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13 November 2025
Mescalero Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man has been charged for allegedly assaulting a woman by dragging her beneath a moving vehicle, causing serious bodily injuries.
According to court documents, on September 14, 2024, Thurman Allen Paz, 46, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and Jane Doe were in a vehicle when Paz began to strike her in the face and head. Jane Doe attempted to get out of the vehicle while it was moving and was dragged underneath. As a result, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injuries.
Paz is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the current charge, Paz faces up to 10 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Massachusetts Woman Who Leaked Federal Grand Jury Information SentencedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dracut, Mass. woman was sentenced on Oct. 2, 2025 in federal court in Boston for disclosing information presented to a federal grand jury to unauthorized individuals.
Jessica M. Leslie, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to two years of supervised release, with two months to be served in home detention. In August 2025, Leslie pleaded guilty to one count of criminal contempt after being charged on July 11, 2025.
Beginning in May 2022, Leslie was sworn as a federal grand juror and was advised of the obligation of secrecy imposed by the federal rules. On various dates between Aug. 11, 2022 and March 4, 2024, Leslie disclosed sealed information to unauthorized individuals, including the names of various witnesses appearing before a federal grand jury, the substance of witness testimony and other evidence presented to the grand jury, in violation of the Federal Rules and court order. Leslie talked explicitly about two matters in the grand jury to a friend, who then publicly posted about and engaged in private chats on those matters, sharing specific details passed on by Leslie. In one instance, the friend posted about a sealed indictment before the targets were arrested.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Chief of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Knowingly Concealing the Source of Material Support or Resources to ISISRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wakefield, Mass. man has pleaded guilty to knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources intended for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
Mateo Ventura, 20, pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2025 to one count of concealment of financing of terrorism. U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper set sentencing for Jan. 8, 2026. Ventura was charged by complaint in June 2023 and was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2023.
According to the charging documents, Ventura provided multiple gift cards to an individual he believed was an ISIS supporter, with the intention that they be sold on the dark web for a little less than face value, and with the profits being used to support ISIS. Ventura stated that he wanted the proceeds to go to ISIS “for war on kuffar,” (disbelievers). In total between January and May 2023, Ventura made donations totaling $705.
The charge of attempting knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, 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; Assistant Attorney John A. Eisenberg for the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Massachusetts Couple Sentenced for Multi-Million-Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A couple from Randolph, Mass. was sentenced on Oct. 14, 2025 in federal court in Boston for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded dozens of individual investors out of millions of dollars.
Milendophe Duperier, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to five years in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Judge Joun sentenced Vanessa Joseph, 27, to time served (one day), to be followed by two years of supervised release. Restitution for both defendants will be determined at a later date. In July 2025, both Duperier and Joseph pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Duperier and Joseph were charged in May 2025.
Duperier acted as an investment advisor, soliciting investments from individuals and advising them that their funds would be invested in the securities markets. Joseph was Duperier’s girlfriend and business partner. Between early 2018 and December 2022, Duperier and Joseph defrauded dozens of individual investors by falsely representing that Duperier would use the entirety of their investments to purchase securities. However, instead of investing the funds in the securities markets as promised, Duperier and Joseph used the funds to pay prior investors and for personal purchases and expenses – including payments for luxury vehicles and mortgage and credit card debt.
Duperier and Joseph defrauded individual investors, many of whom had invested their life savings, of more than $3.2 million. As part of the scheme, Duperier and Joseph applied for and received small business loans for various entities and used the loan proceeds to pay purported investment returns to victim investors. In addition, Duperier made false statements and excuses to investors as to why he had not made promised interest payments and/or could not return the investors’ principal.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie A. Queenin and Leslie A. Wright of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Marion County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of A MachinegunRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Sean Rayvon Hubbard, Jr. (19, Ocala) to three years in federal prison for possession of a machinegun. Hubbard pleaded guilty on May 22, 2025.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2024, officers from the Ocala Police Department approached Hubbard to place him under arrest for outstanding warrants. Hubbard fled from the officers on foot but was ultimately apprehended. On August 7, 2024, officers received a call from an apartment complex about a firearm that had been discovered along the path where Hubbard had been running. The firearm, a black handgun with a tan extended ammunition magazine, had been modified with a “switch” that allowed it to fire more than one round of ammunition with a single pull of the trigger. Officers obtained a search warrant for Hubbard’s cellphone and recovered a video of Hubbard handling the same modified handgun just prior to his arrest on July 28, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ocala Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Marijuana-Dealing Felon Sentenced to 32 Months for Illegal Possession of a GlockRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darnell Earl Christian, 34, a felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 32 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded Glock 45 pistol as he attempted to distribute marijuana in the Kingman Park neighborhood of Northeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Christian pleaded guilty on June 3 to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon and to unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In addition to the 32-month prison term, Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Christian to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents on March 26, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were patrolling in the Kingman Park neighborhood when they spotted Christian on the 1800 block of Benning Road NE. Christian was crouching between cars. taking marijuana out of a large plastic bag and placing it onto a digital scale.
An officer approached Christian. Christian tried to flee with a large bag of marijuana in hand. A second officer intercepted and detained Christian, and observed a pistol in the defendant’s waistband. Christian struggled with the officers as they cuffed him.
Following Christian’s arrest, officers recovered 429 grams marijuana, a digital scale, and a baggie containing 14 grams of a white rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine.
Officers also recovered a Glock model 45, 9mm handgun with one round of ammunition chambered and 16 additional rounds in an extended magazine.
Christian previously was convicted in District of Columbia Superior Court of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, sentenced to 16 months incarceration, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the MPD with valuable help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Wynn for the District of Columbia.
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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.
Marengo County Men Sentenced to Prison for Wire Fraud Conspiracy Involving Theft of More Than $1.2 Million in Building MaterialsRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Two Marengo County men were sentenced to 27 months and 13 months in prison for their roles in a wire fraud conspiracy involving theft of building materials worth more than $1.2 million.
According to court documents, Bryan Keith Gracie, 40, of Demopolis, and Ellis Tyrone Miller, 35, of Dixons Mills, conspired with one another to steal building materials from a company in Thomasville between June 2021 and March 2022. To carry out the conspiracy, Gracie and Miller coordinated to provide unique delivery and shipment numbers for legitimate orders, intended for the victim company’s customers, to individuals who were not authorized to accept the shipments. Thereafter, Gracie and Miller made false entries and reversals of information into the victim company’s database, which communicated with servers outside of Alabama. Gracie and Miller also signed fraudulent bills of lading for shipments of stolen building materials to unauthorized third‑party trucking companies.
Federal agents obtained numerous incriminating text messages between Gracie, a former employee of the victim company, and Miller, who worked at the company in a position of trust. For example, in November 2021, Miller instructed Gracie, “Wear hard hat and act like u signing in but don’t put nothing down please deliver the message.” In December 2021, Miller warned Gracie that an employee of the victim company had “been watching the cameras” and suggested that they should “chill for a minute.” Later, in February 2022, Gracie and Miller texted each other about what each was owed for illicit sales of stolen building products. During the conspiracy, Gracie and Miller facilitated at least 54 shipments of stolen products from the victim company to unauthorized third parties. The value of the stolen materials was at least $1,213,524.16.
U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Gracie to 27 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Gracie will serve a three-year term of supervised release, during which time he will be subject to credit restrictions and will be prohibited from being on or around the victim company’s property. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge DuBose ordered Gracie to pay $100 in special assessments and $1,213,524.16 in victim restitution, jointly and severally with Miller.
For his role in the scheme, Ellis was sentenced to 13 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock. Upon his release from prison, Miller will serve a three-year term of supervised release, during which time he will be subject to credit restrictions. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Miller to pay $100 in special assessments and $1,213,524.16 in victim restitution, jointly and severally with Gracie.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Thomasville Police Department, and the Montgomery Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Zachary Norris, age 35, was sentenced on October 14, 2025, to 262 months in prison for Distribution of Child Pornography and Access with Intent to View Child Pornography.
According to court documents, a social media platform reported that an account associated with Norris contained child pornography. Investigators obtained the content of that account and discovered multiple instances of Norris chatting with users about his attraction to children and conversations during which Norris would send videos of child pornography to other users. A search warrant was executed at Norris’s residence and his cell phone was seized and examined. Investigators found over 90 images and videos of child pornography, including a photo where it appeared an image of adult pornography had been altered so that a child’s face had been superimposed over the adult’s face.
Norris will be placed on a 15-year term of supervised release after incarceration and is prohibited from possessing internet capable devices. He is also ordered to have no contact with minors. Norris will be required to register as a sex offender. Norris was ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution to the victims of his offense.
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
Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Multiple Convenience Stores and Coercing a Woman to Travel Across State Lines for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty on Oct.1, 2025 in federal court in Boston to coercing a woman to travel across state lines to engage in commercial sex and robbing multiple Massachusetts convenience stores, some at gunpoint.
David Walker, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution and five counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2026. Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024.
Walker met the victim on social media and initiated a romantic relationship. When they struggled financially, Walker coerced and pushed the victim to engage in commercial sex, requiring the victim to make $800 per day. Walker threatened to kill the victim and her family members if she disobeyed him. Walker coerced and forced the victim to travel from Massachusetts to Maine for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex.
Additionally, on different dates in October 2023, Walker robbed four separate 7-Eleven convenience stores in West Roxbury, Cambridge, Watertown and Pepperell and attempted to rob a fifth location in Everett. In some of the robberies, Walker brandished a firearm.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The charge of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, Everett and Pepperell Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Man Charged with Assaulting BIA Officer on Mescalero Apache ReservationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A man was charged with assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer who responded to a report of property damage on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
According to court documents, on May 29, 2025, Dominic James Isaac Sandoval Peralta, 23, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted and resisted an officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services when the officer arrived at a residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in response to reports of a male breaking windows. When the officer approached Peralta, he was acting erratic and yelling. Peralta then advanced on the officer, leading to a physical confrontation during which Peralta punched the officer in the head several times, forcing the officer to stun Peralta with a taser in order to place him under arrest.
Peralta is charged with assault, resistance and opposition of an officer of the U.S. resulting in physical contact and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Peralta faces eight 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Man Admits Stealing, Using Credit Cards in St. Louis AreaRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Rene Arviso Velasquez on Thursday admitted to a cross-country crime spree involving his theft and use of credit cards.
Velasquez, 51, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to three counts of access device fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Velasquez admitted stealing at least $47,000 from victims in the St. Louis area and across the country in “cross-country credit card theft expeditions.”
Three examples are listed in the plea agreement. On Aug. 25, 2024, Velasquez stole one victim’s Lululemon belt bag, which was hanging from her seat while she was eating at a restaurant in Cottleville, Missouri. Less than an hour later, Velasquez used the victim’s credit card to purchase five Visa gift cards and a pack of salted nuts for $1,031. That same day, Velasquez stole a different victim’s purse at a Brentwood restaurant. Less than an hour later, he bought $1,445 worth of gift cards. On Nov. 3, 2024, Velasquez stole a woman’s wallet at a St. Peters restaurant. Less than an hour later, he used one of her credit cards to buy five Visa gift cards and a Pepsi for $1035.
