miami and federal law enforcement in addressing violent crime, public corruption, and emerging public safety challenges.
The Key to the City of Miami is among the city’s most distinguished honors, tracing its roots to the medieval tradition of granting trusted individuals freedom to enter the city’s gates. Today, it symbolizes the highest civic gratitude, bestowed on those who, through leadership, sacrifice, and public service, have earned the confidence and respect of the community. Recipients are recognized not only for their professional accomplishments, but for their lasting impact on the city’s safety, integrity, and spirit.
As United States Attorney, Reding Quiñones leads one of the largest and most complex federal districts in the nation, overseeing offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Fort Pierce. Before his presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, he served as a state court trial judge presiding over civil and criminal domestic violence cases in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.
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U.s. Attorney Heap Announces Forfeiture of over $1 Million in Cryptocurrency as a Result of a Fraud and Money Laundering InvestigationRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Margaret E. Heap, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, today announced that, through a civil asset forfeiture action, the government has seized and forfeited approximately $1,185,922.91 of cryptocurrency, which was recently liquidated into U.S. currency, as a result of a financial investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit and United States Secret Service (USSS).
“The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and United States Secret Service worked diligently to locate, seize, and forfeit these funds, and are now working to identify eligible victims who may be compensated with forfeited funds,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “This forfeiture is a testament to the drive and ingenuity of the investigative team, and the partnership between our office and the United States Secret Service.”
The case was opened following a report of a sophisticated fraud attempted against a real estate agent in Richmond Hill, Georgia, near Savannah. The Secret Service had previously spoken with realtors in the area about fraud targeting the real estate industry and received the report based on their outreach. The investigation exposed a global fraud and money laundering operation and resulted in the disruption of an international criminal organization.
“With the continued evolution of cryptocurrency fraud, our outreach efforts are crucial to preventing unsuspecting Americans from falling victim to these crimes,” said USSS Savannah Resident Office Agent in Charge James Reno. “It was through these outreach efforts that the fraud in this case was identified, and we remain committed to educating the public and working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice.”
As set forth in the civil complaint, in April 2023, a real estate agent and resident of Richmond Hill, Georgia, contacted the USSS Savannah Resident Office regarding communication with a person claiming to be a potential home buyer. The purported home buyer made out to have an extensive financial background with cryptocurrency. The real estate agent recognized the hallmarks of fraud and contacted the Secret Service. Using the information the fraudster gave to the real estate agent and the Internet Crime Complaint Center referenced below, the Secret Service identified another real estate agent in North Carolina who had more than $200,000 in cryptocurrency stolen by the same criminal organization. The North Carolina victim was persuaded to download a cryptocurrency application, which was a fake version of a real cryptocurrency exchange. The Secret Service traced the cryptocurrency transactions and identified a larger money laundering operation involving more than $100 million laundered over a short period, leading to the United States seizing over $1 million.
In 2024, the property was forfeited through a federal civil forfeiture case in Savannah. The Secret Service is continuing its investigation and is working to identify victims eligible for consideration for compensation with the forfeited funds.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center, is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Visit www.ic3.gov to report a crime, and for updated information and other cyber fraud schemes.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. The United States was represented by Senior Litigation Counsel J. Bishop Ravenel.
Civil Complaint Order of ForfeitureTwo vendors plead guilty to conspiring with former Facebook diversity program manager to defraud companyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Brice E. Anderson and Terrance Lockett have pleaded guilty to conspiring with Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity program manager at Facebook, to steal from the company. The defendants’ fraud schemes involved fraudulent vendors, fictitious invoices, and cash kickbacks.
“These defendants conspired with a DEI executive at Facebook to steal significant sums from the company, based on false claims that they had worked on various DEI projects,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Instead, the defendants did little to no work, paid kickbacks to the Facebook executive, and lined their pockets with stolen money. They are now being held accountable for their brazen fraud.”
“Furlow-Smiles created a complex web of lies, all for her personal gain. Anderson and Lockett joined in this fraud for their own excessive greed,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to root out financial fraud.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Barbara Furlow-Smiles served as Lead Strategist, Global Head of Employee Resource Groups and Diversity Engagement at Facebook, Inc., now known as Meta Platforms, Inc., doing business as Meta. From January 2017 to September 2021, she led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at Facebook and was responsible for developing and executing DEI initiatives, operations, and engagement programs. She later held a similar position at Nike, Inc. At both companies, Furlow-Smiles had access to corporate credit cards and was able to submit purchase requisitions and approve invoices for authorized vendors.
Furlow-Smiles used her positions at Facebook and Nike to cheat and defraud the companies. She caused the companies to pay friends, relatives, and others associates for goods and services that were never provided, and she then directed those individuals to kick back the fraudulent proceeds to her, often in cash. Anderson and Lockett were two of the individuals who conspired with her at Facebook.
Anderson owned a business called Titan Branding LLC. Using that business, he conspired with Furlow-Smiles to fraudulently obtain nearly $1.2 million from Facebook. First, Furlow-Smiles used her Facebook credit cards to pay Titan Branding for work that was never done. She then submitted fraudulent expense reports to Facebook to cover up the bogus charges. Second, Furlow-Smiles caused Facebook to approve Titan Branding as an authorized vendor. She then approved fraudulent and inflated invoices for fake work. Furlow-Smiles and Anderson fraudulently claimed that Titan Branding had provided media services related to a Juneteenth event, for example, and other DEI projects.
After Anderson received fraudulent payments from Facebook, he kicked back substantial sums to Furlow-Smiles. He paid the kickbacks in cash and through transfers to accounts held in the names of Furlow-Smiles’s husband and others. Anderson sometimes wrapped cash in other items, such as T-shirts or hats, which he sent by FedEx to Furlow-Smiles. When Furlow-Smiles was in Los Angeles, California, Anderson flew there with cash and drove with Furlow-Smiles to ATMs and banks to withdraw cash to pay her.
In a separate conspiracy, Lockett conspired with Furlow-Smiles to steal over $243,000 from Facebook. Lockett hosted a podcast called the “Officially Outed Podcast” and owned a business called Officially Outed Media. Using her Facebook credit cards, Furlow-Smiles paid Lockett for services that were not provided. She also caused Facebook to approve Officially Outed Media as an authorized vendor. Furlow-Smiles and Lockett fraudulently claimed that Officially Outed Media had provided marketing services related to a Global Pride Initiative project, for example, and other DEI events. Lockett paid kickbacks to Furlow-Smiles by returning a substantial portion of the fraudulent proceeds that he received from Facebook to her.
On November 13, 2025, Brice E. Anderson, 31, of Fairburn, Ga., pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud. Sentencing for Anderson is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg.
