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16 September 2025
Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison in connection with postal carjackingRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for a carjacking offense in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jody Lee Bass, 35, pleaded guilty to carjacking and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 16, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on June 8, 2024, Bass approached a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service on Avenue F in Beaumont. Bass used a knife to rob the mail carrier of the USPS mail delivery truck while the victim was delivering mail on his route. Bass grabbed the mail carrier and attempted to stab him. The mail carrier escaped, and Bass drove off with the mail truck before abandoning it nearby. Local law enforcement responded and found Bass hiding in the area.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
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Iowa City Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to public court documents, in May 2024, Alfred Washington, Jr., 46, possessed ammunition as a felon. A receipt for shooting accessories was found during the search warrant at Washington’s Iowa City residence and videos showing Washington at a gun range were found on Washington’s phone. Washington is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he is felon, including a 2018 conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon and domestic abuser in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Washington will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on September 15, 2025, to 168 months in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, during a 2023 investigation, an account, later determined to be associated with Jeffrey Alan Guentert, 57, downloaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized 87 electronic devices during a search of Guentert’s Iowa City residence and place of employment. Guentert was a city employee. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Guentert used at least 44 of the devices to receive, view, and possess images and videos containing child sexual abuse material, including more than 5000 images and 1500 videos, between 2019 and 2023.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Guentert will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Guentert was also ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Johnson County Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Indiana Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Jerry Michael Moore (42, Indiana) to 40 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production and attempted production of child sexual abuse materials after previously being convicted of a child sex offense. Moore pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025.
According to court documents, on January 30, 2025, at the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Cruise Terminal, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers searched Moore as he returned to the United States from a cruise, because Moore had previously been convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor in 2007 in Indiana. During the examination of Moore, officers learned that Moore had a cellphone with him. A manual review of Moore’s cellphone revealed multiple surreptitious video files of what appeared to be a minor female child to whom Moore had access stored within a “hidden” folder of the photo gallery. A special agent with Homeland Security Investigations later responded to the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal and confirmed the child sexual abuse materials on the device.
Moore agreed to speak with law enforcement and admitted to using multiple hidden cameras, including his cellphone, to secretly record the child to whom he had access. Moore used a hidden camera to record the child through a crawl space of a residence to access the inside of a shower through the wall. Further examination of Moore’s cellphone revealed additional surreptitious recordings of the child.
This case was investigated by United States Customs and Border Protection Officers and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Indiana Man Arrested in Connection with Sending Threat Involving the Naval Academy on a Social Media AppRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Federal law enforcement arrested Jackson Fleming, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana, on suspicion of sending an online threat through a social media application connected to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 11, 2025. A magistrate judge approved a complaint charging Fleming with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication in the Northern District of Indiana. Authorities arrested Fleming on September 12, in Indiana. He made his initial appearance in the Northern District of Indiana on September 15.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and M. Scott Proctor, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, announced the arrest with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley, FBI – Indianapolis Field Office.
A complaint is not evidence of guilt and is a temporary charge that must be followed by information or an indictment that formally brings federal charges. If formally charged, Fleming faces a maximum of five years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Additionally, Ms. Hayes praised the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the United States Naval Academy for their assistance with the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn, who is prosecuting this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert I. Goldaris, who is providing valuable assistance to this case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Illegal alien indicted for child sexual assault material offensesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Laredo has been charged with possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Originally charged by criminal complaint Aug. 21, Alfredo Gutierrez-Cantu remains in custody pending further criminal proceedings. He is expected to make an appearance on the charges contained in the indictment in the near future before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo.
According to the charges, Gutierrez-Cantu came to the attention of law enforcement upon discovery of a Google account linked to a Laredo address containing child sexual assault material (CSAM). Gutierrez-Cantu was allegedly the owner of the Google account and resided at the location.
The charges allege he would visit group chats where weblinks directed him towards a site with approximately 500 CSAM files.
Authorities executed a search warrant and seized several electronic devices which allegedly contained several CSAM images and videos. One video depicted three minors engaged in sexual acts which he “forgot to delete” because he was too busy, according to the charges.
“The allegations, if true, demonstrate that the defendant is somebody who shouldn’t be in our country, and definitely shouldn’t be out walking the streets of our community,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas won’t pull any punches when it comes to border security or the investigation and apprehension of those who consume child sexual abuse materials.”
If convicted, Gutierrez-Cantu faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Laredo Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Idaho Husband and Wife and Three Others Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Two defendants made their initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate judge last week after a federal grand jury in Boise, Idaho, returned an indictment charging five individuals with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and related charges for submitting false tax returns and fictious financial instruments to the IRS. The other three defendants had previously made their initial appearances in federal court in Boise.
The following is according to the indictment: from 2023 through 2024, Andrea and Kent Shannon, of Kuna, Idaho, as well as Brittany Plahm, of Frankfort, Illinois, Monika Skinger of Chicago, and Sherita Chandler, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, allegedly conspired together to submit false individual and trust tax returns that claimed millions in refunds to which they were not entitled. To induce the IRS to accept their refund claims, the defendants and others allegedly sent more than 100 fictitious financial instruments — such as checks, money orders, or payment vouchers — totaling approximately $57 million to the IRS to make it appear that they had paid taxes that could be refunded.
The indictment further alleges that Andrea and Kent Shannon used a portion of the false refunds they received to purchase, among other things, a $90,000 Cadillac Escalade and a $144,000 GMC Sierra 3500.
All defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Andrea and Kent Shannon were also charged with wire fraud and filing false claims. Finally, Kent Shannon was also charged with money laundering.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charge. Andrea and Kent Shannon face an additional maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each false claim charge. Kent Shannon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigations is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney David F. Scollan of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Honduran Nationals Extradited to the United States to Face Federal Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Two Honduran nationals were extradited from Honduras to the United States to face charges for their roles in conspiring to distribute fentanyl in Oregon.
Teodoro Rodas Dubon, 32, and Erick Yojan Lopez Miralda, 38, made their initial appearances in federal court in Portland today.
According to court documents, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned that beginning in 2022, Rodas Dubon directed and controlled the distribution of bulk quantities of fentanyl throughout the Portland area. Following law enforcement actions against Rodas Dubon’s drug trafficking organization, Rodas Dubon returned to Honduras where he resumed coordinating the distribution of fentanyl throughout the Portland area. On February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Rodas Dubon with conspiring to distribute fentanyl.
Additional court documents revealed Lopez-Miralda separately ran a fentanyl distribution cell operating in the Portland area in 2023. Following a multi-kilogram seizure of fentanyl, Lopez Miralda returned to Honduras. On April 3, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Lopez Miralda with conspiring to distribute fentanyl.
Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda were both arrested by Honduran authorities pursuant to provisional arrest warrants in January 2025. On September 15, 2025, both defendants were extradited to the United States to face federal charges in the District of Oregon. Both defendants made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were each arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin in November 2025.
“Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda’s extraditions to the District of Oregon send a critical message: the United States will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those involved in trafficking fentanyl,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “These cases reinforce our commitment to holding all individuals involved in illicit drug operations accountable for the devastating impact they’ve had in Oregon. I extend my gratitude to our federal and state partners and the Honduran authorities for their dedicated efforts in investigating, interdicting, and apprehending those involved, especially for the arrests and extraditions of Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners will aggressively pursue threats like these no matter where they come from,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Rodas Dubon and Mr. Lopez Miralda are accused of serious crimes in the United States and we look forward to seeking justice in Oregon.”
These cases were investigated by the DEA with assistance from the DEA Tegucigalpa, Honduras Country Office, the Tigard Police Department, the Sherwood Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. It is being prosecuted by Paul T. Maloney, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Honduran authorities to secure the defendants’ arrests and extraditions from Honduras.
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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Henderson Man Indicted for Illegal Smuggling and Distribution of Erectile Dysfunction Prescription Drugs Under Brand Names "Kinky Kong," "Kinky Pink," "Stif," Tbone," and "Ride"Read the Press Release
Note: A previous version of this release included a link to a form to report suspected criminal activity related to FDA-regulated products. This has been updated to direct the public to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard.
LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nevada, resident made his initial appearance in court on September 10, 2025, to face charges for allegedly smuggling misbranded prescription drugs containing sildenafil and tadalafil, the active ingredients in FDA-approved prescription drugs Viagra and Cialis, into the United States. According to allegations in the indictment, David Ralph Webber then sold the drugs to smoke shops, convenience stores, and adult novelty stores, as well as directly to consumers through his website, under brand names “Kinky Kong,” “Kinky Pink,” “Stif,” “Tbone,” and “Ride.”
“Americans depend on the FDA to ensure that drugs are safe and accurately labeled,” said FDA Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s announcement illustrates our ongoing emphasis on holding accountable people who circumvent federal regulations and jeopardize public health.”
A federal grand jury indicted Webber on July 30, 2025, with one count of introduction of a misbranded drug into interstate commerce, four counts of wholesale distribution of prescription drugs without a license, and seven counts of smuggling.
According to allegations contained in court documents and statements made in court, Webber owned and operated two Nevada companies: Passion Plus Enterprises Inc. and Whole Science Health. He was not a registered pharmaceutical manufacturer with the FDA, nor was he licensed to administer prescription drugs or as a wholesaler of prescription drugs.
As alleged, from at least 2018 to present, Webber purchased hundreds of thousands of capsules containing sildenafil and tadalafil—the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis—from manufacturers in India. Once Webber received the products, he allegedly distributed them in Nevada and throughout the southwestern United States, including to third-party stores and directly to consumers. According to allegations contained in the indictment, these products have potentially harmful effects if not properly administered by a licensed practitioner. This is particularly true for persons on heart and/or blood-thinning medications.
As part of the scheme, Webber allegedly paid a packaging company to list false ingredients and false claims that the drugs were “100% Natural” and did not require a prescription. It is alleged that many, if not most, consumers were not aware they were taking prescription medicines containing the same active ingredients as Viagra and Cialis.
A jury trial is set for November 18, 2025, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey.
Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FDA and United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jean Ripley is prosecuting the case.
If you or someone you know has taken these products and/or suffered adverse health effects as a result of these products, please contact investigators at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fdas-adverse-event-reporting-system-faers/fda-adverse-event-reporting-system-faers-public-dashboard.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Hebron Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A man previously residing in Hebron, Maine, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Portland to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to court records, Steven Parker, 47, sent a video file depicting child sexual abuse material to an undercover agent over a messaging application. In August 2024, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MSPCCU) and the FBI executed a search warrant at his residence, resulting in the seizure of multiple digital media devices containing files of child sexual abuse material. When interviewed by investigators, Parker admitted to accessing, viewing, and distributing child sexual abuse material over the internet.
Parker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a maximum supervised release term of life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and MSPCCU investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: 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 Department’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, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into USRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Guatemala pleaded guilty to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Esvin Emilio Lopez-Gonzalez, 27.
According to information presented to the Court, Lopez-Gonzalez was previously removed from the United States on May 7, 2018, after illegally entering the country through Arizona. On May 28, 2025, he was encountered by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and failed to provide any identification. Immigration authorities determined that Lopez-Gonzalez had not obtained permission to be in the United States after his prior removal and was illegally present in the United States. Lopez-Gonzalez has been in custody since his May arrest and will be returned to immigration custody for removal from the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lopez-Gonzalez.
This case is 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, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Guatemalan Citizen Sentenced for Assault of Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Guatemala illegally residing in the United States pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal law enforcement officer and was sentenced to time served on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Juan Jose Antuche-Garcia, 33, on September 15, 2025.
According to information presented to the Court, Antuche-Garcia, a native and citizen of Guatemala, illegally entered the United States on September 3, 2023. After he was released on bond by immigration authorities but failed to appear before the immigration court in May of 2024 as directed, an immigration judge ordered him to be removed from the United States.
On August 12, 2025, Antuche-Garcia was encountered by immigration authorities in the Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, area after federal law enforcement officers attempted to pull over a vehicle in which the defendant was a passenger. Federal law enforcement officers initiated a traffic stop by activating the emergency lighting and sirens on five unmarked vehicles. The driver of the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop and, instead, rammed his vehicle into one of the federal law enforcement officer’s vehicles, pinning an officer’s leg between his own vehicle’s door frame and door. The driver of the vehicle and a rear seat passenger fled from the scene, evading apprehension. Antuche-Garcia, who was the front passenger of the vehicle, also attempted to flee by repeatedly and forcefully opening his door into the door of the vehicle behind which the officer’s leg was pinned, causing additional injury to the officer. Antuche-Garcia has been in custody since his arrest and will remain in custody pending his removal from the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Antuche-Garcia.
This case is 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, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Goose Creek Man Indicted for Lying about Ties to ISISRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a four-count indictment against Ala Aldeen Alshaikh, 31, of Goose Creek, for making false statements in connection with his naturalization process, lying to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and destroying evidence with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation. Alshaikh was arrested by federal agents this morning.
The indictment alleges that Alshaikh, a Sudanese national, applied for United States citizenship in September 2021. During an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, he denied that he had associated with a terrorist organization when, in fact, in August 2021 he pledged allegiance to, and claimed membership in, the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, commonly known as ISIS. It further alleges that a year following his immigration interview, in preparation for his naturalization ceremony, Alshaikh again denied that he had become associated or connected with a terrorist group on a written immigration form. In both October and November 2021, however, Alshaikh made online statements that indicated he associated and connected with ISIS concerning a possible attack on a United States Embassy after his immigration interview on Sept. 10, 2021.
The indictment also alleges that Alshaikh, who has experience in the aviation industry, lied to an FBI agent in January 2025 by denying that he had ever offered to share his aviation expertise with anyone when, in fact, he offered to mobilize and share his aviation expertise with a militant group referred to as the Al-Bara Ibn Malik Brigade. Finally, it alleges that Alshaikh destroyed evidence related to this online conversation after becoming aware of the federal investigation against him.
Alshaikh faces maximum penalties of between five-and 20-years imprisonment on the various charges. He was arraigned this morning and a detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Lietzow and Everett McMillian are prosecuting the case with support from Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Georgia Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Fraud Targeting AHCCCSRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Kenneth Terrell Harrison, 45, of College Park, Georgia was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 52 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Harrison was also ordered to pay restitution to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (“AHCCCS”) in the amount of $6,538,485.09.
Harrison admitted that he owned an outpatient behavioral health counseling service, Aurtism, LLC, located in Mesa. Aurtism applied to be a medical provider for AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid agency, in 2019. At the time Aurtism applied to AHCCCS, Harrison admitted that he did not disclose his ownership interest in Aurtism to AHCCCS because he was worried that if he accurately described his involvement as the primary owner of the business, AHCCCS would deny the application based upon Harrison’s prior criminal history.
Harrison further admitted that he engaged in a fraudulent billing practice targeting AHCCCS. Specifically, starting in January 2020, Harrison began obtaining AHCCCS identification numbers for AHCCCS enrollees, some of whom visited the Aurtism facility, while others he obtained fraudulently. Nearly all of the AHCCCS enrollees billed for by Harrison were members of the American Indian Health Plan (“AIHP”). Aurtism fraudulently billed AHCCCS for services that were never provided to the AHCCCS enrollees. Between January 2020 and October 2021, Aurtism fraudulently billed AHCCCS for $6,538,485.09.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court noted the particular harm done to vulnerable populations in Arizona as a result of this type of fraud.
The FBI’s Phoenix Division and IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aron Ketchel, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-0393-MTL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-149_Harrison# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Founder of one of world’s largest hacker forums resentenced to three years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A New York man was resentenced today to three years in prison for his creation and operation of BreachForums, a marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell, and trade hacked or stolen data and other contraband, and for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
“Conor Fitzpatrick personally profited from the sale of vast quantities of stolen information, ranging from private personal information to commercial data,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “These crimes were so extensive that the damage is difficult to quantify, and the human cost of his collection of child sexual abuse material is incalculable. We will not allow criminals to hide in the darkest corners of the internet and will use all legal means to bring them to justice.”
