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25 August 2026
Dual U.S. and Canadian Citizen and Alleged Repeat Child Sexual Predator Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of a Child in HawaiiRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Donald Steven Lang, 62, was arrested this weekend in Canada at the request of the United States following his earlier indictment in Hawaii for sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, Lang produced images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Lang allegedly produced the images between September 2024 and December 2024 aboard his 52-foot sailboat, the Ishi. Lang is an amateur sailor who is known to sail around the world and frequently harbored in Hawaii.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is a priority of the highest order,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will continue to pursue this alleged offender and work with our law enforcement partners to return him to the United States to face trial for the crimes he is charged with committing.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is unwavering in our commitment to protecting Hawaii’s children and bringing to justice anyone preying upon them,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “I commend the continued dedication and great work of FBI and our Canadian law enforcement partners for apprehending Mr. Lang quickly and safely so that he can face justice in U.S. District Court in Hawaii for his alleged crimes.”
“The FBI remains committed to identifying, investigating, and bringing offenders to justice who prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said FBI Criminal Assistant Director Heith Janke. “Donald Lang has been accused by multiple victims of committing sexual abuse of a minor. Lang’s apprehension was the direct result of the collaboration of the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Pacific Region.”
Lang was previously indicted on separate charges of child sexual abuse in Idaho related to his involvement in the sexual assault of a minor between 2003 and 2007.
If convicted, Lang faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. He also faces a penalty of between five years of supervised release and lifetime supervised release, along with a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine a sentence upon conviction after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI Honolulu is investigating the case. Lang's apprehension was the direct result of the cooperation of the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)'s Tofino General Duty, Island District GIS, Nanaimo Detachment, and Island District ERT. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Eucker for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information regarding this case may contact the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office at (808) 426-2534, the FBI’s Toll-Free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Anyone with information about this case may also contact their local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or they can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dual U.S. and Canadian Citizen and Alleged Repeat Child Sexual Predator Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of a Child in HawaiiRead the Press Release
Note: See the indictment here.
A man was arrested this weekend in Canada at the request of the United States following his earlier indictment in Hawaii for sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, Donald Steven Lang, 62, produced images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Lang allegedly produced the images between September 2024 and December 2024 aboard his 52-foot sailboat, the Ishi. Lang is an amateur sailor who is known to sail around the world and frequently harbored in Hawaii.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is a priority of the highest order,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will continue to pursue this alleged offender and work with our law enforcement partners to return him to the United States to face trial for the crimes he is charged with committing.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is unwavering in our commitment to protecting Hawaii’s children and bringing to justice anyone preying upon them,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “I commend the continued dedication and great work of FBI and our Canadian law enforcement partners for apprehending Mr. Lang quickly and safely so that he can face justice in U.S. District Court in Hawaii for his alleged crimes.”
“The FBI remains committed to identifying, investigating, and bringing offenders to justice who prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said FBI Criminal Assistant Director Heith Janke. “Donald Lang has been accused by multiple victims of committing sexual abuse of a minor. Lang’s apprehension was the direct result of the collaboration of the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Pacific Region.”
Lang was previously indicted on separate charges of child sexual abuse in Idaho related to his involvement in the sexual assault of a minor between 2003 and 2007.
If convicted, Lang faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. He also faces a penalty of between five years of supervised release and lifetime supervised release, along with a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine a sentence upon conviction after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI Honolulu is investigating the case. Lang's apprehension was the direct result of the cooperation of the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)'s Tofino General Duty, Island District GIS, Nanaimo Detachment, and Island District ERT. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the apprehension.
Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Eucker for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information regarding this case may contact the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office at (808) 426-2534, the FBI’s Toll-Free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Anyone with information about this case may also contact their local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or they can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
District of Colorado Indicts Seven Defendants on Alien Smuggling, Forced Labor Charges, as A Result of Human Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
DENVER– The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Freddy Alberto Gomez Urena (aka Chun Chun), Ligia Zulay Gonzalez Sanchez, Josue Reinaldo Cordoba Somasa, Narkys Doralddy Gomez Urena, Miguel Eduardo Cardenas Perez, and Wualter Alexander Castellanos Bermeo, have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to provide and obtain forced labor, multiple counts of forced labor, and multiple counts of alien smuggling. A seventh defendant, Franklin Alexis Contreras Carrillo, is charged with one count of forced labor and one count of alien smuggling.
According to the indictment, beginning in about October 2021, and continuing until about December 2023, the defendants worked together to obtain and provide the labor and services of one or more persons by means of force, threats, and abuse. The defendants are also charged with illegally bringing the victims of the forced labor scheme into the United States for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Denver Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Colorado State Patrol. The Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado is handling the prosecution.
Case Number: 1:26-cr-00182-GPG
Deloitte agrees to pay $21.5 million to resolve alleged employment discrimination violationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, Attorney General Todd Blanche announced another False Claims Act resolution secured under the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which was launched by the Department in May 2025. Deloitte LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, and Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP, (collectively, Deloitte) have agreed to pay the United States $21.5 million to resolve allegations that Deloitte violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with anti-discrimination requirements in its federal contracts and discriminating against employees and applicants on the basis of their race or sex.
Most federal contracts contain a provision that requires contractors to provide equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment. As a condition to being a federal contractor, the company must certify that it will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race or sex and must further certify that it will take steps to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, “without regard to” race or sex. The settlement resolves allegations that from 2017 to the present, Deloitte falsely certified compliance with these conditions, while engaging in discriminatory race and sex-based employment practices.
“Government contractors cannot reward or penalize employees based on race or sex—and labeling the practice DEI does not make it lawful,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue government contractors that have used taxpayer dollars to fund unlawful discrimination.”
“Merit drives opportunity and promotion. Not someone’s sex or race,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “Today’s settlement is yet another example of this Department’s commitment to eliminating woke, unconstitutional practices from American workplaces.”
“As this settlement shows, the government is committed to ensuring that those who receive the benefits of federal contracts or funding must play by the rules,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. “The False Claims Act is a powerful tool for enforcing those obligations, and my office will not hesitate to use it to investigate and uncover any violations and to hold the responsible parties accountable.”
“Federal contractors are bound by clear legal obligations: they must certify that they will make employment decisions without regard to race or sex, and they must honor that commitment—not circumvent it through demographic targets or programs that allocate opportunities based on protected characteristics,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When a contractor misrepresents its compliance with federal anti‑discrimination law to secure federal funds, it violates the conditions for receiving those funds and risks liability under the False Claims Act. Today’s resolution makes unmistakably clear that the Department will aggressively enforce these requirements, and companies who take taxpayer funds while engaging in illegal discrimination will be held accountable.”
The United States alleged that Deloitte took race or sex into account when making hiring, promotion, and staffing decisions to achieve progress toward non-public race and sex-based workforce composition goals. Business units within Deloitte received monthly summaries tracking the demographic goals within the unit, where representation or advancement toward the goal was highlighted in green, yellow, or red depending on whether the goal was exceeded, met or slightly missed, or significantly below the goal. In addition, the United States alleged that Deloitte’s Partners, Principals and Managing Directors (PPMDs) were evaluated, in part, based on their contributions to helping Deloitte achieve its workforce composition goals, while, for a two-year period, approximately 150 of Deloitte’s most senior PPMDs compensation could be impacted if their business units did not meet demographic goals set by Deloitte.
The United States alleged that these goals were also intended to impact Deloitte’s promotion decisions, as business units were assigned goals for racial and sex make up of their yearly PPMD classes. For example, where the class of PPMD candidates initially met Deloitte’s demographic goals, Deloitte identified candidates by race and sex in a spreadsheet when circulating the list of PPMD candidates, and suggested the individuals involved in selecting the PPMD candidates promote specific employees to “equitably maintain the current mix.”
The United States further alleged that Deloitte set goals pertaining to the demographics of employees staffed to federal contracts and sought to make statistically equal the percentage of Deloitte identified Underrepresented Minorities (URMs) and non-URMs who were understaffed or “on the bench.” Deloitte identified employees that were available to be staffed on projects by race and sex and provided names of those employees to staffing managers and suggested that the managers consider staffing those employees whose utilization would help Deloitte achieve its goal of achieving parity between the percentage of URMs and non-URMs who were understaffed or “on the bench.”
Finally, the United States alleged that Deloitte offered certain training, mentoring, leadership development programs, educational opportunities or resources, and/or similar opportunities only to certain employees, with eligibility limited on the basis of race or sex. For example, Deloitte ran the Springboard and Compass programs, where eligibility to participate was limited on the basis of race and sex. These programs were designed to boost the career prospects of these individuals over others through sponsorship and networking.
This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by the American Alliance for Equal Rights. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Deloitte LLP, et al. (No. 4:25-cv-00458). Under the resolution, the Relator will receive $4,300,000.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Deloitte Agrees to Pay $21.5M to Resolve Alleged Employment Discrimination ViolationsRead the Press Release
Today the Justice Department announced another False Claims Act resolution secured under the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which was launched by the Department in May 2025. Deloitte LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, and Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP, (collectively, Deloitte) have agreed to pay the United States $21.5 million to resolve allegations that Deloitte violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with anti-discrimination requirements in its federal contracts and discriminating against employees and applicants on the basis of their race or sex.
Most federal contracts contain a provision that requires contractors to provide equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment. As a condition to being a federal contractor, the company must certify that it will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race or sex and must further certify that it will take steps to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, “without regard to” race or sex. The settlement resolves allegations that from 2017 to the present, Deloitte falsely certified compliance with these conditions, while engaging in discriminatory race and sex-based employment practices.
