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26 August 2026
Three Sentenced for Trafficking Large Quantities of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Methamphetamine trafficking in the Northern District of West Virginia has sent three people to federal prison for decades, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Dustin Thomas Socks, 43, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to 150 months in prison. Socks, also known as “Dutch,” was convicted following a long‑term drug trafficking investigation spanning from Washington County, Maryland, to Berkeley County, West Virginia. Investigators documented multiple sales of methamphetamine and cocaine base by Socks. Throughout the investigation, Socks coordinated drug deals across state lines and repeatedly met for sales at locations in Hagerstown, Maryland. Socks has multiple prior drug convictions.
Mercedes Danielle Waye, 33, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine in Hampshire County. U.S. Postal Inspection Service personnel intercepted a parcel containing more than 430 grams of high‑purity methamphetamine addressed to Waye at a Romney, West Virginia address. Waye and co-defendant Charles Muffley, III, attempted to pick up the package the following day and was detained. Searches of Waye’s and Muffley’s vehicles and belongings uncovered additional methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, and multiple cellular devices. Muffley was convicted of his crimes at trial in March 2026 and is scheduled for sentencing in November 2026.
Alvie William Woods, 64, was sentenced to 36 months in prison. U.S. Postal Inspection Service personnel intercepted a suspicious USPS Priority Mail parcel and obtained a search warrant. Inside the package, officers found nearly two pounds of methamphetamine. The parcel had been mailed from Moreno Valley, California, and was addressed to “K. Myers” at a Flatwoods residence. Woods and co-defendant Kelly Myers arrived to retrieve the package and were arrested. Investigators later determined that Woods had received additional methamphetamine shipments at his home from the same California address. Myers was sentenced on August 5, 2026, to 12 months in prison for her role in the scheme.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher, Kyle Kane, and Andrew Cogar prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
These cases are a part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided over the Socks and Waye sentencings. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the Woods sentencing.
Three Men Sentenced for Providing Material Support to Separatists in CameroonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three individuals have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to provide material support or resources to kill, kidnap, and maim persons and use weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in a foreign country. The defendants conspired to provide funds and equipment to separatist fighters in Cameroon to allow them to construct and use IEDs against various targets in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
Francis Chenyi, Sr., 52, of Saint Paul, Minn. and Lah Nestor Langmi, 49, of Buffalo, N.Y., both citizens of Cameroon, were sentenced to 180 months each in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Claude Ngenevu Chi, 43, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 63 months, followed by three years of supervised release.
Previously, Chenyi and Langmi, both of whom are U.S. citizens of Cameroonian origin, were found guilty after a federal jury trial of one count of a conspiracy to provide material support or resources intended to be used to carry out conspiracies to kill, kidnap, and maim persons in a foreign country and to use a WMD outside the United States. Chenyi and Langmi were also found guilty of one count of being involved in an international money laundering conspiracy that transferred funds from the United States to Cameroon to promote conspiracies to kill, kidnap, and maim and use WMDs abroad. Additionally, Chenyi was convicted of conspiring to provide material support and resources to use a WMD abroad.
Chi previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to use WMDs abroad.
According to court documents and evidence from trial, Langmi sent an audio message to separatist fighters requesting they kidnap a traditional leader in Cameroon. Following a battle with Cameroonian forces, separatists took the traditional leader along with the Catholic Cardinal Christian Tumi, who was traveling with the traditional leader, from their vehicles. Following the kidnapping, Chenyi, provided the interrogation questions to be asked of the traditional leader and the Cardinal and approved the transferring of funds through peer-to-peer transactions to the separatist fighters in Cameroon to further the kidnapping.
Chenyi was involved in ransom payments by individuals outside of Cameroon for the release of family members taken in Cameroon and communicated with Langmi about these payments. Multiple instances occurred in which co-conspirators, including Langmi, requested funds to purchase IEDs or components of IEDs for construction and use in Cameroon that were approved and funded by Chenyi. Chenyi also coordinated with individuals in Cameroon to ensure separatist fighters he supported obtained training on IED use. The defendants corresponded with co-conspirators in Cameroon to coordinate development, payment for, and logistical support toward IED use upon targets in Cameroon.
Around Dec. 3, 2020, Chenyi was requested to provide funds for construction of multiple IEDs to be used in connection with efforts to enforce a lockdown of an area before an upcoming election. Chenyi, along with Chi, agreed to provide funds for the IEDs’ construction and Chenyi coordinated the transfer of funds from the United States through peer-to-peer transactions to the separatist fighters in Cameroon.
Langmi coordinated with, and provided funds to, an unindicted co-conspirator to develop IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) in Cameroon and kept Chenyi apprised of the IED and RPG development. Langmi also attempted to coordinate attacks near the 2021 African Cup of Nations soccer tournament hosted in Cameroon, as well as various cities throughout the Northwest Region in the spring of 2022.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean T. Foley and Joseph M. Marquez for the Western District of Missouri, with the assistance of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Kansas City Field Office.
The Villages Health System LLC Agrees to $541.5M Settlement to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
The Villages Health System LLC (TVH), a healthcare provider group headquartered in The Villages, Florida, has agreed to a $541.5 million settlement to resolve self-disclosed allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes in order to increase payments that they received from the Medicare Advantage program.
“The Medicare Advantage program relies on accurate diagnoses to protect the federal fisc,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement reflects that we will hold accountable entities that inflate payments through invalid diagnoses; at the same time, we will continue to credit organizations that disclose wrongdoing, take appropriate remedial actions, and fully cooperate with the government’s investigation.”
“The Villages Health System LLC knowingly submitted false diagnosis codes to increase their payments from the Medicare Advantage program and increase their profits,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Our Office will continue protecting the integrity of the Medicare program and hold those who seek to defraud federal health care programs accountable.”
“The accuracy of diagnosis information submitted to Medicare Advantage is vital to protecting taxpayer dollars,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This case underscores that entities will be held accountable when they submit unsupported information that inflates payments. The provider’s use of the OIG Self Disclosure Protocol and its cooperation were important factors in resolving this matter, and the protocol remains available for managed care entities and other providers that bill managed care entities that seek to disclose potential liability.”
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To make these “risk adjustments,” CMS collects medical diagnosis codes from the MAOs. The diagnoses must be supported by the medical record from a face-to-face visit between a patient and a provider, and for outpatient visits, must have required or affected patient care, treatment, or management at the visit. Providers generally submit diagnosis codes to MAOs that are, in turn, submitted to CMS to increase payments. At times, MAOs agree to pay provider groups like TVH a set percentage of what the MAO receives from CMS. Under such agreements, the provider groups receive more reimbursement for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less reimbursement for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs.
On Dec. 27, 2024, TVH made a submission pursuant to the HHS-OIG’s Health Care Fraud Self-Disclosure Protocol disclosing that it had submitted invalid diagnosis codes to multiple MAOs for certain beneficiaries enrolled in their plans and that these diagnosis codes increased the capitated payments made by CMS to the MAOs under the MA program.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from 2020 through 2024, TVH violated the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 2729-3733, by knowingly submitting false diagnosis codes to MAOs and causing MAOs to submit false diagnosis codes to the MA program resulting in inflated payments from CMS to MAOs. The diagnosis codes were invalid because they did not have adequate support in the patient’s medical record or were based on amendments to the medical record that were not initiated by the rendering provider and were not timely or were not approved by the rendering provider. TVH’s knowing submission of the unsupported and/or undocumented codes identified above caused CMS to make inflated payments to the MAOs, which inflated the MAOs’ payments to TVH.
In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that TVH took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government. TVH promptly took remedial actions and self-disclosed the invalid diagnoses to HHS-OIG. TVH also provided the government with a detailed and thorough written disclosure and cooperated with the government throughout its investigation.
On July 3, 2025, TVH filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. In re Villages Health System, LLC, Case No. 6:25-bk-04156-LVV (Bankr. M.D. Fla.). The bankruptcy court approved the settlement announced today on Aug. 25.
TVH submitted the invalid diagnosis codes covered by the settlement announced today to three MAOs: Humana Inc., UnitedHealthcare (UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, United Healthcare of Florida Inc., Preferred Care Partners Inc., and Care Improvement Plus South Central Insurance Company, Inc.), and GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc. and Florida Blue Medicare Inc.). Pursuant to their contracts with CMS, the MAOs are returning overpayments they received as a result of TVH’s conduct by deleting invalid codes and/or by entering into agreements with the Department of Justice and CMS to return the funds.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Edward Crooke and Martha Glover and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Emden for the Middle District of Florida.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: Read the agreements with United here and Florida Blue here.
Surro Connections Owner, Business Manager, and Spouse Charged with Fraud in Collapse of Surrogacy AgencyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND — Megan Hall-Greenberg, 49, and Jeffrery Greenberg, 45, of Washougal, Washington, and Heather Morgan, 47, of Camas, Washington, have been charged by indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, alleged to have conspired to misappropriate millions of dollars of funds from Surro Connections. Hall-Greenberg and Greenberg were also charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
As part of the scheme, the defendants are alleged to have concealed the misappropriation from Surro Connections’ clients, the intended parents and the surrogates. Surro Connections collected and held funds, often totaling over $100,000 per client, that were pledged to be used to cover the costs of surrogacies, including legal fees, medical costs, compensation to surrogates, travel, and other costs.
Instead, as alleged in the indictment, Hall-Greenberg and Greenberg spent over $1.1 million in misappropriated funds on personal expenses, including gambling debts, cruises, a vacation at an adults-only resort in Mexico, and trips to Las Vegas. In addition, Hall-Greenberg and Greenberg spent over $60,000 on luxury items, including Louis Vuitton purses, Bucherer, Rolex and LVMH watches, diamonds and other jewelry.
“The victims in this case entrusted their hopes and dreams of starting a family—not to mention their hard-earned savings—to these defendants. But instead of the child they dreamed of, they got heartache and disappointment,” said United States Attorney Craig Missakian. “These defendants took advantage of vulnerable families, and they should pay a steep price for their callous and unbridled greed.”
“Families placed extraordinary trust into Surro Connections during one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. The defendants’ alleged actions not only broke that trust—they caused real harm to parents and surrogates who relied on them,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble. “The FBI is committed to uncovering the truth, protecting victims, and ensuring that those who exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain are held fully accountable.”
The indictment alleges that for over 19 months, Hall-Greenberg, Greenberg, and Morgan conspired to conceal the misappropriation by falsely representing to clients of Surro Connections that their funds were being held safely in an escrow account, when in fact those accounts had been drained. According to the indictment, defendants Hall-Greenberg and Morgan repeatedly sent “balance statements” to Surro Connections clients that falsely represented that their funds were being held in escrow.
Instead, as alleged in the indictment, the escrow account was essentially empty, and the defendants were attempting to forestall the company’s collapse by using over $4.7 million in high-interest loans, incoming client payments, and credit cards, in an attempt to pay outstanding costs and conceal the misappropriation.
The indictment alleges that on December 5, 2025, Hall-Greenberg sent an email to Surro Connections intended parents, surrogates, and employees that stated the company was ceasing operations immediately and “has no ability to provide any further performance pursuant to any contractual or other Company obligations.”
The defendants are scheduled to make an initial appearance in U.S. district court in Oakland, California, on September 3, 3026 at 10:30 a.m. before the Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge Ajay S. Krishnan. The case is assigned to the Honorable U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin for further proceedings.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and ten years in prison for money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendants also face a fine of up to $250,000, and potential forfeiture and restitution. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Ward and Ivana Djak are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Jessie Chelsea. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Sturgis Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026.
Carl Wahl, 55, was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge. Wahl was also ordered to pay $30,285 in restitution and forfeiture was ordered.
Wahl was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026.
Between May and August of 2023, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received CyberTips for investigation. A search warrant for Wahl’s residence and electronic devices was obtained. Several of Wahl’s electronic devices, including his HP laptop and his two cellphones, were examined and all three devices contained visual depictions of child sexual abuse material that Wahl knowingly and intentionally viewed, possessed, and received using the internet.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Wahl was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Joseph Man Sentenced to 50 Years Imprisonment for Drug & Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and money laundering.
Montrez Dixon, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to a total of 50 years in federal prison without parole for participating in a conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and money laundering.
On July 29, 2020, law enforcement officers recovered a package shipped to Kansas City, Mo. from Arizona, which contained 4,715 fentanyl pills. The investigation revealed that Dixon distributed this package and other packages to the Western District of Missouri, containing thousands of fentanyl pills. On Nov. 30, 2022, law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service executed a search warrant on Dixon’s residence in Los Angeles, where over 7,500 fentanyl pills and a firearm were recovered. Dixon fled to Fresno, Calif., where he was ultimately arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.