“Following the dismantlement of RaidForums by law enforcement, the defendant set up and administered BreachForums, an online bazaar where criminals could purchase sensitive data,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to bringing to justice those who seek to sell stolen data to the highest bidder. To those seeking to operate a similar forum, take note: we will tirelessly investigate those who commit these crimes.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a message to everyone in the cybercriminal ecosystem — helping others profit from theft, fraud, and other cybercrimes will land you in federal prison,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “The FBI is working tirelessly to dismantle criminal marketplaces like BreachForums, and we are pursuing the full range of actors who run these platforms.”
Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, 22, of Peekskill, New York, pled guilty to access device conspiracy, access device solicitation, and possession of child sexual abuse material. As part of the plea agreement, Fitzpatrick also agreed to forfeit over one hundred domain names used in the operation of BreachForums, more than a dozen electronic devices used to execute the scheme, and cryptocurrency that represented proceeds of the scheme.
Fitzpatrick’s resentencing came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued an opinion on January 21, 2025, vacating Fitzpatrick’s prior sentence of time served (17 days) and remanded the case for resentencing.
According to court documents, BreachForums, launched in March 2022, rapidly developed into one of the world’s largest English language hacking forums with over 330,000 members. BreachForums emerged as a replacement to RaidForums, a then major English-language hacking forum that law enforcement seized in February 2022. As with RaidForums, BreachForums gained notoriety by selling access to high-profile database breaches that contained, among other things, bank account information, social security numbers and other personal identifying information (PII), and usernames and associated passwords for accessing online accounts with merchants and service providers. BreachForums also maintained and offered access to at least 888 datasets of stolen information containing over 14 billion individual records of PII. Some of the stolen datasets contained sensitive information of customers at telecommunication, social media, investment, health care services, and internet service providers. For instance, one database contained the names and contact information for approximately 200 million users of a major U.S.-based social networking site. Another database listed the details of 87,760 members of InfraGard, a partnership between the FBI and private sector companies focused on the protection of critical infrastructure.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Halper and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Thomas Dougherty for the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division this case.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, and FBI San Francisco Division, with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations New York Field Office, New York Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Police Scotland, National Police Corps of the Netherlands and Peekskill Police Department. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of California, the District of Maryland, and the Southern District of New York have also provided assistance in this matter.
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. Attorney’s 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. 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. 1:23-cr-119.
Founder of One of World’s Largest Hacker Forums Resentenced to Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a New York man was resentenced to three years in prison for his creation and operation of BreachForums, a marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell, and trade hacked or stolen data and other contraband, and for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
“Following the dismantlement of RaidForums by law enforcement, the defendant set up and administered BreachForums, an online bazaar where criminals could purchase sensitive data,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to bringing to justice those who seek to sell stolen data to the highest bidder. To those seeking to operate a similar forum, take note: we will tirelessly investigate those who commit these crimes.”
“Conor Fitzpatrick personally profited from the sale of vast quantities of stolen information, ranging from private personal information to commercial data,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “These crimes were so extensive that the damage is difficult to quantify, and the human cost of his collection of child sexual abuse material is incalculable. We will not allow criminals to hide in the darkest corners of the internet and will use all legal means to bring them to justice.”
“The FBI is working tirelessly to dismantle criminal marketplaces like BreachForums, and we are pursuing the full range of actors who run these platforms,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that anyone who helps others profit from theft, fraud, and other cybercrimes is not out of reach.”
Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, 22, of Peekskill, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of access device conspiracy, one count of access device solicitation, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. As part of the plea agreement, Fitzpatrick also agreed to forfeit over 100 domain names used in the operation of BreachForums, more than a dozen electronic devices used to execute the scheme, and cryptocurrency that represented proceeds of the scheme.
Fitzpatrick’s resentencing came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued an opinion on Jan. 21, 2025, vacating Fitzpatrick’s prior sentence of time served (17 days) and remanded the case for resentencing.
According to court documents, BreachForums, launched in March 2022, rapidly developed into one of the world’s largest English language hacking forums with over 330,000 members. BreachForums emerged as a replacement to RaidForums, a then major English-language hacking forum that law enforcement seized in February 2022. As with RaidForums, BreachForums gained notoriety by selling access to high-profile database breaches that contained, among other things, bank account information, social security numbers and other personal identifying information (PII), and usernames and associated passwords for accessing online accounts with merchants and service providers. BreachForums also maintained and offered access to at least 888 datasets of stolen information containing over 14 billion individual records of PII. Some of the stolen datasets contained sensitive information of customers at telecommunication, social media, investment, health care services, and internet service providers. For instance, one database contained the names and contact information for approximately 200 million users of a major U.S.-based social networking site. Another database listed the details of approximately 87,760 members of InfraGard, a partnership between the FBI and private sector companies focused on the protection of critical infrastructure.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Thomas Dougherty of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Halper for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
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. Attorney’s 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.
Former Massachusetts National Guardsman Pleads Guilty to Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Master Sergeant of the 102 Security Forces of the Massachusetts National Guard stationed in Sandwich, Mass. pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to possession and distribution of child pornography.
Nicholas Wells, 44, pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani who scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2026. In September 2024, Wells was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Wells engaged in chats on a messaging application, in which he discussed his interest in minors and distributed videos depicting child pornography. Over 300 images and 100 videos depicting child pornography were located on his phone. It was also determined that Wells distributed over 70 videos depicting child pornography, some of which involved infants.
The charge of possessing child pornography provides for a sentence up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. The charge of distributing child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and not more than 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Barnstable and Sandwich Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Evansville Banker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing over $158,000 from Customer AccountsRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Dekoda Scott Clark, 32, of Tell City, Indiana, has been sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to bank theft and access device fraud. Clark must also pay $158,208.53 in restitution to the bank he defrauded.
According to court documents, between January 2023 and March 2024, Dekoda Clark was employed as a Relationship Banker at a bank branch in Evansville. During this time, Clark exploited his position to steal approximately $158,208.53 from customer accounts by making unauthorized cash withdrawals and issuing fraudulent debit cards.
Leveraging his access, Clark created debit cards linked to the checking accounts of five individuals and two businesses without their knowledge or consent. He then used these cards to make 17 purchases at various retailers, including Dicks Sporting Goods, Guitar Center, and Best Buy. Several of the purchases were for high-value technology items, including three Apple iPads, a MacBook Pro, an Apple Watch Ultra, two large televisions, a Lenovo gaming laptop, memory cards, a DJI Mini Drone, and an Xbox game drive. One of the transactions was for a $2,000 deposit into Clark’s account with Draft Kings, an online sports betting platform. These fraudulent purchases totaled $15,708.53.
Clark also withdrew a total of $142,500 as cash from the checking accounts of three individuals without their knowledge or consent.
“Bank employees are entrusted with safeguarding their customers’ hard-earned money, not exploiting that trust for personal gain,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Clark not only harmed individual victims but also undermined confidence in the financial system. This sentence, and the restitution he now owes, reflects the serious consequences of betraying that trust, and the level of accountability our office will seek for those who exploit their positions to defraud the public.”
“Instead of serving his bank’s customers, Dekoda Clark lavishly served himself by illegally taking their money to pay for video game systems and other expensive tech gadgets,” said Ike Barnes, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The U.S. Secret Service is committed to safeguarding the nation’s financial infrastructure and pursuing this type of malfeasance. I am proud of our work in this case, and I want to thank the FBI, Evansville Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Indiana for their efforts in bringing justice to this defendant.”
“This sentence demonstrates that those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Timothy O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Indianapolis. “By stealing more than $158,000 from customer accounts, this defendant not only violated the law, but also the confidence placed in him by both her employer and the community. The FBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our financial institutions and pursuing those who commit fraud and theft.”
The U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Former DHS officer sentenced to 70 months for laundering drug proceedsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former deportation officer has been sentenced for laundering money while working for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Christopher Washington Toral, 49, Spring, pleaded guilty Feb. 27.
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now ordered Toral to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. He must also pay a $20,000 fine. At the hearing, the court heard additional information that detailed Toral’s willingness to use his badge and gun to protect what he believed to be cartel drug money.