“Government contractors cannot reward or penalize employees based on race or sex — and labeling the practice DEI does not make it lawful,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue government contractors that have used taxpayer dollars to fund unlawful discrimination.”
“Merit drives opportunity and promotion. Not someone’s sex or race,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “Today’s settlement is yet another example of this Department’s commitment to eliminating woke, unconstitutional practices from American workplaces.”
“Federal contractors are bound by clear legal obligations: they must certify that they will make employment decisions without regard to race or sex, and they must honor that commitment — not circumvent it through demographic targets or programs that allocate opportunities based on protected characteristics,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When a contractor misrepresents its compliance with federal anti discrimination law to secure federal funds, it violates the conditions for receiving those funds and risks liability under the False Claims Act. Today’s resolution makes unmistakably clear that the Department will aggressively enforce these requirements, and companies who take taxpayer funds while engaging in illegal discrimination will be held accountable.”
“As this settlement shows, the government is committed to ensuring that those who receive the benefits of federal contracts or funding must play by the rules,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “The False Claims Act is a powerful tool for enforcing those obligations, and my office will not hesitate to use it to investigate and uncover any violations and to hold the responsible parties accountable.”
The United States alleged that Deloitte took race or sex into account when making hiring, promotion, and staffing decisions to achieve progress toward non-public race and sex-based workforce composition goals. Business units within Deloitte received monthly summaries tracking the demographic goals within the unit, where representation or advancement toward the goal was highlighted in green, yellow, or red depending on whether the goal was exceeded, met or slightly missed, or significantly below the goal. In addition, the United States alleged that Deloitte’s Partners, Principals and Managing Directors (PPMDs) were evaluated, in part, based on their contributions to helping Deloitte achieve its workforce composition goals, while, for a two-year period, approximately 150 of Deloitte’s most senior PPMDs compensation could be impacted if their business units did not meet demographic goals set by Deloitte.
The United States alleged that these goals were also intended to impact Deloitte’s promotion decisions, as business units were assigned goals for racial and sex make up of their yearly PPMD classes. For example, where the class of PPMD candidates initially met Deloitte’s demographic goals, Deloitte identified candidates by race and sex in a spreadsheet when circulating the list of PPMD candidates, and suggested the individuals involved in selecting the PPMD candidates promote specific employees to “equitably maintain the current mix.”
The United States further alleged that Deloitte set goals pertaining to the demographics of employees staffed to federal contracts, and sought to make statistically equal the percentage of Deloitte identified Under Represented Minorities (URMs) and non-URMs who were understaffed or “on the bench.” Deloitte identified employees that were available to be staffed on projects by race and sex and provided names of those employees to staffing managers and suggested that the managers consider staffing those employees whose utilization would help Deloitte achieve its goal of achieving parity between the percentage of URMs and non-URMs who were understaffed or “on the bench.”
Finally, the United States alleged that Deloitte offered certain training, mentoring, leadership development programs, educational opportunities or resources, and/or similar opportunities only to certain employees, with eligibility limited on the basis of race or sex. For example, Deloitte ran the Springboard and Compass programs, where eligibility to participate was limited on the basis of race and sex. These programs were designed to boost the career prospects of these individuals over others through sponsorship and networking.
This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by the American Alliance for Equal Rights. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Deloitte LLP, et al. (No. 4:25-cv-00458). Under the resolution, the Relator will receive $4,300,000.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Dallas man receives lengthy federal prison sentence as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Dallas man has been sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Joshua Isaiah Castillo, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2024, Castillo was identified as being part of a drug trafficking organization in the Eastern District of Texas and was personally responsible for distributing large amounts of fentanyl-laced tablets and fentanyl powder in bulk form to others for redistribution.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Crownpoint Woman Charged with Stabbing Victim During AltercationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint woman is facing federal charges after allegedly stabbing a man in the chest while he was already unconscious during an altercation.
According to court documents, on July 19, 2026, Louanndra Tymria Wally, 23, was involved in an altercation at a residence in Crownpoint, New Mexico. During the altercation, an individual was allegedly pushed to the ground and assaulted. The victim, John Doe, intervened in the altercation on behalf of the person pushed down. Doe was then allegedly punched in the face, knocking him unconscious. While Doe was lying unconscious on the ground, Wally allegedly approached him with a knife and stabbed him once in the chest.
The victim was transported to a hospital in Crownpoint and later flown to a regional hospital for treatment.
Witnesses identified Wally as the assailant and provided nine videos showing the altercation, including the stabbing. Investigators reviewed the videos and observed Wally approach John Doe while he was lying on the ground and stab him in the chest.
Wally is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. She was released to a halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Wally faces up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Court Clears Way for Forest Management Project in MontanaRead the Press Release
Last week, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana allowed the Forest Service’s Gold Butterfly Project on the Bitterroot National Forest to proceed. The project is in Ravalli County east of Corvallis in southwest Montana. The project authorizes almost 5,300 acres of commercial harvest, almost 2,100 acres of non-commercial treatments, prescribed burning, and replanting. Nearly 60% of the treatments are in the wildland-urban interface, and more than 90% are in a treatment area designated under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. Continuing over the course of several years, the project will reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire affecting nearby communities, provide timber products and related jobs, improve water quality, and restore forest habitats.
In late March, the district court ruled that the Forest Service complied with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Forest Management Act (NFMA), and the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. The court identified a limited scope of discrepancies about how the project examined effects to grizzly bears and sent the project decision back to the Forest Service for additional explanation. After the Forest Service provided that explanation in early April, the court said the Forest Service fully explained its analysis and has always considered transient grizzly bears in the project area. The decision is subject to appeal in the Ninth Circuit.
“Responsible forest management produces much-needed timber, makes housing more affordable, prevents wildfires, and saves lives,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are combating efforts to weaponize procedural statutes against the responsible use of America’s vast natural resources. The court in this case properly remanded to the Forest Service in March to allow the agency to correct limited errors, which were quickly addressed. In last week’s decision, the court rightly deferred to the Forest Service’s analysis of environmental effects.”
In March 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to expand American timber production. One of the purposes of the executive order is to save American lives and communities through forest management and wildfire risk reduction projects.
Senior Trial Attorney John Tustin of ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled the case.
Collin County felon sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for creating an armed disturbance at a Plano apartment complexRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas –A Plano convicted felon has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Tapatrick Newton Martin, 26, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on November 6, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to several calls made regarding a man armed with an AR-15-style firearm at a Plano apartment complex. Witnesses described Martin walking in circles with the firearm and threatening to kill people on scene and advising others he planned to have a shootout with police when they arrived. However, once officers arrived, Martin fled the scene. Further investigation revealed Martin is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.
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Chickasha Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – BRANDON SCOTT MASSEY, 29, of Chickasha, has been sentenced to serve 480 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual exploitation of children, and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
“This adult predator repeatedly targeted, deceived, and manipulated multiple young victims for years for his own sexual gratification,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The 40-year prison sentence imposed by the Court holds him accountable for his deplorable conduct and safeguards the community from further harm to child victims.”
“This defendant attempted to hide his reprehensible conduct targeting young victims by using a social media platform with a false identity, but the FBI tracked him down and worked diligently to stop him,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Now, Brandon Massey will spend the next 40 years in prison for his detestable crimes manipulating and exploiting children. I commend the work of the FBI team and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their dedication to justice for these victims.”
According to public records, in April 2025, the FBI began investigating allegations that Massey had solicited photographs of a minor while posing as a teenaged boy in a Facebook group. During the investigation, agents discovered that Massey had joined many Facebook groups intended for teenagers and used the platform to solicit sexually explicit images from minor girls. Agents also determined that Massey possessed images and videos depicting child pornography.
In December 2025, Massey was charged by Superseding Information with sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual exploitation of children, and possession of child pornography. Massey pleaded guilty on January 13, 2026, and admitted that he coerced at least five minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct and send him images and videos through Facebook over the course of several years. Massey admitted to persuading these minors that he was in love with them, and, sometimes, threatening to break up with them, in order to get the minors to send him this material. He also admitted to possessing child pornography of these minors and other minors.
At a sentencing hearing on August 24, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Massey to serve 480 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. In imposing this harsh sentence, Judge Wyrick noted Massey’s horrific and sadistic behavior in humiliating the child victims.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Chester man sentenced to 6 years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Chester man who tried to cross the border into Montana with Child Sex Abuse Material on his phone was sentenced today to six years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Brandon Wayne Roos, 34, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to receiving child pornography.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Roos was crossing from Canada into Montana at the Sweetgrass Port of Entry on Sept. 24, 2023, when Border Patrol agents discovered illicit sexual material involving children on Roos’s phone.
Border Patrol had received a tip that Roos possibly had illicit material and so when he arrived at the Port of Entry agents searched his phone, where they found 151 images and 49 videos of Child Sex Abuse Material. Roos admitted to law enforcement that he had purchased and downloaded the material, which led to a search warrant for Roos’s home and computer. The search turned up 50 additional images and eight videos.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOs, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Cedar Rapids Felon with over 700 Fentanyl Pills Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed 773 fentanyl pills he planned to distribute was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.
Shewarence Dehassiu Gibbs, age 46, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 30, 2026, guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Information at sentencing and a prior hearing showed that in April 2024, in Cedar Rapids, officers found Gibbs, who had an active arrest warrant. Gibbs fled on foot and discarded a backpack before officers apprehended him. In the backpack and in Gibbs’s pockets were 773 fentanyl pills and $590 in cash. Gibbs has prior drug-related convictions and convictions for armed robbery, assault causing bodily injury, and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury/mental illness.