On November 5, 2025, Terrance Lockett, 52, of College Park, Ga., pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud. Sentencing for Lockett is scheduled for February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.
Barbara Furlow-Smiles, 40, of Marietta, Ga., previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She stole more than $5 million through her schemes. On May 13, 2024, Judge Grimberg sentenced her to five years, three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,981,783.58 to Facebook and $121,054.50 to Nike, for a total of $5,102,838.08.
These cases are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen H. McClain and Bernita B. Malloy are prosecuting the cases.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Two Mexican Nationals Unlawfully Residing in the United States Arrested Transporting 72 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— Two Mexican nationals illegally in the United States have been charged with trafficking 72 pounds of methamphetamine.
Alejandra Diaz-Alcantar, 45, and Juan Alberto Alvarado-Gonzalez, 41, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, an Oregon State Police K9 trooper stopped the white Chevrolet pickup on Interstate 5 in Lane County as part of an ongoing investigation. A search of the vehicle pursuant to a warrant revealed two duffel bags under the rear passenger seat. They contained 56 plastic bags and bindles of suspected methamphetamine, collectively weighing approximately 72 pounds.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Law enforcement (They wish to not be named specifically.)Two Men Charged with Firearm Possession in School ZoneRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two Las Cruces men have been charged with possession of a firearm in a school zone after being arrested with weapons near an elementary school.
According to court documents, on the night of September 6, 2025, Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) responded to reports of shots fired at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico. There, officers recovered numerous shell casings from the parking lot.
Shortly after the shooting, police received reports of two males walking through a neighborhood near Hermosa Heights Elementary School carrying firearms. An LCPD sergeant made contact with John Anthony Orta, 24, and Steven Mendoza, 21, directly across from the school. At the time, Orta had a handgun in his waistband and Mendoza was concealing a partially disassembled AR-15 style pistol in his pants. Both men were intoxicated and were initially arrested for Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon under state law.
During subsequent interviews, Orta admitted carrying the handgun for protection but denied involvement in the shooting. Mendoza acknowledged being at the park and later walking near Hermosa Heights Elementary School with the AR-15 style pistol.
Young Park displays posted signage indicating it is a Safe School Zone where firearms are prohibited. The shooting scene was approximately 540 feet from Lynn Middle School, and the arrest location was approximately 100 feet from Hermosa Heights Elementary School grounds. Ballistic analysis determined the shell casings recovered from Young Park did not match either firearm possessed by Orta or Mendoza.
Orta and Mendoza are charged with possession of a firearm in a school zone. If convicted of the current charges, each faces up to five years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting both cases.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Two Local Harvesters Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jacinto Luna (54, Immokalee) and Marcelino DeLeon (45, Felda) each to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, after they both pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and engaging in illegal monetary transactions in connection with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
In April 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provided relief to farmers and ranchers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court documents, in August and September 2020, DeLeon and Luna conspired with others to defraud CFAP by each submitting two different fraudulent CFAP applications on behalf of their harvesting companies. DeLeon and Luna’s applications misrepresented crop production, crop revenue, and ownership interests.
In total, DeLeon’s fraudulent representations in his CFAP applications caused the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to approve his applications and deposit $1,051,710.11 into a bank account controlled by him. Following the disbursement of the CFAP proceeds, DeLeon engaged in an illegal monetary transaction by using some of the fraudulent CFAP proceeds to purchase a vehicle. Prior to sentencing, DeLeon cooperated with the government and fully paid his restitution and forfeiture obligations totaling $2,103,420.22.
In total, Luna’s fraudulent representations on his CFAP applications caused the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to approve his applications and provide him a total of $994,216,96. Some of these funds were deposited into a bank account controlled by Luna. Following the disbursement of CFAP proceeds, Luna engaged in an illegal monetary transaction by using some of the fraudulent CFAP proceeds to purchase a vehicle. Prior to sentencing, Luna cooperated with the government and fully paid his restitution and forfeiture obligations totaling $1,988,433.92.
Anyone who suspects fraud or other wrongdoing related to the pandemic should report it to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline at www.pandemicoversight.gov/contact/about-hotline, by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Twice-Convicted North Carolina Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice 11-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Geoffrey Lee Dudding (39, Concord, NC) has pleaded guilty to using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Dudding faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2026. Dudding, a registered child sex offender who was previously convicted in North Carolina of indecent liberty with a minor (2007) and solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act (2024), was arrested by FBI agents in Concord, North Carolina on May 8, 2025.
According to court documents, on January 13, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation to identify adults seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted several short messages in a public chat room on a particular online social messaging platform (app). An individual using the app name “metalh34d321,” who was subsequently identified as Dudding, contacted the UC by private text message on the app and expressed sexual interest in the UC’s “daughter.” Dudding told the UC, “Let me know if ya ever down to let me do her.” Despite being advised several times that the “child” was 11 years old and lived in Florida, Dudding stated that he wanted to meet the “child” to “[h]ave a good time and sex.” Dudding described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child” and sent the UC an explicit video of himself to show to the “child.” Dudding and the UC also communicated by cellphone text messaging. They discussed plans for Dudding to travel to Jacksonville so that he could engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Dudding told the UC that he intended to book a hotel room in Jacksonville.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cabarrus County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Twenty-one alleged Arlington, TX street gang members charged with RICO conspiracy, murder, drug and gun crimesRead the Press Release
Twenty-one alleged violent members of a criminal street gang in Arlington, Texas have been federally charged with racketeering, murder and assault in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, and gun crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.
The defendants were charged by complaint on Tuesday, November 4. As of Friday, November 7, all were in custody, and 17 began initial appearances that day before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Texas. The rest had their initial appearances today.
Court documents reflect that the FBI and Arlington Police Department began investigating the Arlington-based criminal street gang known as “Kiccdoe” in April 2024 after a Kiccdoe gang member was shot and killed on the campus of an Arlington high school. The murder resulted in multiple alleged retaliation shootings between Kiccdoe and other Arlington gangs. According to court records, Kiccdoe members committed a lengthy pattern of murder, drive-by shootings, robberies, assaults, firearm offenses, and trafficking of fentanyl, marijuana, and other narcotics in Arlington and other North Texas cities. Over a three-year period from approximately early 2022 through this year, Kiccdoe members terrorized many parts of Arlington’s communities with these violent offenses and threats of violence.
Social media post of alleged Kiccdoe member Blake Scott with “600” gang clothing.
