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2 September 2025
Georgia Man Admits Trafficking Methamphetamine Pills to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRONE BROWN, 33, of Lithonia, Georgia, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a methamphetamine trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2022 and March 2024, Brown mailed parcels containing methamphetamine pills from Georgia to addresses in New Haven associated with Gregory Grant and others. Investigators identified approximately 79 suspicious parcels shipped from Brown to Grant during that time. In January 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of an intercepted parcel and found 16 ziplock sandwich bags containing a total of more than four kilograms of multicolored methamphetamine pills and a firearm. The investigation also revealed that Grant made multiple payments to Brown during the conspiracy.
Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for December 2.
Brown has been detained since his arrest on April 7, 2025.
Grant, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Fresno Man Sentenced to over Seven Years for Possessing Ammunition After Firing an AR-15 Style Rifle from a Moving Vehicle in a Residential NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Timothy Scott Chenot, 34, of Fresno, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to seven years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, Chenot drove around a residential neighborhood in Southeast Fresno late at night on August 2, 2024. As he drove, he fired an AR-15 .223 caliber rifle out his truck’s window. Chenot unloaded several rounds into unoccupied cars parked on the side of the road before discarding his firearm on the street and driving away. Responding officers, however, pulled Chenot over and arrested him. They found several empty shells, ammunition, and open alcoholic containers in the truck. Police also found and seized the firearm and several spent shells at the scene of the shooting.
.223 Caliber AR-15 Chenot Fired Out of His Moving Vehicle
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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. Learn more at Justice.gov/PSN.
Fresno Man Sentenced to Five Years for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Ady Perez, 26, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to five years in prison for possessing over 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, Perez was arrested while trying to sell 1,500 fentanyl pills. Perez attempted to flee in his car but quickly ran into a police vehicle and was arrested. Shortly after his arrest, law enforcement searched his apartment and seized two loaded firearms, large amounts of cash, and additional fentanyl and Farmapram (Benzodiazepine) pills packaged for distribution.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.
Former Vanderburgh County Director of Finance Sentenced to 1.5 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing over $125,000 in Public FundsRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Regene Newman, 59, of Evansville, has been sentenced to 1.5 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Newman has already paid $101,133.55 in restitution to two victims, and settled privately with a third.
According to court documents, Regene Newman exploited positions of public trust over a period of more than seven years, stealing over $125,000 intended for community programs and nonprofit organizations. She used the funds to support a lavish lifestyle, making large purchases at retailers including Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Bath & Body Works, Bra Goddess, Hobby Lobby, Target, and Macy’s.
From 2015 to June 2021, Newman served as Director of Finance for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, where she had authorized access to both an office credit card and a debit card for My Goals, a nonprofit operating under the Prosecutor’s Office to assist at-risk youth.
Between March 2016 and March 2021, Newman made approximately $60,028.66 in unauthorized purchases with the My Goals debit card. To conceal the theft, she arranged for the Prosecutor’s Office to make sham “donations” to the nonprofit by submitting false Accounts Payable Vouchers. These fake donations created the appearance that the funds would be used to support My Goals’ mission of helping the community. During that time, Newman also made $26,381.04 in unauthorized purchases using the Prosecutor’s Office credit card.
In June 2021, Newman left the Prosecutor’s Office and became Business Director for Vanderburgh County Community Corrections. There, she gained access to a separate county credit card and later requested responsibility for managing the checking account of a local nonprofit that supports individuals battling addiction. Once granted access, she made an additional $10,725 in unauthorized credit card purchases and $23,929.46 in unauthorized debit card purchases.
“Regene Newman stole from public institutions and nonprofit organizations whose mission was to serve vulnerable members of the Vanderburgh County community. She deliberately exploited positions of public trust to fund a lifestyle of self-indulgence—stealing not only taxpayer dollars, but also resources earmarked for addiction treatment and youth intervention,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Today’s sentence is a stark reminder that those who abuse positions of trust and steal from the public will be held accountable.”
“This sentencing underscores an uncompromising truth: those who corrupt positions of trust and steal from the public will be brought to justice,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge, Timothy O’Malley. “For years, Regene Newman diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to serve at-risk youth in Vanderburgh County, instead funding a life of personal extravagance. This calculated abuse represents not only financial theft, but a profound betrayal of the very communities these resources were meant to uplift. The FBI will continue to pursue those who exploit the public trust and ensure they are met with the full weight of accountability.”
“This outcome reflects the strength of interagency collaboration and the importance of vigilant oversight,” said Paul Joyce, State Examiner. “The State Board of Accounts is proud to work alongside our federal partners to uncover fraud and restore integrity to public service. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that public funds serve the people- not the personal interests of those entrusted to manage them.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Board of Accounts 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 General Manager Admits Embezzling $878,000 from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The former general manager of a Missouri company on Wednesday admitted embezzling $878,000.
Kristina Higgins, 54, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bank fraud and agreed to repay the money. She admitted issuing company checks to pay a total of $878,711 in personal credit card bills and using a stamp to add the company owner’s signature on the checks. In December of 2022, she falsified information to ensure that the checks would be honored when the company enrolled in the bank’s positive pay system, her plea agreement says.
Higgins is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4. Bank fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million or both prison and fine.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is prosecuting the case.
Former DPHSS Employee Sentenced for Defrauding Assistance ProgramsRead the Press Release
Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Natasha Peredo Vitug, age 49, was sentenced to one month of imprisonment and 11 months home confinement. She was charged in the U.S. District Court of Guam with Theft Concerning Program Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(A). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $149,944.84, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Defendants convicted of SNAP fraud are barred from further participation in the program.
Natasha Peredo Vitug was previously employed as an Eligibility Specialist at the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS). In that role, Vitug was responsible for processing benefits applications, determining eligibility, and issuing benefits. During the time of her employment, Vitug exploited her position in order to unlawfully re-apply for Cash Assistance Program (CAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the names of beneficiaries who had left Guam or terminated their participation in the programs.
“Taxpayers deserve accountability for funding that supports public programs,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Vitug’s corrupt conduct deprived the SNAP program of important resources. I applaud the efforts of law enforcement in bringing her to justice.”
“Ms. Vitug abused her position of trust to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds meant to help low-income families put food on the table,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David K. Porter. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to protecting these programs, and we will pursue these investigations at all levels.”
This investigation was conducted by Guam DPHSS Investigation & Recovery Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin K. Petersburg prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.
Former Bronx District Leader and Board of Elections Employee Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Extortion and FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that NICOLE TORRES, a former elected district leader in the Bronx and employee of the New York City Board of Elections (the “NYC-BOE”), was sentenced today to two years in prison for participating in conspiracies to commit extortion and mail fraud for illegally demanding payments from Bronx residents in exchange for selecting those individuals as poll workers and for agreeing with others to falsify documents to make it appear that certain individuals had worked as poll workers when they had not. TORRES previously pled guilty on April 17, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, who imposed today’s sentence.
“For years, Nicole Torres abused her power to corrupt one of New York City’s most fundamental democratic processes,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “By shaking down Bronx residents and falsifying election records, she undermined trust in the very system New Yorkers depend on to make their voices heard. New Yorkers can and should rely on the integrity of the election process, and public officials who contaminate the process and betray this city and its people will be held accountable.”
As detailed in public filings and public court proceedings:
From at least 2019 through at least 2024, TORRES was a district leader for New York’s 81st Assembly District in the Bronx. In addition, from at least 2016 through at least 2024, TORRES was an employee of the NYC-BOE. While working at the NYC-BOE, TORRES had at times been responsible for ensuring that poll workers were paid for their work during early voting and Election Day. TORRES abused her power as a district leader and a NYC-BOE employee to engage in two illegal schemes.
First, from at least 2019 through August 2024, TORRES agreed to require and required Bronx residents to pay a sum of money, usually $150, either to her or to a local organization (the “Bronx Organization”) in exchange for TORRES selecting those individuals as poll workers for upcoming elections. Both the Bronx Organization and TORRES profited from the scheme. TORRES personally obtained at least approximately $28,000 in illegal payments. TORRES received the payments, often in the amount of $150, through mobile payment applications, money orders, and checks. In certain instances, TORRES received money orders or checks that were written out to the Bronx Organization, and TORRES altered the payee line on those money orders or checks to say “Nicole Torres” so that she could deposit that money into her personal bank account.