Gibbs was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Gibbs was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Gibbs is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-12. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Carjacking and Robbery Spree Yields D.C. Man 13.5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dartanian Owens, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced yesterday for a carjacking and robbery spree between April 6-8, 2025, in Northeast and Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Owens pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, on April 9, 2026, to one count of carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of robbery and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. On August 24, 2026, Superior Court Judge Andrea Herzfeld sentenced the defendant to 162 months’ incarceration according to the government’s recommendation and declined to sentence the defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours on April 6, 2025, Owens, while armed with a firearm, carjacked the first victim, who was delivering food for DoorDash in Northeast D.C. The following day, between 4:00 a.m. and 5:20 a.m., the defendant used the carjacked vehicle to commit three armed robberies in Southeast D.C. Specifically, at 4:05 a.m. Owens approached a victim, who was on his way to work and waiting at a bus stop in front of 2701 Naylor Road SE. The defendant pointed a pink and silver handgun at him, stated “lay it down,” and robbed the victim of his AirPods, cash, and phone. Approximately one hour later at 5:05 a.m., Owens approached another victim, who was walking to the Anacostia Metro Station on his way to work. The defendant robbed this victim at gunpoint, taking a backpack containing construction tools, keys, a phone, a wallet, cash, and an ID. Around fifteen minutes later at 5:20 a.m., Owens and a co-conspirator robbed a third victim, who was waiting for an Uber to take him to his dialysis appointment. The co-conspirator exited the vehicle first and took the victim’s backpack at gunpoint. Owens then exited the driver’s side of the vehicle and demanded more from the victim while pointing a firearm him. The victim, however, had nothing left to surrender.
In the early hours of April 8, 2025, police in Prince George’s County spotted the carjacked vehicle in a McDonald’s parking lot in Maryland and attempted a felony stop. Owens, who was alone in the vehicle, refused to pull over and fled from police. The defendant led police through Maryland and D.C., at one point driving 44 miles per hour over the speed limit through a residential neighborhood. Police disabled the vehicle using spike strips and Owens jumped from the vehicle while it was still moving. The defendant then fled on foot through a neighborhood, hiding behind houses, on porches, and behind sheds. Once apprehended, the defendant gave a false identity to the police. Along the defendant’s flight path, officers recovered a black and pink Walther PK380 handgun and a key fob belonging to the carjacked vehicle.
Photo of Walther PK380 firearm recovered by law enforcement.
Owens was arrested on April 8, 2025, and has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Carjacking Task Force, and other officers and Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eliot Folsom.
2025 CF3 015856
California Man Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding Former Employer, Optum, Inc.Read the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Karan Gupta, 48, of Walnut Creek, California, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, ten counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Gupta was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Kate M. Menendez on August 24, 2026. He had previously been found guilty on February 17, 2026, following a six-day jury trial.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between 2015 and 2020, Gupta led a scheme to defraud his employer, Optum, Inc., by creating a no-show job for his lifelong friend, Shangraf Kaul, 45, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, as a data engineering manager and pocketing over half of Kaul’s salary as a kickback.
Gupta, who was a senior director at Optum, hired Kaul to work on his team in late 2015, despite Kaul’s lack of qualifications for the position. For over three years, Kaul performed no work at Optum while collecting a six-figure salary. Gupta, as Kaul’s supervisor, facilitated Kaul’s no-show employment and demanded Kaul pay him approximately 60% of his unearned salary in kickbacks. Gupta then devised a plan for him and Kaul to conceal the kickback payments, first through cash deposits into Gupta’s own bank account, then through a designated checking account to which Gupta had access.
Gupta’s fraud was ultimately discovered by Optum after his termination from the company in November 2019 for engaging in a similar no-show employee fraud. Optum investigated and referred the case to federal law enforcement. In total, Gupta’s fraud against Optum totaled more than $950,000.
Gupta’s co-conspirator, Kaul, pleaded guilty on February 26, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is currently awaiting sentencing.
“Defrauding a private company is not a victimless crime. Gupta’s actions ultimately undermine a healthcare provider that millions of Americans depend on, and today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of his crimes,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
“The FBI is committed to investigating complex fraud schemes that exploit trust and defraud victims through deliberate deception, including schemes in which the defendant creates a no-show position at the very company that employs him, using that position to victimize his own employer. The jury’s verdict and today’s sentencing demonstrate the seriousness with which our justice system treats fraud,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “The FBI, in strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is sending a clear message that those who use their positions of trust to orchestrate sophisticated schemes, conceal criminal proceeds, and defraud the companies that employ them will be held accountable.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew D. Forbes and Rebecca E. Kline prosecuted the case.
Note: Previous press release on Gupta’s guilty verdict here.
Broome County Man Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Gerard Reilly, Jr., age 59, of Kirkwood, New York, was sentenced August 5, 2026, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison and 5 years supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender in the state of New York.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher J. Amoia made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Reilly admitted that in May 2006 he was convicted in Broome County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and, as a result, was sentenced to five years in state prison. As a result of this conviction, Reilly was required to register as a sex offender under both federal and state law in any state in which he resided after his release from state prison. In April of 2024, Reilly notified authorities in New York that he had relocated to Texas. Shortly thereafter, in August 2024, Reilly relocated from Texas back to New York, where he resided until his arrest in October 2025, the whole time knowingly failing to register as a sex offender in New York as required.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe, also sentenced Reilly to serve a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Reilly is released from federal prison. Reilly will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Sex offenders are subject to strict supervision and reporting requirements that keep law enforcement informed of their activities and help protect the community. By failing to register, Mr. Reilly willfully disregarded the conditions of his original sentence and created a public safety risk. Thankfully, our partners at the U.S. Marshals Service identified and apprehended him, and he now faces another term of imprisonment.”
Acting U.S. Marshal Amoia stated, “Individuals who are required by law to register as sex offenders must understand that failing to comply with those requirements has serious consequences. The United States Marshals Service will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and apprehend those who disregard the registration obligations. Today’s sentence demonstrates that these violations will be taken seriously and that offenders who fail to comply with the law will be held accountable.”
The United States Marshals Service investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Bolivar, Missouri Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Bolivar, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for his illegal possession of multiple firearms, including two AR-15 type rifles, that held 30-round and 60-round extended magazines.
Russell Dean Taylor, Jr., 47, was sentenced to five years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm. This defendant was charged as a part of Operation Spring Cleaning, that was coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement across Southwest Missouri.
On April 28, 2024, detectives with the Polk County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office received a report of Taylor possessing an AR-15 styled rifle during an argument at his residence. Polk County deputies were aware Taylor was a previously convicted felon and would be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
Taylor was arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies when he came to the sheriff’s department for an unrelated incident. Following the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement located a CD Defense, AR12A, 12-gauge shotgun, a Diamondback, AR-style, 5.6mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, and a Bushmaster, AR-15 style, 5.6mm caliber semi-automatic rifle. Law enforcement noted that the Diamondback, AR-15 style rifle, was loaded with a 30-round extended magazine, and the Bushmaster, AR-15 style rifle, was loaded with a 60-round extended magazine. Each rifle had a round of ammunition in the chamber. Taylor was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of post-release supervision, payment of a $75,000 fine, and payment of a $100 Special Assessment as required by law.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Polk County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Blacksburg Man to Serve 50 Months for Possessing More than 30,000 Child Exploitation Images and VideosRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Blacksburg, Virginia man, who used peer-to-peer filesharing software to download more than 30,000 images and videos of child exploitation material, was sentenced yesterday to 50 months in federal prison.
Rafael Bedia, 39, pled guilty in January 2026 to one count of possessing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
“This office will continue to target those who produce or possess child exploitation materials. The sentence imposed in this case should send a clear message that those who abuse and exploit children in the Western District of Virginia will be investigated and prosecuted for their crimes. I commend the FBI for their outstanding assistance in this case,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
“FBI Richmond is determined to continue to seek justice for victims of child exploitation. Today's hearing is the culmination of years of relentless work and dedication by our agents and analysts,” Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division said following yesterday’s hearing. “This sentencing shows how the collective efforts of our investigators, the strength of the evidence, and the power of the law can partner to ensure predators like Bedia will never target another innocent child.”
According to court documents, on July 13, 2021, Bedia used peer-to-peer filesharing software to download a nearly 45-minute-long video depicting a minor victim. Several months later, in February 2022, Bedia downloaded another lengthy video that depicted another young girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On May 11, 2022, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Bedia’s electronic devices. Upon executing the warrant, investigators found an extraordinarily large collection of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, including over 30,000 images and nearly 1,500 videos.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Scheff and Drew O. Inman prosecuted the case for the United States.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
As Children Return to School, U.S. Attorney Announces Prosecutions of Six Trusted Adults Accused of Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri announced six recent prosecutions involving trusted adults accused of exploiting children while serving in positions of authority. This announcement comes on the heels of back-to-school season and is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to protect children from alleged predators.
“When parents send their children to school, they do so with the expectation that their children are in the care of trusted adults,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “They should never have to question whether a teacher, school administrator, or coach, is exploiting or putting their child at risk. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who compromise the safety, security, and well-being of children in our district. Protecting children is among our highest priorities, and we will hold accountable anyone who threatens their safety, to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We entrust our educators with one of the most important responsibilities in our communities: helping shape the lives and futures of our children,” said Chris Ormerod, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas City Field Office. We trust them to educate our students, to teach them the values of responsible citizenship, and to provide guidance and life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. The vast majority of educators across this country honor that responsibility every day and we deeply commend them for their dedication and service. But make no mistake: when an educator abuses their position of trust to exploit a child, that will not be tolerated. The FBI will pursue those who prey upon children and will work to ensure that offenders are held accountable under the law.”