The Kiccdoe gang originated from the 600 block of East Arkansas Lane on the eastside of Arlington. To demonstrate their association with the gang, members used words such as “kiccdoe,” “KDN” (for “Kiccdoe Nation”), “6,” or “600” on public social media accounts. They also wore clothing bearing the same inscriptions and produced and distributed online songs and videos about their gang activities and crimes.As alleged in Tuesday’s complaint, violent acts that Kiccdoe members called “stripes” were required to join the gang, remain in good standing as a gang member, and maintain the gang’s violent reputation in the community. Specific crimes identified in the complaint in furtherance of racketeering include a murder, six attempted murders, nine robberies, numerous assaults with dangerous weapons, ongoing sales of fentanyl and marijuana, and continuing threats of violence, all undertaken to obtain and preserve the profits, power, and territory of Kiccdoe members while keeping victims in fear of the gang and its members.
Marijuana advertised for sale on social media by alleged gang member Kyron Oates. Photos of alleged gang member LaMarion Austin posted on social media with a gun, large quantities of marijuana, and cash.
Those charged in the complaint include:• Michael Mensah, 18, of Grand Prairie, Texas, charged with conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering (RICO conspiracy), assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Raphael Opare, 19, of Arlington, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Dillen Opare, 20, of Arlington, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Isaiah Wiley, 21, of Dallas, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
• Kyron Oates, 22, of Grand Prairie, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
• Vernell Woods, 19, of Arlington, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• DeMarco Westmoreland, 19, of Mansfield, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Cortez Atkinson, 18, of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Bradley McArthur, Jr., 21, of Fort Worth, Texas charged with RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• DaTraven Warren, 18, of Mansfield, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
• Sadedrick Wilson, 22, of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Joseph Hill, 18, of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Chauncey Ross, 22, of Arlington, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
• Marcus Shaw, 20, of Arlington, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• KeyShawn Burton, 20, of Arlington, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• LaMarion Austin, 21, of Dallas, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Blake Aaron Scott, 22, of Arlington, Texas, charged with RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Sir James Mack Williams, 21, of Arlington, Texas, charged with conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
• Jaylen Jeshawn Franklin, of Arlington, Texas, 22, charged with conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
• JaMarion Manogin, 20, of Forney, Texas, charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and discharge of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence in aid of racketeering.
• Jakayla Totten, 21, of DeSoto, Texas, charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.
“The outstanding, collaborative work of our law enforcement partners has made Arlington residents safer today, because 21 alleged violent gang members and associates have been arrested and taken off the streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal and local law enforcement agencies, will continue to pursue justice against brazen offenders, who organize and terrorize our communities with relentless acts of violence.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our state and local law enforcement partners on the Tarrant County Safe Streets Task Force to protect our communities. Alongside the Arlington Police Department, we made a significant impact on violent crime through the arrest of violent gang members and the seizure of firearms and drugs. These arrests demonstrate the importance of partnerships in combatting the violence that plagues our communities,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
“The members of this gang have been involved in numerous violent offenses in our community, including shootings, aggravated assaults, robberies, and more,” said Chief Al Jones of the Arlington Police Department. “By getting these individuals off our streets, we are making Arlington safer. I’m extremely proud of the outstanding investigative work that got us to this point. I’m also incredibly grateful to our federal partners for helping us combat violent crime in our city.”
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, the defendants face statutory maximum sentences ranging from ten years in federal prison up to life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and Arlington Police Department, with assistance in apprehending and arrests by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fort Worth Police Department, the Garland Police Department, the North Richland Hills Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, NORTEX Metro SWAT (comprised of Carrollton, Farmers Branch, and Coppell Police Departments), and the North Tarrant Regionals SWAT (comprised of Hurst, Euless, Bedford, and Grapevine Police Departments). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Beck.
This investigation 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 OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Transportation company agrees to settle allegations of impersonating military members to obtain Department of War moving businessRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Denali Group, Inc. (“Denali”) has agreed to pay $3.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false customer satisfaction surveys while posing as U.S. Department of War and Coast Guard personnel.
“Denali’s fake surveys gave them an unfair advantage over other contractors and shortchanged our military families moving through Scott Air Force Base,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Companies doing business with the federal government are expected to act with honesty and integrity, and we will use all our criminal and civil tools to protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Denali, an Alaskan-based transportation company, participated in the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3) as a transportation service provider. DP3 provides moving and storage services to Department of War (DoW), formerly the Department of Defense (DoD), and Coast Guard personnel, including coordinating the movement of service members’ personal property when they relocate. DP3 is administered by the United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
During the relevant period, transportation service providers competed for DP3 shipments, and the number of shipments awarded by the Government to each company depended heavily upon scores in customer satisfaction surveys. These surveys were to be completed by DoW and Coast Guard personnel, or members of their households, after their personal property items were shipped through DP3.
"This outcome demonstrates the steadfast collaboration and determination by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our investigative partners to ensure the integrity of the contracting process associated with the Defense Personal Property Program," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch, DCIS Southwest Field Office. "We remain committed to safeguarding those programs that contribute to elite military readiness, as well as the wellbeing of our warfighters and their families."
The United States alleges that, between January 2015 and March 2019, Denali employees submitted false customer satisfaction surveys to the Government with perfect scores for Denali. Evidence collected in the investigation showed that Denali employees called the customer survey line using call spoofing applications to mask their phone numbers and impersonated DoW or Coast Guard personnel during the surveys by disguising their voices, speaking with accents, or using voice changing technology through the spoofing applications.
“This settlement highlights the strong collaboration between Army CID and our law enforcement partners in protecting U.S. Army Soldiers and assets,” said Special Agent in Charge John McCabe, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Midcentral Field Office. “This outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to identifying those who defraud the U.S. Government.”
“Defrauding the Government through falsified surveys is an affront to America and Air Force families, directly undermining the very communities they inhabit,” said Special Agent William A. Rouse, Special Agent in Charge, Department of the Air Force (DAF), Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Procurement Fraud (PF) Detachment 4, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. “Justice has been served, and we extend our gratitude to the investigative team for their diligence.”
According to allegations, Denali submitted false surveys with perfect scores, even when service members were unsatisfied with the moving services. The United States claims that by submitting false customer satisfaction surveys to the Government and inflating its performance scores, Denali fraudulently induced the Government into awarding Denali more DP3 shipments than it otherwise would have received. USTRANSCOM administratively removed Denali from DP3 in 2022.
"Integrity is essential to the contracting process, and collaboration among investigative agencies plays a critical role in upholding it," said Jennifer Desautel, Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency. "When contractors falsify records, it not only undermines Americans' trust in their government but also highlights the need for accountability. DCAA auditors are proud to work alongside investigative partners to provide assurance throughout the contracting process."
The investigation was conducted by the DoD Office of Inspector General, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Barke.