Velasquez, who has used the names Miguel Antonio Carrasco-Gomez and Henry Diaz, was living in Tarzana, Calif., but is a Chilean national. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 17, 2026. The access device fraud charges carry a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The aggravated identity theft carries a penalty of two years in prison, consecutive to the other charges.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
Make DC Safe and Beautiful Taskforce Members Arrest D.C. Man Wanted for Labor Day Murder at Recreation CenterRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tyrone Spencer, 44, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with a homicide that occurred in the afternoon of September 1, 2025, in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Spencer made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Eric Glover earlier today, where Judge Glover found probable cause that Spencer committed the offense of first-degree murder while armed (premeditated), and ordered that Spencer be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing on November 19, 2025, before Judge Rainey Brandt.
According to court documents, on September 1, 2025, Spencer approached the victim, Francois Adkins, in broad daylight at the Brentwood Recreation Center and opened fire. Spencer continued to shoot as the victim attempted to crawl away. Adkins died as a result of the injuries.
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m., members of the Fifth District Crime Suppression Team (CST) were engaged in the “Make DC Safe and Beautiful Taskforce” Operations. MPD Officers were part of a federal task force which included HSI, ATF, FBI, DEA, Secret Service Police, and United States Park Police. The Taskforce was actively patrolling PSA 504 when they observed Spencer loitering with other individuals. Upon observing officers, Spencer dropped a white hand rolled cigarette. After smelling odor consistent with marijuana, Taskforce officers stopped Spencer and identified him for smoking marijuana in public. Their active police efforts led to Spencer’s active arrest warrant for murder being confirmed and Spencer’s arrest.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Galloway.
These charges are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lynn Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Threatening an Elected OfficialRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2025 in federal court in Boston for making threats to an elected official.
Justin David Gaglio, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. On Sept. 9, 2025, Gaglio pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. He was charged in October 2024.
Beginning in or around January 2023, Gaglio began contacting the elected official via online submissions through the elected official’s website. Between January 2023 and September 2024, Gaglio submitted over 80 separate messages to the elected official via the website – sometimes sending multiple messages within minutes of each other.
On or about Sept. 8, 2024, Gaglio submitted a contact request to the elected official’s website in which he threatened to violently murder the elected official and their family. Specifically, Gaglio said that the elected official’s entire family would “die a horrific death,” and that he was “contemplating going [to the elected official’s] home and butchering” the elected official’s family.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted. E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capital Police, the United States Secret Service, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Lowell Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Asian Boyz GangRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2025 for distributing thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, including to a member of the Asian Boyz gang.
Scott Fournier, a/k/a “S.G.,” 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In June 2025, Fournier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine; and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, a long-term investigation identified that Asian Boyz gang members and associates had access to a plentiful supply of dangerous, homemade pills pressed with varying doses of methamphetamine and caffeine designed to resemble pharmaceutical-grade Adderall.
Between March 2, 2023 and May 12, 2023, Fournier supplied an Asian Boyz gang member with more than 2,000 methamphetamine pills to be used in street deals. Fournier’s fingerprints were identified on one of the bags containing the pills.
The investigation subsequently traced Fournier’s supply operation to a storage unit in Tyngsborough. Security video recordings from the facility showed Fournier routinely accessing the storage unit, including at the times in which he delivered methamphetamine pills to the Asian Boyz gang member. During a search of the storage unit in October 2023, 13,464 counterfeit “Adderall” pills containing methamphetamine were found – with a combined weight of over four kilograms – as well as other types of pills. Upon being approached by law enforcement, following the search of his storage unit, Fournier was found in possession of a bag that contained an additional 1,684 counterfeit “Adderall” pills made with methamphetamine.
Additionally, over the course of five separate occasions between April 2024 and October 2024, Fournier sold approximately 8,000 counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine – with a combined weight of over two kilograms – in recorded deals to a cooperating witness.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lowell Man Arrested on Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was arrested and charged on Oct. 1, 2025 for allegedly distributing cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Marc Sanchez, 31, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The defendant made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Oct. 1, 2025 and remains detained in federal custody.
According to court filings, Sanchez was allegedly dealing crack cocaine out of his residence in a large apartment complex in Lowell. Specifically, it is alleged that on Sept. 17, 2025, a cooperating witness arranged to meet Sanchez at his apartment to purchase an ounce and a half of crack cocaine. It is also alleged that at the time of meeting Sanchez was observed meeting with an unknown drug supplier in a car outside his apartment building to acquire powder cocaine. Sanchez then allegedly returned to his apartment with the cooperating witness, where Sanchez “cooked” the powder cocaine into crack cocaine, separated and weighed the substance, and then sold it to the cooperating witness. It is further alleged that Sanchez used phone numbers and cars registered in other people’s names to deal crack cocaine. According to court documents, there are at least four outstanding arrest warrants for Sanchez in connection with open criminal cases in Derry District Court in New Hampshire, and in Boston, Lawrence and Lowell District Courts in Massachusetts.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Greg C. Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Billerica, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover and Salem (Mass.) Police Departments and the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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.
Long Island Investment Advisors Convicted of Defrauding Clients out of Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a federal jury in Central Islip convicted investment advisors and twin brothers Adam and Daniel Kaplan of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, investment advisor fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Adam Kaplan was additionally found guilty of another count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank and wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted obstruction of justice while on pre-trial release. The verdict was returned after an eight-week trial before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.
“With today’s verdict, Adam and Daniel Kaplan stand convicted of stealing millions of dollars from clients, some of whom were elderly and disabled, who trusted the defendants to invest their money, but instead were betrayed by these ruthless thieves,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Adam Kaplan is facing additional, very serious consequences for seeking to undermine the criminal justice process by attempting to threaten victims and witnesses and bribe Department of Justice officials. I commend the prosecutors from our Office and the FBI Special Agents who worked tirelessly to unravel the defendants’ fraudulent schemes and bring them to justice for the harm their greed has caused.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Chicago Regional Office, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for their work on the case.
“Adam and Daniel Kaplan demonstrated a pattern of deceit to steal millions of dollars from trusting investors, while the former threatened victims in an attempt to obstruct the federal investigation into the brothers’ misconduct. These defendants exploited the trust, vulnerability, and, at times, health of more than 100 victims to selfishly enrich themselves. May today’s conviction reflect the FBI’s continued promise to hold accountable those who target the wallets of others out of personal greed,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.
Fraudulent Scheme While Working as Investment Advisors
As proven at trial and set forth in other public filings, between May 2018 and July 2021, Adam and Daniel Kaplan acted as investment advisors at an investment advisory firm, IHT Wealth Management, for hundreds of clients. The defendants used their positions of trust to steal at least $10 million dollars from those clients, and used the stolen funds for personal expenses and to purchase luxury goods.
The defendants used various schemes to steal from their victims. For example, the defendants consistently sent clients contracts to begin their client-advisor relationship. The defendants promised these clients that their fees would be approximately 1% per year, and sometimes less. The contracts that the defendants sent their victims, however, did not include the specific fee percentage that they promised. Instead, it was blank. Based on the defendants’ lies, and the victims’ trust in the defendants, the victims signed the contracts with the fee portion of the contract blank. The defendants then filled in the fee percentage at a much higher rate than what was promised, sometimes more than four times as high.
The defendants also siphoned money from their victims’ bank accounts without any authorization or approval. The defendants hid these charges from their victims by, before charging the victims, transferring money to the victims’ bank accounts from the victims’ own brokerage accounts in the exact amount that the defendants charged so that the balance of the victims’ bank account appeared unchanged.
To conceal their years-long fraudulent scheme, the defendants repeatedly lied to their clients about the fraudulent charges, forged their clients’ signatures on documents, and lied to financial institutions. As part of the government’s investigation, the government recovered over a dozen fake contracts purportedly between the defendants and their victims for services such as “life coaching” or “divorce consultation” but the defendants never provided any of these services to their victims.
The defendants’ victims included individuals who were elderly and disabled, as well as family and friends. For example, the defendants took out a loan in an elderly victim’s name while she was caring for her dying husband; stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent loans; and left the victim to pay the lender on her own. As another example, the defendants stole from a family in Arizona, including a 100-year-old grandmother; specifically, Daniel Kaplan tricked the family into sending him checks and then altered the checks and deposited them into his own account.
Additional Fraud Schemes
After IHT uncovered the defendants’ fraud, IHT fired the defendants in July 2021. However, Adam and Daniel Kaplan continued to steal from victims after July 2021. Among those victims included a woman with dementia who, at the time that the defendants stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from her, could not recognize her husband of decades. As part of his fraud, Adam Kaplan befriended the woman and escorted her to a bank in Manhattan to have her sign documents that would enable him to steal additional money from her, as depicted below:
Adam Kaplan also participated in other fraud schemes. Between 2023 and 2024, Adam Kaplan, working with a co-conspirator (Co-Conspirator), stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims, including some of the same individuals he had stolen from previously. Adam Kaplan promised those victims that he would invest their money, but instead used those funds for his own expenses. As the scheme unraveled, Adam Kaplan paid back prior victims by charging his own parents’ credit cards for thousands of dollars, and had the charges disputed to avoid repayment. The bank ultimately lost funds.
Adam Kaplan’s Obstruction of Justice
In addition, between April 2023 and September 2024, while aware of a federal grand jury investigation into the defendants’ conduct, Adam Kaplan attempted to influence, obstruct, and impede the underlying investigation, including through attempts to threaten, injure, and pay off witnesses, and destroy evidence.
Between April 2023 and September 2023, Adam Kaplan believed that Co-Conspirator was a violent felon with connections to the mafia and on the dark web. Adam Kaplan paid Co-Conspirator over $75,000 to tamper with, threaten, and violently injure victims of the defendant’s fraud schemes. While using a burner phone, in one text, Adam Kaplan told Co-Conspirator that one of Adam Kaplan’s victims needed “to fear.” In another text, Adam Kaplan told Co-Conspirator that a victim should be “peeing blood / missing teeth and another visited / scared”. Adam Kaplan also ordered Co-Conspirator to “put [a victim’s] phone on fire . . . Seriously, please blow it up.” Adam Kaplan also ordered Co-Conspirator to send skull-and-crossbones imagery in texts to Adam Kaplan’s victims to scare them, and Co-Conspirator sent those text messages. Finally, Adam Kaplan also ordered Co-Conspirator to attempt to dig up “dirt” on a prosecutor from the Eastern District of New York so that Adam Kaplan could blackmail the prosecutor into not charging Adam Kaplan.
After Adam Kaplan and Daniel Kaplan were arrested, and while on release pursuant to a multimillion-dollar bond, Adam Kaplan continued to obstruct justice. For example, Adam Kaplan ordered Co-Conspirator to bribe Department of Justice officials on several occasions. The attempted bribes were never paid.
* * * * *
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Toporovsky, Paul Scotti, and Rebecca Urquiola are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance from Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson and Victim Witness Specialists Stephanie Marroquin and Maryyam Jaffery.