On Sept. 18, 2025, a jury found Dixon guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. Three co-defendants had already pleaded guilty in this case.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Services; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; Buchanan County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office; Buchanan County, Missouri Drug Strike Force; St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department; Kansas City, Missouri Police Crime Laboratory; and DEA-North Central Laboratory.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
South African Man Living in Jefferson County Sentenced for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
South African Man Living in Jefferson County Sentenced for
Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Marcell M. Meyer, age 45, and a citizen of South Africa formerly residing in Sackets Harbor, New York was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing child pornography announced First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Meyer admitted to using an internet-based social networking application installed on his cellular telephone to distribute multiple videos of child pornography to another user of the platform who Meyer believed to be a 13-year-old child, but who was actually an undercover HSI agent. Meyer also possessed child pornography on his cellular telephone on the day of his arrest.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, United States District Judge, Anthony J. Brindisi, also sentenced Meyer to serve a 5-year term of supervised release which will begin after Meyer is released from prison, at which time Meyer will also be required to register as a sex offender. Meyer was also ordered to pay $21,000 restitution to the victims of his offenses. Upon his release from federal prison Meyer will be immediately eligible for deportation proceedings.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Our law enforcement partners specialized cyber‑crimes units are dedicated to identifying, tracking, and arresting those who exploit and harm children online. Thanks to their relentless work, and our office’s prosecution, this defendant will serve 12 years in federal prison and will be subject to deportation afterward. We will continue to pursue anyone who preys on children and ensure they face lengthy prison sentences as a result of their crimes.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrone stated: “Marcell Meyer’s sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the lasting harm caused by those who trade in child sexual abuse material. By distributing graphic abuse videos to someone he believed was a child and keeping this material on his phone, Meyer helped fuel a cycle of exploitation that revictimizes children every time these files are shared. HSI Syracuse will continue to pursue offenders who prey on children online and work with our partners to ensure victims are protected and predators are held accountable.”
The case was investigated by HSI Syracuse and HSI Portland, Maine with the assistance from the New York State Police, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.
Lorenzo Rene Portillo, 37, was sentenced to 13 years and 5 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Portillo was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on May 5, 2026.
Portillo was a member of a conspiracy distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in Sioux Falls between September 2024 and February 2025. He also obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators to distribute to others who would then sell it. He was arrested on February 10, 2025, when law enforcement officers conducted a search of a residence where he was temporarily staying and discovered a handgun. Portillo is prohibited from possessing firearms based upon his multiple felony convictions.
“Collaborating with all levels of law enforcement, our dedicated federal prosecutors and their teams are working overtime to do everything possible to protect our communities from the deadly combination of career criminals, drugs, and guns,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “The conviction of this repeat felon and the long prison sentence he will serve represent another step forward toward accomplishing that mission. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from; if you are selling illegal drugs in South Dakota, we are coming for you and this is your fate.”
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). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Portillo was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Seaside Postmaster Charged with Distribution & Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—The Seaside, Oregon, Postmaster has been charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and production of obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Ryan Sherman, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint and made his initial appearance in federal court today.
According to court documents, Sherman was in possession of dozens of images and videos of child sexual abuse material. In addition to possessing images and videos Sheman produced obscene child sexual abuse images for people he talked to on the internet, taking innocuous photographs of children and using artificial intelligence (AI) to turn them into obscene images. Sherman exchanged child abuse material on SimpleX with other members of a chat group. When asked by an individual seeking obscene images whether he had any limit to the images he would or could create, defendant bragged that he had “none.” Sherman occupies a position of trust as the Postmaster for Seaside, Oregon.
On August 25, 2026, Sherman was arrested in Seaside, Oregon.
Sherman made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
The FBI and Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case, with assistance from the Seaside Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Geiling is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Schererville Woman Sentenced to 190 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Samantha M. Conley, 31 years old, of Schererville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Conley was sentenced to 190 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
According to documents in the case, Conley possessed 82 videos depicting child sexual abuse material.
“The Defendant’s disturbing pattern of abuse and betrayal of trust is appalling. Her continued illicit actions spiraled into deviancy while she turned her back on a strong support system to explore the darkness of sexual abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
“Every image and video depicting the sexual abuse of a child represents a real victim whose innocence was violated. Possessing this material fuels the exploitation of children and perpetuates their abuse,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Conley’s actions and the harm inflicted on this young victim. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate those who seek out and possess child sexual abuse material.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Robstown resident sentenced after fleeing from police in high-speed chase following drug transactionRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 50-year-old man has been ordered to prison for his role in the distribution of cocaine.
Michael Casas pleaded guilty May 27.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Casas to serve 60 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.
The investigation revealed Casas was planning to sell two kilograms of cocaine March 17. On that date, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on his vehicle. Casas initially pulled over but accelerated as authorities approached, leading them in a high-speed pursuit on Highway 44 in Corpus Christi.
At one point, Casas was traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour.
During that time, authorities observed Casas throw a brick‑shaped package from the vehicle. He eventually stopped and surrendered.
Law enforcement recovered the package and found it to contain two kilograms of cocaine.
Casas was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
Recidivist Violent Offender Sentenced to Prison for Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Paul Richard Lukas (51, Cape Coral) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek to four years in federal prison for making interstate communications of threats to injure. Lukas pleaded guilty on May 20, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on January 30, 2026, approximately one month after Lukas was released from Florida state prison for violent offenses, Lukas made several threatening phone calls to kill multiple individuals located in Florida, Georgia, and Alaska. One of the victims reported the threat to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. FBI then requested assistance from the Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD). Less than one hour after the FBI had received notification of the threats, CCPD made contact with Lukas at his home where they located several empty rifle cases.
In imposing the sentence, the court varied upward after considering Lukas’s lengthy criminal history consisting of approximately 40 prior adult convictions, many of which involved batteries, assaults, and threats against other individuals.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cape Coral Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Redavid.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.
Garrett Yellow Hair, 44, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Yellow Hair was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026. He pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026.
Yellow Hair was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in August 2007, in federal court in South Dakota. The victim was a 4-year-old girl. Yellow Hair was sentenced to just over 10 years in federal prison. Based upon the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). In November 2023, Yellow Hair was convicted of the federal charge of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. On September 8, 2025, he was released from the Pennington County Jail after completing his sentence on a supervised release violation. Yellow Hair updated his address, but then did not actually reside at that address between September and October 2025. Yellow Hair knew he was in violation of the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Yellow Hair was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026.
Wakiyan Dreamer, 28, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
Dreamer was indicted for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in June 2025 and indicted by superseding indictment for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2026.
On May 13, 2025, in Rapid City, the Rapid City Police Department responded to a shots-fired report at a gas station. Law enforcement recovered a Norma brand 9mm Luger shell casing nearby in the middle of the street. Law enforcement reviewed video surveillance footage from outside the gas station. It showed Dreamer shooting a pistol in the middle of a street toward a group of people, where the 9mm shell casing was found by law enforcement shortly after the shooting.
Dreamer had been convicted of a crime punishable beyond a year in prison and therefore he is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Dreamer procured this pistol by arranging for his significant other, Madeline Bloemendaal, to buy the firearm for him from a Federal Firearms Licensee (“FFL”). She gave a false statement to the FFL representing she was buying the firearm for herself, when in reality she was buying it for Dreamer. Bloemendaal has since been convicted and sentenced.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Dreamer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Owner of West Camp Dog Fighting Venture Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Dog Fighting and Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced for six counts related to running a dog fighting venture in his home and for beating his then-girlfriend with a golf club, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Julius Deane Griffin, 44, for five counts of Possession of a Dog for an Animal Fighting Venture; Causing an Individual Under the Age of 16 to Attend an Animal Fighting Venture; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; and Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion. Griffin was ordered to serve 210 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
“Julius Griffin engaged in a sustained pattern of harming animals and people alike. And then when he was finally brought to justice, he tried to destroy evidence of his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Chris Nassar. “This sentence sends a strong message that engaging in dog fighting and domestic violence will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Oklahoma and will be met with significant consequences.”
In 2024, law enforcement began investigating Griffin for drug activities. When agents obtained a search warrant on Griffin’s social media account, they discovered that he was fighting dogs under the name “West Camp.” Agents then executed a search warrant at Griffin’s home and seized 17 live pit bull-type dogs and other fighting dogs, and one deceased dog. Agents seized over $16,000 in cash, electronic devices, dog-fighting trophies, dog treadmills, kennels, digital scales to weigh the dogs, dog food, injectable steroids, syringes, and dog medications.
The dogs seized were placed with outside caregivers and received immediate medical attention. Some dogs had missing and damaged body parts, visible scars, and open wounds, consistent with dog fighting. The deceased dog exhibited visible scars and open wounds, consistent with dog fighting, and was recently deceased.
Court documents show that Griffin admitted to possessing 18 dogs in his backyard and basement of his house located in Tulsa. During sentencing, the prosecutor stated that Griffin would take a dog into his basement for “training.” While in the dark basement, the dog would be starved and run on a treadmill several times to prepare for an upcoming fight.
The investigation revealed that Griffin possessed 1,000s of images and videos documenting his dog-fighting venture. At sentencing, prosecutors showed several graphic images and videos of dogs injured or fighting. A brief video showed a dog that appeared to be lifeless, muzzled by duct tape, and attacked by a separate dog, as Griffin cheered on the prevailing dog.
Griffin admitted to traveling between Oklahoma and Kansas to fight the dogs and to buying or selling dogs in Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. During one of his dog fights, Griffin admitted he allowed two children, ages 4 and 2, to watch the dog fight.
After being arrested in April 2025, Griffin contacted a friend and directed them to log in to his accounts and delete data from his cloud-based devices. Griffin knowingly directed his friend to conceal and delete videos, conversations, and pictures related to his animal-fighting venture.
Additionally, in December 2023, Griffin admitted to assaulting the woman he was dating at that time. He struck her several times with a golf club. The assault left the victim with a fractured wrist, ankle swelling, arm and knee lacerations, as well as rib pain.
During sentencing proceedings, it was mentioned that Griffin scored in the highest criminal history category because of his prior criminal convictions. Court records show that Griffin was previously convicted of more than 21 crimes, including being convicted in 2005 for his involvement in a separate dog fighting ring. He was sentenced to five years and served approximately two years. He has also previously been convicted of six assault and domestic assault related crimes since 2009.
Griffin will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshal Service, the USDA-OIG, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. The U.S. Marshal Service National Seized Animal Program, the City of Tulsa Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Tulsa assisted in the medical treatment of the dogs and their recovery. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris prosecuted the case.
Nevada, Missouri Man Sentenced for Embezzling Approximately $1.5 Million from Employer and Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Nevada, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for a fraud scheme and filing false income tax returns.
Justin Marquardt, 55, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Kays, to 48 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for a fraud scheme in which he embezzled approximately $1.5 million from his employer and for failing to disclose the embezzled funds as income on his federal income tax returns. Marquardt was also ordered to pay full restitution to the victims of his crimes. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Marquardt previously admitted that he stole approximately $1.5 million from his employer’s bank accounts and used those funds for his personal benefit. Marquardt held the title of executive director at his employer’s company and by virtue of his position, had access to all company finances and financial accounts from 1994 to 2023. As part of his scheme, Marquardt, without authorization, transferred funds from his employer’s bank accounts to his personal accounts and wrote himself unauthorized checks from business bank accounts. Marquardt spent most of the money on personal expenses, including travel and gambling both online and at casinos. To hide his embezzlement, Marquardt omitted these unauthorized transactions from the business’s QuickBooks ledger he provided to an accountant and tax preparer. Marquardt recorded false and fraudulent payments as business expenses in the QuickBooks records to conceal his embezzlement. Marquardt embezzled at least $1,387,926.39 and has been ordered to pay this amount as restitution to his former employer.
For tax years 2017 – 2020 and 2023, Marquardt filed United States federal income tax returns on Forms 1040 in which he willfully failed to report his embezzled income. As a result of his false tax returns, he has been ordered to pay restitution of $322,596 to the Internal Revenue Service and Missouri Department of Revenue.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Series of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A Montgomery man was sentenced today to 300 months in federal prison for his role in a series of armed robberies targeting businesses throughout Montgomery.
On August 26, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 21-year-old Najari Denarka Mitchell of Montgomery to 25 years in federal prison. Mitchell previously pleaded guilty to multiple federal robbery and firearm charges arising from armed robberies committed during the summer of 2025. Following his prison sentence, Mitchell will serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Thomas Govan and Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Flowers with the FBI Mobile Division made the announcement.