Second, from at least 2018 through August 2024, TORRES agreed to falsify the Election District Forms Booklet—which is a NYC-BOE record in which poll workers record their attendance at a particular poll site—to make it appear that certain individuals (the “‘No Show’ Poll Workers”) worked as poll workers during early voting and Election Day when, in truth and fact, and as TORRES well knew, those individuals did not work on those dates. TORRES often worked with coordinators who oversaw the Forms Booklets at specific poll sites. These coordinators signed in “No Show” Poll Workers in the Forms Booklets, frequently at TORRES’s direction. TORRES and her coconspirators then received the salaries for the “No Show” Poll Workers—sometimes through the mail—and split the fraudulently obtained salaries among themselves.
Based on her participation in the two schemes, TORRES personally earned at least approximately $40,970.
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In addition to her prison term, TORRES, 44, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $40,970.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin M. Burkett and Rebecca T. Dell are in charge of the prosecution.
Final two defendants sentenced in multi-state conspiracy responsible for hundreds of firearms trafficked to MexicoRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two men have been sentenced following their convictions of conspiracy to traffic firearms and smuggling goods out of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Esteban Rios Reyes, 35, a legal permanent resident of Silverhill, Alabama, pleaded guilty Jan. 28, while Alex Santos Lopez, 22, a U.S. citizen residing in Oaxaca, Mexico, admitted his guilt Feb. 16, 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Lopez and Reyes to serve 90 and 87 months in federal prison, respectively. Lopez was ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term, while Reyes, who is not a U.S. citizen, could lose his status to reside in the United States. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about how frequently the organization exported weapons and coordinated across several states in the months before the smuggling attempt. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane emphasized Lopez’s and Reyes’ leadership roles in the organization and the lengths they went to conceal their behavior.
On Sept. 6, 2023, Lopez drove a truck towing a utility trailer and attempted to exit the United States. An outbound inspection led to the discovery of 270 firearms, 251 firearm magazines, nine sights and 1,541 rounds of ammunition. The weapons were a combination of assault rifles, shotguns, pistols and rifles, many of them disassembled. All the items were individually wrapped and hidden either behind a false wall that was built into the utility trailer or inside water heaters that Reyes had purchased to disguise the load.
The investigation revealed that this was not the first load of firearms that the organization had attempted to traffic into Mexico. The traffickers had been acquiring firearms since 2022 at various locations across the United States, including Louisiana, Alabama, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Tennessee. The weapons were then stored at stash houses in Texas, disassembled and wrapped, and ultimately concealed in trailers before being smuggled into Mexico.
This operation led to arrests in numerous districts across the United States, resulting in the disruption of several smuggling attempts and the seizure of nearly 1,000 firearms destined for Mexico.
Co-conspirators Felipe Garcia, 36, and Angel Carreno, 25, both of Dallas, and Jose Luis Pacheco, 25, a U.S. citizen living in Guadalajara, Mexico, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the trafficking organization and were ordered to serve 57, 57 and 54 months in federal prison, respectively.
Lopez and Reyes have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee A. Fry prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, enacted in June 2022. It is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Federal Jury Convicts Baton Rouge Man of Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced the conviction of Alexander Brock, age 59, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After a three-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles and less than an hour of deliberation, the jury unanimously convicted Brock of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
As the evidence at trial demonstrated, between July 31, 2018 and August 9, 2019, Brock acted as a middleman by repeatedly brokering ounce-quantity deals between his four co-conspirators, all of which have been convicted in this case, to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in East Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes, while also converting cocaine into crack cocaine and distributing those substances to his own customers. In addition to finding Brock guilty, the jury determined that the conspiracy involved more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of crack cocaine.
As a result of his conviction, Brock now faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of forty years as well as a fine of up to $5 million and supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Jarreau, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Organized and Violent Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Benjamin Anderson.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
El Salvador Arrested for Assaulting Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that on August 28, 2025, Carlos Jose Guzman-Pineda, age 27, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged by complaint with assaulting Border Patrol Agents. The complaint alleges that on August 25, 2025, a vehicle occupied by Guzman-Pineda was stopped by law enforcement. During the traffic stop, Border Patrol Agents determined that Guzman-Pineda was an illegal alien from El Salvador. Guzman-Pineda attempted to evade his arrest by violently assaulting Border Patrol Agents. He faces charges with penalties of up to 8 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Border Patrol, and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee.
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Eight Defendants Charged with Immigration Violations in CantonRead the Press Release
AKRON, Ohio – A federal grand jury has returned indictments charging eight individuals with immigration and identity theft-related violations.
According to court documents, the defendants were found Aug. 6 at a manufacturing facility in Canton. Four of the defendants were previously removed from the U.S. but were found in Ohio without the consent of the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security for readmission.
The defendants and their charges are:
Marcial Ajanel-Alvarez, 46, of Guatemala:
- Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previous removal from the United States Dec. 27, 2011.
Emilio Alvarez-Perez, 31, of Guatemala:
- Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previous removal from the United States Sept. 4, 2013.
- False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, Title 18 U.S.C. 1015(e).
- Misuse of Social Security number, Title 42 U.S.C. 408(a)(7)(B).
- Aggravated Identity Theft, Title 18 U.S.C.1028A(a)(1).
Justo-Amaya Calles, 55, of El Salvador:
- Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previous removal from the U.S. Dec. 3, 2012.
- False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, Title 18 U.S.C. 1015(e).
- Misuse of Social Security number, Title 42 U.S.C. 408(a)(7)(B).
- Aggravated Identity Theft, Title 18 U.S.C.1028A(a)(1).
Domingo Calel-Herrera, 34, of Guatemala:
- False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment 18 U.S.C.§1015(e).
- Unlawful Use of Identification Documents 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a).
- Misuse of Social Security Number 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B).
- Aggravated Identify Theft 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1).
Juan De Leon Hernandez, 33, of Guatemala:
- False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment 18 U.S.C.§1015(e).
- Misuse of Social Security Number 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B).
- Aggravated Identify Theft 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1).
Pedro De Leon Hernandez, 21, of Guatemala:
- False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, 18 U.S.C.§1015(e).
- Unlawful Use of Identification Documents, 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a).
- Misuse of Social Security Number, 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B).
- Aggravated Identify Theft, 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1).
Diego Perez-Ajanez, 37, of Guatemala:
- Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previously removed May 19, 2013.
- False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, 18 U.S.C.§1015(e).
- Misuse of Social Security Number, 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B).
- Aggravated Identify Theft, U.S.C. 18 § 1028A(a)(1).
Victor Ramos-Santis, 44, of Guatemala:
- False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, 18 U.S.C.§1015(e).
- Misuse of Social Security Number, 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B).
- Aggravated Identify Theft, U.S.C. 18 § 1028A(a)(1).
The investigations leading to the indictments in these cases were conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The prosecution on these cases is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Rolph for the Northern District of Ohio.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ecuadorian National Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Recording His Sexual Abuse of Minor VictimRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE PAULO PUCHA-JIMENEZ, 34, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 300 months of imprisonment for recording his sexual abuse of a minor girl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between November 2020 and August 2023, Pucha-Jimenez sexually abused a minor girl, who was between the approximate ages of nine and 12, and used his cellphone to take photographs and videos of his sexual abuse of the victim.
On August 16, 2023, Danbury Police arrested Pucha-Jimenez on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses. Subsequent forensic analysis of Pucha-Jimenez’s cellphone revealed 576 images and 36 videos of child sex abuse material involving the minor victim.
Pucha-Jimenez has been detained since his arrest. On August 1, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography. The state charges against Pucha-Jimenez are pending.
Pucha-Jimenez faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Danbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Danbury.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Department of Justice Wins Significant Remedies Against GoogleRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division won significant remedies in its monopolization case against Google in online search. In United States et al. v. Google, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia prohibited Google from entering or maintaining exclusive contracts relating to the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and the Gemini app; ordered Google to make certain search index and user-interaction data available to rivals and potential rivals; and ordered Google to offer search and search text ads syndication services to enable rivals and potential rivals to compete.
The court’s ruling today recognizes the need for remedies that will pry open the market for general search services, which has been frozen in place for over a decade. The ruling also recognizes the need to prevent Google from using the same anticompetitive tactics for its GenAI products as it used to monopolize the search market, and the remedies will reach GenAI technologies and companies.