The Defendants:
ADAM S. KAPLAN
Age: 36
Great Neck, Long IslandDANIEL E. KAPLAN
Age: 36
Great Neck, Long Island
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-293 (S-1) (JMA)Lexington Attorney Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Embezzling More Than $3.5 MillionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lexington, Mass. attorney was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2025 in federal court in Boston for defrauding multiple Massachusetts victims, including two relatives.
David Smerling, 75, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to nine years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution of $3,534,316 and forfeiture. In June 2025, Smerling pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Smerling was sentenced in connection with three separate schemes. Between January 2016 and May 2020, Smerling worked as a bookkeeper for three Massachusetts companies and embezzled more than $2.8 million from the companies and their owners. He did so by transferring funds first to a bank account owned by one of the victims that Smerling controlled before moving the money to bank accounts in his own name, or directly from the companies’ accounts to bank accounts in his own name. Smerling concealed his scheme by changing the mailing address on victims’ bank statements to his home address and refusing to share the online banking password for the victims’ accounts. In April 2020, a victim discovered Smerling had transferred $350,000 from one of the companies to himself without authorization. After these funds were returned, Smerling changed the banking passwords and again transferred $350,000 from the company to himself.
Between May 2020 and August 2021, Smerling embezzled more than $475,000 from a trust established for the benefit of a relative with special needs for which Smerling served as the trustee. Smerling transferred trust funds to bank accounts he controlled before sending the funds to bank accounts in his wife’s name or using the funds to pay for personal expenses. He concealed his scheme by making lulling payments to the beneficiary so he would not discover the trust had been depleted.
Between May 2023 and April 2025, Smerling embezzled more than $175,000 from a relative with dementia for whom Smerling served as the financial power of attorney, including while he was on pretrial release after his January 2025 arrest in this matter. Smerling transferred funds from the victim’s accounts to accounts he controlled, used a credit card in the victim’s name for personal purchases and took out a loan in the victim’s name. To conceal this scheme, Smerling misrepresented the purpose of the transfers to the financial institutions in which the victim’s accounts were held.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Lee County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr. (44, Lee County) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Maldonado faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison because he has a qualifying prior conviction for a serious drug felony. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, DeJesus Maldonado worked with his three co-defendants, Esequiel Maldonado (Esequiel), Ron Ramirez, Jr., and Schuyler Jordan Thompson to distribute cocaine. Esequiel was the Texas-based leader of the conspiracy. He authorized sales of cocaine, served as the conspiracy’s broker, and set cocaine prices. On behalf of Esequiel, Ramirez arranged for Thompson to deliver cocaine to DeJesus Maldonado who then distributed it in the Middle District of Florida and arranged for drug proceeds to be paid back to Esequiel. On November 30, 2023, DeJesus Maldonado sold one kilogram of cocaine in Lee County to a confidential human source.
Ramirez pleaded guilty on September 24, 2025. Thompson and Esequiel are set for trial in January 2026.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
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).
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.
Leader of bank fraud ring, who conspired with insider to drain accounts, sentenced to three years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – The organizer of a conspiracy to commit bank fraud to steal more than $345,000 from a western Washington credit union was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Dangelo Roberts, 23, advertised on social media that he could make false identification materials and recruited co-schemers to access victims’ accounts. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Jamal N. Whitehead said, “What you did was serious… It caused real financial harm.”
According to records filed in the case, Roberts used credit union information stolen by defendant Aneicia Ford, 33, of Tacoma. Ford used her brief employment with the credit union to steal account information of credit union customers so that conspirators could take over the accounts and steal the funds. The credit union has fully reimbursed customers who lost money to the co-schemers.
Between May and October 2022, Ford worked out of her Tacoma home as a contact center employee who helped customers with account issues. In that role, she had access to personally identifying information of customers of the credit union.
Using the stolen account information, the conspirators obtained false IDs from Roberts and used them to get newly issued debit cards and to make withdrawals from the victims’ accounts, often at the credit union’s branches. Roberts directed the coconspirators on how to impersonate the account holders and commit the fraud. For example, he instructed coconspirators obtain increases to the ATM withdrawal limits, and then the conspirators obtained as much as $25,000 in cash. Roberts also coached the conspirators to spend victims’ funds by ordering cashier’s checks or purchasing postal money orders that were made payable to him, other conspirators, or their associates.
In all, the scheme stole approximately $345,014 from the credit union accounts. Judge Whitehead determined Roberts was responsible for $146,016 in loss. He ordered Roberts to pay that amount in restitution.
Six people were charged in the scheme. Ford and Roberts face significant penalties, including a mandatory two-year minimum sentence, due to their abuse of trust and leadership role, respectively. Ford is scheduled for sentencing on December 4, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M. Ly.
Leader of Georgia Armed Meth Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 30 YearsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The incarcerated intermediary between an Atlanta-based Mexican drug cartel supplying methamphetamine into Southwest Georgia and distributors working for him in the region was sentenced to serve three decades in federal prison, resulting from an Operation Take Back America investigation.
Garry Allen Harris, aka “G Money” aka “Gary Cody,” 33, formerly of Albany, was sentenced to serve 360 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release on Oct. 7, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 25, 2025. The federal sentence will be served consecutively to the terms of imprisonment he is serving in Case No. 15-CR-0058 and Case No. 15-CR-0066 in Worth County, Georgia, Superior Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Garry Harris showed no remorse for his crimes, continuing to push drugs, possess weapons and even threaten a co-conspirator twice while behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Thanks to the diligent and coordinated efforts of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we have successfully dismantled a narcotics pipeline into Southwest Georgia linked to a Mexican cartel and directed by an incarcerated gang member. Under Operation Take Back America, our office will leverage every available resource to seek justice and protect citizens.”
“This 30-year sentence sends a powerful message to those who believe they can profit from poisoning our communities with methamphetamine,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Our law enforcement partners and agents worked relentlessly to dismantle this operation, and this outcome reflects the serious consequences that await anyone who traffics in this deadly drug.”
The following co-defendants have been convicted in this case:
Wallace Eric Strickland, 41, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 286 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release on Nov. 21, 2024, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 28, 2024;
Niki Lynn Crabtree-Booth, 32, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 148 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on April 17, after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on March 21, 2024;
Aryn Brittany Jones, 32, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on May 22, 2024, after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 12, 2023; and
Ryan Daniel Farr, 34, of Leesburg, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 27, 2024, after he previously pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice on March 20.
Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over this case.
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, as part of a multi-level investigation into armed drug trafficking in Southwest Georgia with links to a Mexican drug cartel in Atlanta, agents executed court-authorized searches on multiple Facebook accounts and cellphones belonging to the codefendants. Law enforcement first discovered several Facebook communications between Harris and co-defendant Crabtree-Booth in January 2022 discussing illegal drug distribution. Harris, a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate, directed Strickland, Crabtree-Booth, Jones and Farr, along with other unnamed individuals, to obtain or distribute large quantities of illegal drugs. From behind bars, Harris acted as an intermediary between the narcotic dealers and his narcotic supplier, an associate known as “Professor” or “Coach” with ties to a Mexican drug cartel in Atlanta. In all, Harris is being held responsible for distributing 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with multiple firearms possessed by members of his drug distribution network. Harris has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, robbery by force and illegally possessing firearms. He is a validated member of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang. For more information about this case, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/defendants-sentenced-prison-separate-armed-meth-trafficking-investigations-southwest.
In handing down the sentence, the Court found Harris made credible threats of violence against a co-conspirator and subsequently continued to obstruct justice by threatening the same co-conspirator not to cooperate or testify against him. During the four-day sentencing hearing, the Government called three witnesses and introduced 92 exhibits, showing Harris twice possessed a shank while incarcerated at the Irwin County Jail in December 2023 and May 2024, and he also possessed a contraband cell phone. DEA executed a federal court-authorized search warrant on Harris’s Facebook account in December 2023 and found that he was attempting to distribute narcotics while behind bars; Harris was found in possession of narcotics in June and July 2024. Harris did not receive a sentencing reduction from the Court due to his continued criminal actions after the initial federal offense, as he failed to demonstrate acceptance of responsibility for his crimes.
The collaborative effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with considerable assistance from the Americus Police Department and the Fitzgerald Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the case for the Government.
This press release about a case that occurred during the 43-day government shutdown is now available after the return to normal operations.
Lake County Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Brady Kyle Milton Williams (29, Lake County) to four years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. Williams pleaded guilty on February 6, 2025.
According to court documents, on November 3, 2022, during an investigation into a stolen vehicle, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office discovered Williams had a loaded pistol tucked inside his waistband. Several weeks later, on January 13, 2023, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on another suspected stolen vehicle. Williams, the driver of that vehicle, fled from law enforcement. After disabling the vehicle, deputies apprehended Williams. A subsequent search revealed a loaded revolver in the vehicle’s driver-side door pocket. The passenger in the vehicle confirmed the firearm belonged to Williams.
At the time of these events, Williams was a nine-time convicted felon. His previous state convictions include fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, grand theft of a motor vehicle, owning and operating a chop shop, and possession of methamphetamine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Laguna Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for violent assault.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on August 18, 2023, Kenzie Alonzo, 26, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, physically assaulted Jane Doe during a verbal altercation. As a result, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injury, including a concussion, severe bruising, and bite marks, requiring emergency medical transport and hospitalization.
Alonzo pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Alonzo will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Zia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
La Jara Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A La Jara man was sentenced to 180 months in prison for a decades-long pattern of sexually abusing minors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between 1992 and 2016, Ronald Mescal, 62, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, sexually assaulted three minors. The crimes occurred during three separate time periods: from July 1992 to August 1996, from May 1995 to August 1995, and from September 2009 to September 2016.
Mescal pled guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Mescal will be subject to twenty years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
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 Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Knox Place Narcotics Trafficker Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Matthew Green, 31, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced October 7 in U.S. District Court to 100 months in prison in connection with his possession of a Glock 19 pistol as he was distributing narcotics in and around the 2900 block of Knox Place SE in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Green pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, to a two-count Information charging him with possession with the intent to distribute phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine base, and marijuana, and to possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. In addition to the 100-month prison sentence, the Honorable Timothy J. Kelly ordered Green to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement of the sentencing was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
According to court documents, in the Summer of 2024, FBI agents initiated a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.[1] Law enforcement had identified an alleged fentanyl and PCP trafficker with a stash house in the 2900 block of Knox Place. Over the course of their investigation into the trafficker’s narcotics suppliers, investigating agents determined that Green was a supplier of the trafficker’s PCP.
On October 3, 2024, an undercover officer met the trafficker outside a Knox Place apartment building. The trafficker subsequently waved to Green, who stepped into the building and then returned with several vials of PCP. As Green attempted to hand off the PCP to the trafficker, he instead asked Green to “give it to my man, cus,” referring to the undercover officer.