“Mr. Mitchell participated in multiple armed robberies that terrorized employees and customers and put innocent people at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Govan. “His 25-year federal sentence reflects the seriousness of his conduct and should serve as a warning to others who choose to use firearms to commit violent crimes.”
“Our partnerships remain essential to driving violent crime down to historic lows,” said Special Agent in Charge Flowers. “Today’s sentence of Mr. Mitchell reflects the strength of those collaborations and our shared commitment to protecting the public. This case is a clear example of what happens when federal, state, and local agencies work as one team. Together with our partners, we remain committed to supporting victims and strengthening stability across the region.”
According to his plea agreement and other court records, between June 5 and July 28, 2025, Mitchell committed four armed robberies targeting a cell phone store and three gas stations throughout Montgomery, including businesses located on Troy Highway, Eastern Boulevard, and Virginia Loop Road.
Mitchell later partnered with co-defendant Rayshon Frances Demonta Hall in three additional armed robberies. On August 1, 2025, Mitchell and Hall robbed a fast-food restaurant on Troy Highway while threatening an employee with a firearm. The following day, they robbed an auto parts store on Fairview Avenue. On August 4, 2025, Mitchell and Hall robbed a gas station on Troy Highway. Mitchell also pleaded guilty to his role in an attempted robbery of an auto parts store in Montgomery involving Hall.
In addition to the robbery offenses, Mitchell pleaded guilty to two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence.
Mitchell’s co-defendant, Hall, was convicted by a federal jury on May 20, 2026, of three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence. Hall is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2026.
The FBI and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Eric M. Counts prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and the Middle District of Alabama’s Violent Offender Intervention and Deterrence (VOID) program.
PSN is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges.
As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
VOID aims to reduce violent crime by enhancing coordination, communication, and collaboration with law enforcement partners. The program focuses on working directly with local agencies and traditional federal partners to prosecute violent offenders and armed felons, dismantle drug trafficking organizations, and build proactive cases targeting gangs and repeat violent offenders. VOID prioritizes the most serious violent crime cases and fosters close working relationships with state and local prosecutors and law enforcement throughout the Montgomery River Region.
Mexican Illegal Alien Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE DE JESUS NIEVES-Juarez (“NIEVES-JUAREZ”), age 32, a native of Mexico, was indicted on August 21, 2026, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, the defendant was found in the United States on August 14, 2026, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on February 25, 2019. NIEVES-JUAREZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Massachusetts State Representative Charged with Pandemic Loan Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Massachusetts State Representative for the 16th Essex District, representing Lawrence and Methuen, was arrested today and charged with fraudulently obtaining over $700,000 in COVID unemployment insurance benefits and small-business loans, and using the proceeds to buy real estate and loan money to clients of his mortgage business, before he was elected to public office.
Francisco Paulino, 46, of Methuen, Mass., is charged in an 11-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Boston. Paulino is charged with eight counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Paulino will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. today.
According to the indictment, Paulino fraudulently obtained Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits in 2020-2021 in the name of an unknowing 77-year-old relative. The PUA program, which was created during the COVID pandemic, provided unemployment benefits for people who were ineligible for regular unemployment benefits, including independent contractors.
In April 2020, Paulino allegedly submitted an online PUA application to the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for his relative, in which Paulino falsely claimed that the relative had worked for Paulino’s business, Madison Tax, LLC, in 2019. Paulino allegedly submitted fabricated documents in support of the PUA application and submitted false weekly certifications to the DUA. It is further alleged that Paulino directed the DUA to electronically deposit the PUA benefits into a bank account held solely in Paulino’s name. As a result, between April 2020 and September 2021, the DUA paid over $44,000 in PUA benefits. Paulino allegedly used the money to pay for real estate expenses, loan payments and transfers into his political campaign account.
According to the indictment, Paulino also committed fraud in connection with three Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). During COVID, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offered taxpayer-funded EIDLs to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the pandemic. The interest rate on EIDLs was 3.75% and the loan use was limited. A business could only use EIDL proceeds as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by COVID.
According to the charging documents, Paulino incorporated a business called Jackson Enterprise, Inc. as a “fast food restaurant cafe” on Nov. 25, 2019. Jackson Enterprise allegedly had no revenue prior to August 2020. Although Madison Tax filed tax returns with the IRS stating that Jackson Enterprise’s revenues were $0 in 2019 and $116,925 in 2020, Paulino allegedly submitted an EIDL application to the SBA in June 2020 falsely representing that Jackson Enterprise’s revenues for the 12 months ending Jan. 31, 2020 were $426,755. The SBA granted the application and deposited $136,600 in EIDL proceeds into Jackson Enterprise’s bank account in July 2020. Paulino allegedly used $18,000 of the funds toward the purchase of real estate in Lawrence.
Paulino also allegedly obtained a $109,200 EIDL for Madison Tax in May 2020, and later asked the SBA for an increase in the loan amount. In June 2021, the SBA increased the Madison Tax EIDL by $292,600, bringing the total loan amount to $401,800. In October 2021, after the SBA deposited the $292,600 into Madison Tax’s bank account, Paulino allegedly transferred $100,000 of the EIDL funds into the bank account of Madison Mortgage, Inc.– another of his businesses, and used the money to help fund a $600,000 mortgage to two individuals for their purchase of a house in Methuen. Then, in December 2021, Paulino allegedly transferred $120,000 of the EIDL funds from his Madison Tax account to his Madison Mortgage account and used the money to help fund a $460,000 mortgage from Madison Mortgage to an LLC for the purchase of a house in Lawrence. It is further alleged that Paulino not only used $220,000 of Madison Tax EIDL funds for an impermissible purpose, but also that he profited by charging 5.5% and 7.94% interest on the loans he made with the EIDL funds and by charging $25,000 in “loan origination fees” to the home purchasers.
The indictment further alleges that Paulino obtained a fraudulent EIDL modification for one of his Madison Tax clients. In June 2020, Paulino allegedly recommended that a client apply for an EIDL and told the client that he would handle the paperwork and the client would not need to do anything. It is alleged that the client agreed and Paulino obtained a $104,300 EIDL for the client’s business. Paulino allegedly asked the SBA for an increase to the client’s EIDL without the client’s knowledge and in September 2021, the SBA approved an increase of $243,200. Paulino allegedly told the client that he had obtained more government loan money for the client’s business, that the client should leave the money in the client’s business account and that he was going to propose a business deal for the client. It is further alleged that Paulino later told the client to lend him $200,000 and together they transferred $200,000 from the client’s account to Paulino’s Madison Tax account. Paulino then allegedly used the $200,000 to help fund a $680,000 mortgage to another Madison Mortgage client for the purchase of real property in Lawrence, charging an interest rate of 6.25% and a “loan origination fee” of $17,000.
The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 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; Tom Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jeffrey S. Shapiro, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kistina E. Barclay and Christine Wichers of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Massachusetts Mayor Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Pandemic Loan Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Mayor of Lawrence, Mass., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston. The 11-count indictment, unsealed today, charges the Mayor with allegedly obtaining over $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans. It is alleged that the money was used to fund his campaign account, pay personal taxes and pay more than $880,000 in high-interest, hard-money mortgages on properties he owned in Lawrence.
Brian A. DePena, 61, was indicted on four counts of wire fraud and seven counts of money laundering. DePena was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Aug. 14, 2026. DePena will appear in federal court for an arraignment at a later date.
DePena was elected as Mayor of Lawrence in November 2021 and was reelected in November 2025. He previously served on the Lawrence City Council from 2016 until 2021.
According to the charging documents, in 2020 and 2021, DePena applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) for Tenares Tire Services Inc., a tire sales and automotive services business he owned in Lawrence. The interest rate on EIDLs was 3.75% and the loan use was limited. A business could only use EIDL proceeds as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. DePena allegedly caused Tenares Tire to apply for and obtain an EIDL in the amount of $150,000 in June 2020 and then used the majority of those funds as working capital for the business. According to the charging documents, DePena needed cash by early 2021. His mayoral campaign was struggling to pay bills; he owed the IRS for back taxes; and he owed almost $900,000 to two private, hard money lenders who were charging DePena 12% and 8% interest – significantly more than the EIDL rate of 3.75% – on loans that encumbered various properties DePena owned in Lawrence.
In April 2021, DePena allegedly caused a request for an increase of the Tenares Tire EIDL and on July 14, 2021, the SBA approved an increase of the loan by $350,000, bringing the total Tenares Tire EIDL to $500,000. While waiting for the EIDL funds to be released, DePena allegedly texted (originally in Spanish, here translated to English) his accountant and financial advisor, who had been assisting with the Tenares Tire EIDL application and modification:
July 22, 2021: Brother, call me, I’m in trouble. I don’t want to pressure you, but I don’t have time to wait for this loan. I’m in your hands. 🙏
July 25, 2021: Brother, I need your help with this loan. I’ve been trying to reach you all week because I haven’t been able to get it resolved. I know I’m bothering you a lot, but I have no other option. Only you can give me what I need. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
July 28, 2021: Brother call me 🙏🙏🙏
The $350,000 in EIDL funds were electronically deposited into the Tenares Tire bank account on Aug. 16, 2021. The pre-deposit balance in the account was $20.23. Shortly thereafter, DePena allegedly paid $85,000 of the EIDL funds to the IRS to pay off personal tax debts, and transferred $120,000 to a personal account and used that money to write checks totaling $90,000 to The Committee to Elect Brian DePena. It is alleged that these checks were deposited in the DePena mayoral campaign account, and characterized as loans to the campaign, in September and October 2021.
In October 2021, DePena allegedly caused a request for a second EIDL modification and on Oct. 27, 2021, the SBA approved the modification which increased the loan by $1,154,400 bringing the total Tenares Tire EIDL to $1,654,400.
On Nov. 30, 2021, $1,154,188 in EIDL funds were electronically deposited in the Tenares Tire account and on the same day, DePena allegedly transferred the entire amount to one of his personal accounts which had a balance of $1,401. It is alleged that DePena used $42,112.96 of the EIDL funds for his mayoral campaign, writing checks to the campaign for $10,000 and $32,112.96. The first check was deposited into his campaign account on Dec. 2, 2021, when the account had allegedly been overdrawn for approximately 20 days.
DePena allegedly used $883,293 of the EIDL funds to pay off his debts to the hard money lenders. On Dec. 9, 2021, DePena bought a $538,109.03 treasurer’s check and used it to pay off one of the loans, and on Dec. 18, 2021, he bought a $345,184.13 treasurer’s check and used it to pay off the other loan. According to the charging documents, as of Aug. 5, 2026, DePena had made only 16 payments on the Tenares Tire EIDL. The outstanding principal balance was approximately $1,654,420.
The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 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; Tom Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jeffrey S. Shapiro, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kistina E. Barclay and Christine Wichers of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 198 Months in 2023 Violent Kidnapping and Rape of Former PartnerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Brandon Tyriq White, 31, of Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 198-months in federal prison in connection with the violent kidnapping, choking, and sexual assault of his former girlfriend, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Brandon White’s victim fought to escape her attacker twice, and twice White caught her, bound her, and terrorized her,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Domestic violence will not be tolerated. White is now a convicted felon and will spend more than 16 years in federal prison.”
White pleaded guilty on Feb. 18, 2025, to a charge of kidnapping. In addition to the 198-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered White to serve five years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Federal prosecutors had requested a 210-month prison sentence.
According to court documents, White was in a romantic relationship with a woman with whom he lived in October and November 2023. The woman left White without telling him in late November. Following her departure, she terminated the relationship. She left some of her belongings at White’s home.
The next month, the woman sought to recover her belongings and arranged to meet White at a restaurant in Prince George’s County. They sat at a table and ordered drinks and food. The woman received a phone call and stepped away. She returned to the table to find the food was gone, the check had been paid, and White had left the restaurant.
White approached the woman in his car as she walked through the restaurant parking lot. The two argued about her taking the phone call. The dispute intensified and White forced the woman against her will into the back of his car. The woman tried to escape. White bound her with zip-ties. Then he drove her from Maryland to a residence in Southeast D.C.
When they arrived in the District, the woman tried to escape by running away and crying for help. White caught her on the front steps of the residence and choked her. He released her when she promised not to scream or run. White led the woman to a bedroom on the second floor. He placed a firearm on a bedside table and sexually assaulted her.