“Federal officers are imbued with tremendous power, and with that power comes a great responsibility to uphold the people’s trust. When those same officers choose to engage in corrupt acts, they not only break the law, they strike at the heart of public confidence in our system of government,” said Ganjei. “In choosing personal gain over his duty to his fellow citizens, Toral effectively chose prison over honor.”
“When a sworn officer uses the badge to shield criminal activity, the damage extends far beyond a single crime; it strikes at the very foundation of public trust,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Christopher Toral decided to put personal gain over public duty. Today’s sentencing is the result of a shared commitment by FBI Houston and DHS-Office of Inspector General (OIG) to root out corruption wherever it hides.”
“Serving the public as a law enforcement officer demands the utmost integrity,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D. “We, along with our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remain resolute to ensure law enforcement officers who break the public’s trust are held accountable.”
Toral began working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2008 and was assigned to a processing center in Conroe. Over a two-month period in 2023, he used his position as a federal law enforcement officer to transport $700,000 in drug proceeds under the guise of official duties.
As part of an undercover operation, Toral agreed to transport a black bag containing $200,000 in cash from Dallas to Houston in February 2023, believing the money was from illegal narcotics sales. He made the same trip later that month delivering an additional $200,000.
In March, Toral flew from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston with $300,000 in suspected drug money, bypassing airport security and Transportation Security Administration by exploiting his law enforcement position.
Toral did all this in exchange for cash payments.
Toral was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI and DHS-OIG conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Marck prosecuted the case.
Foreign Fighter Convicted in April 2018 Double Homicide and Armed Robbery of Florida CoupleRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Craig Austin Lang (35, Kyiv, Ukraine) guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering with commerce, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence which resulted in death, conspiring to kill persons in a foreign country, and a violation of the Neutrality Act. Lang faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2026. Lang was indicted on December 4, 2019.
According to testimony presented at trial, on April 10, 2018, two individuals, S.L., Jr. and D.L., were found dead in Estero, Florida from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Further investigation revealed that the couple had traveled to Estero from Brooksville to complete the purchase of several firearms from an individual that had listed them for sale on a website known as Armslist. As a result of the investigation, Lang was identified as one of two individuals that was believed to have murdered the couple during the course of an armed robbery to steal $3,000 that the couple had intended to use to purchase the firearms.
Lang, who had previously fought in Ukraine, pursued a plan to fight the Venezuelan government and committed the robbery of S.L., Jr. and D.L. to obtain money to fund travel to Venezuela. Lang’s co-defendant, Alex Zwiefelhofer, was previously convicted of the same offenses and sentenced to consecutive life-sentences.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Benjamin S. Winter.
Florida Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Akeem Davis, age 31, of Brandon, Florida, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Davis admitted that he drove from Florida to Latham, New York, to sell a privately manufactured firearm—often referred to as a “ghost gun”— styled as a sub-machine gun in exchange for $1,200. Davis could not legally possess the firearm as he had been previously convicted of a Kansas state felony drug charge. Davis also offered to sell machine gun conversion devices and firearm silencers.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Akeem Davis, a convicted drug felon, traveled across state lines to peddle a highly dangerous ‘ghost gun’—a firearm that has no serial number and is virtually untraceable. His actions, fueled by blatant disregard for the law, are a reminder that this office will not tolerate felons who attempt to flood our streets with illegal, unregulated weapons. We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals like Davis, using every available legal tool to ensure they face the full weight of the law. Our commitment to public safety is unwavering, and we will continue to dismantle criminal networks that threaten our communities.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated:“Those who traffic in illegal firearms — including machine guns and silencers — will be held accountable. These weapons pose a serious threat to our communities, and we remain committed to working with our federal and local partners to disrupt this kind of dangerous criminal activity.”
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 2-year term of post-release supervision.
ATF investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Paulbeck prosecuted this case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Fentanyl Overdose Death Leads to Oklahoma Trio being Sentenced to Serve 26 Years Collectively in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH PRESTON ANDERSON, 37, and TIFFANI AMBER STEVENS, 31, of Oklahoma City, and KALUB LYNN ROBINSON, 30, of Blanchard, have been sentenced for their roles in distributing fentanyl, the use of which resulted in an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, beginning in at least September 2023, Anderson and Stevens were engaged in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to others. On December 3, 2023, the two distributed fentanyl powder to Robinson, and Robinson distributed that fentanyl to another person the following day, the use of which led to the victim’s death. Public record further reflects that, despite knowing of the victim’s death, Anderson and Stevens continued to sell fentanyl through January 2024. Anderson and Stevens were charged with a drug conspiracy in May 2025 and have pleaded guilty. On October 22, 2024, Robinson was charged with distribution of fentanyl, a charge to which he has since pleaded guilty as well.
At their sentencing hearings on September 15, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Anderson to serve 180 months, Stevens to serve 72 months, and Robinson to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each. The defendants were also each ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,725.60, amounting to a total restitution award of $8,176.80. In announcing his sentences, Judge Russell stated that the circumstances were “tragic beyond belief” and expressed that the world must know that there are significant consequences for dealing fentanyl.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and demonstrates the importance of the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. More information about “One Pill Can Kill” can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Further information about the danger associated with fentanyl distribution and use can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96JQ56kuJQI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Assistant Director of Spokane Tribe’s Division of Child and Family Services of Twenty-Five Counts of Bank Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 11, 2025, a federal a federal jury in Spokane, Washington, convicted Tawhnee Willow Colvin, of Davenport, Washington, of twenty-five counts of Bank Fraud and one count of Embezzlement from the Spokane Tribe of Indians committed while she was employed by the Tribe.
As evidence presented at the trial established, Colvin was employed as Assistant Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians’ Department of Health and Human Services and Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). As part of her position as Assistant Director of DCFS, Colvin had access to the Spokane Tribe of Indians bank account which held per capita funds to be used for the care of needy children who were in temporary custody of the Tribe. Between October 2019 and November 2023, Colvin abused her position of trust to make more than seventy fraudulent money transfers, starting with small transfers until she eventually transferred thousands of dollars at a time, totaling over $50,000, from the DCFS bank account to her own personal bank account. She also took out over $50,000 cash from the same bank account. Colvin was terminated from her position at the Tribe on October 23, 2023, but even after her termination she continued to fraudulently transfer funds to her personal account.
“For years, Ms. Colvin abused the faith placed in her as a public servant to steal tribal funds intended to care for children in foster care,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “For her own personal gain, she stole more than $100,000, leaving the account almost completely drained. Every one of these dozens of transfers diverted resources away from the most vulnerable members of our society and into her pockets. The FBI is committed to holding accountable fraudsters who choose greed instead of safeguarding the funds under their stewardship.”
“In an egregious breach of trust and solely for her own personal interest, Ms. Colvin exploited her position as the Assistant Director of DCFS for the Spokane Tribe of Indian to steal thousands of dollars from vulnerable children over a period of years,” stated United States Attorney Serrano. “Brazenly, Ms. Colvin continued her crimes even after the Tribe terminated her employment. Sadly, it remains unknown how many children Ms. Colvin harmed through her crimes. The United States Attorney’s Office is grateful for the diligent efforts of the FBI who investigated this case, the trust and collaboration of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the prosecutors and staff at our office who ensured Ms. Colvin was brought to justice.”
A press release was previously issued by the Spokane Tribe of Indians who thanked the FBI and US Attorney’s Office for their work in bringing this important case to a close.
Colvin’s sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley.
2:24-CR-0148-RLP
Executive of Miami-Based Seafood Wholesale Company Pleads Guilty to Price-Fixing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The vice president of a Miami-based seafood wholesaler pleaded guilty today to conspiring with competitors to fix prices for the purchase of stone crab claws and spiny lobster in Florida.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Miami, Florida, Dennis Dopico, of Miami, was a vice president for a company that operated a seafood processing center that sold stone crab claws and spiny lobsters. Between 2023 and 2025, Dopico conspired with competing companies and their employees to suppress and eliminate competition by fixing the prices paid to fishermen for stone crab claws and spiny lobsters. This conspiracy deprived fishermen in Florida the benefits of competition, depressing the prices paid to fishermen for their harvests.