In the morning of December 16, 2024, a caller to 911 reported seeing a man pointing a gun at cars near the 2800 block of Gainesville Street SE, approximately a half-mile from the 2900 block of Knox Place. Responding MPD officers saw Green, who matched the caller’s description, and stopped him. From Green’s front jacket pocket, officers recovered a loaded Glock 19, Gen 5 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
In Green’s backpack, officers recovered an array of distribution-level quantities of narcotics that included 48 grams of crack cocaine, more than 62 grams of PCP that was packaged in 122 vials, 366 grams of marijuana, and a 20-ounce plastic bottle of pink liquid suspected to be “lean,” a cocktail of prescription cough syrup and soda.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, with assistance from the DEA Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, John Crabb, Jr., and John Parron, as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sitara Witanachchi, of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Offenses and Federal Major Crimes Sections of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
25cr0159
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.
[1] Eight members of this drug trafficking conspiracy, including Green’s PCP redistributor, have since been indicted in U.S. v. Hancock, et al., Case No. 25-cr-241 (TJK).
Kansas Man Found Guilty in Del Rio for Smuggling Meth into U.S.Read the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas– A federal jury convicted a Kansas man for one count of importation of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 16, Juan Antonio Antuna Jr., 32, of Wichita, drove a white van bearing Mexican license plates as he arrived at the Del Rio International Bridge to enter into the United States from Mexico. Antuna presented a Kansas driver’s license, declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection that he possessed merchandise and food products, and was directed to secondary inspection. During the vehicle inspection, CBP officers located food and vinyl signs, which Antuna had declared. They also located two concrete pedestals. The pedestals were inspected further and found to contain a white powdery substance. The substance tested positive for 6.06 kgs of methamphetamine.
The jury trial began on Oct. 30, resulting in a guilty verdict on Oct. 31. A sentencing date has not yet been determined.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Fleming and Joseph Duarte II are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
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Justice Department Sues Governor Gavin Newsom for California’s Race-Based Redistricting PlanRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it filed legal action against Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber for the State of California’s newly adopted redistricting plan enacted with the passage of Proposition 50. The suit alleges that the plan mandates racially gerrymandered congressional districts in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Proposition 50 amends the California Constitution, allowing the legislature to draw a new congressional-district map. Substantial evidence, including that in the legislative record and public statements, indicate that the legislature created a new map in which Latino demographics and racial considerations predominated, in violation of the Equal Protection Clause.
"California’s redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand."
"Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Prop 50," said Jesus A. Osete, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. "Californians were sold an illegal, racially gerrymandered map, but the U.S. Constitution prohibits its use in 2026 and beyond."
"The race-based gerrymandered maps passed by the California legislature are unlawful and unconstitutional," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. "The U.S. Department of Justice is moving swiftly to prevent these illegal maps from tainting our upcoming elections. California is free to draw congressional maps, but they may not be drawn based on race."
The Department’s motion to intervene in Tangipa et al v Newsom is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon has been recused from this case. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jesus A. Osete will represent the Department on this matter.
Justice Department Sues Gov. Gavin Newsom for California’s Race-Based Redistricting Plan Enacted with Proposition 50’s PassageRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department announced today that it filed legal action against Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber for the State of California’s newly adopted redistricting plan enacted with the passage of Proposition 50.
The lawsuit alleges that the plan mandates racially gerrymandered congressional districts in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Proposition 50 amends the California Constitution, allowing the legislature to draw a new congressional-district map. Substantial evidence, including that in the legislative record and public statements, indicate that the legislature created a new map in which Latino demographics and racial considerations predominated, in violation of the Equal Protection Clause.
“The race-based gerrymandered maps passed by the California legislature are unlawful and unconstitutional,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “The U.S. Department of Justice is moving swiftly to prevent these illegal maps from tainting our upcoming elections. California is free to draw congressional maps, but they may not be drawn based on race.”
“California’s redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand.”
“Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Prop 50,” said Jesus A. Osete, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “Californians were sold an illegal, racially gerrymandered map, but the U.S. Constitution prohibits its use in 2026 and beyond.”
The Department’s motion to intervene in Tangipa, et al. v. Newsom, et al. is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Assistant United States Attorney Julie A. Hamill of the Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section and Trial Attorneys David Goldman, Joshua R. Zuckerman, and Greta Gieseke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are representing the United States in this matter.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon has been recused from this case. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jesus A. Osete will represent the Department on this matter.
Jury Finds Man Guilty of Stabbing a Tourist in November 2024Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Maurice Felder, 54, of Washington, D.C., was convicted of charges stemming from a stabbing on November 10, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Felder was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon. The verdict was returned on October 15, 2025, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Felder faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for the crimes. The Honorable Todd Edelman scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2025.
According to the government’s evidence and testimony presented at trial, at about 1:00 a.m., on November 10, 2024, the victim and his friends were walking near the intersection of 7th St N.W. and T St N.W. The victim and his friends were visiting Washington, D.C. for a weekend from Pennsylvania. The defendant followed the victim and his group down the sidewalk and began verbally arguing with the group. The victim got in between Felder and other members of his friend group, telling the defendant to leave. The defendant asked the victim, “do you want to die,” pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in his chest. The victim sustained a stab wound two centimeters from his heart and required urgent medical care.
Felder was apprehended shortly thereafter, approximately one block from the location of incident. At the time of arrest, defendant matched the provided lookout for the stabbing suspect. A knife was recovered from the defendant’s pants pocket. Felder has been in custody since his arrest.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valerie Tsesarenko and Randle Wilson.
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.
Jury Convicts Man of Murder Charges for 2021 Stabbing on Alabama Ave in SoutheastRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tywan Morris, 30, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty November 12, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on charges of second-degree murder while armed for the October 17, 2021, murder of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding Morris guilty of charges including second-degree murder while armed. Judge Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2026.
According to the government’s evidence, at 5:03 p.m., on Sunday, October 17, 2021, Danielle Stuckey and her 12-year-old child walked through the BP gas station at 2801 Alabama Avenue, Southeast to a nearby bus stop. A short time later, Morris pulled into the gas station with his girlfriend and child and parked at the first pump. While Morris was pumping gas, the victim approached him, and a brief argument ensued between the victim, Morris, and Morris’s girlfriend. Despite the victim walking back to the bus stop, Morris retrieved a knife with brass knuckles attached. Initially, Morris gave the knife to his girlfriend who attempted to stab the victim. Morris then retrieved the knife and charged at the victim. The victim attempted to back away, but Morris pursued her. He tripped her to the ground and kicked her in the head. While the victim was on the ground, Morris stabbed her in the left thigh transecting her femoral artery and vein and killing her. Morris then fled the scene with his girlfriend. That same day, law enforcement identified Morris as the killer and arrested him.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Ariel Dean and Daniel Bromwich 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.
Jacksonville Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Credit Scheme and COVID Relief Fraud Involving the Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Carnisha Maurica Rogers (31, Jacksonville) to 36 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, false representation of a Social Security number involving a line of credit scheme, and wire fraud involving COVID relief fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The court also ordered Rogers to pay $108,867.63 in restitution to the victims she defrauded and to forfeit $20,832, which is traceable to proceeds of the wire fraud offense involving COVID relief fraud. Rogers pleaded guilty in June 2025.
According to court documents, Rogers and her co-conspirators fraudulently obtained the Social Security numbers (SSNs) of others. From November 2017 through September 2019, Rogers and others recruited individuals to obtain lines of credit at various businesses using the SSNs. After fraudulently obtaining the lines of credit, they obtained jewelry and other merchandise. Rogers and her co-conspirators resold some of the merchandise and lines of credit on social media platforms.
In May 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Rogers operated her own business. Throughout the loan application Rogers made multiple false statements regarding her purported gross income and expenses associated with operating her business. In support of her PPP loan application, she submitted a false IRS Form 1040 - Profit or Loss From Business containing false statements about operating expenses, gross income, and wage expenditures for her purported business. In truth, Rogers’s business did not exist. In reliance on the false statements in her loan application, her application was approved and she received a PPP loan totaling $20,832.
After receiving the PPP loan proceeds in her bank account, Rogers began making withdrawals and spending the funds on personal expenses. In October 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan forgiveness application to the SBA that included multiple false representations. In the application, she falsely claimed that she spent more than $18,000 on payroll costs and that the PPP loan proceeds were only used for eligible purposes. In reliance on her false statements, the SBA forgave the entire loan, plus accrued interest.
In March 2025, a related defendant, Crystal Denean Harvell (37, Jacksonville), was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving the line of credit scheme and wire fraud involving COVID Relief Fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program. The court also ordered Harvell to pay $131,782.63 in restitution to the victims she defrauded and to the United States government.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it 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.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice and Meet an 11-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Noel Daniel Simonca (48, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice a minor child to engage in sexual activity. Simonca faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Simonca was arrested by FBI agents on January 19, 2025, and has been in custody since that time.
According to court documents, on December 10, 2024, an undercover FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation to identify adults who were seeking to make contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, UC posted a short message in a public chat room on a particular online social messaging app. A short time later, an individual using the app name “mdesase” contacted UC using a private text messaging feature of the app. User “mdesase” confirmed that he would “love to see [the 11-year-old child],” and indicated that he had a preference for children aged “8-13.” On December 11, 2024, UC and “mdesase,” who was subsequently identified as Simonca, discussed meeting to have a “play date” and to “trade [daughters].”
During further online text conversations between UC and Simonca, they discussed meeting in person. On December 26, 2024, Simonca texted UC and described in detail the sexual activity that he intended to engage in with UC’s 11-year-old “child.” Simonca and UC ultimately agreed to meet at a location in Jacksonville Beach so that Simonca could meet the “child” and take photos of “her.”
During text communications between Simonca and UC in January 2025, they discussed the planned photo shoot with the “child,” including the time and location of this meeting. For example, on January 10, 2025, Simonca stated that he was “available to help” teach the “child” about sex. On January 19, 2025, Simonca drove from his residence to the place where he had planned to meet the UC and the “child,” and was arrested by FBI agents.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Assault on a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Jackson County, Mississippi man pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025, to one count of assault on a federal law enforcement officer and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, in September 2024, a federal task force officer and a Harrison County Sherrif’s Investigator were conducting surveillance outside of the Boomtown Casino in Biloxi when they noticed an older model, silver Honda Accord pull out of the parking lot with no lights on. The officers began following the vehicle and noticed one of the passengers sticking out of the window and looking back at the officer’s vehicle. Around this time, three shots were fired from the suspect’s vehicle striking the windshield of the officers’ vehicle. At least one of the bullets went through the windshield and struck one of the officers in the ear. The officer also had glass from the windshield fly into his eye.
The officers radioed for backup and the suspect’s vehicle was eventually stopped. One of the passengers in the vehicle was identified as Cori Davis.
During the investigation, officers located a nine-millimeter Glock pistol in the vicinity of the defendant’s route of travel. Agents also recovered three nine-millimeter shell casings matching the firearm nearby. The firearm had three rounds of ammunition missing. It was determined that Cori Davis was the purchaser of this firearm, and his DNA was found on a holster for this firearm. After Davis was arrested, he admitted to being the person who shot at the officers.