To report fraud, waste, and abuse within the DoW, visit www.dodig.mil/hotline or call 1-800-424-9098.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Tohatchi Man Indicted on Federal Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Tohatchi man has been indicted on federal charges in connection with a violent assault.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2025, Jeremy Yazzie, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted the victim with a knife. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered serious bodily injury.
Yazzie is charged with assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Yazzie faces up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is 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.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Tiverton Man Sentenced for Enticing, Transporting a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Tiverton man was sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for enticing a 13-year-old girl to travel with him from her home in Pennsylvania to his family’s residence in Rhode Island, to engage in criminal sexual activity with her, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
William C. Stewart, 22, was sentenced on November 13, 2025 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $5,000 in restitution to his victim and her family. Stewart pleaded guilty on April 1, 2024 to enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2021, Stewart began communicating with a minor victim via Snapchat, quickly learning that she was 13 years old. During his ongoing communications, he persuaded the young girl to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
Stewart admitted that in the middle of the night on June 30, 2021, he picked the girl up from outside her home and began to drive with her to his home in Tiverton, Rhode Island for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with her. Stewart drove with the girl through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. While enroute to Rhode Island, Stewart stayed at a hotel in New London, Connecticut, where he engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim and provided her drugs. After arriving in Rhode Island, Stewart continued to engage in sexual activity with the victim.
According to information presented to the court, upon arrival at his family’s Tiverton residence on July 4, 2021, Stewart introduced the minor victim to his family members, using a false name for her and falsely stating that she was 19 years old. On July 7, the young girl contacted a friend via Snapchat and asked for help, after which the Tiverton Police identified the minor victim’s location and responded to Stewart’s home.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys G. Michael Seaman and Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, Tiverton Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.
Three Illegal Aliens Are Sentenced for Trafficking Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three men who are in the United States illegally were sentenced to prison today for trafficking kilogram amounts of fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Javier Avila-Rivas, 24, Christian Josue Campos, 22, and Jefry Adalberto Martinez-Romero, 19, all of Honduras, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Today, Avila Rivas was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Campos was ordered to serve five years in prison and four years of supervised release. And Martinez was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, from August to September 2024, the defendants conspired to distribute kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in and around Charlotte. During the investigation, the defendants sold fentanyl to undercover law enforcement on numerous occasions. On September 5, 2024, after an undercover drug buy, law enforcement located Avila and Martinez in a vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle, seizing a total of more than 1.9 kilograms of fentanyl, including 786 grams of purple fentanyl still in partial brick form; a rifle; 15 rounds of ammunition; digital scales; and $1,172 of U.S. currency.
The three men are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Three Arrested and Charged in Kidnapping, Stabbing, and Robbery of Two Female Victims in SoutheastRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robynn Danielle Bynum, 18, of Fort Washington, Maryland, Cierra Charity Lee, 20, and Kayvon Edwards, 21, of the District of Columbia were arrested on Nov. 5, 2025, and charged today in a complaint in connection with the October 20, 2025, kidnappings, stabbings, and robbery of two female victims in Southeast, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Bynum, Lee, and Edwards are charged with federal counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping, and the trio are further charged with three District Code counts of kidnapping while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and armed robbery.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to the complaint, a United States Park Police officer responded on October 20 at about 11:45 p.m. for a report of a stabbing on the 3200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. The officer found two victims. One had been stabbed several times in her back. The second had knife wounds on her right wrist.
Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that the victims had been attacked earlier that night at a residence near Suitland Parkway & Stanton Road SE. The investigation further revealed that the victims went to the residence for a “babysitting job” when two individuals “jumped” them, stabbing them with a knife.
The victims were bound with duct tape and held in a bathroom. Eventually they were led to a car belonging to one of the victims and driven to another location where their assailants abandoned them. The victims were ultimately able to escape and seek help.
MPD officers later found the victim’s car parked on the 3200 block of M Street SE. The officers noted blood stains and pieces of duct tape on the back seat. They also noticed the car’s front passenger tire was flat.
Investigators learned that one of the victims had previously accused Edwards of a crime in another jurisdiction, and that Edwards had been due to appear in court on October 21 to face the charges. Law enforcement also learned that the victims were lured to Lee’s residence under the pretext of a “babysitting job.” It was in the residence that Bynum allegedly attacked the victims with a knife.
Edwards made several calls to Lee and Bynum to orchestrate the offenses while he was incarcerated and awaiting trial on the above-mentioned charge.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, Metropolitan Police Department, and U.S. Capitol Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter.
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Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Philip Taylor Sobash, 35, of Austin, Texas, has pled guilty to one charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, while also admitting to sexually exploiting six other minors.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is among the highest priorities of our office and the Department of Justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Holding Sobash accountable for all of his offenses against all his victims is vitally important to the safety of children in our community and across the country.”
According to court documents, between October 2018 and May 2019, Sobash, then a practicing physician, engaged in an online sexually explicit relationship with Minor Victim 1, who resided in the Middle District of Tennessee. This online relationship began after they connected on a dating website that facilitates “sugar daddy” relationships. After their communications moved to text message, Minor Victim 1 informed Sobash that she was 17 years old and sent him a photo of her driver’s license, which confirmed her age.
Sobash requested that Minor Victim 1 produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself and provided her thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to entice her to do so. Over the course of more than seven months, Minor Victim 1 sent hundreds of sexually explicit photos and videos to Sobash, most of which constituted child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
In addition to sexually exploiting Minor Victim 1, Sobash admitted to sexually exploiting six other minors, aged 16-17, between 2017 and 2020. At Sobash’s direction, Minor Victims 2 through 7 created CSAM and sent it to Sobash. Sobash distributed CSAM depicting Minor Victims 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, resulting in those victims’ images being sold online under their names.
Sobash faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced. He also is subject to forfeiture of property as alleged in the indictment.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison and Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Tewksbury Man Indicted for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury man has been arrested and charged on Oct. 7, 2025 with distribution, possession, and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) allegedly containing images of children between five and seven years old.
Brian McCarthy, 52, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 4, 2025 on one count of distribution of child pornography; one count of possession of child pornography; and one count of receipt of child pornography. McCarthy was arrested at home on Oct. 7, 2025 on a criminal complaint and was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging documents, on or about Oct. 6, 2025, McCarthy allegedly exchanged messages with another user on Telegram and knowingly distributed to that user 10 files appearing to depict CSAM. The children in at least two of these videos appeared to be between approximately five and seven years old. On Oct. 7, 2025, McCarthy was allegedly found to knowingly possess files appearing to depict child pornography.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime 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 Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by HSI Columbus, Massachusetts State Police and Tewksbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tennessee Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to Creation and Distribution of Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
A Tennessee woman pleaded guilty last week to crimes based on her involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Katrina Favret, of Greenville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to conspiring to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and to a second count addressing a specific video she solicited.