“This decision marks an important step forward in the Department of Justice’s ongoing fight to protect American consumers. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue our legal efforts to hold companies accountable for monopolistic practices,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
“The first Trump administration sued Google to restore competition for millions of Americans subjected to Google’s monopoly abuses. Today, the second Trump administration has won a remedy to do just that,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We will continue to review the opinion to consider the Department’s options and next steps regarding seeking additional relief. I am immensely proud of the dedicated public servants of the Antitrust Division and their tireless work on this case alongside our state partners.”
Filed in President Trump’s first term, the Justice Department’s case against the Google search monopoly has unified the country. The Department’s original filing in October 2020 was joined by eleven State Attorneys General. Additional states filed a related action as the case progressed, and ultimately, the United States was joined in pursuing the remedies ordered today by 49 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia.
Under the remedies ordered today, Google will be barred from entering or maintaining exclusive contracts relating to the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and the Gemini app. Google cannot enter or maintain agreements that (1) condition the licensing of any Google application on the distribution, preloading, or placement of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app anywhere on a device; (2) condition the receipt of revenue share payments for the placement of one Google application on the placement of another Google application; or (3) condition the receipt of revenue share payments on maintaining Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app on any device, browser, or search access point for more than one year; or (4) prohibit any partner from simultaneously distributing any other GSE, browser, or GenAI product.
In addition, Google will have to make certain search index and user-interaction data available to certain competitors. Google will also be required to offer certain competitors search and search text ads syndication services, which will open up the market by enabling rivals and potential rivals to deliver high-quality search results and ads and compete with Google as they develop their own capacity.
For years, Google accounted for approximately 90 percent of all search queries in the United States, and Google used anticompetitive tactics to maintain and extend its monopolies in search and search advertising. Google entered into a series of exclusionary agreements that collectively locked up the primary avenues through which users access online search, requiring that Google be the preset default general search engine on billions of mobile devices and computers and, in many cases, prohibiting preinstallation of a competitor. Using its monopoly profits, Google bought preferential treatment for its search engine and created a self-reinforcing cycle of monopolization — shutting out potential competitors, reducing innovation, and taking choice away from American consumers.
The Department of Justice and the states proved that Google broke the law over the course of a bench trial that started in September 2023 and lasted nine weeks. In August 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia released a 277-page opinion, concluding that “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly” in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Today’s decision follows a 15-day remedies trial in May 2025.
Child Sexual Abuser on the White Earth Indian Reservation Sentenced to 20 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Joseph Daniel Schultz, age 43, has been sentenced to 240 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for sexually abusing a minor victim on the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indian Reservation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“The sexual abuse of a child is an unforgivable crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Schultz violated a young girl on the White Earth Indian Reservation, shattering the trust and safety every child deserves. That child showed courage no child should ever have to summon. Two decades in prison stands as reminder that attacks on Minnesota’s children will be met with condemnation and severe consequences.”
Throughout the fall and winter months of 2023, the defendant sexually abused a minor victim under the age of 9 on the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indian Reservation. Schultz’s abuse of the minor victim took many horrific forms and lasted for months. He abused a position of trust and control in sexually abusing the victim. The victim experienced many horrific forms of sexual abuse at the hands of Schultz. In January 2024, when Schultz was arrested for an unrelated charge, the victim bravely disclosed the sexual abuse to a trusted adult. Earlier this year, Schultz pled guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact.
As the government noted at sentencing, at least one in four girls in the United States experiences child sexual abuse. These numbers are starker for Native women and girls: Native Americans are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault crimes. The impact of childhood sexual abuse is hard to overstate. Childhood sexual abuse results in devastating and lasting physical, emotional, and mental impacts, particularly with children as young as the victim in this case. Child victims of sexual abuse are at increased risk of suicide, chronic health conditions, and revictimization. In short, there can be little room for doubt that child sexual abuse, particularly for Native girls, opens a Pandora’s box of lifelong consequences.
The defendant was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge J. Patrick Schiltz. Chief Judge Schiltz found that the defendant was subject to sentencing enhancements due to the age of the victim, the position of trust and control Schultz held over the victim, and the fact that Schultz qualified as a repeat and dangerous sex offender. In handing down the twenty-year sentence, Chief Judge Schiltz explained that this was a “horrible crime and it will have a horrible impact.” Chief Judge Schiltz noted the lasting impact these crimes have on their young victims, stating that the victim and her siblings will “spend all of their lives grappling with the harm committed in this case.”
“Schulz’s unspeakable actions violated the safety and innocence of a child,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The children of the White Earth Nation, and all children, deserve to grow up free from the fear, trauma, and abuse inflicted by Schulz and horrible predators like him. This sentence reflects the full force of the FBI and our law enforcement partners that will be brought to bear to pursue justice for all victims and prosecution for anyone who exploits and abuses a child. We will stop at nothing to protect children and bring child predators to justice.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the young victim in this case, who courageously came forward and reported this horrific abuse. She saved herself and likely others from the defendant’s predatory crimes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also appreciates the excellent work of the FBI and the White Earth Tribal Police, who investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla J. Baumel prosecuted the case.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Matthew William Smolik (44, Titusville) to nine years in federal prison for distribution of cocaine. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $10,500, the proceeds of Smolik’s cocaine distribution. Smolik pleaded guilty on March 25, 2025.
According to court documents, between September and November 2024, Smolik sold over half a kilogram of cocaine and a small quantity of fentanyl to a confidential source. In December 2024, search warrants were executed on two residences identified as stash locations for Smolik. During the search, agents located another nearly half kilogram of cocaine and drug processing materials.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Titusville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington handled the forfeiture.
Bowling Green Man Sentenced to over 18 years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced on August 26, 2025, to serve 18 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement.
According to court documents, on or about February 15, 2024, in Warren County, Kentucky, Joshua O. Duncan, 40, possessed with the intent to distribute 4,667 grams of methamphetamine and 574.08 grams of fentanyl. In furtherance of his drug trafficking, Duncan also possessed a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver, a Springfield Armory .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Duncan was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On August 21, 2018, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, greater than 2 grams of methamphetamine.
On August 27, 2012, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, cocaine.
On March 11, 2010, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, cocaine.
Based on this conduct, and Duncan’s criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 18 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“Joshua Duncan is a longtime drug dealer in and around Warren County that was given plenty of chances to reform his behavior. Unfortunately, he doubled down on his criminal ways, distributing even more methamphetamine and fentanyl into our community while armed with four handguns. Warren County is safer today because of this lengthy sentence—the culmination of fantastic work between local, state, and federal agents,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner.
ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes said, “We are proud to partner with the Warren County Drug Task Force and will continue to prioritize our investigative resources to focus on those who wish to deal in dangerous drugs and violence in Central Kentucky. This significant sentence is an example of what should be expected by our strong collaborative effort.”
“We are pleased to see justice served in the case of a significant drug trafficker selling poison in Bowling Green and Warren County. This case underscores the continued cooperation of law enforcement partners—local, state, and federal—working together to bring cases before the United States Attorney for prosecution and sentencing without the possibility of parole. The community can be assured that he will not be trafficking drugs for the next 18 years,” said Director Tommy Loving.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF Bowling Green Field Office and Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the United States Attorney’s Office Bowling Green Branch prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 15.5 Years in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Roman Rodriguez, 26, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 15.5 years in prison for receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between Feb. 18, 2024, and Feb. 22, 2024, Rodriguez used an iPhone and the internet to receive and distribute images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Rodriguez received more than 600 images, which included depictions of the sexual exploitation of prepubescent children and at least one toddler.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Armenian Man Indicted in Austin for Alleged Role in Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods to RussiaRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Armenian national made his initial appearance in a federal court in Austin today after he was indicted and extradited on charges related to an alleged export control conspiracy.