Davis is scheduled to be sentenced February 10, 2025, and faces up to twenty years in prison for assault on a federal law enforcement officer and up to life in prison discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the D’Iberville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case.
Iowa Attorney Pleads Guilty to Making a False Statement to Iowa MedicaidRead the Press Release
An Iowa attorney who made a false statement to Iowa Medicaid pled guilty on October 30, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City. Timothy Mark Anderson, age 66, from Garner, Iowa, was convicted of one count of false statement relating to a health care matter.
At his plea hearing and in a plea agreement, Anderson admitted that he was a licensed attorney in the State of Iowa. Anderson offered financial, tax, and estate planning services to the public from his law office in Garner. Anderson’s legal services included assisting elderly clients on Medicaid eligibility.
Medicaid is a cooperative federal-state health care benefit program for low-income persons and others, including the elderly. As part of his legal services, Anderson prepared and submitted applications for Iowa Medicaid-funded nursing home care. Iowa Medicaid has rules for eligibility, including an evaluation of the financial resources available to the applicant. In determining the resources of an individual and spouse, one automobile is excluded regardless of value if it complies with, among other things, the requirements of the state law in which the application is filed.
In 2021, Father-1 and Mother-1 were two elderly married persons. Father-1 and Mother-1 had over $400,000 in assets, including a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox valued at $30,000, but wished to become eligible for Iowa Medicaid, have Iowa Medicaid pay for nursing home expenses, and pass on their assets to their heirs. Father-1 was receiving nursing home care at the time without public assistance.
In October 2021, Anderson deposited a $186,000 check from Mother-1 into his personal savings account, provided Mother-1 a certificate of title to a 1961 Rolls Royce Phantom V, and signed the title for that vehicle over to her. Anderson also created a bill of sale for this transaction, stating that the car was transferred on October 18, 2021. Two days earlier, on October 16, 2021, Anderson was driving the 1961 Rolls Royce and was involved in an accident. The 1961 Rolls Royce suffered front-end damage, was inoperable, and was towed to a farm shop.
On November 4, 2021, Anderson wrote Iowa Medicaid and provided a series of documents to qualify Father-1 for Iowa Medicaid benefits. Among other things, Anderson provided a document that stated that the Rolls Royce had a fair market value of $194,000. At the time Anderson submitted the form to Iowa Medicaid, he knew that the fair market value of that vehicle was not $194,000.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Anderson remains released pending sentencing. Anderson faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-3053.
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Inmate sentenced to additional time in prison for attacking federal officerRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Fabian Taylor, Jr. has been sentenced to additional time in prison for headbutting a federal correctional officer while Taylor was an inmate at the federal prison in Atlanta.
“Corrections officers have a demanding job, and they must be allowed to perform their duties free of violent attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Inmates are not beyond the reach of the law, and they may not perpetrate assaults or other crimes with impunity while in custody. Anyone who assaults a federal officer in North Georgia, whether on the street or in a prison, will be prosecuted and held accountable.”
“Every day, corrections officers go to work not knowing what dangers they may face,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI stands ready to investigate such crimes against federal officers and we thank our law enforcement partners for their collaboration.
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Fabian Taylor, Jr. was serving a sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Atlanta for unlawfully possessing a firearm, violating conditions of release, and escape. Correctional officers noticed Taylor had covered the window on his cell door with paper. As officers approached to investigate, Taylor threw urine on one officer. When the officers entered his cell, Taylor swung his arms and kicked his legs.
Once guards restrained Taylor, prison staff performed medical checks to ensure his safety Taylor then berated all of the officers verbally and headbutted one in the face. The officer who Taylor attacked suffered from headaches, dizziness, vomiting, sleepiness, and was later diagnosed with a concussion.
On November 12, 2025, Fabian Taylor, Jr., 38, of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty to one year, four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Taylor was convicted of assault on a federal officer on July 31, 2025, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Boylan prosecuted the case.
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.
Indian National Sentenced in Austin for Role in Multi-Million Dollar Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 97 months in prison and was ordered to pay $2,515,780 in restitution for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, 21, participated in a scheme to defraud elderly individuals out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold. On multiple occasions, Mangukiya, who was living in the United States on a student visa, received gold and cash from the fraud victims, and split the proceeds between himself and his coconspirators.
The fraud scheme identified vulnerable individuals, often elderly, through various online phishing methods, including falsely notifying the target victims of a possible fraudulent charge on a credit card or other typer of account. A member of the conspiracy would then contact the target victim by phone, falsely claim to be a U.S. Treasury Department or other government official and tell the victim that they would need to make a deposit of cash, gold, or other item of financial value, in order to resolve an investigation or prevent financial loss. A courier would coordinate the pickup of the deposits, either at the victim’s home or in the parking lot of a local business.
In one case, a conspirator told a victim in Granite Shoals to withdraw funds and provide them to the U.S. Treasury Department in order to avoid prosecution. The conspirator convinced the victim that his identity had been stolen, and multiple counterfeit bank accounts had been set up in the victim’s name, linking him to drug cartels and putting him at risk for money laundering charges. At the direction of the fraud conspirators, the victim made three separate cash withdrawals and transfers to the couriers, amounting to $180,000.
A second victim, an elderly Fort Worth woman, was contacted by a conspirator claiming to be with the Amazon fraud department, who told the woman her social security number had been stolen and multiple bank accounts opened in her name were tied to a money laundering scheme. She withdrew $30,000 and provided the money to a courier, coconspirator Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel.
Patel was arrested and his phones searched, revealing messages between Patel and Mangukiya, as well as two other individuals labeled as “Hunter” and “Master.” Mangukiya was arrested at his residence in New Jersey on Dec. 5, 2024. While executing a search warrant, agents found that Mangukiya possessed a printer used to print fake identification documents, along with $73,422.96 in cash. Mangukiya admitted that he would receive 2% of the fraud proceeds he received. He also admitted that he had recruited Patel to be a courier, and that they were working with “Hunter” and “Master.”
Mangukiya and Patel were charged in a two-count superseding indictment on Dec. 3, 2024. Patel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 18, while Mangukiya pleaded guilty on June 16 to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On June 17, Patel was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Granite Shoals Police Department and the Fort Worth Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.
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Indian National Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Indian national, residing in New York, pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2025 in federal court in Boston to participating as the “robber” in staged armed robberies in furtherance of a visa fraud conspiracy.
Tanveer Sidhu, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. U.S. District Court Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2026.
Beginning in March 2023, Sidhu and co-conspirators set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least nine convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the United States – including at least five in Massachusetts. The purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the store clerks to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa). A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
During the staged robberies, Sidhu, acting as the “robber,” would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video. The clerks and/or owners would wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped to a nearby getaway car before calling police to report the “crime.” The “victims” were paid to participate in the scheme. For example, one purported victim paid $20,000 to participate as a victim in one of the staged armed robberies. In turn, the co-conspirator who organized the scheme paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery and paid Sidhu for his assistance.
At least two purported victim co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being victims of the staged armed robberies.
The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the Western District of Washington; FBI’s New York and Seattle Field Offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hingham, Marshfield, Randolph, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby, (Pa.), West Pittston (Pa.), Louisville, (Ky.) and Bean Station (Tenn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Independence Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Hunter A. Fanara, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 96 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearms.
On July 8, 2025, Fanara pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm on Mar. 19, 2024. On that date, Fanara was driving near the intersection of South Crysler and West Haward Avenue in Independence, Mo. An Independence, Mo., Police Department Officer pulled Fanara over for a stop sign violation. During the traffic stop, Fanara abruptly exited the vehicle and shut and locked the car door. Fanara then walked towards the patrol car with his hands in his pockets. The officer questioned Fanara and learned that Fanara had a revoked license. Fanara reported that the vehicle he was driving belonged to another person and he could not provide consent to search the vehicle, but the officer had not requested to search the vehicle. Due to Fanara having a revoked license and an outstanding warrant, officers arrested Fanara. Officers later learned that the vehicle had been reported as stolen. Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to having it towed and they discovered a loaded Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in the driver’s door cubby. Officers also found multiple baggies containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and a couple of pills. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed the recovered firearm and that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense. In the plea agreement, Fanara also admitted that on Mar. 20, 2025, he knowingly possessed another firearm, specifically an Erma/Excam, Model RX22, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic pistol, that Independence, Mo. Police Officers recovered during an investigation of another traffic violation involving Fanara.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo. Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Imprisoned Sex Offender Sentenced to 16 More Months for Threatening Vengance on Minor Victim’s MotherRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Franklin Jovany Torres, 42, a convicted sex offender serving time in federal prison, was sentenced November 5 to an additional 16 months for vowing revenge and mailing death threats to the mother of a teenage boy who he had sexually abused, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Torres pleaded guilty August 27 before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to one count of mailing threatening communications. The 16-months will be served consecutively to the earlier imposed 21-year prison term. Torres will be deported to El Salvador at the completion of the sentences.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Special Agent in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
According to the plea agreement, on Mar. 11, 2015, following a jury trial, Torres was convicted in the District of producing child pornography, distributing child pornography, possessing child pornography, and first degree sexual abuse of a minor. For those crimes he was sentenced to 252 months in prison.
On July 2, 2015, Torres mailed a handwritten letter from a Federal Corrections Institute in South Carolina to the Northwest Washington D.C. home of the minor victim’s mother.
The letter, written in Spanish, threatened, “I’m going to get out one day, and when that day comes is when you are going to shed tears of blood because that day I’m going to get rid of your whole family – cousins, nephews and nieces, granmother, children – even the dog at your home I’ll get rid of.”
The boy victim’s parents had allowed Torres to stay in their apartment after Torres lost his job and needed a place to stay. After Torres had lived with the family for several months, the victim’s mother discovered a naked photo of a male child with his face obscured on the defendant’s Facebook page. The boy in the photo turned out to be the victim. The photo was taken by Torres during an incident in which Torres had sexually abused the boy.
The mother and her son reported the sexual abuse to the police several months later, after Torres moved out of their apartment.
This case was investigated by FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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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.
Illegal Alien Convicted for Participation in Scheme to Defraud Elderly Victims of Millions in Cash and GoldRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, 22, of India, was found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution was made possible by the outstanding investigative work of our local and federal law enforcement partners, and this criminal alien will be held accountable for his role in the financial exploitation of several vulnerable, elderly victims. I am incredibly proud of the work by my office to pursue justice on behalf of the defrauded victims in this case, and we will see to it that fraudsters are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Trial testimony and court documents demonstrated that the defendant was a courier in an international fraud scheme that defrauded elderly victims of approximately $8 million. As part of the scheme, elderly victims were convinced to liquidate their retirement accounts to obtain cash and/or gold. While illegally in the United States, the defendant picked up the cash and gold from the elderly victims and then delivered the assets to unknown individuals in parking lots. To coordinate the transfers of cash and gold, the defendant worked with other individuals, some of which were in India, the defendant’s native country. After an elderly victim suspected the fraud, local law enforcement coordinated a ruse to apprehend the courier in Gainesville, Florida. Law enforcement arrested the defendant upon his arrival at the elderly man’s residence to pick up more gold. A subsequent search of the defendant’s cellular phone confirmed his involvement in the extensive elder fraud scheme, including the defendant’s participation in over 30 transactions in numerous states. Numerous American citizens had lost their entire life savings or experienced substantial financial hardship.