According to court documents, Favret conspired with others to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys. The conspirators used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to commit the requested acts of torture on camera.
According to a statement of facts signed by Favret, the videos included depictions of monkeys having their digits and limbs severed and monkeys being forcibly sodomized with a heated screwdriver.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Obmar Garcia-Galban (25, Tennessee) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 124 grams of fentanyl and approximately 2 kilograms of a substance containing MDMA and ketamine, also known as “Tusi,” as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The court also ordered Garcia-Galban to forfeit a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle, which was involved in the offense. Garcia-Galban pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025.
According to court documents, on December 19, 2024, Garcia-Galban possessed 124.6 grams of fentanyl, 1.99 kilograms of Tusi, and a firearm with the serial number removed in his vehicle. During an interview with law enforcement, Garcia-Galban stated that he planned to sell the fentanyl, Tusi, and firearm to an individual in Florida.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.
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.
NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Telemarketing Company Operators Sentenced for Roles in Genetic Testing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two men from Texas and Florida were sentenced today to four years and two years in prison, respectively, for their roles as leaders of a marketing company that solicited Medicare beneficiaries for medically unnecessary genetic testing. The Florida man received an additional two years in prison, to be served concurrently, for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation for a clinical laboratory.
According to court documents, Paul Wexler, 56, of Spring, Texas, and Paul Bleignier, 64, of Seminole, Florida, operated a telemarketing company that recruited Medicare beneficiaries for cancer genetic (CGx) testing that was medically unnecessary. CGx testing uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future. It is not a method of diagnosing whether an individual presently has cancer, and Medicare covers CGx testing in limited circumstances. Further, Wexler, Bleignier and their co-conspirators solicited and received kickbacks in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries for CGx testing that was not eligible for Medicare reimbursement. Through the scheme, Wexler and Bleignier caused Medicare to be billed $17.3 million, and they were paid $5.2 million.
While the criminal case for genetic testing fraud was pending, Bleignier opened a clinical laboratory and enrolled it in Medicare. Medicare requires a certification listing anyone with 5% or more ownership interest, but Bleignier used other people’s identities to disguise his involvement. The claims related to that laboratory were further tainted by kickbacks. Bleignier and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for $3,012,156 in claims that were ineligible for reimbursement, and they were paid $916,106.
In April 2024, Wexler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. In November 2022, Bleignier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks, and in November 2024, he pleaded guilty to making false statements related to health care matters. At sentencing the two were ordered to pay $1.2 million in forfeiture each and $5.2 million in restitution. Bleignier was ordered to pay an additional $916,106 in forfeiture for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Charles D. Strauss of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the 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 nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 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.
Telemarketing Company Operators Sentenced for Roles in Genetic Testing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Two men from Texas and Florida were sentenced today to four years and two years in prison, respectively, for their roles as leaders of a marketing company that solicited Medicare beneficiaries for medically unnecessary genetic testing. The Florida man received an additional two years in prison, to be served concurrently, for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation for a clinical laboratory.
According to court documents, Paul Wexler, 56, of Spring, Texas, and Paul Bleignier, 64, of Seminole, Florida, operated a telemarketing company that recruited Medicare beneficiaries for cancer genetic (CGx) testing that was medically unnecessary. CGx testing uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future. It is not a method of diagnosing whether an individual presently has cancer, and Medicare covers CGx testing in limited circumstances. Further, Wexler, Bleignier and their co-conspirators solicited and received kickbacks in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries for CGx testing that was not eligible for Medicare reimbursement. Through the scheme, Wexler and Bleignier caused Medicare to be billed $17.3 million, and they were paid $5.2 million.
While the criminal case for genetic testing fraud was pending, Bleignier opened a clinical laboratory and enrolled it in Medicare. Medicare requires a certification listing anyone with 5% or more ownership interest, but Bleignier used other people’s identities to disguise his involvement. The claims related to that laboratory were further tainted by kickbacks. Bleignier and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for $3,012,156 in claims that were ineligible for reimbursement, and they were paid $916,106.
In April 2024, Wexler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. In November 2022, Bleignier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks, and in November 2024, he pleaded guilty to making false statements related to health care matters. At sentencing the two were ordered to pay $1.2 million in forfeiture each and $5.2 million in restitution. Bleignier was ordered to pay an additional $916,106 in forfeiture for his role in falsifying the ownership information in Medicare enrollment documentation.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Charles D. Strauss of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the 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 nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 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.
Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty to Forcibly Impeding Federal Agent During Immigration ArrestRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Luz Mary Vasquez Cruz (45, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, or interfering with a federal officer engaged in official duties. Vasquez Cruz faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were conducting an immigration arrest of a Honduran national at a residence in Tampa when Vasquez Cruz and her co-defendant, Alfredo Javier Fuentes, exited the residence and placed themselves between agents and the subject of the arrest. Vasquez Cruz and Fuentes shoved an agent backwards, which allowed the subject of the arrest to flee into the residence and escape through a back window.
The case against Javier Fuentes is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Sudbury CPA Charged with and Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRS and Pandemic Relief FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a Sudbury accounting firm and a real estate company has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to paying an executive more than $1.6 million in compensation and fringe benefits under the table, and to making a fraudulent application for more than $179,000 in pandemic relief, through a multi-year scheme.
Charles D. Katz, 63, was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of loan fraud. The defendant pleaded guilty on Oct. 20, 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 2, 2026 before U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin.