“Criminal conspiracies to deprive hardworking Americans the right to earn a fair wage are untenable in a free society. As the defendant admits, his price fixing conspiracy unfairly took money out of the pockets of hardworking fishermen for years,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to ensure that hard working Americans are paid competitively for an honest day’s work.”
“Price fixing cheats fishermen, squeezes restaurants, and makes families pay more at the table,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “We will protect honest competition from the boat to the dinner table.”
“This case highlights the serious consequences of undermining the integrity of our nation’s natural resource markets,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Price-fixing schemes not only disrupt fair competition but also threaten American businesses and the sustainability of our valuable fisheries. We remain committed to working with our federal partners to hold accountable those who exploit our natural resources for unlawful profit.”
Dopico and his co-conspirators exchanged text messages and calls in which they coordinated and agreed on the prices they would pay fishermen and would adjust the prices together as the respective harvest seasons progressed. For example, on Sept. 28, 2023, following communications with a co-conspirator about spiny lobster prices Dopico replied “[d]on’t show text to anyone[.] Confidential,” to which the co-conspirator responded, “I give you my word. We’re working together now not against each other[.]” Later, on Oct. 13, 2023, the same co-conspirator texted Dopico new stone crab claw prices. Dopico responded, “[l]et me know what you do. I am matching your prices. It’s the one we like the most.”
In the plea agreement filed today, Dopico admitted that the volume of commerce attributable to him and related to the conspiracy was approximately $8 million.
Dopico pleaded guilty to one felony count of restraining trade by conspiring to fix prices, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
The court set Dopico’s sentencing hearing for Jan. 5, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is investigating this case.
The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section is prosecuting the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Exactech Agrees to Pay $8 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations for Selling Defective Knee Implant DevicesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Exactech Inc. agreed to pay $8 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act. A medical device company based in Gainesville, Florida, Exactech allegedly violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with defective knee-replacement devices. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the settlement as part of the pending Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving Exactech.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the settlement with Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.
This settlement relates to two separate components of Exactech’s total-knee replacement systems. First, the settlement resolves allegations that as early as January 2008, Exactech knew that its finned tibial tray — a metal component of its knee replacement system that fits into a patient’s tibia — failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate. Therefore, it was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on Medicare, Medicaid, and VA beneficiaries. But Exactech continued to market and sell the component for surgeries between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018.
Additionally, the settlement resolves allegations that as early as January 2019, Exactech knew that the polyethylene component in certain Logic and Truliant knee-replacement systems failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate. Therefore, it was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on government beneficiaries. But Exactech continued to market and sell the Logic and Truliant knee systems with defective polyethylene components for use during total-knee replacement surgeries between January 1, 2019, and February 7, 2022.
“Patients who need a medical device to enjoy their lives rely on device manufacturers to put patient safety first. When a manufacturer learns that its device is defective, it must promptly and transparently address the problem,” Hayes said. “We will hold companies accountable who knowingly sell defective devices.”
“Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to protect the health and safety of patients,” Escalona said. “Medical device manufacturers must ensure their medical devices, which may be implanted in patients’ bodies, meet the necessary standards of safety and effectiveness at all times.”
Under the terms of the settlement, Exactech will pay a total of $8 million, $7,640,000 of which is the federal share. The states are entering into separate agreements with Exactech related to the $360,000 state share. The settlement is based on Exactech’s financial condition.
This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Brooks Wallace, Robert Farley and Dr. Manuel Fuentes in a case captioned United States ex rel. Wallace v. Exactech, Inc., No. 7:18-cv-1010 (N.D. Ala.) (the “Alabama Action”) and by Dr. Pasquale Petrera in a case captioned United States ex rel. Petrera v. Exactech, Inc., Civil No. 21-3325-SAG (D. Md.) (the “Maryland Action”). Under these provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, the settlement provides for the Alabama whistleblowers to receive a $1,329,360 share of the settlement amount and the Maryland whistleblower to receive a $565,360 share of the settlement amount. The resolution obtained in this matter is the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Maryland and Northern District of Alabama, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
This investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tarra DeShields and Michael Wilson, Office for the District of Maryland; Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Long, Office for the Northern District of Alabama; and Senior Trial Counsel Michael Hoffman, DOJ Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section who all handled this matter
The claims resolved by the settlement are only allegations. There has been no determination of liability.
Enterprise, Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy Involving Shipments from CaliforniaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that 35-year-old James Walker, of Enterprise, Alabama, has been sentenced to 43 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Walker pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced on September 16, 2025. Following his prison term, Walker will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and Walker’s plea agreement, the investigation began in March 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service began investigating a drug-trafficking network moving fentanyl from California to Alabama. Investigators determined that Walker conspired with others, including 33-year-old Shanarion Lee of La Mesa, California, and 32-year-old Hillary Lewis of Lemon Grove, California, to ship controlled substances to multiple addresses in the Middle District of Alabama.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, federal agents intercepted several packages containing counterfeit pills made to resemble oxycodone tablets. Laboratory testing confirmed that the pills contained fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. On June 4, 2025, Walker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Lee and Lewis also pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges earlier this year. Lee was previously sentenced to 46 months in prison, while Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2025.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Enterprise Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits prosecuted the case.
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms the Use of Deadly Force by a Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer was ReasonableRead the Press Release
FARGO: Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor, finding that law enforcement officers acted reasonably under the circumstances and the United States is not liable for the shooting death of George “Ryan” Gipp, Jr. (“Gipp”) during a confrontation with Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”) officers in October 2017 on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.
BIA officers responded to a report that Gipp discharged a firearm at a gas station in Ft. Yates. Gipp and family members left the scene but were pulled over by law enforcement on a rural highway a few miles outside of town. The Eighth Circuit said, “[Gipp], who was under the influence of multiple substances, refused to follow their instructions. When one tried to arrest him, he backed away, balled his fists, and moved into a ‘bladed stance.’ After losing sight of [Gipp’s] hands, the officer fired his taser twice. Tasing [Gipp] just caused him to run and hide behind the other officer’s truck. After a few ‘quick peeks’ at the officers, [Gipp] fumbled with something in his hoodie pocket and pulled out a shiny black object.” Fearing the object was a firearm, one of the officers fired his service weapon, fatally wounding Gipp.
The Eighth Circuit continued, “The record … shows that the use of deadly force was reasonable. By that point, [Gipp] had already resisted arrest, shaken off two taser shots, crouched behind a truck, and pulled what looked like a gun from his hoodie pocket. … The situation had gone from dangerous to potentially deadly as [Gipp’s] actions became increasingly erratic and aggressive.”
The firearm discharged by Gipp at the gas station, and thrown out the window of the vehicle prior to being stopped by the police, was later found in a ditch. The weapon was a shotgun loaded with 7 slug rounds of live ammunition typically used for large game or self-defense and had a 13-inch knife taped to it like a bayonet, along with a flashlight. Among the items found on or near Gipp were brass knuckles, additional shotgun ammunition, a 7.5-inch AR stock wrench, a handcuff key, and a folding knife.
“Every time a law enforcement officer goes on duty to protect and serve the public, he or she selflessly places themselves in harm’s way,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl. “The risk to police officers is all too real,” she continued, “and these rulings recognize the dangerous, difficult, and rapidly evolving conditions officers must operate in.”
The case is Gipp, et al. v. United States of America, U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota, Case No. 1:19-cv-00213, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Case No. 24-1379. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys James Patrick Thomas and Sarah E. Wall of the District of North Dakota, and Senior Trial Attorney Siegmund F. Fuchs and Trial Attorney Joseph A. Gonzalez of the Torts Branch, Civil Division, United States Department of Justice.
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Eight Defendants Charged with Firearms Trafficking, Narcotics Distribution, and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
A 23-count indictment was unsealed today charging seven defendants variously with firearms trafficking, conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and related offenses. John Donaldson, also known as “Jay,” Juanita Figueroa, Ronald Jackson, also known as “Stuben,” and Nicholas Willacy, also known as “Light,” were arrested in New York and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy. Marcus Dyce, also known as “John John,” was arrested in Missouri and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of Missouri. Lonney Walker, also known as “Hollywood,” was arrested in South Carolina and will be arraigned in the District of South Carolina. Coty Harley is in state custody in New York and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. An eighth defendant, Juancarlos Hechavarria, Sr., charged separately by complaint, was arrested in South Carolina and will be arraigned in the District of South Carolina.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendants sold a significant number of pistols, rifles, and bags of crack cocaine in Staten Island, New Jersey, and the Bronx,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Gun violence and the proliferation of narcotics are serious and ongoing threats to our communities. Our Office and federal and local law enforcement are committed to protecting the public by stopping the flow of dangerous firearms and narcotics into the hands of criminals by using proactive investigations and collaborating with our law enforcement partners.”