Matthew Joseph Wick, 35, Independence, Mo., is a guidance counselor at Raytown South Middle School. On Aug. 25, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Wick with one count of possession of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Wick’s telephone provider submitted several cyber tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding videos that were uploaded to the provider’s cloud storage for Wick’s account. According to court documents, investigators discovered that there was a secure folder that contained 55 video files that constituted child pornography on Wick’s cellular device. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Independence, Missouri Police Department.
Caleb J. Eyde, 21, is a substitute elementary school teacher for the Independence, Missouri. School District. On Aug. 25, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Eyde with four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Discord Inc., a group communication platform, submitted several cyber tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding videos depicting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) that were uploaded to the company’s platform from two accounts. The results of the investigation led local law enforcement and federal agents to Eyde. Investigators obtained Discord Inc. records which investigators believe indicate Eyde was distributing, trading, and purchasing CSAM from other users. Examinations of Eyde’s electronic devices uncovered images and videos depicting CSAM that were saved to Eyde’s devices. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Collins. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Independence, Missouri Police Department.
Joel Thomas Rosales, 44, of Independence, Mo., was a former recreational softball coach in Oak Grove, Mo. On Aug. 25, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Rosales with one count of receipt of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, an adult witness discovered communications from Rosales on a minor victim’s cell phone. The communications were sexually explicit in nature and Rosales received images depicting CSAM. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oak Grove, Missouri Police Department.
Jonathan Xavier Valdez, 36, of Blue Springs, Mo., was an area Scouting America Troop Leader. On June 24, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Valdez with one count each of production of child obscenity and possession of child obscenity involving multiple minors. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Valdez, over the course of at least 10 months, allegedly manipulated clothed images of multiple minors to create graphic nude depictions of those children appearing to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Valdez is a troop leader with Scouting America and has been active with the Scouts for several years. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the allegations after a witness came forward on June 12, 2026, and reported having observed obscene images of minors on Valdez’s smart TV screensaver. During a subsequent search of Valdez’s residence, FBI investigators located multiple manipulated still images and videos depicting at least five minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on Valdez’s TV, cell phone, and other devices. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Richard Villigram, 43, of Kansas City, Mo., a Plaza Middle School teacher, was charged in federal court on attempted child exploitation charges. On May 6, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Villigram with one count each of attempted use of an interstate facility to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, attempted receipt of child pornography, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Villigram, over the course of several days, allegedly engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 15-year-old minor. During his communications with the person he believed to be a minor, Villigram arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct and asked the purported minor to send him pornographic images. Villigram was later arrested on April 21, 2026, after arriving at the location he arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual conduct. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The charges contained in the indictments above are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Algodones Man Charged with Murder in Alleged Retaliatory ShootingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Algodones man is facing federal charges for allegedly shooting and killing another man in what investigators believe was retaliation for the victim’s prior killing of a San Felipe Pueblo woman.
According to court documents, on August 15, 2026, federal law enforcement officers responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in Algodones, New Mexico. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, deceased in the back seat of his vehicle. An autopsy determined the victim died from a shotgun wound to the torso fired at close range.
Investigators determined that Elijah Sandoval, 47, an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, was at the residence with the victim and two other men when Sandoval allegedly approached the victim with a shotgun and shot him.
Investigators believe the shooting was motivated by the victim’s prior killing of a San Felipe Pueblo woman in 2008. According to court documents, one witness told investigators that Sandoval referenced the woman’s son immediately before shooting the victim. The victim had previously admitted to killing the woman and was convicted and sentenced to federal prison for that offense.
Sandoval is charged with second degree murder and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Sandoval faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Burkhead is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
24 August 2026
“Operation Last Call” Effort Results in Arrests of 44 for Illegal Firearms and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Forty-four individuals were arrested on federal indictments over the weekend of August 19-23, 2026, as a part of a joint enforcement initiative combating the illegal sale of firearms and narcotics in Nashville, United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek announced today. Dubbed “Operation Last Call”, the Summer 2026 initiative combined the law enforcement efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD).
“This operation resulted in the indictments and arrests of dozens of individuals who have been illegally selling firearms and dangerous drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack on the streets of Nashville,” said U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek. “This large-scale, months long effort shows that the combined efforts of federal and local law enforcement can have positive effects in the fight against the illegal trafficking of firearms and drugs.”
As described in court filings, ATF, USMS, and MNPD utilized undercover federal agents to make controlled firearm and narcotics purchases from individuals in multiple areas of Nashville. The areas were determined after a three-year review of shots fired calls, shooting crimes, and analysis provided by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Another law enforcement agency in another state then reviewed the collected data to determine focus areas without regard to population or socioeconomic factors. “This was a data driven operation,” U.S. Attorney Boucek said, “focused on real incidents of shootings and violent crime, many of which are drug related, that have victimized innocent civilians.”
The operation seized over 160 firearms off the street, many of them assault-style rifles equipped with high-capacity magazines. Law enforcement also seized multiple “switches” or machine gun conversion devices which are illegal add-ons that turn pistols into machine guns. Finally, agents and detectives removed over two kilograms of methamphetamine, over one kilogram of fentanyl, and over half-kilogram quantities of powder cocaine and crack from Nashville’s streets.
“Every illegal firearm removed from the hands of a violent offender or prohibited person and every illegal narcotic removed from our communities potentially saves lives,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet. “The ATF is committed to disrupting violent crime in our communities, but ‘Operation Last Call’ would not have been successful without the partnerships and collaborative efforts of the men and women from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service specializes in apprehending fugitives, and we are always ready to work with our local and federal partners to make sure that defendants are apprehended so they can be held accountable in a court of law,” said Denny King, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Tennessee. “This hard work we put in during this operation shows that when law enforcement works together, we can deliver positive results for the citizens of our community.”
“Operation Last Call is precision policing in the truest sense,” said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. “The guns seized, totaling more than 150, will not be part of a future homicide, robbery or shooting incident. I am grateful to the front-line detectives in our Specialized Investigations Division, ATF agents, deputy U.S. Marshals and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for partnerships that are, indeed, making Nashville safer. That’s especially true in the vulnerable communities where data showed Operation Last Call should focus, including the Harding Place/I-24 corridor, Bell Road-Murfreesboro Pike area, Brick Church Pike-Trinity Lane corridor, and the Napier-Sudekum neighborhood. Residents in those communities deserve peaceful surroundings.”
Twenty-seven of the forty-four individuals arrested have previous felony convictions for crimes such as aggravated assault, attempted aggravated robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated burglary, and narcotics trafficking. Ten defendants arrested were already on probation, parole, supervised release, or bond at the time of the alleged offenses.
The individuals arrested on federal indictments during the operation include:
- KeDarious Bell, age 21, charged in two indictments with distribution of methamphetamine (two counts); possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; use or carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a machine gun; unlawful transfer of firearms (six counts); dealing firearms without a license (five counts)
- Kenyon Blackman, age 21, unlawful transfer of firearms (two counts); dealing firearms without a license (three counts)
- Taurus Booker, age 51, distribution of cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm
- Corian Bowling, age 26, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of 50 grams or more methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- James Braden, age 47, distributing 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm
- Gregory Brooks, age 30, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of 50 grams or more methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm
- Imari Calloway, age 20, unlawful transfer of firearms (three counts); dealing firearms without a license (four counts)
- Aron Capps, age 27, distribution of fentanyl
- Waldorf Coleman, age 42, felon in possession of a firearm
- Alexi Contreras, age 39, distribution of fentanyl
- Cory Cotton, age 45, distribution of fentanyl; distribution of crack cocaine; distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl
- Ulises Cruz, age 26, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Brandon Dardy, age 39, distribution of cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm with prior convictions
- Lewis Dawson, age 26, felon in possession of a firearm; distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Miguel De La Rosa, age 24, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; unlawful transfer of firearms
- Danny DeMoss, age 38, distribution of fentanyl; distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl
- Terry Fields, age 42, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Latherio Fizer, age 42, distribution of cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine
- Brian Ging, age 28, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
- William Givens, age 67, distribution of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine
- Tiffany Givens, age 42, distribution of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine (two counts)
- Easan Harris, age 19, possession of a machine gun conversation device
- William Henderson, age 37, distribution of fentanyl; distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine,
- Tyrone Hudson, age 41, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; use or carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Jerron Huey, age 40, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Aiden Johnson, age 20, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine
- Peter McKinnie, age 46, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Shomari Milliken, age 40, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with prior conviction
- Jeremy Mimms, age 38, felon in possession of a firearm (six counts); distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Jermaine Morgan, age 27, charged in two indictments with possession of a machine gun conversation device (two counts); distribution of cocaine (two counts); felon in possession of a firearm
- Frank Newsom, age 38, felon in possession of a firearm (two counts); distribution of fentanyl
- James Oliver, age 39, felon in possession of a firearm; attempted distribution of fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Lilburn Reynolds, age 56, distribution of crack cocaine (two counts); use or carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm
- Barry Robertson, age 40, felon in possession of a firearm
- Ladon Robertson, age 40, distribution of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Timothy Schields, age 35, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Joshua Selmon, age 36, unlawful possession of a firearm after a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction; dealing firearms without a license
- Courtney Skinner, age 41, distribution of fentanyl; distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm
- Tyler Sloan, age 30, distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Cameron Thompson, age 26, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine
- Andre Vaughn, age 37, distribution of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine
- Ronnie Wellington, age 47, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of fentanyl
- Corey Wilson, age 43, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (two counts); distribution of fentanyl; distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm
The indictments against all of the individuals arrested are allegations only. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The ATF’s Nashville Field Office, the USMS for Middle Tennessee, and the MNPD conducted the investigations for this operation. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Stephens, Dina Shabayek, Brian Enright, Alex Bergida, and Carlin Hess are prosecuting the cases charged.