According to the charging documents, Katz and an employee, who served as the Director of Corporate Services at Katz’s accounting firm and as Chief Operating Officer at Katz’s real estate firm, allegedly agreed that Katz would pay the employee off the books so that the employee would have tax-free income and so that Katz’s firms, CD Katz LLC and Gebsco Realty Corporation, would have lower employment taxes. Over time, Katz allegedly paid the employee’s family, provided rent-free housing to the employee’s ex-wife, paid college tuition for the employee’s children, and paid personal expenses that the employee and the employee’s ex-wife charged on corporate credit cards. All told, it is alleged that Katz paid the employee at least $1,668,487 in unreported income and avoided taxes of at least $835,105. It is also alleged that in 2020, Katz and the employee fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans for both of Katz’s firms and obtained $179,900 which Katz used in part to fund the under-the-table compensation he paid the employee.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of loan fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, restitution, and forfeiture. 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; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Story City Man Conspiring to Distribute Meth and Fentanyl Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
William Clark, Jr. 40, from Story City, Iowa was sentenced on October 7, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. Clark, Jr. was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl by pleading guilty on May 8, 2025.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2024 through April 27, 2024, Clark, Jr. and two others conspired to distribute at least ½ pound of methamphetamine and more than 1500 pills of fentanyl. On April 21, 2024, Clark, Jr., along with two others were headed to Colorado to pick up more methamphetamine. They attempted to elude law enforcement in a 30 minute, high speed vehicle chase during which they discarded 1500 fentanyl pills. Clark, Jr. also made “false” 911 calls to law enforcement to distract them, and avoid capture.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Clark, Jr. was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Clark, Jr. 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 the Ida and Sac County Sheriff’s Offices, the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Iowa DCI Laboratory
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4042. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Statement of United States Attorney Jay Clayton on the Convictions of Michael Castillero, Francine Lanaia, and Brian MartinsenRead the Press Release
“Our pre-IPO markets are important to investors, entrepreneurs, and our economy. Their integrity is critical to our continued leadership in technology, healthcare, energy, and other key industries. A unanimous jury has found that Michael Castillero, Francine Lanaia, and Brian Martinsen committed securities fraud, wire fraud, and investment adviser fraud through their firm, StraightPath Venture Partners. The defendants used high-pressure sales tactics, false and misleading disclosures, and hidden exorbitant fees to defraud retail investors seeking to invest in private companies that had not yet had initial public offerings. I commend the career prosecutors and law enforcement agents for their work to protect investors in this important marketplace. We and our law enforcement partners are focused on our pre-IPO markets and our listed small cap markets. Our message is clear: marketing and trading in less well-known securities does not give you a pass to commit fraud.”
Stabbing a Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the Face Gets Man Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced November 10 in Superior Court for an April 15, 2025, attack on a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Schleehauf was found guilty following a jury trial on July 31, 2025, in Superior Court, of assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury.
At the sentencing hearing on November 10, 2025, the Honorable Robert Salerno sentenced Schleehauf to serve 72 months in prison and to be placed on three years of supervised release.
At around 2:26 p.m., on April 15, 2025, at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf evade his fare by jumping over the glass gates on his way out of the Metro Transit System. The MTPD Sergeant followed the defendant as he tried to leave the station using the escalator. After Schleehauf refused to provide his identification and refused to stop, the MTPD Sergeant deployed OC spray. Schleehauf pulled out a sharpened metal bolt and stabbed the MTPD Sergeant in the face, causing puncture wounds in his cheek and lower jaw, which resulted in nerve damage.
Schleehauf was arrested at the scene and has been detained since his arrest.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro, Chief Anzallo and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metro Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department.
They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck, who prosecuted the case.
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
Springfield Man Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man has been arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Terrance Brown, 41, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Brown was arrested on Oct. 31, 2025, and following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield, was ordered detained.
It is alleged that on or about Jan. 19, 2025, Brown possessed a 9mm Ruger model LC9 semi-automatic pistol with a defaced serial number and nine rounds of ammunition despite having a number of prior felony convictions. According to court records, Brown has a 2010 conviction for manslaughter; 2002 conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon; 2002 conviction for distribution of cocaine; and a 2001 conviction for distribution of cocaine.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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 Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Dorchak of the Springfield Branch Unit is prosecuting the case.
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.
South Carolina Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A South Carolina man was sentenced on Nov. 3, 2025 in federal court in Boston for his role in a sex trafficking conspiracy.
Tyreik Reid, 21, of Beaufort County, S.C., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Angel Kelley to 70 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Reid was also ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution to his victim. In June 2025, Reid pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of an adult by force, threats of force, fraud and coercion. He was among six individuals charged in July 2024.
From in and around April 2023 until August 2023, Reid conspired with others to traffic a Massachusetts woman. Reid encouraged a co-defendant to advertise his victim and to have her “going all night.” When Reid’s co-defendant brought the victim to South Carolina where Reid was living, he took a more hands-on role. Specifically, he drove the victim to engage in commercial sex dates, timed her to make sure she did not go over the time limit, monitored sex buyers’ payments to the victim and made at least $7,000 from his role in the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Somerset Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to 248 Months in Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Justin Derby, 46, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced October 16, 2025, to more than 20 years in federal prison.
Derby pled guilty on May 22, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Derby was involved in a conspiracy that involved his distribution of more than 700 grams of methamphetamine from June 2022 through June 2024 in the Sioux City area. Derby was involved in an attempted eluding and flight from law enforcement on a motorcycle in June of 2024. Upon apprehension, law enforcement seized over 85 grams of pure methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm pistol, additional ammunition and a scale from Derby’s backpack. Derby admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with plans to distribute it to others and possessing the firearm for protection of himself and his drugs. Derby had previously been convicted of four other eluding law enforcement offenses.
Derby was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Derby was sentenced to 248 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Derby is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Algona Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-3033. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anthony Girard, 39, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty November 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to receiving child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Girard admitted that from September 2023 through January 13, 2025, he received and possessed child pornography. Girard admitted he used proactive file sharing services to exchange over 13,000 files of investigative interest over the course of two years. During the investigation, agents from around Iowa were able to connect Girard’s IP to thousands of files of child pornography in 2023 and 2024. Agents observed large gaps in the dates the IP address was active, and Girard admitted the gaps in his access of child pornography were due to swings in his sex life. Girard further admitted he deleted file sharing apps off his phone while driving home on January 13, 2025, as law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home. The materials associated with Girard’s file sharing included depictions of infants and toddlers as well as sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Girard remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Girard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4023. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Shiprock Woman Sentenced for Child AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman was sentenced to five years of probation after failing to seek medical care for her injured son.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, Avondale Johnson, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arrested after Navajo Nation Police responded to a concerned citizen's report that Johnson's minor son was living in a disabled car without heating or cooling and was left unattended for hours at a time. When officers arrived, they found the minor in the car wearing a soiled diaper and complaining of arm pain. Medical examination revealed the minor had a displaced spiral fracture in his upper arm that was approximately one week old. Johnson admitted she knew her son was injured but did not seek medical care. Johnson pled guilty to recklessly permitting the abandonment or abuse of a child, with no death or great bodily harm.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to five years of probation for slashing another man’s throat.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2022, Darron Smith, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was attending a small gathering at an apartment within the Navajo Nation reservation. Shortly after midnight, without warning or provocation, Smith removed a 7.5-inch blade from a knife block and sliced the throat of John Doe.
John Doe was rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized. He suffered a 5 ½ inch laceration on his neck which required 13 sutures.
Smith pled guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Smith will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Sentenced for 2018 DUI CrashRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 37 months in prison after a drunk driving crash critically injured his passenger.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on January 11, 2018, Philbert Wayne Mark, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving at high rates of speed while highly intoxicated when he failed to navigate a turn. The vehicle flipped and rolled for 174 feet, ejecting and critically injuring his passenger. At the hospital, Mark had a blood alcohol content of .396.