Sathawane faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each count.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
ICYMI: Charges, Pleas, Sentencings and Settlements During the Recent Government ShutdownRead the Press Release
During the lapse in government funding, the U.S. Attorney’s offices in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau were working hard to continue their mission. Here are just some of the things that happened that we weren’t able to discuss at the time:
Wed. Oct. 1
Starr Lumos, 54, admitted committing over $201,000 in fraud by pretending to be disabled and unable to work. Despite those claims, she was working multiple jobs and running multiple businesses, including an event planning company. Lumos is scheduled to be sentenced in January and faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Friday Oct. 3
A former doctor who pleaded guilty in 2020 to a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or forgery admitted seeking employment using a stolen identity. Angela K. Williams, 40, pleaded guilty to identity theft and admitted seeking employment on the medical staff of the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority in Oklahoma and in other locations by stealing the identity of a St. Louis doctor. Williams submitted forged diplomas with the doctor’s name and a forged State of Missouri medical license with her application. She could face up to five years in prison when sentenced in January.
Monday Oct. 6
Victoria Isgriggs, 45, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and admitted stealing over $164,000 from her employer, a Franklin County nursery and florist, in a variety of ways. Sentencing for Isgriggs, formerly known as Victoria Denise Missey, is set for January.
Tuesday Oct. 7
The United States reached a settlement with Fiserv Inc. and Fiserv Solutions LLC in which the companies agreed to pay $8.99 million to resolve allegations – brought forth by a whistleblower - that Fiserv took improper discounts on postage from the U.S. Postal Service.
Four men were indicted in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau and accused of involvement in an arson that destroyed the Midway restaurant in Puxico, Missouri and damaged two other businesses. Two of the men, Steven D. Phillips and his son Matthew S. Phillips, are co-owners of the restaurant and one, Larry D. Doublin, is the Chief of the Puxico Volunteer Fire Department, the indictment says. All have pleaded not guilty and are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Patrick Neistat, 24, of Florissant, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography and admitted soliciting and receiving child sexual abuse material from a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old and engaging in sexual contact with a minor male. Neistat faces between five and 20 years in prison at his January 29 sentencing hearing.
Carlan Travis Penney Jr., 46, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor and transportation of a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity. He admitted exchanging nude photos with a 15-year-old Missouri teen that he’d met online. Penney then brought the victim from Missouri to his home state of Georgia. He now faces at least 10 years in prison and a maximum prison term of life.
Edgar Love, a felon caught by St. Louis police with ammunition after his girlfriend accused him of assault, was sentenced to 137 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig found that Love obstructed the police investigation by flushing drugs down the toilet and disposing of two guns and ammunition before police could arrest him. Evidence and testimony showed that Love assaulted his girlfriend multiple times and repeatedly threatened her and her relatives with guns. Evidence and testimony also showed that Love possessed a firearm when he was wounded during a gun battle in August of 2022, about 30 days after his release from prison.
Anthony Justin Snelson, 39, of Arnold, was sentenced to 65 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for trying to meet with a 16-year-old to engage in sexual activity.
Wednesday Oct. 8
A superseding indictment was handed down accusing St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery of retaliating against persons he thought were cooperating with a federal investigation. He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Sharon Dolisi, 79, of St. James, Missouri was arrested after having been indicted and accused of acting as a “money mule” and receiving $2.1 million from lottery and sweepstakes fraud victims across the U.S. She has pleaded not guilty and is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Darryl Jaspering, 62, of Warrenton, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with federally protected activities and admitted threatening the St. Louis office of the NAACP. Jaspering admitted writing a racist, profane and threatening message on the NAACP’s online contact page, including threats to “blow your… head off” and “bust you… with a… Hatchet.” Jaspering is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5.
Friday Oct. 10
Brian K. Ditch, 45, of Salem, Missouri, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted neglecting his uncle, a U.S. Army veteran with quadriplegia, for years and then concealing his death so that he could fraudulently obtain his uncle’s $1.8 million in disability benefits.
Bridgette Johnson, 61, of Berkeley, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and admitted fraudulently applying for and receiving $120,000 from the COVID-19 pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program. She also admitted fraudulently applying for $1 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans and receiving $9,000 in advances on those applications. She faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced.
Tuesday Oct. 14
Timothy Kelley, 60, of Sullivan, Missouri, was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. He was also ordered to pay $45,000 to victims who have been identified in the CSAM he collected. RWS/Hayes.
Maurice Dowell, 70, of Chesterfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography and admitted downloading and sharing child sexual abuse material on a peer-to-peer network.
Stanley E. Alford, 58, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the armed robbery of a Fenton, Missouri store on Jan. 24, 2024, and a pawnshop in St. Louis County two days later. He was also ordered to pay $3,172 in restitution.
Wednesday Oct. 15
A jury found Carl Bowman, 37, guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence and testimony at the two-day trial showed that the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Bowman Aug. 8, 2023, on a supervised release violation warrant at his residence in St. Louis County. At the time, Bowman was in possession of an AK-style rifle with a large capacity magazine, a stolen AR-15 rifle with a large capacity magazine and two semi-automatic pistols, both with large capacity magazines. Bowman is scheduled to be sentenced in January.
Reginald M. Miller, a registered sex offender who molested a 14-year-old boy and provided cash and marijuana in exchange for child sexual abuse material, was sentenced to 400 months in prison. Miller, 57, lived in Park Hills, Missouri.
Jonniece Wilson, 20, of St. Louis, admitted stealing a Hyundai Accent at gunpoint on March 12, 2024, in St. Louis. She was a passenger in that stolen car when it fled from police minutes later before crashing and injuring a pedestrian. Wilson was arrested with a handgun in her backpack. She now faces up to 15 years in prison for carjacking and a mandatory, consecutive term of seven years for brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Rachel Burns, 35, of Franklin County, Missouri, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a one-year-old. Her husband, William Burns, 41, was sentenced to 40 years in prison in September.
Thursday Oct. 16
After a two-day bench trial, U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine found Roosevelt Easley, 40, of St. Louis, guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence and testimony at trial showed that on March 29, 2022, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped a vehicle driven by Easley. Marijuana and a firearm were in plain view in the vehicle. On Sept. 10, 2022, St. Louis police attempted to make a traffic stop of Easley’s vehicle, but he sped off. Easley eventually crashed the vehicle into a tree before running away. Officers found two firearms in the vehicle. Judge Divine also found that Easley had at least three previous convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. At sentencing, if Judge Divine rules that the enhanced penalty provisions of the Armed Career Criminal Act apply, Easley will face at least 15 years in prison.
Registered sex offender Leland Paster, 42, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he admitted possessing child sexual abuse material on a hidden SD card and searching for and viewing CSAM while on supervised release from a prior CSAM conviction in Alaska.
Tuesday Oct. 21
Jeremy S. Crocker, 46, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau and admitted setting a fire on March 2, 2025, in the Mark Twain National Forest in Iron County, Missouri. The fire consumed more than one acre of timber before firefighters were able to put it out. Crocker is scheduled to be sentenced in January.
Wednesday Oct. 22
Steve Allen Hall, 38, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. He admitted unlawfully trying to buy a handgun in Caruthersville, Missouri in June of 2025 while he was facing pending charges of child molestation. The sale was blocked by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Hall is scheduled to be sentenced in January and could face up to five years in prison.
Sean Paul II, 22, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. He admitted viewing and possessing child sexual abuse material, including before and after he was interviewed by law enforcement. While on bond, Paul received nude images and images of self-harm from someone purporting to be a 16-year-old girl. At sentencing, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Errion Lavonte-Stallings, 25, of St. Louis County, and four others were indicted and accused of involvement in a conspiracy that stole checks from the mail and then attempted to deposit more than $250,000 in fraudulent checks into bank accounts. Lavonte-Stallings and two others have been arrested and have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Johnika Davis, 37, and Jimmie Moorehead, 47, were indicted on one count of conspiracy and eight counts of making false statements related to health care matters. The indictment accuses them of falsely claiming to have physical disabilities and need Medicaid-funded personal care services in exchange for kickbacks from a co-conspirator. The St. Louis residents have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Thursday Oct. 23
Connie Bobo, 46, of St. Charles, Missouri, was convicted by a jury of three counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and two counts of obstruction of an official proceeding after a three-day trial. Evidence and testimony at the trial showed that Bobo, who was executive director of New Heights Community Resource Center at the time, stole $19.7 million from a program meant to feed the most vulnerable children in the state of Missouri. That loss is the largest theft of child nutrition funds in state history, evidence showed. Bobo spent the money on luxury goods, homes for relatives, a new home for herself, a $200,000 Mercedes for a romantic partner and a $2.2 million commercial real estate investment, evidence and testimony showed. Bobo is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2026. The wire fraud and obstruction charges each carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a penalty of two years in prison, consecutive to any other charge. Bobo will also be ordered to pay restitution.
Pavel “Supreme” Gil, 35, of New York City, was sentenced to 132 months in prison and ordered to repay $517,900 to victims of a bank fraud conspiracy that he masterminded. Gil obtained the names and account information of the customers of regional banks across the country. Giovanni Resto, 34, of New York City, then manufactured counterfeit ID cards containing the photos of co-conspirators and the victims' names and birthdates. Oladiran Ajayi-Obe, 29, Jersey City, new Jersey, ran a crew of conspirators that traveled from the New York metropolitan area to banks around the country to make withdrawals from the victims' bank accounts. Gil and 15 others have pleaded guilty to charges connected to the case.
Jemek'treon Lebrandon Easton, 28, of Charleston, Missouri pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of possession of a machine gun. Easton admitted that a Charleston Police Department officer caught him on May 17, 2025, with a .45-caliber Glock handgun equipped with a “switch,” or auto sear, that enables it to fire as a fully automatic weapon. Shell casings from the gun match those recovered from a shooting that injured three on April 26, 2025. Easton now faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced.
Friday Oct. 24
A St. Louis County company, E&A Auto Cores LLC, pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of stolen goods and admitted buying stolen catalytic converters from Missouri, Tennessee, Nevada, Washington and Idaho. The company also agreed to pay a $90,000 fine, a forfeiture money judgement of $50,000 and agreed to forfeit 269 catalytic converters that were seized by the St. Louis County Police Department on Sept. 24, 2020.
Monday Oct. 27
Donald Held, 51, of Warren County, who possessed and shared child sexual abuse material online, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Corey M. Felton, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that during a dispute with a woman on Nov. 27, 2024, he took the woman’s gun and then carjacked her. He also admitted robbing a man he met via Grindr on December 2. Felton also stipulated that prosecutors could prove by a preponderance of the evidence that on November 28, he robbed another man he met on Grindr, and on December 10, he exchanged gunfire with others in the 3500 block of South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, using the stolen gun. Felton is scheduled to be sentenced February 19. The felon in possession charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and the robbery charge has a maximum term of 20 years. The brandishing charge carries a penalty of at least seven years in prison, consecutive to any other charge.