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Wichita men sentenced for bringing cocaine & meth from California to KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for attempting to transport illegal narcotics from the West Coast to Wichita.
According to court documents, Jonathan Umana, 29, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
In January 2024, Kansas Highway Patrol stopped Umana on in Ford County for speeding. After Umana gave illogical responses to questions, the trooper asked for permission to search the vehicle. Umana consented. The officer found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and six pounds of cocaine in a backpack inside the car. Umana was arrested. An investigation revealed Umana had flown from Wichita to California to pick up the drugs then rented a vehicle to drive back to Kansas for intended distribution.
Text messages show that that Christian Abel Ruiz, 44, of Wichita arranged for Umana to pick up the drugs from a source in California by supplying Umana with an address and phone number and instructions of where to deliver the drugs upon returning to Kansas.
Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering and was sentenced to 60 months in prison.
“The right to freely travel within our nation’s borders is central to the American way of life, but too often criminals exploit this easy access to bring in narcotics, weapons, and other unsavory elements that law abiding citizens don’t want in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We encourage Kansas law enforcement agencies confiscating narcotics they can prove crossed state lines to reach out to the Department of Justice. This is a federal offense, and a conviction may offer stiffer penalties for these offenses than at the state level.”
The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) investigated the case.
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Two Lenoir County Women Guilty in $180K COVID Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Two Lenoir County women, Kendra Edmondson, 39, and Britteny Dryer, 35, each pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud after they and others defrauded the federal government of more than $187,000 by submitting fraudulent North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (NC HOPE) loan applications for emergency rental assistance. As part of the scheme, the defendants and their associates submitted fictitious tenant lease agreements for multiple Lenoir County properties to support those applications. Each faces up to thirty years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine when the court sentences them later this year.
“These two lowdown fraudsters chose to milk the system by lining their pockets while hardworking taxpayers rolled up their sleeves during the pandemic. Do what your parents taught you, don’t steal. Cheaters. Never. Win,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Between November 2020 and December 2021, Edmondson, Dryer, and others submitted 23 fraudulent applications and collected more than $187,000 in federal government housing funds for their personal benefit.
On March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering economically from the Covid-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, giving states and localities flexible federal funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the CDBG program, which supports economic and community development and provides long‑term recovery funding to states and localities during disasters and emergencies.
The State of North Carolina’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, used CARES Act federal funds to help North Carolina renters remain in their homes during COVID‑19 by preventing evictions and loss of utility services. The NC HOPE program used an initial $51.5 million allocation of CDBG funds from the CARES Act to provide housing and utility assistance. North Carolina also received CRF funds from the CARES Act, including $66 million allocated for administrative costs associated with the NC HOPE program.
"This case reflects the strength of our partnerships with the USAO-EDNC and HUD-OIG in fighting fraud, waste and abuse that hurts our most vulnerable citizens,” said NCSBI Director, Chip Hawley. “Thanks also to USMS and the Kinston Police Department for their help. We will continue to aggressively target those who steal from hardworking taxpayers."
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development – OIG (USHUD-OIG), and NCSBI are investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:26-CR-14-M.
Two Florida men plead guilty for their roles in multi-million dollar fraud scheme that stretched across the countryRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alec Dierna, 32, and John Engler, 40, both of Boca Raton, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Between August 2020 and July 2022, Dierna, Engler, and five co-defendants conspired to defraud companies throughout the United States to fraudulently obtain money and property. To execute their scheme, Dierna, Engler, and their co-defendants sent mailers from Florida, California, and Rochester, NY, to tens of thousands of victim companies throughout the United States. The mailers were intended to deceive the victim companies into believing that they had previously ordered products from the companies of co-conspirators, for which they owed payment. The names used on the mailers included Office Outlet; America’s Best; United Chemicals; Hi-Tech Industrial; North Atlantic Supply; Top Tier Chemicals; Nationwide Chemicals; Direct Chemical; Easton Chemical; Safety Supply; and Union Gloves. As a result of the conspiracy, several thousand victim companies paid $8,010,543.50 to co-conspirators’ companies for products that they did not order.
Co-defendants Dylan Paul Costanza, Nicholas Scarantino, Kyle Paul Edward Gibson, Tommy Lee Coburn, and Bryan Lantry were all previously convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and are awaiting sentencing. The company Five Star Warehouse, LLC, entered a corporate plea to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and is also awaiting sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa M. Marangola and Kyle P. Rossi. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the IRS Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., New York Field Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Justin Page, Boston Division.
Dierna and Engler are scheduled to be sentenced on February 10, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vacca.
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Tucson Man Indicted for Lying to Obtain Federal Contract Work While on Active Duty with the Air ForceRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Davide Velarde, 44, of Tucson for making materially false statements on background investigation forms to obtain employment with federal contractors for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The indictment alleges that while Mr. Velarde was still on active duty with the United States Air Force (USAF), he held positions with federal contractors for the IRS and NASA after making false statements about when he would retire from the USAF. After retiring, Mr. Velarde made additional false statements while applying to work for a federal contractor for NOAA to conceal that he had been previously fired from federal contract work. Mr. Velarde is alleged to have earned approximately $466,708 in wages from the USAF and the federal contractors between August 2021 and October 2025.
“American servicemembers are held to the highest level of integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This case is about protecting the honor of every other airman by holding David Velarde accountable for his alleged falsehoods. Our office is proud to stand with the United States Air Force and the many excellent investigators involved in this matter.”
“You cannot be in multiple places at once, and you certainly cannot mislead the federal government to obtain simultaneous employment,” said Jennifer Bryan, Special Agent in Charge of the NASA Office of Inspector General’s Western Field Office. “David Velarde’s scheme to collect multiple paychecks was both an abuse of taxpayer dollars and a breach of public trust. Let this indictment be an example to those who attempt to game the federal contracting system.”
“As the nation’s tax watchdog, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) contracting and procurement processes” said Special Agent in Charge Krystofor Proev of TIGTA’s Northwest Field Division. “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their continued collaboration and critical support in this investigation.”
“According to the indictment, David Velarde knowingly provided false information to secure federal contract positions, including with NOAA,” said Judd Leinum, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General. “Misrepresenting employment history and eligibility threatens the integrity of federal procurement and the protection of taxpayer funds. Any attempt to deceive federal agencies will not be tolerated. We appreciate the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and our law enforcement partners in pursuing this matter.”
“This is another great example of interagency efforts to stem fraudulent activity impacting entities across the federal government,” said Special Agent Richard Kautz, AFOSI Detachment 217 Commander. “This case highlights the ever-present commitment of the involved agencies to protecting the integrity of our hiring and employment practices.”
A conviction for making false statements carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
Investigators from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; United States Air Force, Office of Special Investigations; and Department of Defense Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 26-CR-04345-TUC- SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-144_Velarde# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Three Defendants Make Initial Appearances in Homeland Security Task Force Fentanyl Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Three of seven defendants charged in an August 12, 2026, federal indictment for their alleged roles in a fentanyl drug trafficking organization made their initial appearances in federal court on Friday.
“This case highlights the power of interagency collaboration to intercept the flow of deadly synthetic opioids,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, our federal, state, and local partners are working as one to disrupt and dismantle the transnational criminal networks trafficking these lethal substances into our communities.”
“Fentanyl trafficking organizations put our communities at risk and fuel violence through the drugs, firearms and illicit proceeds that sustain their operations,” said Jonathan Sherwin, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI Las Vegas. “This Homeland Security Task Force investigation reflects HSI Las Vegas’ commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for moving deadly narcotics into our neighborhoods.”
“The FBI’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding our communities is demonstrated by this operation,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement colleagues, we took down a violent group responsible for drugs, guns and fear in our communities. Our Homeland Security Task Force’s concentrated investigation efforts are reflected in this takedown, and we will keep using every resource at our disposal to bring violent criminals accountable and maintain Nevada's safety.”
“Seeing these individuals in court is another step in our fight against violent crime,” said U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield. “By deploying the fugitive recovery expertise of the U.S. Marshals, we are actively working against the criminals who threaten our state. We will remain shoulder to shoulder with our partners to ensure Las Vegas remains safe.”
Adrian Ortiz Moreno, also known as “El Apache,” Martin Castro, Jr., and Juan Martinez Ramirez made their initial appearances Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler. Four additional defendants are charged in the indictment.
According to allegations in the criminal complaint, from at least 2024 to August 2, 2026, Adrian Ortiz Moreno, also known as “El Apache,” a Mexican national, and Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro, a Mexican national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, and their co-defendants Martin Castro, Jr., David Romero Hernandez, Edgar Rosas, Juan Martinez Ramirez, a Mexican national, and Walter Estrada Carlos, a Mexican national, engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.