Mark pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Mark will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Two MenRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man admitted in court to stabbing two men after a day of heavy drinking on the Navajo Nation in 2022.
According to court documents, on Sunday, October 9, 2022, Harley Etcitty, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stabbed two people following a day of heavy drinking. Etcitty stabbed one victim in his back and chest; he stabbed the other victim (who was asleep at the time) in his head.
Etcitty pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. At sentencing, Etcitty faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Etcitty will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency pf the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting this case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Murder in Shiprock Home Break-inRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man admitted to breaking into a home and killing a man who tried to stop him from attacking another resident.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2025, Armondo Paul, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went to a home in Shiprock, New Mexico. He shut off the electricity to the home, then kicked open the back door and assaulted one of the occupants. When a second occupant, John Doe, attempted to intervene on behalf of the first occupant, Paul stabbed Doe in the neck with a kitchen knife Paul had brought from his own home. John Doe died at the scene from the injury Paul caused.
Paul pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. At sentencing, Paul faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Paul will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Feder-al Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon admitted to stealing and attempting to sell a loaded firearm.
According to court documents, on August 10, 2022, Crandall Craig Martin, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stole a loaded firearm with the intention of trading it for alcohol or money to buy alcohol. As both a previously convicted felon and person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Martin pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Martin faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martin will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Shiprock Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of MinorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been indicted on federal charges for sexually abusing a minor over a five-year period.
According to court documents, between December 2014 and December 2019, Brian Begay, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in or attempted to engage in sexual act with a minor.
Begay is charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces up no less than 30 years and up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is 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.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Sharon Drug Dealer Convicted at Trial of Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and DeathRead the Press Release
This release was posted following the 43-day government shutdown during which the trial and verdict occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After deliberating for approximately five hours, a federal jury on October 15, 2025, found Laven Davis guilty of fentanyl distribution resulting in serious bodily injury and death, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Davis, 33, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
The evidence presented during the six-day jury trial established that, on or about November 28, 2022, Davis distributed fentanyl which resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of a 43-year-old Hermitage, Pennsylvania, woman. At the time, Davis was on Pennsylvania state parole following his release from prison a few months earlier. Davis has prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, terroristic threats, and unlawful possession of a firearm, each of which occurred through separate state prosecutions during the past eight years.
Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2026.
Assistant United States Attorneys V. Joseph Sonson and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County District Attorney’s Office, Mercer County Coroner’s Office, Hermitage Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Davis.Shaktoolik man sentenced to 30 years for cyberstalking, sexually exploiting multiple victimsRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Shaktoolik man was sentenced last week to 30 years in prison followed by 30 years on supervised release for sexually exploiting three children to produce child pornography, and for cyberstalking the children and one adult victim.
According to court documents, between December 2021 and July 2023, Matthew Jackson, 23, engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse and exploitation with multiple female victims, three of whom were minors.
Jackson used a cell phone to send messages to the three minor victims asking them to create pictures and videos depicting sexually explicit conduct. Jackson used the threat of disclosing those images to coerce sexual contact with the minors. Jackson filmed the sexual encounters without consent and provided marijuana and alcohol in exchange for sex.
During the same period, Jackson employed the same or similar conduct with an adult victim. Jackson requested sexually explicit images, then engaged in a course of harassing conduct with the adult victim by threatening to disclose the images. Jackson stated he could make money from the images and threatened to sell them if the adult victim refused Jackson’s demand for sexual intercourse. Jackson successfully coerced the adult victim to engage in sexual intercourse without consent and laughed while his victim expressed suicidal ideation.
Arguments in court explained that Jackson used similar conduct to affect at least three additional adults.
“Jackson has a history of violent assaults and engaged in despicable conduct against multiple vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman. “His life of terrorizing Alaskans stops now. Thanks to the incredible strength of the victims and efforts by law enforcement, Jackson will spend the next three decades in prison followed by decades under Court supervision.”
"Through manipulation and coercion, Jackson callously terrorized and sexually exploited both minors and adults in Alaska,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Let this serve as a message to anyone who commits crimes against children in Alaska: the FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Sex Offender Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 1, 2025, David E. Dejanovich (age: 52) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 336 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court records, Dejanovich is a lifetime registrant on the Wisconsin Sexual Offender Registry based on prior convictions in Dodge County, specifically two convictions for second degree sexual assault of a child and also for first degree sexual assault of a child conviction. In addition, Dejanovich was previously convicted in federal court in 2015 for possession of child pornography, for which he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release. While serving that term of supervised release, Dejanovich again was found to be in possession of child pornography after downloading it from the internet.
At his sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach said his crime was very serious and there was a strong need for deterrence. The judge cited Dejanovich’s disturbing history of abusing children as a factor that contributed to the need for a significant punishment. Upon completion of his federal prison sentence, the defendant will spend the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will continue to have to register as a sex offender under state and federal law.
This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Green Bay Office of United States Probation and Parole. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
# # #For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years for Possession of Ai-Generated Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – James Eugene Dees, age 52, was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 20 years in prison for Possession of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders.
According to court documents, Dees had been convicted in Mobile County of a child pornography offense in 2022. As a result of that conviction, he was ordered to a term of probation and required to register as a sex offender. During the pendency of his probation, his probation officer became suspicious that Dees was violating the terms of his probation. A search warrant was executed, and Dees was found to be hiding in a home where he was prohibited from residing. He had in his possession a cell phone. The phone was searched and found to contain images of child pornography and images of computer-generated child pornography. Dees entered a guilty plea to the charges of Possession of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders on June 12, 2025.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose sentenced Dees to 20 years in prison. Once released, Dees will be placed on a supervised release for the rest of his life. Dees is prohibited from possessing internet capable devices. He is also ordered to have no contact with minors. Dees will be required to register as a sex offender. He was ordered to pay $200 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/.
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Sex Offender on Probation Is Sentenced to over 10 Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Luke Andrew Hemond, 64, of Hickory, N.C., to 121 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Judge Bell ordered Hemond to serve a lifetime under court supervision.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Hemond was on probation for a prior conviction of attempted sexual assault while armed in Arizona. On March 20, 2024, North Carolina probation officers and law enforcement conducted a search of Hemond’s residence to ensure compliance with his probation conditions and sex offender registry laws. During the search, law enforcement located an SD card in Hemond’s bedroom that contained images depicting the sexual assault of minors. After finding the SD card, court records show that law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant, seizing all electronic devices from the residence. A forensic review of the devices revealed that Hemond possessed thousands of images depicting children that were nude, children being sexually abused, and at least one image of child bondage.