According to court documents, from February 2022 until at least August 2024, Kamo Kirakosyan and others allegedly participated in a criminal conspiracy to export goods, including items that can be used for semiconductor manufacturing, from the United States to the Russian Federation through the Republic of Armenia without the requisite license or authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry & Security. Kirakosyan and his co-conspirators are also alleged to have violated the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by engaging in transactions with and for the benefit of one or more entities on the Specially Designated Nationals list without the required licenses from the Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The indictment alleges that Kirakosyan became the straw or substitute purchaser of U.S.-origin goods for his co-conspirators shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and the imposition of additional sanctions and export restrictions on Russia. In May 2022, Kirakosyan allegedly sent a co-conspirator instructions on opening a bank account in Armenia for the purpose of evading sanctions. The indictment further alleges that, while arranging the transshipment of goods to Russia, Kirakosyan represented himself to U.S. companies as the Armenian buyer of goods and did not provide truthful information about the end users, despite the U.S. companies’ requests for end user statements, and despite Kirakosyan’s knowledge that the unauthorized export or reexport to Russia of certain shipments was prohibited without a license.
Kirakosyan is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate federal law; one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States; one count of attempted violation of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA); on count of attempted smuggling; one count of violation of the ECRA; and one count of smuggling.
Kirakosyan was initially charged in a criminal complaint on or about July 31, 2024. He was extradited to the United States on Aug. 29, 2025, and made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce are investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Berlin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Kirakosyan’s extradition to the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Roomberg is prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Arizona and Indiana Individuals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Nationwide Bank Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – Three of the leaders of a nationwide bank fraud and money laundering conspiracy were sentenced to a combined 421 months in federal prison.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Thaddeus Jerome Lee, Latroy L. Currie, and Johnnie Lee Thomas, were the founders and leaders of bank fraud and money-laundering conspiracies that operated from California to Connecticut, and numerous states in between, including Iowa. Over the course of approximately two and a half years, they attempted to deposit at least $15 million in stolen checks at various financial institutions throughout the country. They successfully obtained at least $2.9 million in fraudulent proceeds.
Lee and Thomas lived in Arizona, and Currie lived in Indiana. They recruited dozens of individuals to commit acts of bank fraud and money laundering as part of the scheme. They obtained tens of millions of dollars’ worth of stolen checks; created many fake business entities to facilitate the fraud and laundering; and supervised many co-conspirators who went into banks and credit unions in several states, opened fraudulent checking accounts, and deposited the stolen checks. Lee, Thomas, and Currie laundered the proceeds of the stolen checks by withdrawing the funds from the fraudulently obtained accounts and sharing the proceeds with their co-conspirators. Lee was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment, Currie to 135 months’ imprisonment, and Thomas to 135 months’ imprisonment. After completing their terms of imprisonment, all three will be required to serve terms of supervised release—Lee and Currie will serve five-year terms, and Thomas will serve a three-year term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Eleven more co-conspirators have been sentenced on similar charges for their roles in the conspiracy. Tiarra Lenae Jones, was sentenced to a 96 month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release; Stephen Rashad Haley, was sentenced to a 384 month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release; Lovely Hall was sentenced to a 60 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Kila Wright was sentenced to a 54 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Kira Ashleigh Johnson, was sentenced to a 42 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; John Ivory Winston, Jr. was sentenced to a 30 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Reanna R. Haymon was sentenced to a 12 months-and-one-day prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Shapara Monee Hunter, was sentenced to a 8 month prison term, followed by a two-year term of supervised release; Mario Ricardo Smith was sentenced to a 6 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Jazlinn Tapp, was sentenced to a 4 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; and Somore Renee Hill, was sentenced to a 12 months-and-one-day prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Four more co-conspirators, Malik K. Marshal, Toni Lynette Renfroe, Carnell A. Thomas, Jr., and Erin R. Smith, are awaiting sentencing.
“A combined total of 421 months in prison for the leaders of this check fraud scheme should send a message about the seriousness of the crime,” said Special Agent in Charge William Steenson of IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “Stealing checks, money laundering, and bank fraud…these are not victimless crimes. The sentences imposed are the result of IRS-CI’s commitment to identifying and investigating check fraud and working with other federal agencies to ensure the guilty are held accountable.”
The FBI stated “These defendants orchestrated a sophisticated illegal scheme to defraud businesses and our banking systems. This kind of criminal activity erodes public trust and undermines our nation’s economic security. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable criminals who use deception and dishonesty to steal money from innocent victims and businesses. Financial fraud is not a victimless crime.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Postal Inspection Service; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Homeland Security Investigations; and Secret Service, as well as with assistance from numerous state and local agencies.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Lubben, Kristin Herrera, and Kyle Essley (former) prosecuted the case.
31 August 2025
Manderson Man Found Not Guilty of Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a man from Manderson, South Dakota, was acquitted of Involuntary Manslaughter following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on August 28, 2025.
Matocika Poor Bear, age 20, was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. The indictment charged that on November 16, 2024, the defendant assaulted a man after an unknown dispute at a residence in Manderson, SD. The male sustained an injury and later passed away.
The investigation was conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
30 August 2025
Margate Man Targeted Jewish and Black Americans Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Margate man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in federal prison for a series of firearm offenses and for amassing weapons, tactical gear, and attack plans targeting Jewish and Black Americans.
U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith sentenced John Kevin Lapinski, Jr., 41, to 300 months in prison. Lapinski previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by a person subject to a court order, possession of an unregistered silencer, and possession of body armor by a violent felon.
On October 31, 2024, Margate Police responded to a call of shots fired in a residential neighborhood. Officers determined Lapinski—legally barred from possessing firearms—was the shooter. Inside his residence, officers observed a shooting target depicting a Black male riddled with bullet holes. A subsequent search uncovered an arsenal: five firearms, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, firearm parts and accessories, two silencers, body armor, smoke grenades, a Ghillie suit, and tactical gear.
Officers also found maps of local schools, parks, and other community sites scrawled with racial slurs targeting Black and Jewish people, as well as a a “target list” naming “groups to attack” based on race and religion. The list included a Jewish member of Congress, local synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and other religious and ethnically identified sites.
Investigators further linked Lapinski to an August 2024 shooting in which the home and vehicle of a Jewish resident were riddled with bullets.
“This defendant stockpiled weapons, tactical gear, and detailed attack plans to terrorize Jewish and Black Americans in our communities. His intent was not abstract—it was written on his maps, his targets, and his so-called hit list. Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his plan never became reality. Instead of carrying out acts of racist violence, he will spend the next quarter-century behind bars. Let this sentence serve as a warning: hate-fueled violence will be met with decisive federal prosecution. We will disrupt your plans, seize your weapons, and ensure you never endanger the people of this District again.” - U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Mallory of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division; and Chief Jonathan Shaw of the Margate Police Department announced the sentence.
The ATF, FBI, and Margate Police Department investigated the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-60224.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
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Individual Indicted and Arrested for Production and Possession of Child Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On August 28, 2025, A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a three count indictment charging Felix Ebdiel Muñiz-Rivera, age 20, of Camuy, PR, for production and possession of child exploitation material. HSI special agents arrested Muñiz- Rivera yesterday, August 29, 2025.
According to court documents, from June 2025, through on or about August 2025, Felix Ebdiel Muñiz- Rivera, did knowingly employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce two five year old female minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct, and the visual depiction was produced and transmitted using materials that have been mailed, shipped, and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, that is, a cellular phone device. From June 2025, through on or about August 2025, the defendant possessed images of child pornography.
Felix Ebdiel Muñiz- Rivera is facing two counts of production of child exploitation material and one count for possession of child exploitation material.
The defendant had his initial court appearance on August 29, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Giselle López-Soler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The detention/bail hearing is scheduled for September 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM. If convicted for the charges of sexual exploitation of children the defendant faces no less than 15 years up to 30 years in prison; and for possession of child exploitation material, he faces up to 10 years in prison; all counts followed by a term of supervised release of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
"We remain committed to identifying and pursuing individuals involved in child exploitation and will ensure they face justice for their criminal actions," stated W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly work to safeguard those most at risk by vigorously prosecuting anyone who targets our children."
"The production of Child Pornography is considered a violent crime because of its severity and the impact of these acts to the victims.” stated Rebecca C. González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. “HSI has a strong commitment with our children, to protect them, but most importantly to give them the right tools to avoid and report these crimes. We need the community to join us in this fight, let’s protect our children together. Make a pledge to protect our minors at Know2Protect.gov”
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elba Gorbea of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/hsi/iguardian; and to denounce suspicious activities call 787-729-6969.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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29 August 2025
Wrentham Man Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wrentham man has been arrested and charged for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Wael Isreb, 66, was arrested and charged with one count of possessing child pornography. Isreb made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday and is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Sept. 4, 2025.