The woman convinced White to drive her back to Maryland. On the way, they stopped at a convenience store. The woman attempted to flee. A surveillance camera captured images of White trying to force her back into his car. She slipped from his grasp and ran. White caught her, beat her, and broke her front tooth. Ultimately the woman escaped. White drove away. The woman later was treated at local hospital.
Police arrested White on Dec. 23, 2023, in Charles County, Maryland, and recovered a Glock semi-automatic pistol from the hotel where he was staying. The gun was registered to White in the state of Maryland, but White had no valid license or registration to carry the gun within the District.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Janani Iyengary.
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Luverne, Minnesota Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Luverne, Minnesota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.
Shaun Mitchell, 38, was sentenced to 13 years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mitchell was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January 2024.
Investigators discovered that Mitchell worked with a co-conspirator to obtain large quantities of fentanyl pills from Denver and then sell them around the Sioux Falls area. The two men shared a phone and customers. Investigators utilized an informant to make two controlled purchases of fentanyl pills from Mitchell’s co-conspirator and also to conduct a controlled purchase of 48 fentanyl pills from Mitchell. Eventually, investigators learned Mitchell had a storage unit in Sioux Falls, obtained a warrant for the unit, and ultimately discovered approximately 11,777 fentanyl pills inside the storage unit. In total, investigators believe Mitchell and his co-conspirator were responsible for trafficking approximately 40,000 fentanyl pills.
“This was a whole lot of fentanyl taken off the streets by these agents and officers, which means that lives were saved,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “I’m grateful for our federal prosecutors and their teams, who have been working so hard to put drug dealers like this out of business and behind bars. Stayed tuned—there’s a lot more to come.”
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Mitchell was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Loan broker sentenced to 58 months in federal prison for multi-year bank fraud schemeRead the Press Release
DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould announced that Kwanghee Anh, 46, from Dallas, was sentenced today to nearly 5 years in federal prison for her role in a multi‑year bank fraud conspiracy that defrauded lenders of more than $8.3 million.
On March 17, Anh pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
“This was not a victimless paperwork scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Ms. Anh and her partners flooded lenders with false documents and manipulated credit reports to steal millions. Their actions undermine confidence in the financial markets that North Texans and Main Street families rely on every day. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who threatens the stability of our region’s banking system and the financial security of hardworking consumers.”
“The sentence imposed demonstrates the lengths Ms. Ahn took to defraud North Texas lenders, several of which were federally insured, to benefit herself and her clients.” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to investigating and holding accountable those who abuse their roles to further fraudulent schemes.”
According to plea documents, from January 2014 through March 2016, Anh and other charged co‑conspirators employed at Preferred Marketing Group, created and supplied fraudulent financial documents including false IRS Forms W‑2, fabricated paystubs and fictitious employment records to inflate clients’ incomes and misrepresent their jobs. Anh helped clients prepare loan applications that included this false information and assisted in transmitting fraudulent materials to lenders across North Texas.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Anh and her co-defendants caused lenders—many federally insured—to issue at least $10 million in fraudulently obtained loans and credit products.
At today’s sentencing hearing, the government explained that Anh fled the United States in 2017, shortly after initial plea discussions but before she could be indicted. She remained abroad for years until authorities arrested her in South Korea in September 2025 and transferred to U.S. custody in November 2025 to face federal charges.
U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey sentenced her to 58 months’ imprisonment and ordered her to pay $8,340,647.46 in restitution to affected financial institutions.
The FBI Dallas Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise Aldendifer from the Fraud section prosecuted the case.
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Life Sentence in Pensacola Federal Murder CaseRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Charles Carson-Dowdy, 31, of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court to life imprisonment for cyberstalking, interstate domestic violence, murder through use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in relation to the death of Starmichael L. Tucker in Pensacola in early 2025. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My heart goes out to the victim’s family members and friends, who were robbed of Ms. Tucker’s presence in their lives by the depraved actions of this violent thug. We cannot lessen the profound sadness caused by Ms. Tucker’s murder, but thanks to this aggressive prosecution by my office that secured a life sentence for Carson-Dowdy’s heinous crimes, we can guarantee that this criminal will spend the rest of his pathetic life locked behind bars where he belongs.”
Court documents reveal that Carson-Dowdy, who resided in Mobile, Alabama, and the victim, Ms. Tucker, who resided in Pensacola, Florida, began dating in or about October 2024. During the dating relationship, Carson-Dowdy used cellular telephones, the internet, and a ridesharing business to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate the victim. At the end of December 2024, Ms. Tucker flew to California to visit family for the holidays. During her trip, Ms. Tucker and Carson-Dowdy had an escalating series of arguments via text message.
On January 1, 2025, as Ms. Tucker traveled back to Florida from California, she and Carson- Dowdy had a conversation via text message during which the victim attempted to end the relationship with Carson-Dowdy. In response, Carson-Dowdy hailed a ride via the Uber ridesharing service to travel from his residence in Mobile, Alabama, to the victim’s residence in Pensacola, Florida, to confront her about their relationship. Despite being a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition, Carson-Dowdy brought a Taurus handgun and an extra loaded magazine with him as he traveled from Alabama to Florida.
Upon his arrival in Pensacola, Carson-Dowdy entered Ms. Tucker’s home without her permission. She returned home to discover Carson-Dowdy waiting for her in the apartment. At approximately 8:00 p.m. on January 2, 2025, Ms. Tucker left her apartment, but Carson-Dowdy followed her outside and shot her in the back with his Taurus handgun, causing her to collapse in the parking lot. Carson-Dowdy then walked over to where Ms. Tucker was lying wounded on the ground and shot her approximately ten more times at close range. Carson-Dowdy then entered the victim’s vehicle parked nearby, and deliberately drove the car over Ms. Tucker’s body. He then reversed the car to drive over her body again, and then drove forward running over the victim’s body a third time. Carson-Dowdy then fled from the apartment complex in the victim’s vehicle. Ms. Tucker died from the injuries inflicted by Carson-Dowdy.
Carson-Dowdy was ultimately located by law enforcement in the victim’s vehicle in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was taken into custody, and the Taurus handgun used to murder the victim was found inside the car.
“This defendant’s actions took an innocent life and devastated a family,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable and hopefully, helps the victim’s family take one step toward closure.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Spanish Fort Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jordane New.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Levittown Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Gary Margerum, 69, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Chief Judge Wendy Beetlestone to one count of distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
The defendant was charged with those offenses by indictment in June of last year.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on or about January 2, 2025, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip concerned a messaging app account, later identified as belonging to defendant Margerum, that had shared child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), specifically, a sexually explicit image of a prepubescent female.
On or about April 4, 2025, Bucks County investigators, along with agents of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, with his iPhone among the items seized. During a forensic examination of the phone, law enforcement recovered approximately 187 images that qualify as child pornography. These images depicted prepubescent children, including children as young as infants and toddlers, being sexually abused by adults.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17 and faces a maximum possible term of 40 years in prison and up to a lifetime of supervised release, with a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. In addition, he faces mandatory financial penalties and mandatory registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) and Megan’s Law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Bucks County Detectives and HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Mandelbaum and Alisa Shver.
KKR Agrees to Pay Record $250M Penalty for Serial Violations of Federal Premerger Review LawRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a proposed settlement today requiring KKR & Co. GP LLC to pay a civil penalty of $250,000,000 to resolve allegations that KKR repeatedly flouted the premerger antitrust review process. The United States’ Complaint alleged KKR evaded antitrust scrutiny for at least 16 separate transactions by failing to comply with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR Act).
“This historic $250 million civil penalty – more than 20 times any prior HSR penalty obtained by the DOJ – sends a powerful message: the Department is committed to vigorous enforcement of the Act,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “The Act’s requirements protect competition by giving the Justice Department an opportunity to investigate potentially unlawful transactions. Companies that disregard their legal obligations will face serious consequences.”
The HSR Act requires parties to a merger, acquisition, or other transaction above a certain size to submit a premerger filing to the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission to facilitate the agencies’ enforcement of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which prohibits mergers and acquisitions that threaten to harm competition. As a sophisticated private equity firm in the business of buying and selling companies, KKR is familiar with the HSR Act and its requirements. Since 2021, KKR was required to make more than 100 premerger filings under the HSR Act.
The Division’s Complaint alleged that in 2021-2022, KKR failed to make complete and accurate premerger filings for at least 16 transactions. Specifically, KKR violated the HSR Act by altering documents in HSR filings for at least eight of those transactions, failing to make any HSR filing for at least two of those transactions, and systematically omitting required documents in HSR filings for at least 10 of those transactions.
The HSR Act authorizes civil penalties for violations of the Act at more than $50,000 per day per violation. The proposed $250 million penalty is the largest civil penalty ever assessed for violating the HSR Act.
KKR is a global investment firm headquartered in New York, New York. It is one of the world’s largest investment firms with over $744 billion in total assets under management.
Note: See the Proposed Final Judgment here, the Stipulation and Order here, the Explanation of Procedures here, and the Competitive Impact Statement here.
Justice Department and FBI Seize Platforms Operated and Used by China State-Sponsored Hackers to Target U.S. Critical InfrastructureRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO — The Justice Department and FBI announced court-authorized domain seizures today to deny malicious cyber actors access to two complementary hacking platforms known as “QScan” and “QTRouter,” used to target U.S. critical infrastructure and other sensitive networks.
As described in court documents unsealed in the Southern District of California, a People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored group known as “QTFY,” employed by China-based Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company (南京鑫玖维网络科技有限公司), created and operated QScan and QTRouter. Among the victims of QTFY computer intrusion activity are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Federal Reserve, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Senate.
“State-sponsored malicious hackers preying on America’s critical infrastructure will be stopped and prosecuted. We are here to ensure security for the American people and will use every tool we have to keep that promise,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Federal law enforcement investigated and disabled the PRC’s malicious software, the latest in a series of technical operations to dismantle indiscriminate hacking activities sponsored by the People’s Republic of China.”
“Today we announced the disruption of a global botnet and hacking platform used by Chinese state-sponsored hackers to target U.S. critical infrastructure,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These tools were used by PRC cyber actors to hide the origin of their attacks. Thanks to the work of FBI San Diego, FBI Cyber Division, and DOJ partners, we seized adversary infrastructure and shut these platforms down. Today’s action is just the latest technical operation against PRC-sponsored hacking - and in support of President Trump’s Cyber Strategy for America, the FBI is surging efforts to shape adversary behavior and defend the homeland in cyberspace.”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Justice Department’s steadfast commitment to going on the offensive against cyber threats to the national security,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “These court-authorized seizures deny PRC-linked hackers access to tools they use to mount online attacks against our Nation’s critical infrastructure.”
“We’re taking the fight to PRC-sponsored cybercriminals to protect the critical services Americans rely on every day,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California.
“The FBI remains relentless in our efforts to counter nation state cyber actors, taking decisive action against those threatening the United States and our critical infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Through complex investigations, aggressive technical operations, and strong partnerships, FBI San Diego will continue to identify, disrupt, and impose costs on our cyber adversaries. We are committed to dismantling the tools behind these state-sponsored crimes and protecting the American people from malicious cyber activity.”
According to court documents, QTFY offers computer hacking services to its paying customers, including the PRC’s Ministry of State Security and the People’s Liberation Army. These computer hacking services include QScan and QTRouter, which work in conjunction. QScan scans and automatically infects thousands of “internet-of-things” (IoT) devices worldwide, which are then added to the QTRouter network of QTFY-controlled devices. QTRouter consists of these compromised IoT devices, as well as commercial proxy service devices and leased virtual private servers. QTRouter then serves as an “obfuscation network” – meaning it allows QTFY and other malicious cyber actors to conceal the PRC-origin of their computer intrusion activities because the malicious communications appear to originate from computers (such as those compromised by QScan) that are outside of the PRC and may even be local to the targeted networks. Because the seized domains were hard-coded into both the QScan and QTRouter malware and used for essential tasks such as communication and authentication, the court-authorized seizures made QScan and QTRouter inoperable.
This disruption announced today is among a series of court-authorized technical operations against indiscriminate hacking activities by the PRC. In 2025, the FBI removed PlugX surveillance malware from over 4,000 U.S. computers after they had been infected by the PRC-sponsored hacker group Mustang Panda. In 2024, the FBI disabled a botnet consisting of hundreds of thousands of infected internet-of-things devices, which the PRC-sponsored hacking group Flax Typhoon was providing to customers in the Chinese government. In 2023, the FBI disrupted a different botnet used by the PRC-sponsored hacking group Volt Typhoon to conceal their exploitation of U.S. and foreign critical infrastructure. Also today, the FBI and National Security Agency published a cybersecurity advisory providing indicators-of-compromise by QTFY based on their analysis of QTFY malicious cyber activity dating back to at least 2018. In addition, Lumen Technologies’ threat intelligence group, Black Lotus Labs, published a description of QTFY’s tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The FBI’s San Diego Field Office and Cyber Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, and the National Security Cyber Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division investigated this hacking activity and led this disruption effort.