On May 27, 2025, Hemond pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction’s Division of Community Supervision, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Hickory Police Department and the Long View Police Department Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Seven Charged in Scheme Involving the Cashing of More Than $3 Million in Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks at Hartford Post OfficeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 19-count indictment charging MICHAEL ATKINSON, 27, of East Hartford; ROLAND McTAGGART, 27, of Hartford; SHARIF DJIBO, 28, of East Hartford; ROMARIO ROSE, 31, of Newington; JASHAWN ATKINSON, 23, of Hartford; and ADRIAN OLIVERO, 53, of New Britain, with offenses related to the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a U.S. Post Office in Hartford. The indictment was returned on October 28, 2025, and Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, and RASHELLE SAILOR, 40, of Hartford, an alleged co-conspirator who is charged by federal criminal complaint, were arrested on November 6, 2025. Olivero is currently being sought by law enforcement.
The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office; Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Hartford Police Chief James Rovella.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, Olivero, and others obtained stolen U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at the Blue Hills Post Office on Woodland Street in Hartford, where Sailor was employed as a postal clerk. To ensure that there was sufficient cash available for a transaction, the co-conspirators often purchased postal money orders with cash prior to presenting the checks to Sailor who cashed them. Sailor also cashed stolen checks she had obtained herself. Between February and July 2025, the defendants cashed more than 1,300 stolen U.S. Treasury checks worth a total of more than $3.1 million. Of that total, Sailor was involved in the cashing of more than 1,200 checks worth more than $2.7 million.
“As alleged, these co-conspirators collectively stole more than $3 million from the government in a relatively short period of time,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan. “The fact that the scheme involved, and would not have been successful without, the participation of at least one corrupt government employee, is particularly disturbing. I thank our partner law enforcement agencies for shutting down this operation and bringing these individuals to justice. The investigation to determine those responsible for the theft of the U.S. Treasury Checks, and others involved in the scheme, is ongoing.”
“The Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) will vigorously investigate those who use their position to commit crimes against the American public and the Postal Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Modafferi of U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “The conduct alleged is disgraceful, and our office will continue to tirelessly investigate Postal Service employees and their co-conspirators who violate the public’s trust. This case serves as an excellent example of the successful collaboration between the USPS OIG, our law enforcement partners, and the District of Connecticut U.S Attorney’s Office to pursue and prosecute Postal Service employees involved in criminal activity.”
“Today’s announcement shines a harsh light on an alleged public corruption scheme in which a federal employee partnered with individuals to steal from the hardworking communities they were entrusted to serve,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The defendants are accused of exploiting government systems for their own greed, and robbing innocent Americans of money intended for them. Their alleged actions reflect an audacious disregard for the law and the communities they harmed. HSI New York will work tirelessly with our partners to dismantle these criminal networks and bring every perpetrator to justice.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain,” said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter. “TIGTA's mission is to protect the integrity of our nation’s tax administration system. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
“These defendants sought to enrich themselves through an elaborate scheme involving the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a Hartford Post Office,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “They then compounded their crimes by laundering some of the proceeds through the purchase of postal money orders. The Postal Inspection Service will not tolerate thieves — regardless of who they are — using the U.S. Mail to harm postal customers or the financial institutions that serve them. We are grateful to all the agencies involved in bringing this group to justice.”
Each of the defendants is charged with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and with one or more counts of theft of government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count. Each defendant is also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment or criminal complaint are not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Hartford Police Department, and the New York City Police Department/Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.
Sentencing in Attempt to Possess Mass Quantity of ‘Boot,’ an Illegal Psychostimulant Imported from ChinaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marvin Benjamin Martin, 32, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 140 months in prison in connection with a scheme to distribute dipentylone, an illegal psychostimulant known as “boot,” which was imported from China, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Martin pleaded guilty before Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 11, 2025, one business day before the scheduled jury trial, to attempted possession with intent to distribute N,N Dimethylpentylone hydrochloride. In addition to the prison term, Judge Howell ordered Martin to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement were Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of Homeland Security Investigations, Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, in early 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington D.C. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group (HIDTA) was conducting an ongoing investigation into illegal shipments of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals originating in China.
In February 2024, officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized a package at the International Mail Facility at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).The package, addressed to “Martin Hall” on 58th Street SE. had been mailed from China, and contained 10 kilos of boot.
HSI agents swapped out the boot in the package for sham materials and added a GPS tracking device.
On March 7, 2024, HIDTA, comprised of HSI, the Metropolitan Police Department, and officers from various other agencies, delivered the package to the front steps of the residence on 58th Street around 11:27 a.m. The officers watched as Martin retrieved the package, took it back to his vehicle, and drove off.
About an hour later, Martin discarded the empty package while keeping what he believed to be real drugs. At 12:37 p.m., investigators found Martin driving in a nearby residential neighborhood in Maryland and attempted to detain him. Martin sped off and crashed into a minivan and fence before evading officers.
Agents subsequently found Martin at a home in Lanham, Maryland, and attempted to block him in with their vehicles. Martin accelerated his car towards the agents, striking the front side of an agent’s vehicle at high speed. About two hours later, agents again found Martin at the Lanham residence, this time in his undamaged car, a Mercedes sedan. Officers positioned their vehicles to block the street and Martin again drove his car towards the agents at a high speed. He swerved onto a sidewalk and hit a tree while accelerating past agents’ vehicles, once again evading capture.
On April 10, 2024, Martin was arrested in Annapolis, Maryland. From his multiple phones, agents recovered evidence showing that he had been selling boot and other narcotics, for years leading up to his arrest. The investigation also showed that Martin paid about $40,000 to $50,000 for the box of 10 kilograms of boot and would sell it for anywhere between $125 to $200 an ounce. From his phones, agents also found DOJ press release links of other boot trafficking convictions that Martin shared with other individuals, showing knowledge of his criminal conduct.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Washington D.C. High Intensity Drug Traffiking Area group (HIDTA), the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the Annapolis Police Department.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Anthony Scarpelli of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking section (VCNT) of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia.
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Sacramento Man Charged with Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Cornelius Houston, 34, of Elk Grove, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 15, 2025, Houston was found in possession of a loaded Glock handgun. On Oct. 7, he was found in possession of another Glock handgun. Houston is prohibited from possessing ammunition or firearms based on his prior felony convictions for robbery and transportation, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Ng is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Houston faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
This case is also part of the Special Assistant United States Attorney program, a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys remain employed by local District Attorney’s Offices, but they work on federal investigations and can prosecute cases in both state and federal court. This partnership allows the United States Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices to partner to fight transnational organized crime and violent crime that impacts the region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office currently has Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Offices of Yolo, Placer, Fresno, and Sacramento Counties.