According to the charging documents, after receiving information regarding files on the Kik messaging application, a search was conducted at Isreb’s residence. Forensic analysis of electronic devices seized during the search revealed that Isreb allegedly possessed approximately 26 images and 115 videos of CSAM, including a video depicting the rape of a child who appeared to be approximately three to four years old. According to court documents, in 2021, Isreb was previously convicted in Massachusetts state court of possessing child pornography.
The charge of possessing child pornography while previously convicted of a like offense provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.00. 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.
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.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Windsor Man Charged with Enticing Minors to Engage in Sexual Activity OnlineRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ, 31, of Windsor, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with enticing minors to engage in sexual activity.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October and November 2023, Rodriguez used the social media applications LiveIn and Discord to communicate with an 11-year-old girl in Florida and coerced her to send him a sexually explicit video of herself. In November and December 2023, Rodriguez, posing as a teenager, communicated with a 13-year-old girl from Pennsylvania using Discord and iMessage, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her, coerced her to send him sexually explicit images and videos of herself, and sent the minor female sexually explicit images he claimed were of himself.
The complaint charges Rodriguez with coercion and enticement of a minor, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Rodriguez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis L. Beyerlein.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Waterloo man was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activities.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in October 2023, Gabriel Keith Usher, 47, began messaging over the internet with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old minor. Within days, Usher professed his love for the minor and suggested sexual acts they could engage in. When Usher arrived at a designated location to meet with the minor, law enforcement seized his cell phone. In October 2024, Usher was sentenced in Black Hawk County, Iowa to 5 years in state prison on unrelated state charges of enticing a minor under age 16, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Usher will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. Usher was also ordered to register. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
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. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Wampum Resident Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 17 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of producing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Thomas Hyatt-Baney, 22, on August 28, 2025. The Court ordered that restitution will be imposed at a future hearing.
According to information presented to the Court, on June 25, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. ET to 12:37 p.m. ET, using his phone, Hyatt-Baney produced three video clips depicting the sexual exploitation of a toddler. The sentence imposed also reflected Hyatt-Baney’s responsibility for the production of another video of the toddler and the possession of hundreds of videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hyatt-Baney.
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 (CEOS), 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.
Violent Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
JOSHUA GILBERT, also known as “Lor Heavy,” 24, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 480 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang.
Today’s announcement was made was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and Acting Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal John Iverson.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence. Gilbert was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, a West End gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers, and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes. They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.
In November 2019, O.N.E. members stole a Lexus Rx350 from Rye, New York. In early December 2019, O.N.E. members were involved in multiple shots-fired incidents in Bridgeport. In one incident, the mother of rival gang members was shot outside of her Bridgeport home. In another incident, on December 8, 2019, O.N.E. members used the stolen Lexus in a shooting incident at the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex, damaging several cars, and then drove it to Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport where Gilbert and other O.N.E. members shot and killed Ty’Quess Moore, also known as “Breezo,” 18.
Gilbert and other O.N.E. members posted videos to social media in which they and others brandished firearms, celebrated violent gang culture, and referenced rivals who were killed.
Gilbert has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2021. On November 21, 2023, a jury found him guilty of racketeering conspiracy.
Approximately 47 members and associates of multiple Bridgeport-based gangs were convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the police departments from Norwalk, Stamford, Fairfield, Stratford, Ansonia, Monroe, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Eastchester (N.Y.), Rye (N.Y.), and Newburgh (N.Y.). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Rahul Kale.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
Venezuelan Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Immigration and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 27, 2025, Julio Cesar Romero-Paredes, 47, of Venezuela, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 24 months’ imprisonment. Romero-Paredes previously pleaded guilty to illegally entering the United States and possessing a firearm as someone who had illegally entered the United States.
According to court records, just before 1:00 am on November 7, 2024, Romero-Paredes drove his motorcycle around the barriers near the Haskell Library in Derby Line, Vermont. United States Customs and Border Protection Officers thereafter stopped Romero-Paredes riding the motorcycle southbound on Interstate 91. In a search of Romero-Paredes’s person and the motorcycle, law enforcement found: a Walther .22 caliber pistol, multiple firearm magazines, a suppressor, approximately 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, approximately 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition, multiple knives, handcuff keys, and a collapsible baton. Romero-Paredes, who is a citizen of Venezuela, later admitted to law enforcement that he was illegally in the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of United States Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn. Romero-Paredes was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Carmen Brooks.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 102 Border-Related Cases This WeekRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 102 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).
In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.
A sample of border-related arrests this week:
- On August 22, Juan Nunez-Bravo was arrested and charged with Attempted Entry after Deportation. According to a complaint, Nunez-Bravo tried to enter the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry by telling a Customs and Border Protection officer that he was a U.S. citizen who had lost his documents. The officer discovered through fingerprints that Nunez-Bravo was, in fact, a Mexican citizen who had been previously deported in 1996 and 2012.
- On August 27, Jose Alfred Vasquez-Garcia, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Attempted Entry after Deportation. According to a complaint, the defendant was aboard a 20-foot white boat with other undocumented immigrants when it was intercepted by a Customs and Border Protection vessel. Vasquez-Garcia had been previously deported on May 6 from the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
- On August 27, Luzbelen Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Aggravated Identity Theft. According to a complaint, the defendant attempted used a bogus birth certificate to smuggle a child into the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry pedestrian lanes in a stroller. The woman claimed the child was her two-year-old daughter. A Customs and Border Protection officer asked the defendant to remove the blankets obscuring the child in the stroller and discovered a nine-year-old girl from Oaxaca.
- On August 27, Jonathan Gomez Rangel, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Gomez attempted to cross the border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry when Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 51 packages weighing 120 pounds of cocaine concealed in the roof of the vehicle.
Also recently, a number of defendants with criminal records were sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are a few of those cases:
- On August 25, Mirhzan Javier Roa-Gomez, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of misdemeanor illegal entry in March, was sentenced in federal court to 66 days in custody for again entering the U.S illegally.
- On August 29, Hector Armando Ibarra Mendoza, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of felony stalking and injury to a spouse/cohabitant, was sentenced in federal court to 12 months in custody for again entering the U.S illegally.
The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.
In the one-week period ending August 29, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:
- 42 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
- 6 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
- 23 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
- 56 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for drug trafficking and illegal reentry.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.
U.S. Attorney and FBI hold joint press conference to announce latest efforts in disrupting drug trafficking on the Wind River ReservationRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, representing members of the Safe Trails Task Force, held a press conference today to announce the latest efforts in reducing drug trafficking and illegal guns on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Nearly 100 personnel from the FBI converged on the reservation to issue arrest warrants for dangerous criminals who are distributing drugs and possessing firearms, either in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or by them being a criminal in possession of a firearm.
“I want to be clear. We are going scorched Earth on criminal activity on the reservation and across Wyoming,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. “There should be no doubt in your mind that if you are pedaling poison to Wyoming’s communities, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. I also want to thank the Riverton Police Department, and members of the Safe Trails Task Force, including the FBI, BIA, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Fremont County Sheriff’s Department for their continued efforts to reduce criminal activity on the reservation.”
"The FBI's Rocky Mountain Safe Trails Task Force remains steadfast in its mission to crush violent crime and stop drug trafficking," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. "Together with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners, we will hold criminals fully accountable and ensure that families on the Wind River Indian Reservation and across the region can live in safety."The Safe Trails Task Force is a collaborative law enforcement effort focused on combating violent crime and drug trafficking, especially when it impacts the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes. It unites the FBI with various law enforcement agencies, including tribal police departments, state and local law enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Attachments
Video and images of the press conference can be found here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/oL1zYqUIROTwo Red Hill Fuels Department Employees Indicted for False Statement to Hawaii Department of Health Regarding May 6, 2021 Jet Fuel SpillRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced today that John Floyd, 63, of Mililani, Hawaii, and Nelson Wu, 38, of Waipahu, Hawaii, were indicted yesterday for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and causing another person to make a materially false statement or a material omission in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the government of the United States.