“These eight defendants allegedly orchestrated a national trafficking network to import 37 firearms, including assault-style rifles and extended magazines, into the tristate region, while some distributed narcotics as another source of illicit income,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Their alleged criminal behavior unnecessarily introduced deadly weapons and drugs into our communities, posing a significant threat to the lives of the surrounding public unaware of these illegal transactions. May today’s Operation Summer Heat takedown emphasize the FBI’s steadfast commitment to continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners to disrupt any unlawful sales fueling criminal activity in our city.”
“These alleged gun traffickers flooded communities in the Bronx and Staten Island with dozens of dangerous firearms, including assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that have no business on the streets of New York City,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The members of the NYPD work tirelessly to identify and dismantle these criminal networks that bring illegal guns and drugs into our city and put people in harm's way. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for putting a stop to this dangerous pipeline.”
As alleged in the indictment and court documents, from August 2022 through August 2025, Donaldson, Dyce, Walker and Harley variously engaged in multiple transactions involving the sale of 37 illegal firearms in Staten Island, the Bronx, and New Jersey. Several of the sales took place in the middle of the day in residential areas where members of the public were engaging in daily activities. At least one of the defendants transported firearms from South Carolina to be sold onto the streets of New York. The firearms were predominantly traced to southern states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, and Georgia, and included AR-15 style rifles, shotguns, and pistols of various calibers; semiautomatic weapons; and several extended magazines, including a drum magazine capable of holding approximately 100 rounds of ammunition.
As alleged in the complaint, in addition to the above firearms sales, Hechavarria, Sr., who Dyce connected with a buyer, sold three firearms in exchange for $3,100 in Brooklyn outside a restaurant in broad daylight. All three firearms were traced to South Carolina.
As alleged in the indictment and court documents, several of the defendants also engaged in narcotics trafficking conspiracies involving the sale of cocaine base in the community. On two occasions, Harley sold at least one firearm and cocaine base in one transaction. Following his incarceration on unrelated charges, Harley continued to arrange for the sale of cocaine base in New York communities, including through Figueroa, Willacy and Jackson. As a result, Willacy sold approximately 18 grams of cocaine base in August 2025 and Jackson sold a total of approximately 50 grams of cocaine base from June 2025 through July 2025.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The joint investigation was conducted by the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Pak is in charge of the prosecution of Donaldson, Dyce, Figueroa, Harley, Jackson, Walker and Willacy. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution of Hechavarria, Sr.
The Defendants:
JOHN DONALDSON (also known as “Jay”)
Age: 61
Bronx, New YorkMARCUS DYCE (also known as “John John”)
Age: 50
St. Louis, MissouriJUANITA FIGUEROA
Age: 44
Staten Island, New YorkCOTY HARLEY (also known as “Boatee”)
Age: 39
Staten Island, New YorkRONALD JACKSON (also known as “Stuben”)
Age: 43
Staten Island, New YorkLONNEY WALKER (also known as “Hollywood”)
Age: 48
Columbia, South CarolinaNICHOLAS WILLACY (also known as “Light”)
Age: 47
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-278 (BMC)
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JUANCARLOS HECHAVARRIA SR. (also known as “Los”)
Age: 52
Sumter, South CarolinaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-273
Ecuadorian National Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ecuadorian national unlawfully residing in Lawrence was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. The defendant attempted to enter the U.S. six times and was arrested in Lawrence, Mass., in November 2021 on state charges of assault and battery for which he received a suspended sentence and was released from state custody without notice to immigration authorities.
Carlos Guaico-Bano, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to six months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Guaico-Bano pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Rios-Nolasco was arrested in May 2025.
On Feb. 4, 2020, Feb. 10, 2020, Feb. 19, 2020 and March 3, 2020, Guaico-Bano was encountered by Border Patrol in Brackettville, Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. In each of these four instances, it was determined that Guaico-Bano had no lawful right to be present in the United States and returned him to the Mexican side of the border.
During his March 3, 2020, encounter with Border Patrol, Guaico-Bano was served with a Notice to Appear at removal proceedings on March 10, 2020. However, instead of appearing for removal proceedings as directed, Guaico-Bano attempted to enter the U.S. without permission for a fifth time. Guaico-Bano was immediately placed into custody and processed for removal back to Ecuador. He was ordered removed from the United States the same day.
In September 2020, Guaico-Bano was caught attempting to illegally enter the United States for a sixth time and was removed back to Ecuador.
On Nov. 23, 2021, immigration authorities became aware that Guaico-Bano had illegally reentered the United States following his arrest on Nov. 17, 2021, in Lawrence, for assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was later convicted of these charges and received an 18-month suspended sentence. However, Guaico-Bano was released from custody before immigration authorities could take action.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Melvin Villar, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Denise J. Casper to 10 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Villar pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Villar was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025.Villar was arrested by immigration authorities on Feb. 2, 2025, following his release from state custody on narcotics trafficking charges. In 2004, 2009, 2019 and 2021, Villar was previously removed following criminal convictions for immigration, drug and firearm offenses – including two prior convictions for unlawful reentry.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography.
According to public court documents, David Anthony Tumea, 44, resided at a residential reentry center as a term of his federal supervised release resulting from a 2014 conviction for possessing an unregistered firearm and possessing ammunition as a felon. Residential Reentry Center staff located four flash drives inside Tumea’s hat when he entered the facility, which led to searches of Tumea’s vehicle and room where additional storage devices and a cell phone located. A total of 27 devices were seized from Tumea and multiple devices were found to contain child sexual abuse material.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Tumea will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Tumea was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution.
Tumea’s supervised release for his prior federal conviction was revoked and the Court sentenced Tumea to 18 months imprisonment, consecutive to the 87-month sentence.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Violent Felon to Spend Three Decades in Federal Prison for Series of Six Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Robert Williams, 57, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, between July 8 and August 14 of 2023, Robert Williams committed six robberies of four different Dollar General stores across Indianapolis, stealing $1,799 total in cash. In each robbery, Williams flashed either a revolver or handgun in his waistband to intimidate employees and further the crime.
DateDollar General LocationJuly 8, 20235450 Emerson WayJuly 30, 20232131 Central AvenueAugust 7, 20232002 North Arlington AvenueAugust 11, 20232131 Central AvenueAugust 11, 20235450 Emerson WayAugust 14, 20233938 North Illinois StreetWilliams has a criminal history dating back nearly four decades, with convictions for theft, possession of a narcotic drug, battery against a public safety official, and domestic battery. These felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm.
“Six different times the defendant terrorized innocent people who simply had the misfortune to work at a business he decided to target for a few hundred dollars,” said Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, repeat criminals are a menace to our communities and must be held accountable. This sentence demonstrates that this type of violent lawlessness carries serious consequences.”
“Robert Williams made the choice to commit violent crimes, and now he will spend nearly three decades in federal prison because of it. He terrorized employees, brandished weapons, and tried to instill fear in our communities. That conduct is unacceptable, and today’s sentence proves there is a heavy price for it. The FBI will never hesitate to go after violent offenders. If you pick up a gun to commit crime, we will track you down, we will take you off the streets, and you will go to prison. It’s that simple,” said Timothy O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Chippewa Falls Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Leroy T. McNamara, 62, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced on September 5, 2025, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. McNamara pleaded guilty to this charge on the same day.
During July 2024, McNamara sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions for a total of 335 grams.
At the sentencing, Judge Conley remarked that McNamara’s willingness to trade on the addictions of others through his escalated drug dealing made him a danger to society.
The charge against McNamara was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes prosecuted this case.