Note: View the affidavit here.
Justice Department and FBI Seize Platforms Operated and Used by China State-Sponsored Hackers to Target U.S. Critical InfrastructureRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and FBI announced court-authorized domain seizures today to deny malicious cyber actors access to two complementary hacking platforms known as “QScan” and “QTRouter,” used to target U.S. critical infrastructure and other sensitive networks. As described in court documents unsealed in the Southern District of California, a People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored group known as “QTFY,” employed by China-based Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company (南京鑫玖维网络科技有限公司), created and operated QScan and QTRouter. Among the targets of QTFY are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Federal Reserve, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Senate.
“State-sponsored malicious hackers preying on America’s critical infrastructure will be stopped and prosecuted. We are here to ensure security for the American people and will use every tool we have to keep that promise,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Federal law enforcement investigated and disabled the PRC’s malicious software, the latest in a series of technical operations to dismantle indiscriminate hacking activities sponsored by the People’s Republic of China.”
“Today we announced the disruption of a global botnet and hacking platform used by Chinese state-sponsored hackers to target U.S. critical infrastructure,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These tools were used by PRC cyber actors to hide the origin of their attacks. Thanks to the work of FBI San Diego, FBI Cyber Division, and DOJ partners, we seized adversary infrastructure and shut these platforms down. Today’s action is just the latest technical operation against PRC-sponsored hacking - and in support of President Trump’s Cyber Strategy for America, the FBI is surging efforts to shape adversary behavior and defend the homeland in cyberspace.”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Justice Department’s steadfast commitment to going on the offensive against cyber threats to the national security,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “These court-authorized seizures deny PRC-linked hackers access to tools they use to mount online attacks against our Nation’s critical infrastructure.”
“We’re taking the fight to PRC sponsored cybercriminals to protect the critical services Americans rely on every day,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California.
“The FBI remains relentless in our efforts to counter nation state cyber actors, taking decisive action against those threatening the United States and our critical infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Through complex investigations, aggressive technical operations, and strong partnerships, FBI San Diego will continue to identify, disrupt, and impose costs on our cyber adversaries. We are committed to dismantling the tools behind these state-sponsored crimes and protecting the American people from malicious cyber activity.”
According to court documents, QTFY offers computer hacking services to its paying customers, including the PRC’s Ministry of State Security and the People’s Liberation Army. These computer hacking services include QScan and QTRouter, which work in conjunction. QScan scans and automatically infects thousands of “internet-of-things” (IoT) devices worldwide, which are then added to the QTRouter network of QTFY-controlled devices. QTRouter consists of these compromised IoT devices, as well as commercial proxy service devices and leased virtual private servers. QTRouter then serves as an “obfuscation network” – meaning it allows QTFY and other malicious cyber actors to conceal the PRC-origin of their computer intrusion activities because the malicious communications appear to originate from computers (such as those compromised by QScan) that are outside of the PRC and may even be local to the targeted networks. Because the seized domains were hard-coded into both the QScan and QTRouter malware and used for essential tasks such as communication and authentication, the court-authorized seizures made QScan and QTRouter inoperable.
This disruption announced today is among a series of court-authorized technical operations against indiscriminate hacking activities by the PRC. In 2025, the FBI removed PlugX surveillance malware from over 4,000 U.S. computers after they had been infected by the PRC-sponsored hacker group Mustang Panda. In 2024, the FBI disabled a botnet consisting of hundreds of thousands of infected internet-of-things devices, which the PRC-sponsored hacking group Flax Typhoon was providing to customers in the Chinese government. In 2023, the FBI disrupted a different botnet used by the PRC-sponsored hacking group Volt Typhoon to conceal their exploitation of U.S. and foreign critical infrastructure. Also today, the FBI and National Security Agency published a cybersecurity advisory providing indicators-of-compromise by QTFY based on their analysis of QTFY malicious cyber activity dating back to at least 2018. In addition, Lumen Technologies’ threat intelligence group, Black Lotus Labs, published a description of QTFY’s tactics, techniques, and procedures: www.lumen.com/blog/en-us/the-infrastructure-quartermaster-inside-a-china-nexus-state-enablement-model.
The FBI’s San Diego Field Office and Cyber Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, and the National Security Cyber Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division investigated this hacking activity and led this disruption effort.
Note: View the affidavit here.
Edits have been made to ensure this press release accurately reflects the government’s allegations in the affidavit in support of the domain seizures.
Jefferson County Man Admits Sextortion of Arkansas TeenRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Jefferson County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted requesting and receiving child sexual abuse material from a teen and then forcing her to produce more.
David Paeper, 20, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of receiving child pornography. He admitted meeting a 15-year-old girl on Instagram and requesting and receiving sexually explicit images of her. When she later refused his request for more images, he threatened to send the initial explicit images to her mother unless she produced more.
The Rogers (Arkansas) Police Department traced Paeper’s Instagram account and the St. Louis County Police Department found and interviewed Paeper. They also found images of the teen on Paeper’s phone.
Paeper is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1. The charge is punishable by five to 20 years in prison.
The Rogers (Arkansas) Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Drugs at FCI BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Quantel Saunders, 31, an inmate, pleaded guilty today to possession of contraband in a federal correctional institution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Saunders was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley on October 13, 2024, when staff conducted a search of his person following a visitation. Staff found a quantity of tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, and cocaine on Saunders during the search.
Saunders is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-148.
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Illegal aliens sentenced for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple defendants illegally inside the United States were sentenced in federal court, two receiving prison time, and others to be transferred to immigration authorities for immediate deportation.
The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, and announced by Margaret E. ‘Meg’ Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. They include:
- Facundo Gregorio-Gonzalez, 50, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 14 months in prison followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Gregorio-Gonzalez was identified as an illegal alien in October 2025 in Glynn County and upon completion of his prison term, will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for removal.
- Gamaliel Cordova-Ortiz, 30, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 14 months in prison followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Cordova-Ortiz was identified as an illegal alien in June 2025 during a traffic stop in Glynn County and upon completion of his prison term, will be transferred to ICE custody for removal.
- Francisco Mendez-Villa, 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Mendez-Villa was identified as an illegal alien in June 2026 during a traffic stop in Camden County and will be transferred to ICE custody for removal.
- Lucas Artemio Montejo-Miguel, 48, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced to time served followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation. Montejo-Miguel was identified as an illegal alien in May 2026 during a traffic stop in Camden County and will be transferred to ICE custody for removal.
Illegal Re-entry after Removal or Deportation is a charge applied to an illegal alien present in the United States after at least one prior removal.
“Federal immigration laws exist to protect the integrity of our nation’s borders,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, those who repeatedly undermine those laws will be held accountable, removed and returned to their country of citizenship.”
These cases were investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson, Timothy P. Dean, Darron J. Hubbard, and Matthew A. Breedon.
Illegal Alien with Multiple Federal Convictions Sentenced for Another Illegal Re-Entry into the U.S.Read the Press Release
GREENVILLE, MS– Fredis Ramos-Serrano, a.k.a. Carlos Roberta Galvez-Jovel, 51, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today in federal court to 57 months in prison following his conviction for illegal reentry into the United States.
Following his arrest by the Blue Mountain Police Department, officers learned that Ramos-Serrano was an illegal alien with no status to be in the United States. He had previously been convicted, under an alias, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy in 2003. He also had multiple other federal felony convictions, including a previous conviction for illegal reentry.
Ramos-Serrano has previously been deported from the United States back to Honduras on two separate occasions following his federal convictions. He has never applied for permission to reenter the United States lawfully.
Chief District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Ramos-Serrano to 57 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release in the event that he remains in the country. However, officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement have placed an immigration detainer on the defendant, which will result, again, in his removal from the United States following the conclusion of his federal sentence.
U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated, “This prosecution resulted from yet another arrest by our hardworking and diligent agents at Homeland Security Investigations. For years, our border was opened and allowed illegal narcotics and criminal aliens to flood into our nation. Illegal aliens who destroy our families, small towns, and communities by distributing meth, and other poisons, will never be tolerated in this district. Blue Mountain Police Department and ICE, through their 287(g) program, shows the power of those partnerships to apprehend criminal aliens that live in our communities and keep our citizens safe. We appreciate their role in this partnership. It is a model for others in this state.”
“HSI is committed to identifying and removing individuals who unlawfully reenter the United States after removal and continue to violate our laws,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of repeated immigration violations, particularly when accompanied by felony criminal conduct. When we combine vital partnerships with 287(g) partner Blue Mountain Police Department and other local law enforcement, we create more secure communities in Mississippi and across the U.S.”
Blue Mountain Police Chief Chris Joshlin said, “At the Blue Mountain Police Department, our responsibility is to protect and serve everyone in our community. We will continue doing everything within our authority to keep the Town of Blue Mountain safe, regardless of a person’s background, nationality or immigration status. Our priority is public safety and treating every person we encounter with fairness, dignity, and respect.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Herzog Jr. prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Silvia Paola Sanchez-Hurtado, 23, of Nicaragua, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer.
According to the plea agreement, on March 11, officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement encountered Sanchez-Hurtado in Fort Collins, Colorado, and attempted to arrest her pursuant to a warrant on immigration violations. When officers attempted to place handcuffs on Sanchez-Hurtado, she resisted and bit one of the officers on the neck.
Sanchez-Hurtado will be sentenced later this year.
United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations handled the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Tonkin handled the prosecution.
Case Number: 26-cr-095-GPG
Illegal Alien Felon and Georgia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking over 700 Pounds of Methamphetamine Hidden in Cucumber ShipmentRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE – Andres Jasso, Jr. and Rufino Pineda-Perez, an illegal alien from Mexico and twice-convicted felon, were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in trafficking over 700 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a tractor-trailer load of cucumbers outside of a Gainesville, Georgia warehouse.
“The defendants attempted to conceal an astonishing amount of deadly methamphetamine in a cucumber shipment, but the diligent and strategic efforts of law enforcement partners uncovered their ruse,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result, Pineda-Perez, a twice-convicted and twice-deported felon, and Jasso, Jr. will now serve substantial time in federal prison with no possibility of parole.”
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of trafficking methamphetamine and the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable,” said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This defendant, a twice-convicted felon, continued to engage in dangerous drug trafficking, going to great lengths to conceal methamphetamine in a shipment of cucumbers. Cases like this demonstrate why strong partnerships among law enforcement agencies are so critical. By working together, sharing information, and pursuing a common mission, we can disrupt drug trafficking organizations and protect our communities.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On June 30, 2025, DEA agents were surveilling a tractor-trailer parked at a Gainesville warehouse that agents believed contained a large amount of drugs. Agents arrested Jasso, Jr. and Pineda-Perez after seeing them in a sedan parked next to the tractor-trailer. During a search of the tractor-trailer, agents located 20 pallets of boxes containing cucumbers and thousands of individually wrapped packages of methamphetamine. The investigation established that co-conspirators had tasked Jasso, Jr. and Pineda-Perez with offloading the boxes from the tractor-trailer and separating the drugs from the cucumbers. The weight of the methamphetamine exceeded 700 pounds.
Pineda-Perez is a citizen and national of Mexico with no legal status in the United States. In 2001, Pineda-Perez was deported and removed from the United States following a felony conviction in Arizona for transporting marijuana. He illegally re-entered the United States thereafter and was encountered by federal agents in March 2014, while transporting nearly one kilogram of cocaine in the Atlanta area. In August 2015, a federal judge sentenced him to six and a half years of imprisonment. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Pineda-Perez was deported for a second time.
Earlier today, Rufino Pineda-Perez, 61, of Mexico, was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. On July 17, 2026, Andres Jasso, Jr., 39, of Brookhaven, Ga., was also sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
On March 11, 2026, Pineda-Perez and Jasso, Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and Pineda-Perez also pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously removed alien.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Johnny Baer prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Honduran Illegal Alien Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SANTOS EMILIO GALEANO-MUNOZ, a/k/a “Juan Camacho-Grageda,” a/k/a “Juan Carlos Munoz-Galeana,” a/k/a “Juan Munoz-Galeana,” a/k/a “Hector Borrego” ("GALEANO-MUNOZ") age 48, a native of Honduras, was indicted on August 21, 2026, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, the defendant was found in the United States on August 18, 2026, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on January 7, 2015. GALEANO-MUNOZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Homeland Security Task Force: Five Plead Guilty to Importing Thousands of Kilograms of Cocaine into South FloridaRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Five defendants pleaded guilty to conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into South Florida aboard sport fishing vessels from the Dominican Republic.