According to the allegations in the indictment: Between May 6, 2021 and October 1, 2021, Floyd and Wu were civilians employed as Fuels Department Deputy Director and Fuels Department Supervisory Engineer, respectively, of the United States Navy, Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor, which included the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (Red Hill). On May 6, 2021, two couplings on the pipeline at Red Hill failed during an attempted transfer of jet fuel. The attempted transfer was aborted after approximately 20,000 gallons of jet fuel from a storage tank flowed into the pipeline and then spilled into the tunnel. As the regulator of Red Hill due to an authorization by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Hawaii Department of Health issued a request for information (RFI) to the United States Navy regarding the May 6, 2021 spill. In connection with the Navy’s October 1, 2021 response to the RFI, Floyd and Wu allegedly willfully caused the Navy to falsely state that the May 6, 2021 spill involved an estimated 1,618 gallons of jet fuel, rather than 20,000 gallons as then known by Floyd and Wu to have been spilled, and omitted information and records material to the RFI.
If convicted of the charged offenses, Floyd and Wu face a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 on each charge.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, and the Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Inspector General.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan.
Todd County Man Acquitted of AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a man from Todd County, South Dakota, was acquitted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding after a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on August 27, 2025.
Joel Miller, age 51, was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025. The charge related to an allegation that Miller assaulted a man in May 2025, in Todd County, and within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because federal law mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
The investigation was conducted by the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Three sentenced to federal prison in DFW-area VIN flipping schemeRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Two aliens from Honduras illegally present in the United States and one Dallas-area man have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a theft and fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Gustavo Adolfo Torres-Sadres, 38, of Honduras, and Julian Sanchez, 38, of Duncanville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and Paul Anthony Oliva Bejarano, 28, of Honduras, pleaded guilty to conspiracy. All three were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan. Torres-Sadres received 78 months in federal prison, Sanchez received 21 months in federal prison, and Bejarano received 18 months in federal prison.
According to information presented in court, the three men participated in a VIN (vehicle identification number) flipping scheme in which they conspired to steal vehicles and replace the VINs on the stolen vehicle with the VIN from a salvaged vehicle. Members of the conspiracy then sold the stolen vehicles as purportedly rebuilt vehicles.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
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Tangipahoa Parish Woman Guilty of Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that, LATIJERIA MARTIN (“MARTIN”), age 38, of Tangipahoa Parish, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Guidry on August 12, 2025, to conspiracy to launder monetary funds. Judge Guidry scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2025. At sentencing, MARTIN faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $500,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration began a drug trafficking investigation into MARTIN’S boyfriend, Dequarius Hamler. Law enforcement officials suspected Hamler was having MARTIN deposit his illegal drug trafficking proceeds into a local bank to launder this drug money as legitimate funds. Bank records and financial documents showed that from January 1, 2021, through September 9, 2023, MARTIN and Hamler made numerous cash deposits totaling $454,589.10 through seven different bank accounts. MARTIN’S deposits to and from bank accounts under her name totaled $328,159.10, while deposits to and from back accounts under Hamler’s name totaled $126,430. MARTIN would make these bank deposits and withdrawals at the direction and instruction of Hamler, whom MARTIN knew was a drug dealer whose drug activities were the source of these funds. Employees at these banks confirmed MARTIN visited the bank often, sometimes multiple times a day, to make cash deposits and withdrawals. Frequently, the cash MARTIN deposited had the strong odor and residue of marijuana. A bank employee informed MARTIN the deposit and withdrawal actions amounted to criminal structuring and money laundering, and that the bank would no longer allow MARTIN to make these deposits. MARTIN relayed this information to Hamler, but despite this warning, Hamler continued to instruct MARTIN to continue concealing his drug proceeds through their bank accounts.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics 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.
Stockton and Napa Residents Indicted for Drug and Gun Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment Thursday against Cruz Tinajero, 25, of Napa, and Ashan Naeem, 24, of Stockton, charging them with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm without a serial number, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between April 11, 2024, and Nov. 13, 2024, Tinajero and Naeem conspired to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl. Tinajero and Naeem also possessed a semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle manufactured without a serial number.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Taskforce (METRO), and the Stockton High Intensity Narcotics Enforcement (SHINE), which is part of the Central Valley California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (CVC HIDTA). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of up to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This investigation and prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The specific mission of the OCDETF Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, and prosecute the most significant criminal organizations operating in the Eastern District of California. OCDETF Sacramento Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, USMS, ATF, USPIS, BLM, USFS, Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, California National Guard, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice, and Central Valley CA HIDTA. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California with the assistance of the Yolo County and Placer County District Attorney.
St. Lawrence County Man Charged with Possession of Bulk Quantity CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Casey Kocher, age 28, of Colton, New York, was indicted yesterday with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division made the announcement.
Kocher was stopped by the New York State Police in a rental vehicle in Colton, New York and allegedly possessed 25 kilograms of cocaine in a black duffle bag that was intended for further distribution. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Kocher appeared in federal court this morning before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favor and was ordered remanded to custody.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Drug distribution of this magnitude brings devastation to local communities by fueling addiction, driving violent crime, and endangering families and neighborhoods. Kocher showed no concern for his community as he allegedly brought bulk quantity cocaine to be disbursed among many, and now my office will bring the full force of the federal government to prosecute him. I thank our local partners in St. Lawrence County, the New York State Police, and the United States Border Patrol for their work in helping bring this individual to justice.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: “The arrest of Casey Kocher and seizure of approximately 25 kilos of cocaine is a result of the collaborative efforts DEA New York and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals responsible for poisoning our communities. I applaud the diligent work of our special agents and those officers who removed this trafficker and their illicit narcotics from the tri-state pipeline.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said: “The seizure of 25 kilograms of cocaine underscores the commitment of the New York State Police to protecting our communities from the devastating impact of narcotics trafficking. I commend the professionalism of our Troopers and thank our partners at the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their collaboration in this investigation. Together, we remain dedicated to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”
The charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum prison sentence of up to life in prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
DEA and the New York State Police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt is prosecuting the case.
St. Lawrence County Couple Pleads Guilty to Assaulting and Interfering with a Federal AgentRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Richard A. Dominie, age 22, of Lisbon, New York and Brianna H. Rathbun, age 19, of Massena, New York, have each pled guilty to assaulting, resisting and impeding federal officers. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector, made the announcement. Dominie pled guilty July 3, 2025, and Rathbun pled guilty today.
As part of their pleas, the pair admitted that on March 12, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Dominie was driving with Rathbun in the vehicle as a passenger, in a dangerous and reckless manner on County Route 4 in Fort Covington, New York. A United States Border Patrol agent was also travelling west on County Route 4 in an unmarked Border Patrol K9 vehicle, enroute to the Massena Border Patrol station to begin his shift. At the intersection of County Route 4 and State Route 95, the agent caught up to the Dominie and Rathbun and activated the emergency lights on his Border Patrol unit to pull the vehicle over.
Dominie exited the vehicle and aggressively approached the agent while the agent was still in his Border Patrol unit. The agent exited his Border Patrol unit and identified himself as law enforcement. The agent drew his service weapon and ordered Dominie to the ground. Dominie refused and pulled a folding knife from his pocket. The knife blade was not extended. The agent, with his firearm still drawn, demanded Dominie drop the knife, which Dominie did. Dominie returned to his vehicle only after Rathbun told him to.
Dominie and Rathbun exited their vehicle again. The agent grabbed Dominie’s left shoulder and placed him against the Border Patrol unit. Dominie shrugged the agent off and Rathbun then grabbed the agent’s right arm and pulled him away from Dominie. The agent reached to grab Dominie with his left hand, in which the agent was still holding the knife he had secured from Dominie previously, causing the knife to fall to the ground. Rathbun retrieved the knife from the ground. Rathbun got in the vehicle’s driver’s seat, Dominie got in the passenger seat and Rathbun drove away from the traffic stop. The agent, later joined by a second, marked Border Patrol unit pursued Dominie and Rathbun, and Rathbun stopped the vehicle only when she encountered a law enforcement checkpoint with spike strips designed to deflate the vehicle’s tires.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “The agent simply wanted to issue Dominie a warning to slow down but Dominie and Rathbun never gave him the chance. My office will not tolerate noncompliance of federal agents tasked with keeping this community safe. Anyone in this district who assaults or interferes with federal agents should expect to be prosecuted.”
Dominie is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2025, and Rathbun on December 23, 2025. At their sentencings, the pair each face up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $100,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer is prosecuting this case.
Spencer Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it was sentenced on August 27, 2025, to more than eight years in federal prison.