Tuesday Oct. 28
Gordon Lee Smith, 52, of Washington County, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of the possession of unregistered firearms. He admitted illegally possessing five machine guns and seven silencers. He now faces up to 10 years in prison.
Carlos Romero-Salazar, 40, of St. Charles County, Missouri, and five of his nine co-defendants were arrested after having been indicted and accused of involvement in a “jackpotting” conspiracy that stole cash from ATMs. The indictment says Romero-Salazar, a technician for an ATM maintenance service company, installed malware on ATM hard drives that allowed others to take control and force the ATMs to dispense more than $940,000 in one week. Romero-Salazar has pleaded not guilty, as have the others arrested. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Wednesday Oct. 29
A jury found Irven l. White, 47, of St. Louis, guilty of six felonies: two counts each of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence and testimony showed that on Nov. 1, 2023, a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer saw White conducting what appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction in the 4400 block of Farlin Avenue. When other officers approached, White fled, discarding a firearm, and was immediately detained. Officers found fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base. On August 26, 2024, officers were notified that White, who had an outstanding warrant for the November 1 incident, was again conducting a hand-to-hand drug transaction. He fled officers again, leaving behind a bag containing two guns. He was arrested in a nearby home, where officers found fentanyl and cocaine base. White is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing firearms. Among his prior convictions is one for second degree murder.
Dillon Miller, 31, of Farmington, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography and admitted possessing thousands of images of child sexual abuse material, making images available online and sexually abusing minors when he was a minor.
Alexander Sampson, 39, and Dana Kelly, 47, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and two counts of making a false statement. The indictment accuses them of fraudulently obtaining a $397,210 pandemic relief loan for Reign Restaurant LLC in 2021. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Thursday Oct. 30
Antony C. Campise, 39, of St. Peters, Missouri, was sentenced to 130 months in prison. Campise pleaded guilty in May to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitted possessing multiple firearms. During the sentencing hearing, witness testimony showed that Campise possessed the firearm during a violent domestic assault and did so to exert power and control over the victim.
Anton Bolden, 31, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 138 months in prison for selling fentanyl to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 2023, as well as Glock handguns equipped with a “switch” or auto sear that convert them into a machine gun and a standalone conversion device. Thirteen firearms, including one machine gun and three conversion devices, were later found at the home of Bolden, a convicted felon.
Deionte Grice, 31, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He admitted stealing a 2020 Kia Optima at gunpoint from a woman in the 5300 block of Devonshire Avenue in St. Louis on Jan. 5, 2024. Grice also stole the victim’s phone and purse. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers caught Grice on a bus with two handguns in the stolen purse. He now faces up to 15 years in prison for the carjacking charge and a mandatory, consecutive term of seven years for the brandishing charge.
Corie M. Boyer, 50, of Jefferson County, Missouri, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and admitted embezzling more than $550,000 from the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in DeSoto, including by stealing cash from the offertory. Boyer was parish bookkeeper and secretary at the time of her crimes. She faces up to 20 years in prison at her January 30 sentencing.
Monday Nov. 3
Anthony Virdure, a former U.S. Postal Service mail handler who stole checks from the mail and committed pandemic fraud, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to repay his fraudulently-obtained Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan of $20,832. Virdure, 31, pleaded guilty in July to mail theft and wire fraud.
Tuesday Nov. 4
A St. Louis area contractor, Coretta “Cory” Elliott, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and admitted fraudulently obtaining pandemic loans totaling $1.7 million. Elliott obtained a first draw Paycheck Protection Program loan of $875,000 in 2020 and a second draw loan of $833,333 in 2021 by falsely certifying that the loans would be used for business-related purposes and by inflating her company’s monthly payroll. She then received loan forgiveness by falsely claiming that she used the money for payroll and other legitimate business expenses when she really used it for impermissible personal purposes. Elliott faces up to 30 years in prison at her sentencing in February and will be ordered to repay the money.
Elder scammer Jiacheng Chen, 21, was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Chen was the fifth defendant in the case to be sentenced. Yu-chieh Huang, 24, was sentenced to 40 months in prison, Tsz Kan, 43, received 54 months, Liang Jin, 26, received a 48-month sentence, Kaiyu Wen, 27, received 72 months. Huang, Jin and Wen were each ordered to pay $90,000 in restitution and Jin was fined $120,000. Scammers targeted older Americans with tech support fraud, romance fraud, and imposter schemes and tricked their victims into handing over large amounts of cash to money mules.
Dorian Scott, a convicted felon who was caught by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers in 2024 with a handgun and nearly 5,000 pills containing fentanyl, was sentenced to 126 months in prison. Scott pleaded guilty in July possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Wednesday Nov. 5
Alexander Gardiner, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and admitted the sextortion of a Missouri teen. Gardiner, who is a citizen of both the United States and the Turks and Caicos, admitted meeting a 15-year-old Missouri boy via Snapchat. After multiple requests by Gardiner, the teen sent photos of his genitals to Gardiner, believing he would be left alone after doing so. Gardiner instead threatened to send those images to the victim’s family and friends if the victim did not continue to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) for Gardiner. Gardiner also admitted directing an unidentified 14-year-old to produce CSAM in 2021. Gardiner posted CSAM on Twitter and a link to a Telegram group that targeted minors in attempts to have them produce CSAM. Gardiner could face 10 years to life prison when sentenced in February.
Talito Amos, 32, of Beverly Hills, Missouri, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling drugs as part of the “55 Boyz” south St. Louis drug gang. Amos pleaded guilty in August and admitted sourcing fentanyl and meth for the drug trafficking organization, coordinating drug sales and selling directly to drug users.
A superseding indictment added defendants and charges to an indictment alleging a conspiracy to employ and harbor illegal aliens. Guo Liang Ye, 56, of St. Charles County, De Jin Ye, 56, Feng Ye, 34, and Maria Cruz-Cortes, 30, are accused of employing illegal aliens at the Golden Apple Buffet in St. Charles, housing them and providing them fraudulent Social Security cards and immigration documents. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
Thursday Nov. 6
Dameon G. Christian, 42, of Washington Park, Illinois, pleaded guilty and admitted posting public threats on his Facebook page in May of 2025 to kill two people. He also admitted that prosecutors can prove that he fired multiple gunshots at a north St. Louis church and at a home in East St. Louis. Christian pleaded guilty to two counts of sending a threat in interstate commerce and one count of transporting a firearm across state lines with the intent to commit a felony. At his sentencing in February, he could face up to five years in prison for the threat changes and up to 10 years in prison for the gun charge.
Wednesday Nov. 12
Daniel Paulino, the former police chief and city administrator of Velda City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and admitted embezzling at least $158,000 from the city in multiple ways while admitting additional fraud yet to be finally calculated by the Court. Without the knowledge and authority of the city: Paulino caused three checks totaling $1,800 and 20 direct deposits of $30,677 to be issued to himself. Paulino used a city credit card to transfer $37,550 to businesses owned by himself and his spouse. He triggered the payment of direct deposits of city funds totaling $54,693 to his personal bank account, falsely represented as the salary of his spouse for purportedly working in the city’s public works division. Paulino also admitted using city funds to pay for additional personal expenses, including $25,500 to buy a tow truck for his company, $3,956 for a Caribbean vacation and $4,000 that went to an Audi dealer. Paulino, 51, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 10, 2026. Each wire fraud count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The total amount of restitution that Paulino will be ordered to pay has not yet been determined.
Robert Nelson Howell, 60, of Madison County, Kentucky, was sentenced to 90 months in prison after being convicted at trial in August of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Howell was caught with duffel bags containing a gun and $12,000 in cash. Howell was driving a stolen vehicle with fake license plates and a fake vehicle identification number and admitted being Involved in drug trafficking.
Hyena Crips Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Racketeering and 2019 Murder of a 15-Year-OldRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Martial H. Amilcar, also known as “Drippy,” a member of Hyena Crips, was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 30 years’ imprisonment for racketeering, predicated on the murder of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph and the attempted gunpoint robbery of a Brooklyn pharmacy.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI) announced the sentence.
“In seeking to exact retribution and promote gang violence, Amilcar ended the life of an innocent child,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “A lengthy prison sentence cannot undo the loss this family and this community has suffered but it delivers a powerful message that senseless violence carries serious consequences.”
“Martial Amilcar's sentencing is a testament to HSI New York’s relentless commitment to protecting innocent New Yorkers from violent gangs that have brutalized our neighborhoods and exploited fraud schemes to fund their reign of terror,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Patel. “The defendant's cold-blooded murder of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph and the violent attempted robbery that endangered families and a child highlight the deadly grip gang violence holds on our communities. Today serves as a powerful reminder that HSI New York, together with our partners, will relentlessly pursue those who devastate our neighborhoods and shatter innocent lives with their savagery.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to HSI’s Violent Gang Task Force, the New York City Police Department, and the Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General for their outstanding work in this investigation.
As detailed in court filings, the Hyena Crips set of the Crips street gang follows many of the rules and the hierarchical structure of other Crips sets, earning money through fraud and robberies, and protecting their reputation through violent crimes.
February 22, 2019 Murder of Samuel Joseph
As detailed in court documents, including the government’s sentencing memorandum, Amilcar shot and killed 15-year-old Samuel Joseph on February 22, 2019 in retaliation for an altercation earlier the same day between Amilcar’s brother, also a Hyena Crips gang member, and Joseph’s older brother, a rival gang member. Amilcar’s brother attacked the rival gang member outside a convenience store located on the 1300-block of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, and the rival gang member stabbed Amilcar’s brother in the leg.
Shortly after the altercation, Amilcar changed his clothing and contacted various alleged members of the Hyena Crips, including a co-defendant who then met Amilcar. Amilcar and the co-defendant drove to Samuel Joseph’s apartment building and waited outside. As Joseph walked down a staircase towards the building’s exit, Amilcar walked into the building, pulled out a gun and shot Joseph three times at close range, killing him. The shooting and events leading up to it were captured on security camera footage taken nearby.
June 9, 2020 Attempted Robbery of a Brooklyn Pharmacy
On June 9, 2020, the defendant and two other alleged members of the Hyena Crips attempted to rob a pharmacy on the 3400-block of Avenue H in Brooklyn. Amilcar and the others entered the pharmacy and ordered the customers, employees and a small child to the back of the store. Amilcar placed his hands around a victim’s throat, displayed a firearm and ordered her to the back of the store. He jumped over the cashier’s counter in an attempt to rob the store but ultimately fled the pharmacy. Video surveillance from inside the pharmacy captured the incident.