As a result of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, Ortiz Moreno is charged with one count of continuing criminal enterprise. All seven defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Ortiz Moreno, Moreno De Castro, Estrada Carlos, Castro, Jr., and Hernandez are charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Ortiz Moreno, Moreno De Castro, and Castro, Jr. are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As a result of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, Ortiz Moreno and Moreno De Castro are each charged with one count of continuing criminal enterprise and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Castro, Jr., Hernandez, Rosas, Martinez Ramirez, and Estrada Carlos are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Ortiz Moreno, Moreno De Castro, and Estrada Carlos are each charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and Castro, Jr. is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is life imprisonment. A jury trial has been scheduled for October 19, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Cristina D. Silva.
This case was investigated by HSI, DEA, ATF, LVMPD, USMS, and FBI. The case is being prosecuted by the District of Nevada.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Las Vegas HSTF comprises agents and officers with the FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and Nevada Gaming Control Board with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Tetra Tech EC, Inc. Agrees to Pay $57 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Falsifying Soil Test Results at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San FranciscoRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Tetra Tech EC, Inc. (Tetra Tech), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, Inc., paid $57 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it fabricated work and falsified data the U.S. Department of the Navy relied on to determine whether the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS) in the San Francisco Bay was free from harmful radiation.
In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the government alleged that, pursuant to contracts issued by the Navy between 2003 and 2014, Tetra Tech was required to investigate the soil and buildings at HPNS and to remediate any areas where radiation was excessive so that the property could be transferred to the City of San Francisco for redevelopment. The government alleged that Tetra Tech instructed field technicians to discard soil samples collected from potentially contaminated locations, replace the discarded samples with “clean” soil known to satisfy the release criteria, and to submit the replaced samples for laboratory analysis. The complaint further alleged that Tetra Tech intentionally manipulated scan results in its database that falsely represented that scans taken at different locations were conducted by the same technician at the same time. The government alleged that Tetra Tech benefited from this misconduct by receiving unearned contract award fees and avoiding obligations to perform additional remediation work, thereby decreasing its costs and increasing its profits.
“Over the past two decades, the federal government has dedicated significant resources to ensuring that the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard is free from harmful radiation and safe for public use. This has been a critical project for the Hunters Point community and the federal government, and it should have been just as important to the contractor that the government selected and paid to perform radiological testing and remediation at the site,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “This litigation and settlement send a clear message that the government will hold contractors accountable for knowingly defrauding taxpayers by flouting their duties.”
“We expect companies contracting with the government to do business honestly and fairly,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates the Department’s continuing commitment to hold accountable those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities in providing services to the U.S. military.”
“By falsifying work claims and manipulating critical data, Tetra Tech put its own financial interests ahead of its commitments to the Department of the Navy, potentially placing the health and safety of the American people at risk,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Merkal of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our federal partners remain committed to protecting the integrity of the procurement process within the Department of War.”
The settlement resolves allegations filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over responsibility for litigating these cases, as the United States did here. The consolidated qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Jahr, et al., v. Tetra Tech EC, Inc., Case No. 13-3835 (N.D. Cal.) and were brought by Arthur R. Jahr III, Elbert G. Bowers, Susan V. Andrews, Archie R. Jackson, Anthony Smith, Donald K. Wadsworth, and Robert McLean, former employees and contractors of Tetra Tech. The relators’ share of the settlement is approximately $11,970,000.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Fraud Section, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The Justice Department also expresses its appreciation for the assistance provided by the Department of Navy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith Iyengar for the Northern District of California and Civil Division Trial Attorney Jonathan Hoerner.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The United States also recovered $40 million in a separate settlement under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, that was entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 2, 2025.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Tetra Tech EC Inc. Agrees to Pay $57M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Falsifying Soil Test Results at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San FranciscoRead the Press Release
Tetra Tech EC Inc. (Tetra Tech), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, Inc., paid $57 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it fabricated work and falsified data the U.S. Department of the Navy relied on to determine whether the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS) in the San Francisco Bay was free from harmful radiation.
In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the government alleged that, pursuant to contracts issued by the Navy between 2003 and 2014, Tetra Tech was required to investigate the soil and buildings at HPNS and to remediate any areas where radiation was excessive so that the property could be transferred to the City of San Francisco for redevelopment. The government alleged that Tetra Tech instructed field technicians to discard soil samples collected from potentially contaminated locations, replace the discarded samples with “clean” soil known to satisfy the release criteria, and to submit the replaced samples for laboratory analysis. The complaint further alleged that Tetra Tech intentionally manipulated scan results in its database that falsely represented that scans taken at different locations were conducted by the same technician at the same time. The government alleged that Tetra Tech benefited from this misconduct by receiving unearned contract award fees and avoiding obligations to perform additional remediation work, thereby decreasing its costs and increasing its profits.
“We expect companies contracting with the government to do business honestly and fairly,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates the Department’s continuing commitment to hold accountable those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities in providing services to the U.S. military.”
“Over the past two decades, the federal government has dedicated significant resources to ensuring that the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard is free from harmful radiation and safe for public use. This has been a critical project for the Hunters Point community and the federal government, and it should have been just as important to the contractor that the government selected and paid to perform radiological testing and remediation at the site,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “This litigation and settlement send a clear message that the government will hold contractors accountable for knowingly defrauding taxpayers by flouting their duties.”
“By falsifying work claims and manipulating critical data, Tetra Tech put its own financial interests ahead of its commitments to the Department of the Navy, potentially placing the health and safety of the American people at risk,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Merkal of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our federal partners remain committed to protecting the integrity of the procurement process within the Department of War.”
The settlement resolves allegations filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over responsibility for litigating these cases, as the United States did here. The consolidated qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Jahr, et al., v. Tetra Tech EC, Inc., Case No. 13-3835 (N.D. Cal.) and were brought by Arthur R. Jahr III, Elbert G. Bowers, Susan V. Andrews, Archie R. Jackson, Anthony Smith, Donald K. Wadsworth, and Robert McLean, former employees and contractors of Tetra Tech. The relators’ share of the settlement is approximately $11,970,000.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The Justice Department also expresses its appreciation for the assistance provided by the Department of Navy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The matter was handled by Civil Division Trial Attorney Jonathan Hoerner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith Iyengar for the Northern District of California.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The United States also recovered $40 million in a separate settlement under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, that was entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 2, 2025.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Stanislaus Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl in Operation Blue DeathRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Andrew Rodriguez, 30, of Ceres, pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in connection with a drug and firearm trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, Operation Blue Death, an investigation into drug and illegal firearm trafficking in Stanislaus County, resulted in the arrest of seven individuals engaged in selling fentanyl and firearms between September 2022, and June 2023.
Throughout March and April 2023, co-defendant Arturo Madrid sold several firearms and thousands of fentanyl pills, including one instance on April 21, 2023, where Madrid sold 6,000 fentanyl pills and a Draco (PAK 9 9mm Luger) rifle.
On June 13, 2023, Andrew Rodriguez and co-defendants Olga Arreola, Arturo Madrid, and Enrique DeLeon arrived at a location in Stanislaus to complete a pre-arranged purchase of 50,000 fentanyl pills. Officers arrested the four defendants shortly after they arrived. When officers arrested Rodriguez, he had two handguns, a short-barreled rifle, an AR-15 style firearm, and 30,000 fentanyl pills in his car. Additionally, officers seized an AK-style Draco rifle Arreola brought to the drug deal and had at his feet during his arrest. Co-defendant DeLeon had approximately 30,000 fentanyl pills inside a briefcase in his vehicle when officers arrested him.
In total, seven individuals were charged with drug and firearm trafficking offenses in a seventeen-count indictment. Their status, based on court records, includes:
- Andrew Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2026.
- Arturo Madrid, 30, of Modesto, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced to 135 months in prison on November 17, 2025.
- Enrique Cruz DeLeon, 29, of Salida, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 30,000 fentanyl pills. He was sentenced to 135 months in prison on April 21, 2025.
- Ebony Lambert, 49, of Turlock, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl. She was sentenced to 24 months in prison on August 25, 2025.
- Oleg Arreola, 29, of Modesto, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced to 135 months in prison on March 9, 2026.
- Donnell Mays, 51, of Turlock, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl. He was sentenced to 94 months in prison on July 13, 2026.
- Andrew Madrid is set for trial on September 22, 2026. According to court documents, Madrid is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distributing fentanyl. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. 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 against Andrew Madrid are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Stanislaus Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Chan Hee Chu are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and Operation Take Back America initiatives. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
St. Louis Bar Co-Owner Admits FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The co-owner of a St. Louis bar on Monday admitted obtaining a credit card in the name of one of his co-owners and using it to charge nearly $30,000.
Anthony Saputo, 44, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of engaging in illegal transactions with an access device. Saputo admitted that on Sept. 9, 2021, while another of the bar’s co-owners was out of the country, he applied for and obtained an American Express card by using her name and Social Security number without her knowledge or authorization. In the next two months, Saputo charged nearly $30,000 on the card, including a $3,000 cash advance that he used to pay his rent and car loan. Some of the charges were also business expenses related to the opening of the bar. Saputo failed to pay the balance, incurring significant penalties and interest.
Saputo, of St. Louis County, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to release any ownership interest in the LLC that owns the bar. He will also be ordered to pay restitution.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Southern District of Georgia federal indictments include murder, drug- and firearm-related charges and healthcare fraudRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple individuals have been indicted by the August term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia for a host of charges.
Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments. Those facing federal charges include:
- Robert Kye Sturdy, 67, an inmate at Federal Correctional Institute – Jesup, was indicted for First Degree Murder.