According to court records, Andy Gabriel Mercedes-Hernandez, 32; Jesus Alberto Salcedo-Perez, 32; Keisy Estibet Peguero, 38; Enmanuel Amauris Rivera-Cabrera, 32; and Mario Joel Rijo-Jimenez, 46, participated in a drug trafficking organization that used U.S.-registered sport fishing vessels to transport multi-hundred-kilogram shipments of cocaine into South Florida.
“These were not fishing trips. They were industrial-scale cocaine runs into South Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This organization used sport fishing vessels and hidden compartments to move thousands of kilograms of cocaine from offshore waters to stash houses and distributors in our communities. Through the Homeland Security Task Force, we will continue attacking these trafficking networks at every point in the pipeline, from sea to shore to street.”
The organization, led by Mercedes-Hernandez, was responsible for importing over 3,500 kilograms of cocaine aboard vessels equipped with concealed compartments used to store the drugs. The cocaine was picked up off the coast of the Bahamas and transported to South Florida.
Mercedes-Hernandez financed the purchase of vessels and other expenses associated with transporting the cocaine. He also supervised the unloading of the drugs, their transportation to a stash house, and their subsequent delivery to distributors.
The other defendants performed various roles in the organization. Salcedo-Perez served in multiple capacities, including as the registered owner of the vessels used by the organization. Peguero assisted in transporting the cocaine and guarded drug shipments while they were in transit. Rivera-Cabrera and Rijo-Jimenez served as captains of vessels used to transport cocaine into South Florida.
Drug shipments attributed to the conspiracy include:
Approximately 1,600 kilograms of cocaine transported into South Florida aboard the M/V Mysterry in mid-2023;
Approximately 900 kilograms of cocaine transported aboard the M/V Maple Leaf in December 2024; and
Approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine transported aboard the M/V Daviniki in July and August 2025.
In total, the organization imported thousands of kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value exceeding $31 million.
Each defendant pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to import more than five kilograms of cocaine. Each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
DEA Miami Field Division is investigating the case, with assistance from the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Kirkpatrick is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises of agents and officers from DEA, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 26-cr-20092.
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Henrico man sentenced to six years in prison for voluminous collection of child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Henrico man was sentenced today to six years in prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, over a period of at least 16 months, David Brent Timberlake, 65, requested and received CSAM through a peer-to-peer file-sharing network designed to anonymize users who share files.
On Jan. 25, 2023, the FBI searched Timberlake’s residence and seized more than 100 digital devices and pieces of digital media. A forensic review of a portion of the seized devices revealed 52,343 digital files depicting CSAM, including 48,312 still image files and 4,031 video files, of which 634 involved toddlers or infants and 306 involved sadistic or masochistic conduct.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian R. Hood prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-26.
Hampton drug trafficker sentenced to five years in prison for distributing LSDRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced today to five years in prison for distribution of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
According to court documents, during the course of a narcotics trafficking investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) conducted five controlled purchases of narcotics from Josiah Antonio Travis, 24, between December 2024 and March 2025. On Jan. 8, 2025, Travis sold 200 gel tabs (approximately 5.8 grams) of LSD. During the course of the controlled buys, Travis also sold marijuana, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mushrooms containing psilocybin and/or psilocyn.
Following the controlled buys, NCIS searched Travis’ residence and recovered, among other things, 543.2 grams of mushrooms, marijuana, four loaded firearms, various ammunition, ammunition magazines, narcotics packaging materials, and a digital scale.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Steven DiGiantommaso, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-64.
Guatemalan Illegal Alien Sentenced to 84 Months for Aggravated Identity Theft of Minnesota ManRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An illegal alien from Guatemala residing in St. Joseph, Mo., was sentenced in federal court for fraudulently using a Minnesota man’s identity for over a decade to work legally in the United States.
Romeo Perez-Bravo, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to seven years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for assuming the victim’s identity to live and work in the United States. Perez-Bravo was also ordered to pay the victim restitution for the funds he expended attempting to regain his identity. This sentence includes two years for aggravated identity theft and five years for illegal reentry to the United States after a previous felony conviction. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
“The actions of Romeo Perez-Bravo caused extensive harm to the victim, including substantial lost wages, impact to the victim’s credit, and countless hours spent trying to resolve the consequences; hours that can never be restored,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the District of Western Missouri. “Identity theft is a serious crime that can have lasting consequences for victims while also placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, government programs, and the agencies responsible for administering them. Our district will continue to aggressively pursue those who break the law by not only fraudulently assuming the identity of an American citizen, but also violating our country’s immigration policies.”
“For more than a decade, this defendant stole more than a name. He stole a real person’s financial security, peace of mind, and ability to live free from the consequences of someone else’s crimes,” said Rick Sabatini, Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent Charge. “HSI Kansas City will continue to pursue identity thieves, repeat immigration offenders, and criminal aliens who exploit our systems and victimize innocent Americans. If you use fraud to hide, work, or commit crimes in our communities, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
Perez-Bravo admitted that beginning in Missouri in 2009, he used the victim’s name, social security number, and date of birth to fraudulently obtain work authorization. He also used the victim’s identity to obtain a Missouri non-driver’s license and to register vehicles. At the sentencing hearing, the victim testified that he learned someone had stolen his identity when his wages began to be garnished for an unknown debt. He inquired with the Social Security Administration and was told there were several employers reporting wages under his SSN in states he never visited or lived in. For over a decade, the victim received demand letters from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid tax debts accrued by Perez-Bravo working under his identity. The victim estimated he had paid nearly $15,000 to the IRS and continues to pay monthly installments on the tax debts. The victim also incurred expenses related to attempting to remove Perez-Bravo’s taxes from his record.Perez-Bravo was illegally present in the United States after being deported three previous times in 2005, 2008, and 2009. While illegally present in the United States, Perez-Bravo was convicted of six driving while intoxicated offenses, domestic violence, and three felonies including terroristic threats and aggravated forgery. He also used the victim’s identity when he was found liable in a wrongful death suit for a vehicle crash he caused.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson. It was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, the Olivia Minnesota Police Department, and the St. Joseph Missouri Police Department.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Fraudster Who Impersonated DEA Agent Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Matthew John Sanguine (49, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to five years and five months in federal prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and impersonating an officer of the United States. Sanguine pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $10,000, the proceeds of bank fraud conviction. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on May 2, 2022, Sanguine was stopped by the Orlando Police Department while driving a stolen vehicle. Officers found a Florida driver license bearing Sanguine’s photo but listing the identity of an Arizona resident (“J.R.”). The officers kept that fraudulent document as part of the evidence involved in that case.
While his case was progressing in state court in Orlando, Sanguine presented the State Attorney’s Office with a fraudulent letter that was purportedly authored by an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The fake letter included claims that Sanguine was authorized to have the false driver license bearing the name “J.R.” because Sanguine was working as an informant for the DEA. The letter demanded that the State Attorney’s Office return the confiscated driver license because Sanguine needed this fake identity to avoid detection by drug cartels. The letter warned of a “grave risk” unless the license was returned to Sanguine “immediately” and all records of this license were removed from the court records.
The State Attorney’s Office suspected the letter was not authentic and referred the matter to the FBI. The FBI’s investigation revealed that Sanguine was using “J.R.’s” identity for at least a decade and had used it to perpetrate bank fraud for $10,000.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta and Dana E. Hill. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
Franklin County Man Caught with over One-Half Pound of Meth Sentenced to 140 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Wednesday sentenced a man caught with more than one-half pound of methamphetamine to 140 months in prison.
Nathan Hollis Price, 49, was caught on May 20, 2024, after investigators with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office learned that he was bringing the meth from St. Charles to the motel in Sullivan where he was staying. They conducted a traffic stop and found three bags containing a total of 245.9 grams of pure meth. They found two scales and a glass pipe in his motel room.
The amount of meth was “clearly an amount that he intended to distribute further,” a sentencing memo written by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Rebar says.
Price pleaded guilty in May in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Rebar is prosecuting the case.
Four Talladega Men Convicted of Drug-Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Four Talladega men have been held accountable in federal court for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.
The four men were initially indicted together, but two previously pleaded guilty. The remaining two were set for trial last week before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. The jury found Tramarcus Fomby also known as “Slacc,” 31, guilty after five days of testimony. Fomby was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Flemings Chatman also known as “Boo Bang,” 44, was set for trial with Fomby but pleaded guilty at the beginning of trial to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In July, Ladarious Quashawn Brown also known as “Eastside Jack,” 33, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after his earlier guilty plea to conspiracy to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of methamphetamine.
And co-defendant Robert Houston Jr., 57, pleaded guilty to his part in the same conspiracy earlier this month.
“The defendants have repeatedly engaged in criminal conduct with disregard for the law, and they posed a serious danger to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. “Together, with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners we will continue to pursue those who profit from drug trafficking and work to keep our communities safe.”
“The jury’s verdict convicting Tramarcus Fomby puts an exclamation point on the tremendous work of the DEA and their state and local partners, marking a complete dismantlement of this notoriously violent drug trafficking ring,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Dimler. “The Talladega area will be safer with Chatman, Fomby, and Brown behind bars.”
“Relentless collaboration is the key to dismantling drug trafficking organizations targeting our communities,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott. “By pairing the reach of our local law enforcement partners with DEA and ATF resources, we ensured every member of this operation was brought to justice.”
“This investigation involved premeditated acts to obtain and distribute dangerous amounts of illegal narcotics with blatant disregard for public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James J. VanVliet. “The ATF and our valued law enforcement partners remain committed to dismantling these trafficking networks, removing illegal firearms and drugs from our communities, and ensuring that individuals who pose a threat to public safety are held accountable.”
In January 2024, the DEA, along with local and state law enforcement agencies, began investigating a Talladega-area drug-trafficking organization led by Chatman.
In late September 2024, DEA learned that Brown, along with co-defendants Fomby and Chatman, pooled money to buy approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine for which Chatman and Fomby gave Brown $5,000. Brown later contacted Chatman and advised that he had to get rid of the methamphetamine during a police pursuit.
Later that month, Fomby, Chatman, and Brown again pooled their money and planned another methamphetamine buy to recoup their losses from the earlier transaction. Brown, Chatman, and codefendant Robert Houston Jr. drove in two cars from Talladega, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, to purchase approximately six kilograms of methamphetamine to be split amongst Chatman, Brown, and Fomby. Chatman made the purchase and placed the drugs in the car Houston had driven for the trip. On the return trip to Alabama, Chatman and Brown rode together in a car separate from Houston, and the trio traveled in tandem back to Talladega. Law enforcement officers with the Talladega Drug Task Force and DEA special agents waited along Highway 21 in Talladega to spot them on that return journey. That evening, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Houston, searched his car, and seized nearly 4,600 grams of pure methamphetamine.
DEA Birmingham Division and ATF Birmingham Division investigated the case along with the Talladega County Drug Task Force, 7th Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Unit, Talladega Police Department, Talladega County Sheriff’s Department, and the Oxford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory R. Dimler and Scott Woodard prosecuted the case.
Fort Bragg Killer Receives Three Life Sentences in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, NC – A federal judge sentenced Kenneth Maurice Quick, Jr., age 26, of Laurinburg, to three life sentences and then to an additional 83 years in federal prison for murdering two service members in December 2020. In May 2026, a federal jury convicted Quick on eight charges after a full trial, including first‑degree murder, drug conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.
“This cold‑blooded murderer will never see the light of day again,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Understand this, if you commit depraved violence on federal property: we will hunt you down, we will prosecute you, and we will lock you away for a very long time. No excuses. No escape. When you take lives, we will come for you without hesitation. You get life for taking a life.”
Evidence presented at trial established a series of brutal actions. Quick murdered WL, an active‑duty soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, and TD, a former soldier. Leading up to these killings, he agreed to buy cocaine from WL, but he never intended to pay. TD supplied the cocaine to WL and joined him on the trip to deliver the drugs to Quick. The defendant met WL at a trap house in Laurinburg and remorselessly shot him in the back five times. Quick then forced TD to drive to a remote wooded area on Fort Bragg to help dispose of WL’s body. When the truck became stuck in the sand, Quick shot TD in the head and in the back, killing him at the scene. The next day, Quick and his co‑conspirators recovered the truck from woods, drove it to a country road in another county, ransacked, moved, and burned TD’s truck. About two months later, he arranged another drug deal and murdered another unsuspecting victim in cold blood. While cooling in jail awaiting trial, Quick also provided a fellow gang member with the name of a potential witness. That gang member took that informant and murdered the witness.