Federal drug cases are part of Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Chesterton Man Arrested for Threat to United States Naval AcademyRead the Press Release
CHESTERTON - Jackson Fleming, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana was arrested on September 12, 2025, on suspicion of sending an online threat through a social media application concerning the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 11, 2025. A complaint charging Fleming with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) was approved by a magistrate judge in the Northern District of Indiana on September 14, 2025.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and is a temporary charge that must be followed by an information or indictment formally bringing federal charges. If formally charged, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) is punishable by a maximum of five years imprisonment.
This is a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with assistance from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana in cooperation with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Charleston County Magistrate Charged with Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Federal agents have arrested James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr., 68, of Charleston, on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of child sexual abuse material.*
The complaint alleges that agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about multiple financial transactions with a known distributor of child sexual abuse material from the United Kingdom. The payments came from a peer-to-peer online money transfer account associated with Gosnell’s known phone number, address, and email account. The transactions occurred in November 2024.
Thereafter, agents obtained a search warrant for Gosnell’s home and electronic devices. During the execution of the search warrant, agents located a flash drive containing numerous videos and images depicting child sexual abuse, including videos and images of prepubescent minors, infants, and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Gosnell was arrested this morning and is set to be arraigned Wednesday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Molly Cherry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice 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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Orville, Whit Sowards, and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case.
All charges in a criminal complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”
Carlsbad Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearms and Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Carlsbad man was sentenced to 211 months in prison after police chase and crash leads to the discovery of methamphetamine and firearms.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on June 5, 2022, a Carlsbad Police officer attempted a traffic stop on a speeding pickup driven by Christopher Saunders, 25, who fled at a high rate of speed, leading the officer to terminate the pursuit for safety reasons. Minutes later, the officer located the same truck after it had crashed and provided first aid to Saunders. During an inventory search of the pickup, officers found suspected methamphetamine and a firearm inside.
A subsequent search warrant uncovered 57.02 grams of methamphetamine and two loaded firearms. Saunders was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction in 2019.
Saunders pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a forearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon his release from prison, Saunders will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Eddy County Sheriff's Office and Carlsbad Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Saltman is prosecuting the case.
Career Offender Sentenced to 151 Months for Possessing Cocaine with an Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Randy Oliver, 44, of Memphis was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing a controlled substance with an intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Oliver sold cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on June 1, 2023, and a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl to the undercover agent on July 6, 2023. He then possessed 53 grams of cocaine when he was arrested on July 20, 2023 during another attempted drug transaction. Oliver has a lengthy criminal history including 11 convictions for drug and or firearms-related offenses; one of the federal convictions was for distribution of heroin in 2010.
On May 6, 2025, Oliver entered a plea of guilty to two counts of possessing a controlled substance with an intent to distribute it in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) before District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr.
On September 9, 2025, Judge Fowlkes sentenced Oliver, a career offender, to 151 months' imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy Cornejo, William Bateman, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Raven Icaza prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
California Woman Guilty of Sex Trafficking of Minor ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JAZMIN MCKINNIE (“MCKINNIE”), age 32, of California, pled guilty on September 4, 2025 before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
According to court documents, in May 2024, two adult men brought a fifteen-year-old girl from Houston, Texas to New Orleans, for the purpose of having her engage in commercial sex. MCKINNIE posted advertisements for commercial sex with the Minor Victim on online classified ad service websites.
In pleading guilty, MCKINNIE, faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
Judge Fallon set sentencing in this matter for January 8, 2026.
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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Distributing Drugs While ArmedRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Carlton Shoemaker, 51, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this career criminal has been removed from our streets and there will be one fewer drug trafficker flooding our community with deadly drugs. My office is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminals victimizing our communities, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward that goal.”
Court documents reflect that Shoemaker sold methamphetamine and cocaine from a motel room in Pensacola, Florida. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shoemaker’s motel room in May 2025, officers located cocaine, marijuana, two firearms, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug distribution. Shoemaker is a convicted felon and has multiple prior convictions, including Burglary, Grand Theft, Possession of Cocaine, and Grand Theft of a Firearm.
Shoemaker faces up to life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Christopher Patterson.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon from Homestead Charged with Unlawful Firearm, MacHine Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Vinson Tavaris Brown, 33, of Homestead, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machinegun. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Brown appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment in federal court on September 12, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is set for October 27, 2025, before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
If convicted, Brown faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and up to ten years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of a machinegun.
The Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) 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).
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Bryan County Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Justin Eagle Chambers, age 39, of Colbert, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession of Firearm & Ammunition by Prohibited Person, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on March 26, 2025, Chambers knowingly possessed a pistol and ammunition after a hearing in which he received actual notice of being subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury, and which by its terms explicitly prohibited the use, attempted use, or threatened used of physical force.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Achille Police Department.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Chambers will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.
Browning woman sentenced to over 2 years in prison for embezzling from Heart Butte School DistrictRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning woman who took over $30,000 from Heart Butte School District was sentenced today to 25 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jonnie Jo Fransis Spotted Eagle, 37, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that while working for the Heart Butte School District, Spotted Eagle embezzled funds by using school credit cards and purchase orders, presenting such orders to local grocery stores, and obtaining and using gift cards for her own personal benefit, none of which was authorized. While doing so, Spotted Eagle forged the name of school employees to cover up the fraudulent transactions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.
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Broken Bow Man Sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Reyes Ernesto Garcia-Urquizo, 38, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 11, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Garcia-Urquizo to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia-Urquizo’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. However, he is also subject to immigration proceedings and faces deportation, having previously been found to be illegally in the United States.
In late 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and investigators with the CODE Drug Task Force discovered information about a subject picking up methamphetamine “in the middle of nowhere” and that the source of this methamphetamine was a Hispanic male in his late 30s or early 40s located in Broken Bow. In early 2024, CODE investigators would receive an anonymous tip that two Dawson County residents were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine that they received from a source located in Broken Bow.
CODE investigators began investigating the Dawson County subjects and observed that they were frequently leaving town in their vehicles and then returning and going to residences in Lexington that belonged to known drug users or areas of reported drug activity.
CODE then began conducting controlled buys. During one buy, the target advised he did not have methamphetamine with him and would be traveling to Broken Bow to get more. Investigators were able to conduct surveillance and ultimately identified Garcia-Urquizo as the likely source in Broken Bow. Through law enforcement investigation, the CODE investigators learned that an associate of Garcia-Urquizo would contact him and then meet up with Garcia-Urquizo at a rural intersection before returning to their respective places.
Investigators learned Garcia-Urquizo’s source and found he traveled to a specific location in Colorado to pick up his methamphetamine at a known drop location for methamphetamine brought directly from Mexico.
These cases were investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes federal partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Brockton Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing multiple kilograms of narcotics intended for distribution as well as a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
Zairi Andrade, a/k/a “Z-Money,” 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy to eight years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In June 2025, Andrade pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On Dec. 3, 2024, Andrade’s residence was one of four locations searched pursuant to an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in Brockton. It was determined that Andrade’s bedroom was being used as a stash location for a drug trafficking organization. In Andrade’s bedroom, over two kilograms of fentanyl and nearly two kilograms of cocaine, as well as a 9-millimeter Glock 17 handgun equipped with an apparent machinegun conversion device, laser sight and an extended magazine were located. A 50-round drum-style magazine, a second extended magazine, numerous rounds of ammunition, and various items associated with the mixing and packaging of narcotics were also located.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Apopka Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Keith Oelerich (62, Apopka) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Oelerich faces a minimum penalty of 2 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in December 2018, Oelerich, the owner of Empire Sheds and More, LLC (Empire Sheds), a portable storage shed company, entered into an agreement with a loan financing company. Under the agreement, Empire Sheds submitted to the loan financing company rent-to-own contracts between Empire Sheds and its customers for the rental and purchase of sheds. The loan financing company paid Empire Sheds the purchase price of the sheds, and Empire Sheds’ customers were required to pay the loan financing company regular monthly rental payments for the sheds under the terms of the rent-to-own agreements.