- Lenard Lorenzo Kearse, 38, of Rincon, Georgia, was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Carrying a Firearm during and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime; and,
- Perry Patalano, 63, of Augusta, was indicted for Healthcare Fraud, Theft of Government Money, Property or Records, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases listed above have been investigated by the Bureau of Prisons-Criminal Investigations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and local law enforcement agencies. These cases are being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson, Matthew Breedon, Henry W. Syms Jr., and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karl I. Knoche.
Shiprock Man Sentenced for Violent AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 27 months in prison for an assault that left a victim with life-threatening injuries.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2025, Darrell Joe Ben, Jr., 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted his ex-girlfriend while he was intoxicated. Officers detained Ben at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital and received treatment for critical injuries, including a hematoma, an orbital fracture, nasal fractures, multiple broken ribs, and lung damage that necessitated the use of a ventilator. She was transferred to an intensive care unit in Albuquerque for further treatment.
Ben pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a dating partner. Upon his release from prison, Ben will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky prosecuted the case.
Romanian National Illegally in the United States Makes Initial Appearance for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Romanian national, illegally present in the United States, made his initial appearance in court Friday after a grand jury charged him for allegedly using a counterfeit foreign passport and other documents as part of a fraud scheme to steal money from American victims.
“We will not allow fraudsters to hide behind computer screens and stolen credentials,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Law enforcement will continue to track down and prosecute those who compromise the financial security of innocent citizens.”
“Identity-based fraud schemes are not harmless paperwork crimes, they are calculated efforts to hide behind false documents, deceive victims and steal their money,” said Jonathan Sherwin, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI Las Vegas. “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, HSI Las Vegas and our partners are bringing the full weight of law enforcement to bear against individuals who use counterfeit identities and online scams to target victims in the United States.”
According to court documents, on February 26, 2026, Eustatiu Brat, also known as “Bosko Obradovic,” allegedly possessed and used a counterfeit Canadian passport and Quebec driver’s license. He allegedly used the counterfeit passport as part of a larger scheme to advertise vehicles for sale online and to swindle victims of their money.
Brat is charged with one count of aggravated identity theft. A jury trial is scheduled to begin October 19, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II. If convicted, the statutory penalty is a mandatory two-year period of imprisonment to be served consecutively to any other sentence.
This case was investigated by HSI. The case is being prosecuted by the District of Nevada.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Las Vegas HSTF comprises agents and officers from the FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and Nevada Gaming Control Board. with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to receipt of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rashad Rabah, 33, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
In August 2025, Rabah attempted to collect a package containing a large amount of fentanyl from the U.S. Postal Service Jefferson Road Processing and Distribution Center in Henrietta, NY, which was shipped from Arizona. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted the package and staged a controlled delivery to Rabah. At the time of the delivery, investigators collected Rabah’s cellular telephone. A preliminary search of the phone revealed Rabah’s involvement in illegal activity, including child pornography and child exploitation crimes involving minors in the Rochester area.
A subsequent analysis of Rabah’s phone and online accounts revealed that from at least April 2022, through August 7, 2025, he engaged in sexually explicit online and text conversations with a minor victim, a child in the Rochester area, during which Rabah solicited the minor victim to create and send to him sexually explicit images and videos. The investigation revealed that Rabah paid the minor to engage in this conduct and solicited other minors in the Rochester area. Rabah was also part of an online forum in a particular social media platform that was dedicated to the abuse and exploitation of minors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Justin Page, Boston Division.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a future date.
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Ringleader of a Multi-State Bank Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Sumter County man has been sentenced for his role in a multi-state bank fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.
U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Eddarrius Tyjuan Wallace, 37, of York, Alabama, to 60 months in prison and a $25,000 fine. In May, Wallace pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud.
“This type of fraud is a double problem: it steals money from the federal government and undermines the integrity of our banking system,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “My office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who steal from the government and manipulate the financial system for personal gain.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain," said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Joel Weaver. “TIGTA's mission is to protect the integrity of our nation's tax administration system. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
According to court documents, between June and September 2023, Wallace organized and managed a multi-state bank fraud conspiracy targeting the fraudulent deposit and withdrawal of United States Treasury checks. Wallace recruited and trained others to carry out his fraud scheme. In June 2023, the scheme was brought to the attention of law enforcement when a bank in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, reported that two U.S. Treasury checks with forged endorsements had been deposited. Over the course of the conspiracy, multiple fraudulent deposits and withdrawals were made in Alabama and Mississippi totaling over $1.8 million. During this time, Wallace was on bond for state offenses.
On September 19, 2023, officers with the Madison Police Department in Mississippi arrested Wallace and five others during a traffic stop. Wallace was the driver and had $11,969 of cash in his pocket. Officers searched the vehicle and found a fraudulent identification card, mail, and multiple bank debit cards with names that did not match any of the car’s occupants.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the cases along with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the Madison, Mississippi, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.
Repeat Offender Receives 15 Year Federal Sentence for Child Exploitation Offense and Supervision ViolationsRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Michael K. Wallace, 40, of Evansville, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Distribution of Sexually Explicit Material Involving Minors. Wallace was also ordered to pay $3,000 per identifiable child victim.
According to court documents, Wallace was previously convicted in August 2012 of felony possession and receipt of sexually explicit material involving minors and sentenced to federal prison. After his release in February 2025, he was required to register as a sex offender and report to the U.S. Probation Office for supervision.
On October 17, 2025, during a meeting with probation officers, Wallace was questioned about reports that sexually explicit videos of minors were being distributed from a residence he was known to frequent. Wallace admitted that he had taken a cell phone from a workplace trash can, kept it hidden in his dresser, and later used the unapproved device to access the internet from a nearby home. He used a VPN to conceal his IP address and location. Investigators determined that Wallace created an account on the social media app KIK and used it to distribute and receive sexually explicit images of minors.
Both the use of the internet and the possession of an unapproved device were violations of Wallace’s federal supervised release conditions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
“This defendant’s decision to seek out images depicting the horrific sexual abuse of children immediately after his release from federal prison is shocking, though not surprising. It demonstrates a reckless disregard for the laws designed to keep our communities safe from predators like him,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The serious federal prison sentence imposed here reflects our office’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and ensuring that those who violate the terms of their release face serious consequences.”
“Michael Wallace already did federal time for child‑exploitation crimes, and even after his release, he went right back to the same behavior while under federal supervision,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “He hid his online activity and used social media to keep circulating sexually explicit material involving children. That shows a total disregard for the law and for the kids who were victimized. The FBI and our partners will keep going after people who traffic in this material, and we will hold repeat offenders accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood
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Pine Ridge Man Convicted After Trial of Federal Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Clayton High Wolf, Jr., age 41, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on August 20, 2026.
The charge for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a $10 million dollar fine, at least five years up to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
High Wolf, Jr. was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. The investigation determined that beginning in October 2024, High Wolf, Jr. worked with numerous individuals to sell methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to end-users. During the investigation, law enforcement agents arrested High Wolf, Jr. following a high-speed pursuit through residential streets in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. When he was caught, officers discovered High Wolf, Jr. in possession of 90 grams of methamphetamine destined for further distribution.
“The conviction of this methamphetamine dealer distributing that poison on the Pine Ridge Reservation will improve public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Our federal prosecutors and their teams do incredible work and are dedicated to the mission of trying to ensure that every community in South Dakota is as safe as it can possibly be.”
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation will be ordered, and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pills Sold on Social Media, Overdose Result in Lengthy Sentence for Maryland ManRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christion Sayyid Gill, 27, of Hagerstown, Maryland was sentenced today to more than 17 years in federal prison for his role in a business that was selling fentanyl-laced pills online, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
“Fentanyl is deadly, and in this case, it nearly killed two teenagers,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Parents, talk to your kids about the dangers of buying pills online—counterfeit pills often look exactly like real prescription medication. And to anyone considering a scheme like this, law enforcement will find you and bring you to justice.”
Christion Sayyid Gill, sentenced to 210 months, and his codefendant built what investigators described as a highly organized digital drug marketplace. Working alongside his co-defendants, they used platforms like Telegram, Instagram, Snapchat, Signal, and Linktree to advertise and sell counterfeit pills designed to look like Oxycodone. Behind the polished online presence, however, the pills were laced with fentanyl.
The danger of the scheme became clear when officers in Frederick, Maryland, responded to a suspected overdose involving two juvenile females. The blue pills found at the scene—later confirmed to contain fentanyl—were traced back to the scheme and a codefendant who travelled from Martinsburg, West Virginia to deliver the drugs. From a Hagerstown, Maryland base of operation, they arranged online orders and traveled throughout the tristate area to deliver drugs directly to customers.
A search of Christion Sayyid Gill’s home revealed the scope of the operation. Investigators seized more than 20 grams of fentanyl, nearly four pounds of methamphetamine, 146 grams of cocaine, two firearms, and $49,950 in cash—a snapshot of a drug business built for volume.
Jayden Gill, 22, was convicted in November 2025 and is currently serving a 260-month federal sentence for his role in the scheme. A third defendant, Jamil Nicholas Gardner, 33, of Baltimore, is awaiting trial and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the United States Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; and multiple Maryland law enforcement agencies including the Brunswick Police Department, Frederick City Police, Maryland State Police, Hagerstown Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.
Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Persistent Violator: Alien Admits Third Illegal Entry into AmericaRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Reginaldo Nunes Dos Santos, 49, of Brazil, pled guilty Tuesday, July 28, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and James P. D’Amato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector made the announcement.