Dylan Everett Halbur, age 33, from Spencer, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 28, 2025, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture of substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on August 26, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a camper in Spencer, Iowa, where Halbur was known to reside and store items. Inside, law enforcement located approximately 45 grams of methamphetamine, $2,900 in cash, marijuana, a digital scale and other indicia of drug use and distribution. Halbur admitted the methamphetamine was his and that he intended to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to another.
Halbur was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Halbur was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Halbur 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4077. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Six Defendants Indicted for Commercial Driver’s License Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the August 28, 2025 indictment of six individuals for a bribery scheme that enabled drivers to obtain a commercial driver’s license (“CDL”) without undergoing any of the legally required training or testing. The indictment alleges that a local restaurant owner, MAHMOUD ALHATTAB (“ALHATTAB”), in exchange for payments from CDL applicants, bypassed each of the three main federally-mandated steps of the CDL qualification process—knowledge testing, entry-level driver training, and skills testing.
The knowledge test is a written test that must be passed at an Office of Motor Vehicles (“OMV”) office, and includes questions on vehicle safety systems, emergency situations, procedures for various maneuvers, and extreme driving conditions. Entry-level driver training is required for most CDL applicants and includes demonstrating proficiency while operating a commercial vehicle on a public road. The skills test, which is administered by state-authorized examiners, requires performing a proper pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and safety-related maneuvers.
To defeat the knowledge test requirement, ALHATTAB allegedly bribed two employees of a Donaldsonville, La. OMV office. These two employees, JENAY DAVIS (“DAVIS”) and SHAKIRA MILLIEN (“MILLIEN”), are accused of completing knowledge tests for applicants in exchange for payments from ALHATTAB. The indictment alleges that DAVIS and MILLIEN, when taking the applicants’ tests, performed internet searches to find the answers.
To defeat the training requirement, ALHATTAB allegedly bribed two men who operated truck driver training businesses. These two business operators, CHRISTOPHER BRYAN BURNS (“BURNS”) and JONATHAN PARSONS (“PARSONS”) are accused of reporting in a federal database that the applicants successfully completed training when, in truth, the applicants did not train.
To defeat the skills test requirement, ALHATTAB allegedly bribed BURNS and PARSONS, who, in addition to being trainers, were certified to administer the skills test. BURNS and PARSONS are accused of falsely reporting to the State of Louisiana that applicants had passed the skills test when, in truth, the applicants did not take the test. Additionally, according to the indictment, on some occasions, PARSONS paid another skills test examiner to assist in the scheme. That examiner, MARLINE ROBERTS (“ROBERTS”), is accused of creating phony score sheets to corroborate the false test reports.
All six defendants are jointly charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. ALHATTAB and PARSONS are each charged with two counts of honest services wire fraud. BURNS, DAVIS, and ROBERTS are each charged with one count of honest services wire fraud. ALHATTAB, MILLIEN, and PARSONS are each charged with four counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. BURNS, DAVIS, and ROBERTS are each charged with one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
The conspiracy and wire fraud counts are each punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The bribery counts are each punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Each count may also be punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years’ supervised release following imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge, and that each defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General investigated this case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson thanked the Louisiana State Office of Inspector General and Louisiana Public Safety Services for their valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Six Defendants Indicted for Commercial Drivers' License Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the August 28, 2025 indictment of six individuals for a bribery scheme that enabled drivers to obtain a commercial driver’s license (“CDL”) without undergoing any of the legally required training or testing. The indictment alleges that a local restaurant owner, MAHMOUD ALHATTAB (“ALHATTAB”), in exchange for payments from CDL applicants, bypassed each of the three main federally-mandated steps of the CDL qualification process—knowledge testing, entry-level driver training, and skills testing.
The knowledge test is a written test that must be passed at an Office of Motor Vehicles (“OMV”) office, and includes questions on vehicle safety systems, emergency situations, procedures for various maneuvers, and extreme driving conditions. Entry-level driver training is required for most CDL applicants, and includes demonstrating proficiency while operating a commercial vehicle on a public road. The skills test, which is administered by state-authorized examiners, requires performing a proper pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and safety-related maneuvers.
To defeat the knowledge test requirement, ALHATTAB allegedly bribed two employees of a Donaldsonville, La. OMV office. These two employees, JENAY DAVIS (“DAVIS”) and SHAKIRA MILLIEN (“MILLIEN”), are accused of completing knowledge tests for applicants in exchange for payments from ALHATTAB. The indictment alleges that DAVIS and MILLIEN, when taking the applicants’ tests, performed internet searches to find the answers.
To defeat the training requirement, ALHATTAB allegedly bribed two men who operated truck driver training businesses. These two business operators, CHRISTOPHER BRYAN BURNS (“BURNS”) and JONATHAN PARSONS (“PARSONS”) are accused of reporting in a federal database that the applicants successfully completed training when, in truth, the applicants did not train.
To defeat the skills test requirement, ALHATTAB allegedly bribed BURNS and PARSONS, who, in addition to being trainers, were certified to administer the skills test. BURNS and PARSONS are accused of falsely reporting to the State of Louisiana that applicants had passed the skills test when, in truth, the applicants did not take the test. Additionally, according to the indictment, on some occasions, PARSONS paid another skills test examiner to assist in the scheme. That examiner, MARLINE ROBERTS (“ROBERTS”), is accused of creating phony score sheets to corroborate the false test reports.
All six defendants are jointly charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. ALHATTAB and PARSONS are each charged with two counts of honest services wire fraud. BURNS, DAVIS, and ROBERTS are each charged with one count of honest services wire fraud. ALHATTAB, MILLIEN, and PARSONS are each charged with four counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. BURNS, DAVIS, and ROBERTS are each charged with one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
The conspiracy and wire fraud counts are each punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The bribery counts are each punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Each count may also be punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years’ supervised release following imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge, and that each defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General investigated this case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson thanked the Louisiana State Office of Inspector General and Louisiana Public Safety Services for their valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Saginaw Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
BAY CITY — Turan West, 30, of Saginaw was sentenced yesterday to 162 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced.
Gorgon Jr. was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Ludington imposed sentence on West following his guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, in August of 2024, Michigan State Police Troopers stopped a car in the city of Saginaw and West was seated in the passenger seat. When the troopers asked the driver out of the car, West got into the driver’s seat and drove the vehicle while the troopers reached into the vehicle to stop him. West crashed the car into an ambulance that pulled over to help. West had a handgun inside the car, despite multiple prior felony convictions.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, after being adopted from the Michigan State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Orr.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment Thursday against Roland Edward Bain, 40, of Sacramento, charging him with two counts of sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, Bain sexually exploited two minors, one between 2021 and 2023, and another in 2024. Bain is currently in state custody on related charges.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Harman is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Bain faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison on each count and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Repeat Sex Offender from California Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
MIAMI –A registered sex offender from Escondido, California, has been sentenced to life in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Michael Gordon Douglas, 48, was sentenced on August 25, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon to life in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervision as a sex offender. Douglas was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution. A federal jury convicted Douglas in May, following a five-day trial, of seven counts of CSAM distribution and one count of attempted enticement of a minor.
According to court records and evidence introduced during the trial, in 2023, Douglas communicated with an undercover agent who he believed was the mother of an eight-year-old girl. During the conversations, Douglas distributed CSAM to the undercover agent and arranged to meet the eight-year-old girl to have sex with her. On the day of a planned meeting in California, Douglas spotted law enforcement and attempted to flee in his vehicle. Agents stopped Douglas, and a female passenger jumped out screaming, “He’s got a grenade, he’s going to kill us!” Douglas then displayed what appeared to be a real grenade—later determined to be a replica—and engaged in a brief standoff with a SWAT team before being taken into custody.
Prior to his conviction in the instant case, Douglas was convicted in California in 2011 of distribution of matter depicting a minor in sexual conduct, possession of matter depicting a minor in sexual conduct, and attempt to distribute harmful matter to a minor.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn S. Gibson of HSI San Diego announced the sentence.
The case was investigated by HSI agents located in West Palm Beach, Florida and Oceanside, California.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Chapman and Adam McMichael prosecuted the case.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80219.
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Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography and Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man has been sentenced to federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material and fleeing from law enforcement in a stolen government vehicle.
Travis Jay Grygla, 44, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $27,551.79 in restitution to the United States Government.