"Quick likely believed he evaded authorities in killing two men and discarding their bodies on Fort Bragg property. He clearly didn't consider the dedication and expertise of FBI Special Agents and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, who followed the evidence and put together a meticulous timeline of Quick's crimes. Three life sentences for eight federal crimes say very loudly and clearly, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will make certain violent criminals are always held accountable," said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The FBI and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division led the investigations in the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-FL, Case No. 4:24-CR-46-M, and Case No. 4:24-CR-56-BO.
Former Tribal Police Officer Indicted for Using Excessive Force and Falsifying a ReportRead the Press Release
A former tribal police officer with the San Carlos Apache Police Department (SCAPD) was charged in an indictment today with two federal crimes arising out of his use of excessive force against a handcuffed arrestee and his falsification of another officer’s report.
The indictment charges Jacob Christopher Slawson, 29, with deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, and falsification of records, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519. According to the indictment, after an arrestee was handcuffed and secured in the back of a police vehicle, Slawson punched the arrestee in the face, knocking him unconscious, and then yanked him out of the vehicle causing N.G. to split his head open on the concrete, resulting in bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that when Slawson learned he was under investigation for excessive force, he falsified the report of a fellow detective by adding false and misleading information to the report with the intent to obstruct the investigation. If convicted of both charges, Slawson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona, and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by agents with the FBI’s Tucson Resident Agency and Phoenix Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Davenport III for the District of Arizona and Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Missouri Pastor Convicted of All Charges Related to Pandemic, Auto, Personal Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Wednesday convicted the former visiting pastor of a Missouri church of all 20 of the counts that he faced related to his orchestration of a $1.2 million pandemic loan fraud scheme as well as a more than $600,000 auto and personal loan fraud scheme.
After jurors deliberated for about an hour, they found Kenneth C. Sparks III, 56, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, six counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft and 10 counts of money laundering.
The trial started Monday. Evidence and testimony showed that Sparks was invited to Faith Walk Ministry in Paris, Missouri, to preach for three days. He stayed three years, all the while using the church, its employees and parishioners to launch a “full-time fraud operation,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman told jurors in closing arguments. Sparks claimed to be a prophet and an apostle of God, whose word could not be questioned. “Kenneth Sparks impersonated God himself in order to steal millions of dollars in public funds during the worst days of the pandemic,” Wiseman said.
Sparks first fraudulently obtained an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for himself shortly after the pandemic hit. He then “exploited the faith of his congregation” by asking and receiving for parishioners’ personal and bank account information and using that to apply for additional loans, Wiseman said. He also directed them to open accounts at a credit union to receive the money and had them sign blank checks. Sparks told parishioners and church employees that he would use the information to fix their credit and/or obtain grants to build a megachurch, evidence and testimony showed. About 40 fraudulent EIDL and Paycheck Protection Program loans would eventually be obtained.
In testimony Wednesday, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Aaron Joifrita said $1.2 million in pandemic loans were obtained in the name of parishioners and church employees. Loan applications contained numerous falsehoods. The applications were filled out by church employees, with the help of two other Sparks’ co-conspirators from outside the church who supplied false tax and employment documents. Parishioners were also supplied with “scripts” in case they were questioned by bank officials about the loans. Just over $1 million went to Sparks, who wrote $313,000 in checks to himself and obtained $172,000 via cash withdrawals or advances in addition to spending $168,000 at luxury retailers, $127,000 on real estate and $47,000 on jewelry, including a diamond-studded Rolex watch, evidence showed.
Sparks also used many of the same methods to direct a scheme that took out $685,000 in personal and auto loans in his name and the names of others.
Sparks is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1. Ten other defendants have either pleaded guilty or accepted responsibility in the case.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek Wiseman and Karin Schute are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Former Guam Police Officer Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Brian Dacanay Awa, age 47, was sentenced on August 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court of Guam to 15 months imprisonment for two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee.
Working with informants and other investigative leads, federal authorities identified former Guam Police Department (GPD) K9 Officer, Brian Dacanay Awa, as a participant in methamphetamine distribution in Guam. Federal agents and GPD developed a confidential informant who reported prior drug purchases from Awa and agreed to participate in controlled operations. On June 24, 2024, under law enforcement supervision, the informant met Awa at a Dededo store, where Awa provided a cigarette pack containing 3.76 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity. The transaction was recorded on video. A second controlled buy occurred on July 3, 2024, at another location in Dededo. Inside Awa’s vehicle, he produced a red cigarette pack containing 28.1 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity.
“Law enforcement is entrusted with keeping our communities safe and drug-free,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “I applaud the work of federal agents, in addition to GPD-SIS, in bringing Awa to justice. We will continue to promote accountability in law enforcement at every opportunity.”
“Brian Awa abused his position as a law enforcement officer and violated the public trust by trafficking methamphetamine into Guam,” said HSI Honolulu Acting Special Agent in Charge CJ Ammons. “HSI is committed to working with our federal and local partners to stop drug traffickers, protect our communities, and hold accountable those who exploit positions of public trust.”
This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations–Guam Field Office, with the coordinated assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Guam Police Department Special Investigation Section.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin K. Petersburg prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.
Florida man charged with assault of court security officer in HoustonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 51-year-old man for assaulting a court security officer in a federal courthouse library.
Victor Graham is currently in custody and expected to appear for his arraignment in the near future.
On July 29, Graham allegedly entered the law library at the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in Houston.
The charges allege a court security officer determined Graham was not complying with courthouse rules and instructed him to leave. At that time, Graham allegedly assaulted the officer and caused him bodily injury before authorities took him into custody.
If convicted, Graham faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.The Federal Protective Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Florida Man Arrested for Cyberstalking Capital Region VictimsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Anthony Gagnon, age 23, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was arrested on August 4, 2026, for cyberstalking. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The criminal complaint alleges that Gagnon sent menacing and threatening communications through social media and text messages to several residents of Saratoga County, New York. These messages included numerous references to one of the victims being kidnapped as well as communications that identified where that victim lives and other personal details.
“Cybercriminals hide behind electronic screens, but those who issue violent threats will be swiftly investigated, identified, and arrested,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the FBI, this defendant was quickly apprehended and as alleged can no longer use the internet as a platform to make threats.”
“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mr. Gagnon sent a series of threatening messages to several victims in Saratoga County. Through swift coordination with our partners on FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and our colleagues at FBI Jacksonville’s Daytona Beach Resident Agency, he was identified, located, and taken into custody. This arrest should send a clear message that the FBI will not tolerate criminals who hide behind a keyboard while terrorizing our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli.
Gagnon had an initial appearance August 4, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, and was released on conditions.
The charge filed against Gagnon carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone Statement on Online Safety Following Meta SettlementRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Today’s announcement that Meta has agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion and implement reforms across Facebook and Instagram is an encouraging step forward. For years, children and teens have been harmed by social media platforms that deployed deceptive, addictive, and emotionally manipulative algorithms designed to keep young users online longer, ultimately boosting corporate profits at the expense of children’s well‑being.
Rates of chronic social media addiction among youth continue to rise, exposing children and teens to significant online dangers. While digital platforms can be valuable tools for learning and connection, they also create opportunities for predatory individuals to target and exploit vulnerable young people.
For parents and caregivers looking for ways to better understand their child’s online activity, there are some simple, practical steps worth considering. Discussing with your child what information they share with others can help ensure sensitive personal details—such as photos, school information, or locations—are not being shared publicly. Keeping profiles private, using non‑identifying usernames or images, limiting personal information, and adjusting privacy settings on all devices, including tablets and smartwatches, are easy ways to strengthen digital safety.
The Department of Justice’s flagship child‑safety initiative, Project Safe Childhood, is a nationwide effort to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online, as well as identify and rescue victims.
In an increasingly digital world, it is essential that adults engage children and teens in ongoing, age‑appropriate conversations about online safety. To learn more, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or need to report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office. For reporting online exploitation, suspicious activity, or to seek additional information, visit CyberTipline.com or call 800‑843‑5678.
Final Defendant in Nationwide Marijuana and THC Trafficking Organization Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dwight A. Singletary II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” age 44, of Fresno, California and Troy, New York, pled guilty August 25, 2026, to leading a nationwide marijuana and THC trafficking organization that shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region. Singletary is the 25th and final defendant to plead guilty in the case.
Starting in 2016, Singletary and other members of the organization shipped marijuana and THC from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, to recipients throughout the United States, including the Capital Region, New York City, and other parts of New York, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Fast Pack & Ship was initially owned by Sammy Olague, who sold the store to Nehemiah Fane, aka “Neil,” in June 2018. Singletary helped finance the purchase, and Fane ran the store with James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” and Ruby Ledesma before transferring it to the mother of Singletary’s children, McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” in April 2020. Coles, who is originally from Troy but lived with Singletary in Fresno, operated Fast Pack & Ship through M.M.M.C. Management, Inc. Singletary, Coles, Fane, Daniels, Olague, Ledesma and other members of the organization all shipped marijuana from Fast Pack & Ship.
The packages of marijuana, which were shipped through UPS and FedEx, reflected the names of fake shippers, and the marijuana was concealed in dog food containers and luggage. To avoid detection, the packages of marijuana were often sealed with eBay packing tape. Between April 2017 and June 2022, approximately 1,292 packages containing 7,068 kilograms, or 15,582 pounds, of marijuana were shipped from Fast Pack & Ship to the Capital Region alone.
“With this final guilty plea, my office has now brought 25 defendants to justice for their roles in this criminal enterprise,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “These individuals operated a large-scale illegal marijuana and THC trafficking scheme, moving their illicit product across the country and into the Capital Region. As if flooding the community with unregulated, illegal drugs weren’t harmful enough, they also sought to launder millions of dollars in illegal profits. Thanks to the collaboration of our law enforcement partners across the country, their scheme was disrupted, and justice has been delivered to all 25 defendants.”
ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said, “This guilty plea closes the chapter on a sprawling criminal organization that moved thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC across the country and into communities throughout New York’s Capital Region. This network relied on concealed shipments, knock spots and, in some instances, firearms to facilitate and protect its illegal drug trafficking activities. Holding the 25th and final defendant accountable reflects years of determined investigative work and the strength of the partnerships that brought this organization down. ATF NY Albany is proud to have worked alongside HSI, DEA, the Troy Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York to dismantle this network and hold those responsible accountable.”
“This guilty plea marks the final defendant held accountable in a sophisticated, nationwide drug trafficking organization that moved more than 15,000 pounds of marijuana from California into the Capital Region and communities across the country,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “For years, this organization attempted to conceal its criminal enterprise by disguising drug shipments in dog food containers and luggage, using our nation’s commercial shipping system to move thousands of pounds of marijuana, and laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds through cash couriers, financial transactions and real estate. The DEA and our law enforcement partners have and will always continue to relentlessly pursuit drug trafficking organizations at every level; from its leadership and suppliers to its distributors and those responsible for laundering its profits.”
“This investigation is a strong example of the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to address complex criminal activity. Our task force officer’s involvement reflects this department’s commitment to supporting our federal law enforcement partners. We are proud of the work our detective contributed to this investigation. Strong partnerships and interagency cooperation are critical to keeping our communities safe and holding those responsible for criminal activity accountable,” said Troy Chief of Police Daniel DeWolfHSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “Dwight Singletary led a coast-to-coast marijuana and THC trafficking organization that, for years, shipped more than 15,000 pounds of marijuana to the Capital Region alone using fake shipper names, dog food containers, luggage, and other methods designed to hide the crime. This investigation exposed the full scope of the operation, from packaging and shipment in Fresno, to street-level ‘knock spot’ sales in New York, to the laundering of millions of dollars in drug proceeds through cash couriers, cashier’s checks, business accounts, real estate, and luxury assets. As the 25th and final defendant, Singletary’s guilty plea marks a decisive end to this organization and demonstrates how sustained collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners protects the public from sophisticated criminal networks.”