Between December 2018 and September 2023, Oelerich used other individuals’ personal identifiable information to create 1,043 false and fraudulent rent-to-own agreements and submitted those false and fraudulent agreements to the loan financing company. As a result, the loan financing company paid Oelerich a total of $17,964,680, the purchase prices of the sheds referenced in the agreements. Oelerich has agreed to forfeit $17,964,680, the proceeds he obtained as a result of his offenses.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey Bratt and Diane Hu.
Aiken Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Woman in Will SchemeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Cody Lee Anderson, 38, of Aiken, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. His co-defendant, Thomas Allen Bateman, 51, also of Aiken, was also sentenced to two years in prison earlier this year.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that sometime during the pandemic, a will was executed by a woman in Aiken that purported to leave the entirety of her estate, which was worth approximately $20 million to co-conspirator Thomas Allen Bateman, Jr. Anderson was designated as the personal representative and stood to be paid a fee of 5%, or $1 million. Evidence developed during the investigation indicated the 88-year-old woman did not have the mental capacity to make an informed decision regarding the disposition of her assets.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. sentenced Anderson to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Bateman was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.
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5 Defendants Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Bicoastal Drug Trafficking Organization that Shipped Cocaine and Cash via AirRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Five defendants were arrested today on a 10-count federal superseding indictment alleging their participation in a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking organization (DTO) that used luxury private shipping companies to ship via air more than 20,000 kilograms (22.1 tons) of cocaine and more than $100 million in drug proceeds between Los Angeles and New York City.
Three defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York:
- Jamel Donald Levy, 52, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Bruce Adams, 50, of Bronx, New York; and
- Cindy Rachel Imbert, 33, of Englewood, New Jersey.
Two other defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances and be arraigned this afternoon in Los Angeles federal court:
- Nohely Jimenez-Ruiz, 30, of downtown Los Angeles; and
- Lorna Martinez, 42, a.k.a. “Cookie,” also of downtown Los Angeles.
Among the defendants currently in federal custody are the alleged ringleaders, David Rodriguez, 45, a.k.a. “Gotti” and “Fat Boy,” of Dumont, New Jersey, and Raymond O’Connell, 39, a.k.a. “Sal” and “White Boy,” of the Manhattan borough of New York City. Rodriguez and O’Connell have been in federal custody since last year. Another defendant, Ronell Sweat, 47, of New York City, is serving a 15-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty last year to a federal firearms charge.
Rodriguez and O’Connell are charged with one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering. Eight other members of the DTO are charged in a superseding indictment returned on September 3.
According to the superseding indictment, Rodriguez and O’Connell over several years directed the purchase and storage of bulk quantities of cocaine in Los Angeles, for distribution on the East Coast. From an office fronting as a jewelry store in the California Jewelry Mart in downtown Los Angeles, members of the DTO shipped locked plastic cases concealing cocaine to New York City’s Diamond District using high-value freight forwarding companies. These companies specialize in shipping jewelry, precious metals, and fine art.
The cocaine was then redistributed by co-conspirators along the East Coast. Rodriguez and O’Connell also directed the shipment of drug proceeds from New York to Los Angeles, where co-conspirators laundered the money and sent it to others inside the organization.
Throughout this investigation, at least 1,300 parcels were shipped between Los Angeles and New York by the defendants’ DTO. More than 800 parcels concealing cocaine were shipped from Los Angeles to New York, with a declared weight of more than 22 tons, which would have an estimated wholesale value in Los Angeles of approximately $315 million. Approximately 500 parcels were shipped from New York to Los Angeles, with a total declared value of more than $105 million.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $2.8 million in cash drug proceeds and more than 725 kilograms (nearly 1,600 pounds) of cocaine, as well as high-end cars and jewelry that defendants purchased using drug proceeds.
Law enforcement is looking for Daniel Vega, 52, a.k.a. “Nice,” and Gregory Antonio Benitez, 40, a.k.a. “G.,” both of New York City.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Rodriguez and O’Connell would face mandatory sentences of life in federal prison. The cocaine distribution charges carry a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The money laundering-related counts are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this matter with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Marshals Service, the California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, and the Glendale Police Department as well the DEA New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of special agents from the New York Division, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police.
This investigation was led by the Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF), a DEA-led multi-agency task force within the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Larocque and Jenna Williams of the Transnational Organized Crime Section and Victor Rodgers of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case.
46-Month Sentence for Smuggling Switchblade, Fentanyl, and Phones into DC Jail while Awaiting Trial for HomicideRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darius Robertson, 32, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 46-months in prison for orchestrating a scheme to smuggle weapons, fentanyl, and cell phones into the maximum-security Central Detention Facility (CDF) while he was awaiting trial for murder, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Robertson pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Previously, on June 6, 2025, Robertson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the October 2021 beating death of his cousin Andre Robertson. Sentencing on the voluntary manslaughter count is scheduled for November 7, 2025. The judge ruled that Robertson’s sentence in this case will run consecutive to the ultimate sentence on the voluntary manslaughter count.
Joining in the announcement were Director Tom Faust of the D.C. Department of Corrections, FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, between December 2021 and July 2024, Robertson was being held in the facility, also known as the D.C. Jail, when he conspired with at two other detainees from the Clay Terrace neighborhood, two correctional officers, and two members of the community who delivered contraband to the jail.
Among the items the conspiracy attempted to smuggle into the CDF in February 2024 were one switchblade knife; an Apple iPhone and USB iPhone charger; two pairs of eyeglasses; a bundle of marijuana; tobacco; rolling papers; gambling dice; three sheets of bonded paper that were damp and contained a synthetic cannabinoid, MDMB-4en-PINACA—a Schedule I Controlled Substance; two plastic-wrapped packages of marijuana; and five individually wrapped packages containing approximately 100 cigarettes.
Following a series of smuggling incidents in July 2024, the Department of Corrections conducted a search for contraband and seized 269 blue pills which tested positive for fentanyl; 60 cigarettes soaked in an unknown liquid, 255 suboxone strips seven pieces of paper soaked in an unknown liquid; three cell phones; and a number of cigarettes.
Co-defendants who have pleaded guilty include LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C.
Vines was sentenced on March 7 to life plus 60 years in prison for the kidnappings and murders of two innocent victims in retaliation for a slaying in which the victims were not involved. On August 13, Vines was sentenced to an additional 46 months for his role in the smuggling scheme..
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services, and the Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.
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15 September 2025
Wisconsin Felon Who Held Woman at Gunpoint Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A felon who held a woman at gunpoint and threatened to kill her was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Mickey Lee Miller, age 38, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received the prison term after an April 21, 2025 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information in a plea agreement and at the sentencing hearing showed that on October 16, 2024, in Dubuque, Iowa, Miller pointed a loaded gun at a woman and threatened to kill her and others. Miller was taken into custody that night. On numerous occasions since October, Miller assaulted jail staff. Miller has a prior felony conviction for robbery with threat of force.
Miller was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Miller was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) 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).
Miller is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-1008.
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Waterbury Teen Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing 21 Guns from Salem Store, CarjackingsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSSAN WOODS, also known as “Tigger,” 19, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for stealing firearms from a federally licensed gun dealer in Salem and committing two armed carjackings in Stamford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of March 15, 2024, Woods, Eduardo Cruz, and others drove a car into the entryway doors of Statewide Pawn Shop, a federal firearms licensee in Salem, and stole 21 firearms from the store. Later that day, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of three of the stolen firearms from Cruz and a juvenile in Waterbury. On March 18, 2024, investigators purchased another of the stolen firearms from Cruz, who arrived at the meeting location with two juveniles. Cruz was arrested at that time, and law enforcement recovered two additional stolen firearms, one that was carried by one of the juveniles, and one from Cruz’s vehicle.
On March 28, 2024, Woods committed two carjackings in Stamford. Later that day, Connecticut State Police found Woods seated in the driver’s seat in one of the stolen vehicles and took him into custody. Investigators recovered the other stolen vehicle in Waterbury, and a search of Woods’ residence revealed two of the stolen firearms.
Thirteen of the stolen firearms are still missing.
Woods has been detained since his arrest. On June 20, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a licensee, two counts of carjacking, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Cruz pleaded guilty and, on June 9, 2025, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury, Stamford, and Wolcott Police Departments.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial Districts of Waterbury, New London, and Stamford-Norwalk for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mahard through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.