According to court documents, in April 2024, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations learned that Grygla was storing child pornography at his residence and sharing it with a registered sex offender. Grygla was also a registered sex offender on federal supervised release following a 2008 conviction for distribution of child pornography.
On April 24, 2024, federal agents executed a search warrant at Grygla’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices, which he was prohibited from possessing while on supervised release. One of the devices contained over 200 media files of child sexual abuse material, including material with very young children.
While investigators were executing the search warrant, Grygla stole a government vehicle and fled the scene at a high speed. Law enforcement officers pursued Grygla and eventually apprehended Grygla in Castle Rock, Washington.
Grygla was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possessing or accessing with intent to view child pornography. On June 2, 2025, he pleaded guilty to an information charging him with distribution of child pornography and theft of government property.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Portland Police Bureau, Vancouver Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the pursuit. The case is being prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Palm Harbor Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced George Puskas, II (66, Palm Harbor) to six years and six months in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Puskas was also ordered to pay $46,000 in restitution and will be required to register as a sex offender. Puskas pleaded guilty on March 27, 2025.
According to court documents, between December 2022 and August 2023, the FBI used a file-sharing program to connect to one of Puskas’s electronic devices and download from it several files of CSAM. In September 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Puskas’ home and seized several electronic devices. A forensic search of those devices revealed hundreds of photos and dozens of videos of CSAM, including images that depicted minors under the age of 12 and sadistic or masochistic conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Largo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.
Owner of California Blood Testing Laboratory Pleads Guilty to Tax and Health Care Related CrimesRead the Press Release
A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to tax and health care related crimes.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from approximately 2015 to 2023, Armen Muradyan, of Burbank, owned and operated Genex Laboratories, a blood testing laboratory. Muradyan paid a nominee to pose as Genex’s owner, even though Muradyan solely controlled all aspects of Genex and the nominee neither owned nor operated Genex. The nominee also held Genex’s bank accounts into which Medicare deposited more than $23 million in reimbursements. Muradyan provided the nominee annual financial summaries purporting to show Genex had little or no income tax liability, and he instructed the nominee to report Genex’s financial activity on the nominee’s personal tax returns. The nominee provided these financial documents to his tax preparer, who prepared the nominee’s tax returns using the false information provided by Muradyan.
During these same years, Muradyan submitted his own federal tax returns that did not report any of Genex’s financial activity or the millions Muradyan used from Genex to pay for personal expenses.
In total, Muradyan is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $8.5 million, and approximately $2.7 million to the state of California.
Finally, in 2020, Muradyan submitted a false COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application. Under the EIDL program — created to aid small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic — a small business could receive a loan of up to $150,000 to cover six months of working capital. Muradyan filed the loan application on behalf of a fictitious company that Muradyan claimed had employees and generated nearly $1 million in income in 2019. In reality, Muradyan knew that the company did not have employees or income that year. As a result of his false application, Muradyan received nearly $100,000 in loans and used the proceeds for personal expenses, which was not permitted under the loan program.
Muradyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion.
Muradyan is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 11. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiring to commit health care fraud, and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Aveis for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case
Orange County Man Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Running Illegal Sports-Betting Business and Cheating on TaxesRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison for running an illegal gambling business that took in unlawful sports bets, including from then-current and former professional athletes as well as a now-imprisoned former Major League Baseball (MLB) Japanese-language interpreter.
Mathew R. Bowyer, 50, of San Juan Capistrano, was sentenced by United States District Judge John W. Holcomb, who also ordered him to pay $1,613,280 in restitution.
Bowyer pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of operating an unlawful gambling business, one count of money laundering, and one count of subscribing to a false tax return.
Bowyer operated an unlicensed and illegal bookmaking business that focused on sports betting and violated a California law that prohibits bookmaking. Bowyer’s gambling business remained in operation for at least five years until October 2023 and at times had more than 700 bettors.
“[Bowyer’s] crimes were not a single indiscretion, but instead a multi-year operation that raked in millions of dollars for [Bowyer] and his associates to gamble and live an extravagant lifestyle, often through the exploitation of people [Bowyer] recognized were addicted and extending themselves beyond their means, money that was routed through multiple accounts and ultimately not reported to the government on [Bowyer’s] taxes,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.
Bowyer operated this business out of various locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties as well as in Las Vegas. Bowyer also employed agents and sub-agents – including casino hosts – who worked for his illegal gambling business who were paid a portion of the losses that bettors incurred and paid. His unlawful business used several Costa Rica-based websites and a call center so agents and customers could place and track bets. At times, Bowyer operated his illegal business while gambling at a casino – identified in court documents as “Casino A” – and sometimes paid his agents commission in Casino A chips.
One of Bowyer’s clients was Ippei Mizuhara, who is serving a 57-month federal prison sentence after pleading guilty in June 2024 to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. Mizuhara was the Japanese-language interpreter and de facto manager of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts and failing to pay tax on his gambling income.
From September 2021 to January 2024, Mizuhara placed at least 19,000 bets with Bowyer’s illegal gambling business through one of the betting websites Bowyer used for it. During this period, Mizuhara had total winning bets of at least $142,256,769, and total losing bets of at least $182,935,206, leaving Mizuhara owing approximately $40,678,436. On a regular basis during this period, Bowyer would increase Mizuhara’s betting limits.
From February 2022 to January 2024, Bowyer directed Mizuhara to make payments of at least $16.25 million to Bowyer-controlled bank accounts, all of which were proceeds of Bowyer’s illegal gambling business. Of these illegal proceeds, Bowyer transferred or directed the transfer of least $9.3 million to a casino in the form of wire transfers as payment for markers for Bowyer and his associates.
Other Bowyer gambling business customers included “Individual B,” a professional baseball player for a Southern California-based baseball club, and “Individual C,” a former minor-league baseball player.
Bowyer knowingly and willfully falsely reported his taxable income to the IRS on his tax return for the year 2022. On that year’s tax return, Bowyer reported $607,897 in total income. His unreported income for that year was $4,030,938, which was income from his illegal gambling business, including $3.8 million in wire transfers into one of his bank accounts, which he did not declare on his tax return. As a result of the false information Bowyer provided, he owes additional taxes of $1,613,280 for the tax year 2022, not including interest and penalties.
As part of his plea agreement, Bowyer agreed to forfeit $257,923 in U.S. currency and $14,830 in casino chips seized by law enforcement in October 2023.
IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen A. Williams of the Major Frauds Section and Jonathan S. Galatzan of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section prosecuted this case.
North Texas Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A North Texas man who used a ten-year-old child to produce child pornography was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.
Robert Owen Throgmorton, 63, was indicted in March of 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2025 to production of child pornography. On August 21, 2025, Throgmorton was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Jane Boyle, after which he will serve a period of 10 years of supervised release. During this time, Throgmorton will be required to register as a sex offender. According to court records, Throgmorton has several related state charges pending in Rockwall County District Court.
“This crime shocks the conscience. This Office and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in bringing predators like the defendant to justice and in seeking the maximum punishment permitted by law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson.
“The 30-year sentence imposed on Robert Throgmorton reflects the seriousness of his crime,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to protecting our communities from child predators and will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those responsible for such acts are brought to justice.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Fate Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Claire Demers and Myria Boehm prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative that was 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 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, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
North Dakota man sentenced in east Texas romance scam, ordered to pay over $4.7 million in restitutionRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Williston, North Dakota, man has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution in a money laundering conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Daniel Boadu, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on August 29, 2025. Boadu was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4.7 million.
According to information presented in court, from at least August 2015 through February 2021, Boadu conspired with others to defraud individuals in what is commonly known as a romance scam. In a romance scam, culprits post fake profiles on various dating websites throughout the United States and the world. The profiles are used to lure unsuspecting victims looking for romance or companionship. After contacting the victim online, the culprit uses various forms of communication such as email, instant messaging, text messaging, smart phone applications and phone calls to build trust and form a relationship. Once trust has been gained, the culprit will convince the victim to provide money for various reasons. The victim then transfers funds or deposits money into bank accounts within the United States. The bank account holder in the United States will then transfer the fraudulently obtained funds to the culprit facilitating the fraud, often keeping a portion of the funds for themselves. In this scam, Boadu was one of the bank account holders in the United States.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Varadarajan.
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