The packages of marijuana were received by numerous members of the organization in the Capital Region, including Coles’ mother, Rosemary Coles; Coles’ cousins, Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, aka “Zay, and LaFay Pearson, aka “Lala”; and Coles’ aunts and uncle, Consanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” June Allyson Osman, aka “Juney,” and Victor Turner. Other recipients in the Capital Region included Lawrence Mumphre, aka “L,” Deandre Caldwell, aka “Dilli,” “Dillinger,” and “Dre,” Tyquan Armstrong, aka “Moose,” Niara Banks, aka “Nie,” Toqwanda Ketchmre, aka “Quannie,” and Jazell Shuler. The recipients were paid between $300 and $400 per package received, and the packages were often picked up by Singletary’s brother, David Singletary, aka “DB,” who managed the organization’s operations in the Capital Region and received packages of marijuana at his apartment in Cohoes.
Lateek White and Onisha Smith, who are brother and sister, received packages of marijuana shipped from Fast Pack & Ship in Brooklyn, New York, and their uncle, Earnest Flood, aka “Pop,” received packages of marijuana in Richmond, Virginia.
In addition to selling bulk marijuana, Singletary, David Singletary, Mumphrey, and other members of the organization sold marijuana and THC out of “knock spots” in the Capital Region. The “knock spots” advertised various strains and quantities of marijuana and THC “edibles” for sale, with prices, on white boards. To make a purchase, customers knocked on the door, requested a particular strain of marijuana or type of THC edible, and exchanged cash for the marijuana or THC edibles, or both, through a slot in the door.
In searching one of the “knock spots” at 2657 5th Avenue, Troy, New York, pursuant to a warrant on January 10, 2022, law enforcement encountered Mumphrey, who ran the day-to-day operations of the “knock spot,” and discovered approximately 29 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution in several plastic shelves with sticky notes denoting the strain and price of the marijuana; digital scales; a large safe with a bulletproof vest; a dogfood container with strains of marijuana and dollar amounts written on the side; and a box shipped from Fast Pack & Ship to Mumphrey at his home in Albany. A surveillance system with footage from January 5 to 10, 2022, depicted Singletary and David Singletary at the “knock spot” on three days and Mumphrey at the “knock spot” all five days. A total of approximately 280 marijuana sales through the door to the “knock spot” were made over the course of the five days.
On June 15, 2022, law enforcement simultaneously executed five search warrants in Fresno and 12 search warrants in the Capital Region. Singletary and Coles owned two adjacent homes at 5636 and 5371 West Acacia Avenue, Fresno, California, and lived together in 5371 West Acacia Avenue. In searching 5636 West Acacia Avenue, which was used by Singletary to store and package marijuana, law enforcement discovered a total of approximately 118 kilograms, or 260 pounds, of marijuana in black plastic bags throughout the house. The home, which was unfurnished besides a couch and television, also contained stacks of unused brown shipping boxes; six spindles of plastic wrap; large bags of packing peanuts; eight rolls of eBay packing tape; digital and commercial scales; plastic bags for vacuum sealing and three vacuum sealers; several packages of locks; and at least five plastic dogfood containers and four pieces of luggage, which were used to ship marijuana.
In searching Singletary’s and Coles home at 5371 West Acacia Avenue, law enforcement seized, among other things, over $1.2 million worth of watches, jewelry, and designer bags, belts, and shoes along with a loaded Glock Model 23 .40 caliber pistol.
Before purchasing 5636 and 5371 West Acacia Avenue, Singletary and Coles lived in another home in Fresno, where Coles photographed Singletary packaging marijuana for shipment:
In addition to purchasing and reselling bulk marijuana, Singletary worked with Daniels to cultivate marijuana on a commercial scale at a warehouse on Van Ness Avenue in Fresno. In searching the warehouse, law enforcement discovered 424 marijuana plants at various stages of maturity in five commercial grow rooms with fans, air conditioning, and grow lights. Outside the warehouse itself, in the front entrance to the building and in an office off the front entrance, law enforcement discovered six plastic bags containing four pounds of processed marijuana buds; two digital scales; a money counter; a plastic dogfood container; luggage; shipping peanuts; and eBay packing tape. Footage from a surveillance system at the warehouse showed Daniels tending to the marijuana plants and bringing supplies into the warehouse with Singletary.
In searching David Singletary’s apartment in Cohoes, law enforcement discovered and seized, among other things, 29 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana weighing approximately 19 kilograms and labeled, among other things, “GMO,” “Mimosa,” “Gary Payton,” “#45,” and “Gumbo 3A,” a dogfood container with ten clear knotted plastic bags each containing approximately one pound of marijuana, a clear plastic bag containing marijuana next to a scale on the kitchen counter, a gun box with 11 rounds of .40 caliber Winchester ammunition in a 12-round magazine, a money counter, a vacuum sealer, jewelry worth over $30,000, and $14,552 in cash.
To promote the marijuana trafficking organization, Coles created an Instagram account in the name nutty_packz, and in searching David Singeltary’s apartment, law enforcement discovered marijuana packaging materials with the “Nutty Pack” emblem:
In searching Mumphrey’s home in Albany, which he shared with his wife, Latrice Mumphrey, law enforcement discovered a backpack containing two plastic bags of marijuana with “41 Cherries” and “Dulce De Leche” written on the side. A locked room in the basement contained a plastic dogfood container with “41 Cherries $3,600,” “Dulce De Leche $3,800,” and “12 Lows $700” written on the side and with eight bags of marijuana weighing approximately one pound apiece. The locked room also contained a suitcase with four firearms—a Ruger model AR-556 5.56x45mm caliber semiautomatic rifle, 5.56x45mm caliber semiautomatic rifle, Anderson model AM-15 5.56x45mm caliber semiautomatic rifle, and Taurus 9mm caliber pistol—and assorted ammunition.
Caldwell’s apartment in Albany contained marijuana, THC edibles, digital scales, boxes from Fast Pack & Ship, $15,941 in cash drug proceeds, and a .380 caliber handgun. Armstrong’s apartment in Rotterdam contained seven vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana weighing 10 pounds; two money counters; and $18,723 in cash. The apartment also contained a loaded .357 revolver, a loaded .22 caliber “ghost gun,” and 125 rounds of .357 ammunition.
The search warrants did not deter Singletary, David Singletary, and other members of the organization and they continued to traffic marijuana, including out of the “knock spot” at 2657th Avenue. In searching 2657th Avenue a second time on November 11, 2022, law enforcement discovered prepackaged marijuana, a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun, and paperwork in David Singletary’s name.
After the search, Singletary and David Singletary moved the “knock spot” to an apartment next door at 2655 5th Avenue, Troy, New York, which was searched pursuant to warrant on January 4, 2023. A whiteboard offering marijuana for sale was outside the door to 2655 5th Avenue, which had a slot used to exchange marijuana for money. The same day, law enforcement executed a second search warrant at David Singletary’s apartment in Cohoes, which contained approximately 74 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages.
The marijuana and THC trafficking generated millions of dollars in revenue, which Singletary and other members of the organization laundered through a variety of means. David Singletary routinely gave other members of the organization, including Clements and Kristle Walker, aka “Demii,” locked suitcases containing well over $150,000 in cash marijuana and THC proceeds. Walker and Clements then separately flew from Albany to Fresno, where they delivered the cash to Singletary and Coles. In July 2020, Walker attempted to board a flight from Albany to Fresno with a suitcase containing $179,710 in cash drug proceeds, which was seized by law enforcement. The cash belonged to Singletary, but in seeking return of the cash from the DEA, Walker falsely claimed ownership.
Federal law requires financial institutions to complete a currency transaction report for cash transactions over $10,000. At Singletary’s direction, Walker, Clements, Banks, Mumphrey, Latrice Mumphrey, and another member of the organization, Alyssa June White, purchased multiple cashier’s checks in amounts slightly below the reporting threshold for cash transactions of over $10,000, but amounting to over $10,000 in total, oftentimes at different banks and branches on the same day. The cashier’s checks were payable to Singletary; his company, DAS Empire, Inc.; his real estate law firm; a company from which he and Coles purchased real estate; and to a person from whom Singletary and DAS Empire purchased real estate.
Singletary, at times through DAS Empire, purchased and renovated several properties in the Capital Region with marijuana proceeds. He used the cashier’s purchased with cash marijuana proceeds to pay for the properties, and paid contractors renovating the properties with cash marijuana proceeds. In 2021, Singletary and Coles used $430,000 and $390,000 in marijuana proceeds to purchase 5363 and 5371 West Acacia, respectively. The purchase price was paid through, among other means, cashier’s checks purchased with marijuana proceeds.
To make the marijuana proceeds appear like legitimate business income, members of the organization deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash marijuana proceeds into accounts held by Coles in the name of her company, M.M.M.C. Management, and into business accounts held by Fane, who was previously employed as a banker but fired for money laundering. At Singletary’s directions, members of the organization—including Walker, Clements, and Shuler—sent over $103,000 in money transfers purchased with cash marijuana proceeds in the Capital Region to Fane and others in and around Fresno.
Law enforcement forfeited a total of over $2.53 million in cash, vehicles, jewelry, real property, and other assets from Singletary and other members of the organization.
Singletary faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison on the two counts to which he pled guilty, conspiring to distribute marijuana and conspiring to commit money laundering; fines of up to $10.25 million; and a term of supervised release of between five years and life. His plea agreement with the government calls for a sentence of 10- to 20-years imprisonment. If the court rejects the plea agreement, Singletary will be permitted to withdraw his plea. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
In addition to Singletary, 24 other defendants have pled guilty. The following defendants pled guilty to the following charges and received the following sentences:
Defendant
Charge(s)
Sentence
James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” age 42, of FresnoTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money laundering180 months imprisonmentLawrence Mumphrey, aka “L,” age 47, of AlbanyThree counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and THC, (ii) possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and (iii) conspiracy to commit money laundering156 months imprisonmentDeandre Caldwell, aka “Dilli,” “Dillinger,” and “Dre,” age 34, of AlbanyTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and THC, and (ii) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime97 months imprisonment Tyquan Armstrong, aka “Moose,” age 47, of RotterdamThree counts: (i) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, (ii) possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and (iii) possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime90 months imprisonmentToqwanda Ketchmore, aka “Quannie,” age 32, of TroyOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana24 months imprisonmentEarnest Flood, aka “Pop,” age 68, of Richmond, VirginiaTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingTime served JuneAllyson Osman, aka “Juney,” age 61, of TroyOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuanaTwo years’ probationThe following defendants pled guilty to the following charges, face the following sentences, and are awaiting sentencing:
Defendant
Charge(s)
Potential Sentence
McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” age 39, of FresnoTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and THC, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingAt least 10 years and up to life imprisonment (if accepted by the court, the plea agreement calls for sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment) Nehemiah Fane, aka “Neil,” age 44, of FresnoTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingMaximum sentence of 40 years imprisonmentSammy Olague, age 39, of FresnoOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuanaAt least 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonmentRuby Ledesma, age 28, of FresnoOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuanaMaximum sentence of 20 years imprisonmentDavid Singletary, aka “DB,” age 40, of CohoesOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuanaAt least 10 years and up to life imprisonment (if accepted by the court, plea agreement calls for sentence of at least 10 years and up to 18 years imprisonment)Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, aka “Zay,” age 39, of TroyTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and THC, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingAt least 10 years and up to life imprisonmentLatrice Mumphrey, age 45, of AlbanyOne count: conspiracy to commit money laundering Maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonmentRosemary Coles, age 74, of TroyOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and THCAt least 10 years and up to life imprisonmentKristle Waler, aka “Demii,” age 42, of AlbanyTwo counts: conspiracy to commit money laundering and false statements Maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonmentNiara Banks, aka “Nie,” age 34, of TroyTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and THC, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingMaximum sentence of 40 years imprisonmentJazell Shuler, age 38, of TroyTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingMaximum sentence of 40 years imprisonmentVictor Turner, age 72, of TroyOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuanaMaximum sentence of 20 years imprisonmentLaFay Pearson, aka “Lala,” age 25, of TroyOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuanaMaximum sentence of 20 years imprisonmentConsanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” age 65, of TroyOne count: conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuanaMaximum sentence of 20 years imprisonmentAlyssa June White, age 33, of TroyOne count: conspiracy to commit money launderingMaximum sentence of 20 years imprisonmentOnisha Smith, age 43, of BrooklynTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingMaximum sentence of 40 years imprisonmentLateek White, age 55, of BrooklynTwo counts: (i) conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and (ii) conspiracy to commit money launderingAt least 10 years and up to life imprisonmentThe ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department, and HSI investigated the case, with critical support from U.S. Attorney’s Office Financial Investigator Justus Derx. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck, Dustin C. Segovia, and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.