* * *
Eight defendants were charged in the superseding indictment with racketeering in connection with their membership in the Hyena Crips. Two defendants have pleaded guilty, including Amilcar’s brother Martial C. Amilcar. Yesterday, November 12, 2025, Martial C. Amilcar was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 96 months’ imprisonment for racketeering in connection with conspiring to commit fraud using means of identification to defraud the Small Business Administration and conspiring to murder rival gang members.
Trial is scheduled to begin for the five remaining defendants on January 26, 2026. The racketeering charges at trial include the previously unsolved murders of Leandre Mallinckrodt at the West Indian Day Parade on Labor Day 2012 and Roodson Polynice in September 2020.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash, Jessica Weigel and Joshua Dugan are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of paralegal specialists Elizabeth Reed and Erin Payne.
The Defendant:
MARTIAL H. AMILCAR, also known as “Drippy”
Age: 28
Brooklyn, New YorkPreviously Convicted Defendants:
MARTIAL C. AMILCAR, also known as “Hype”
Age: 27
Brooklyn, New YorkMATTHEW HARRIS, also known as “Kappy”
Age: 26
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Awaiting Trial:
BRADLEY AUGUSTIN, also known as “Cradley”
Age: 26
Brooklyn, New YorkDAVE AUGUSTIN, also known as “Juice”
Age: 39
Brooklyn, New YorkRICK JASMIN, also known as “Jab”
Age: 32
Brooklyn, New YorkWISNY JOSEPH, also known as “Weezy”
Age: 34
Brooklyn, New YorkRICHLER MORETTE, also known as “Breezy”
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-18 (S1)(AMD)
Hobbs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Hobbs man was sentenced to 180 months in prison following the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and weapons during two traffic stops in July 2023.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, during a traffic stop on July 4, 2023, Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Mark Liges, 34, on an outstanding warrant. A police canine alerted deputies to narcotics in the vehicle which was then towed pending a search warrant.
The following day, the LCSO and Lea County Drug Task Force executed the warrant on the vehicle. Inside, officers found 679.4 net grams of fentanyl and 199 net grams of pure methamphetamine. Authorities also found loaded two handguns, along with a digital scale and empty baggies. Further investigation using a search warrant for Liges' cellphone revealed text messages corroborating his drug distribution activities.
Just eight days after his initial arrest on July 12, 2023, Liges was arrested again in Hobbs, NM, this time for driving with a suspended license. During this arrest, Liges informed officers he was carrying another firearm, stating he knew it was illegal but claimed he needed it for protection. Liges has a history of felony offenses, including distribution of marijuana in 2010 and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2013, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Liges subsequently pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon his release from prison, Liges will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today.
The DEA’s El Paso Division investigated this case with assistance from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the Lea County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting the case.
This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Hillsborough County Man Indicted for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Jordan O’Keefe Woods (32, Seffner) with two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of inducement to travel to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all counts, Woods faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on or about September 22, 2024, and July 22, 2025, Woods knowingly trafficked Victim 1 knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud and coercion would be used to cause the victim to engage in a commercial sex act. The indictment also alleges that on or about September 20, 2024, and July 20, 2025, Woods knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced Victim 1 to travel from North Carolina to Florida to engage in prostitution and sexual activity.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
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.
Heavily Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 91 MonthsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Angelo Mark, 31, of Washington D.C., was sentenced Oct. 1, 2025, in U.S. District Court to 91 months in federal prison for his role a prolific drug delivery service that he operated with his brother in the metropolitan area, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Mark pleaded guilty June 18, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute a detectable amount of fentanyl, and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Mark to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement were 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, between Jan. 10, 2024, and March 13, 2024, undercover agents with the DEA made six controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and suspected MDMA from Angelo Mark’s co-conspirator and brother, Jevaughn Mark.
On Mar. 22, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at the homes of Angelo Mark and co-defendant Jevaughn Mark who lived across the street from each other on the 2300 block of Chester Street SE. From Angelo Marks residence, law enforcement recovered four handguns, three assault style rifles with their serial numbers removed, and 954 rounds of ammunition.
In addition to the seven firearms recovered in Angelo Mark’s home, law enforcement seized 11.5 grams of cocaine, four digital scales, bulk drug-packaging materials, and $50,663 in cash.
On March 14, 2025, co-defendant Jevaughn Mark pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As part of his plea agreement, Jevaughn Mark accepted responsibility for causing the drug-related deaths of Brandon Román and Robert Barletta. On June 26, 2025, the Court sentenced Jevaughn Mark to 180 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Dan Seidel of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking (VCNT) section.
Law enforcement recovered three assault-style rifles, two pistols, and 954 rounds of ammunition from Angelo Mark’s home on the 2300 block of Chester Street SE, on Mar. 22, 2024.
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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.
Guilty Verdicts for Three Members of Violent Robbery Crew That Targeted 12 Pharmacies and Phone StoresRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three members of a violent multi-state robbery crew were found guilty October 28 by a federal jury in connection with the robberies of 12 pharmacies and cell phone stores in the District, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The jury deliberated for three days following a six-week trial.
Ashley Gause, 32, aka “Cray,” of the District, was found guilty of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances from the pharmacy robberies, and nine counts of Hobbs Act Robbery.
D’Marrell Mitchel, 35, of the District, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and nine counts of Hobbs Act Robbery.
Terrance Barnham, 35, of the District, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, and one count of carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
Judge Amy B. Jackson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 4, 2026 for Gause; Feb. 6, 2026 for Mitchell; and Feb. 3, 2026 for Branham. Each count of Hobbs Act robbery carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; carrying a firearm during a crime of violence carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. A U.S. District court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors
Joining in the announcement of the verdicts were 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 court documents, from May 9, 2020, through May 26, 2021, Gause and her co-conspirators targeted pharmacies and cellular retail stores in the mid-Atlantic region, seeking to rob the businesses of prescription drugs and iPhones that they could then resell in the District.
Multiple co-defendants previously pleaded guilty to their roles in a number of robberies.
Co-defendant Floyd Neal, 31, of the District, pleaded guilty to his role in the April 1, 2021, robbery of a pharmacy in Manassas and was sentenced on July 17, 2024, to 157 months in prison.
Ashawntea Henderson, 32, of the District, pleaded guilty to interference of interstate commerce by robbery for his role in the May 9, 2020 robbery of a pharmacy in Neptune, New Jersey, and was sentenced on Feb. 18, 2025, to 57 months in prison.
Glenn Dolford, 32, of the District, pleaded guilty to two counts of interference of interstate commerce by robbery for his roles in the June 8, 2020, robbery of a pharmacy in Nottingham, Maryland, and the June 9, 2020, robbery of a phone store in College Park, Maryland. Dolford, who also is serving a 22-year sentence for murder, was sentenced July 18, 2025, to an additional 42 months for his roles in the robberies.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department, Alexandria Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Henrico County Police Division, Laurel Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, Neptune Township N.J. Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Gold, Cameron Tepfer, Sarah Martin, and Mark Levy with assistance from paralegal specialist Jenna Lee.
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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.
Guilty Plea in Case of Woman’s Body Found in Mall DumpsterRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Richard Dyson, 57, of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty to the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Donnella Bryan, 63, whose body was found in a Hechinger Mall dumpster in Northeast D.C. back in April of 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Dyson pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of second-degree murder. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Dyson is facing up to 24 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2025, before the Honorable Michael Ryan.
According to the government’s evidence, on or about April 15, 2025, at the Press House Apartments in Northeast D.C., Dyson murdered the victim by striking her in the head and suffocating her with a sock. Dyson then purchased a large container from Home Depot, and with the help of a now-deceased accomplice, disposed of the victim’s body in that container by sliding it into a dumpster at Hechinger Mall. The decedent’s body was discovered on April 19, 2025, one day before Easter Sunday.
Dyson was arrested on June 11, 2025, and has been in custody ever since.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Cocuzza.
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.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in New Bedford was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2025 in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Manuel Ruiz Luis, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia Kobick to six months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Ruiz Luis pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. In May 2025, Ruiz Luis was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Ruiz Luis was first deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 1996 and reentered the United States illegally sometime thereafter. Ruiz Luis was removed from the United States a second time on March 28, 2012. Sometime after his March 2012 removal, Ruiz Luis illegally reentered the United States without permission.
Prior to his 2012 removal, Ruiz Luis had multiple criminal convictions including one charge of operating under the influence and four separate charges of operating a motor vehicle without a license.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Forcibly Assaulting Federal Officers During Immigration ArrestRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan man pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2025 in federal court in Boston to assaulting multiple officers during an immigration arrest.
Guido Andres Cuellar Batres, 24, pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Jan. 12, 2026. Cuellar was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2025.
Cuellar had overstayed his non-immigrant visa by more than four years and, as a result, there was an outstanding immigration warrant for his arrest. At approximately 9:45 a.m. on May 4, 2025, four federal officers – three Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and a Drug Enforcement Administration agent – set up surveillance in a parking lot in Marlborough. There, a vehicle was observed entering the parking lot, with Cuellar in the front passenger seat. The officers – who were wearing outer garments identifying themselves as law enforcement – approached the vehicle and ordered Cuellar, in both English and Spanish, to step out of the car. Cuellar refused. The officers then instructed Cuellar and the driver to unlock the vehicle, but they did not do so. After being instructed to keep his hands visible, Cuellar reached down such that officers lost sight of his hands – raising concern that he might be reaching for a weapon. Given this concern and the refusals to comply with orders, the officers broke the rear passenger side window, enabling them to gain entry to the vehicle and unlock the front passenger door.
Upon being removed from the vehicle, Cuellar resisted officer efforts to bring his arms behind his back for handcuffing. As officers continued to attempt to handcuff Cuellar, he tried to bite one of them in the leg, did bite another officer above his wrist and struck that officer in the head multiple times.
After the officers succeeded in handcuffing Cuellar, he continued to resist. As agents attempted to secure Cuellar in the rear seat of their vehicle, he jumped numerous times to avoid being put in the vehicle. One of the officers entered the opposite side of the vehicle to pull Cuellar into the rear seat. As the officer took hold of Cuellar, he head-butted the officer and spat directly into the officer’s eyes and face.
The charge of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties provides for a sentence of up to eight 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; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Richardson of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Chelsea, Mass. pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 22, 2025 in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Leonardo Hernandez-Blanco, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to time served (approximately 10 months) followed by one year of supervised release. The defendant is now subject to deportation proceedings. Hernandez-Blanco was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2020.
Hernandez-Blanco was deported from the United States to Mexico on July 23, 2010 and on Feb. 11, 2020. Sometime after each of removal, Hernandez-Blanco illegally reentered the United States without permission.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith E. Houghton made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty and Sentenced to Time Served for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Waltham pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2025 in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Kevin Elizar Reyes-Andres, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (approximately three months). The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. Reyes-Andres was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Reyes-Andres was deported from the United States to Guatemala on Feb. 27, 2019. Sometime after his February 2019 removal, Reyes-Andres illegally reentered the United States without permission. On May 19, 2025, he was arrested by immigration authorities in Waltham. On that date, a car stop was initiated. Reyes-Andres fled and was later observed getting into another vehicle, attempting to flee again on foot before being apprehended.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.