Dos Santos had been arrested two previous times for entering the United States illegally. Most recently, he was arrested in Texas in 2019 and was subsequently deported in 2020.
On June 11, 2026, Dos Santos was arrested after a traffic stop near Watertown, New York.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “The United States is a nation of opportunity, and we welcome those who follow our laws and pursue legal pathways to build a life here. This defendant chose a very different path, illegally entering our country three separate times. After being arrested and deported under the first Trump Administration, he later used the prior administration’s immigration failures to return, placing the financial burden of his unlawful behavior on hardworking taxpayers. Now, under the current Trump Administration, he has once again been arrested for violating our immigration laws. His repeated disregard for U.S. law has resulted in a federal prison sentence, after which he will be deported. Let this be a clear reminder: those who continually violate our nation’s immigration laws will face American justice and be subject to deportation.”
“Through intelligence-driven targeting and coordinated enforcement efforts, agents from the Wellesley Island Station arrested a repeat immigration law violator in Watertown, NY. The agents of the U.S. Border Patrol will continue to remain vigilant, alert, and always ready to protect our borders and secure our homeland,” said James P. D’Amato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector.
United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi sentenced Dos Santos to two months’ imprisonment. Following his sentence, Dos Santos is subject to deportation.
United States Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whalen prosecuted the case.
Orleans Parish Men Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On August 13, 2026, LAQUAN GRANT (“GRANT”), age 32, and DEMOND SMITH, (“SMITH”), age 28, both of Orleans Parish, were indicted in a four-count indictment, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
Count One charged GRANT AND SMITH with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). Count Two charged GRANT AND SMITH with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count Three and Count Four charged SMITH AND GRANT, respectively, with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to the indictment, on or about March 19, 2026, GRANT AND SMITH did intentionally possess, with intent to distribute, a quantity of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, and Tapentadol, a Schedule II controlled substance, while in possession of firearms, to further their drug trafficking enterprise. SMITH, knowing that he had prior felony convictions in Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana in 2022, did knowingly possess a firearm, specifically, a Cobra Model CB38, .38 caliber pistol, and ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were in and affected interstate commerce.
GRANT knowing that he had prior felony convictions in Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana did knowingly possess a firearm, specifically, a Glock Model 19X, nine-millimeter caliber pistol, and ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were in and affected interstate commerce.
GRANT is also charged with a sentencing allegation, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(e)(1), because the offenses for which he was previously convicted, described in Count Four, are violent felonies and serious drug offenses committed on occasions different from one another.
If convicted of Count One, GRANT AND SMITH face up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count Two, GRANT AND SMITH face five (5) years up to life imprisonment, imposed consecutively to any other sentence, a fine up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count Three and Count Four, SMITH AND GRANT, respectively, face up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee. GRANT also faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment under Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(e)(1).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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Orleans Parish Man Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On August 7, 2026, CALIV THORNTON (“THORNTON”), age 19, a resident of Orleans Parish, was indicted in a two-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced, United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about February 25 and March 2, 2026, WALKER, knowing that he had been previously convicted of felony crimes, did knowingly possess a firearm, specifically, a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber pistol.
If convicted of Counts One and Two, THORNTON faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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Operation Clean Sweep III Indicts 39 Child Predators and Checked 887 Registered Sex Offenders for ComplianceRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. Attorney Chris Nassar announced that law enforcement has indicted 39 defendants, and several others have been identified and remain under investigation after the launch of Operation Clean Sweep III in March.
Operation Clean Sweep III (operation) aims to hold child predators accountable throughout the Northern District of Oklahoma. This operation is partnered with the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force (TACETT), created by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). More than 25 federal, state, and tribal law enforcement partners helped prevent, identify, investigate, and ultimately prosecute child exploitation.
From March 2026 through August 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office received referrals from eight of the 11 counties within the Northern District of Oklahoma. Sixty-six cases were opened for investigation. To date, 39 defendants have either been charged by Complaint or Indicted, with the remaining still under investigation. Of the 39 defendants charged, 26 were charged with possessing child sexual abuse material, eight were charged with producing child sexual abuse material, and nine were charged with coercion and enticement for using phones and applications to target minor children. Most importantly, 21 minor children have been identified and separated from the defendants. This number does not represent the children in the child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement agencies will partner with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to identify those children.
From January 2026 through August 2026, NCMEC sent 8,621 CyberTips to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations – Internet Crimes Against Children (OSBI-ICAC) unit. Of those CyberTips, 2,086 cases were opened for investigation. Law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Oklahoma received 586 cases for further investigation.
During this operation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office, and the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service conducted compliance checks on those required to register as sex offenders in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) provides a comprehensive set of standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. In total, law enforcement checked 887 individuals in 10 of the 11 counties within the Northern District of Oklahoma. Investigators found that 34 individuals were not compliant with SORNA standards.
“Clean Sweep III is ending as an operation; however, the cases are not,” said U.S. Attorney Chris Nassar. “Investigations and prosecutions will continue on every open matter that has not yet been charged. The team that built this operation is not standing down. The experience, the relationships, and the enforcement effort will continue. We will keep bringing child predators to justice in the Northern District of Oklahoma.”
Operation Clean Sweep III was led by U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Hockenbury, George Jiang, Kate Brandon, Michele Hulgaard, Jessica Wright, Stacey Todd, Jack Osborn, Augustus Forster, Stephanie Ihler, Blithe Craves, and Chris Kelly also assisted in the operation. The law enforcement who participated in the operation are personnel from the Homeland Security Investigations – Tulsa office, the FBI, Tulsa Police Department, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Bixby Police Department, the Glenpool Police Department, the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Oologah Police Department, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, the Skiatook Police Department, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Bristow Police Department, the Pryor Police Department, the Owasso Police Department, the Bartlesville Police Department, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations.
If you or someone you know is a victim of child exploitation, confidential help is available. Resources and contact information for child exploitation are available through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
North Carolina Man Who Sought Murder-for-Hire Plot Sentenced to over 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Xin Guang Guo, 48, of Plymouth, North Carolina, was sentenced this afternoon to 188 months in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III for his effort to pay another individual $30,000 to kill two people residing in the Philadelphia area.
The defendant was arrested on a criminal complaint and warrant in October of last year, charged by indictment the same month, and pleaded guilty in April to two counts of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on September 30, 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) received information that the defendant wanted to contract a hitman to murder his former business partner and the business partner’s paramour (“Person-1” and “Person-2”).
Investigators received copies of text messages written by the defendant, whom they were able to identify as Xin Guang Guo, detailing his plan and providing identifying information about Person-1 and Person-2.
In subsequent phone calls monitored by the ATF, Guo discussed the terms of the contract, in which he would pay $15,000 for each murder. Guo also arranged to meet an individual he thought was the hitman in Philadelphia on October 6, so Guo could give him $2,500 to buy a gun.
At the October 6 meeting, the defendant gave the $2,500 to an ATF undercover officer and requested photographic proof that Person-1 and Person-2 had been murdered before he would pay the remaining balance. The agreement was made, Guo departed in his vehicle, and shortly thereafter was arrested by the ATF without incident.
“The defendant orchestrated the death of two people,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “It does not matter whether you pull the trigger or pay someone else to do it. It also does not matter that, in this case, the plan failed. Anyone who takes action to take the life of another faces a lengthy stay in federal prison.”
“Xin Guang Guo thought he could get away with paying a killer to commit two murders for him, and even wanted photos of the bloody crime,” said ATF Philadelphia Field Division Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree. “Our ATF Special Agents caught him cash-in-hand, and now he’s going to prison for a long time for his insidious crime.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda McCool.
New York Man Sentenced for Bank Fraud Conspiracy Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A New York man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for conspiring to commit bank fraud.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Yongliang Deng, 35, to time-served (approximately one day) in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Deng was also ordered to pay restitution. Deng pleaded guilty on January 21, 2026.
According to court records, Deng provided his personal information and government-issued identification documentation to a co-defendant, who used Deng’s information to apply for and obtain a residential mortgage loan from a Maine bank to buy a residence in Eddington. Deng obtained the mortgage by misrepresenting that he would occupy and use the property as his primary residence. During an interview with federal agents, Deng admitted that the Eddington property was an investment property that had been rented out, and that he had never resided there. The property was instead used to illegally cultivate marijuana.
Neither Deng nor any property associated with the conspiracy was licensed through the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.
The FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated the case, with assistance provided by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Maine HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; HSI; DEA; IRS-Criminal Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Border Patrol; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and Transportation Security Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine.
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Netarts Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Netarts, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
Ciedric Royce Broussard, 42, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 20, 2023, Tillamook County deputies and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers responded to a disturbance after Broussard threatened a victim with a firearm. Broussard refused to exit the home. After a standoff in the bathroom, law enforcement officers arrested Broussard. Law enforcement officers also recovered a gun with a fully loaded 31-round magazine. In total, 108 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the residence.
Broussard was initially charged in Tillamook County and was released the following day.
On April 4, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Broussard with felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition. On December 4, 2024, Broussard pleaded guilty to both charges.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis Burkhart.
Modesto Man Sentenced to 37.5 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jacob Jacobsen, 31, of Modesto, was sentenced today to 37.5 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the sexual exploitation of minors and receipt of child sexual abuse images. Jacobsen will also be required to pay special assessments of $25,000 and to forfeit devices used in committing the crimes, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant Announced.
According to court documents, the mother of a 13-year-old girl in Memphis, TN, informed law enforcement that someone, later identified as Jacobsen, had been communicating with the minor through Snapchat. Investigators executed numerous search warrants and discovered that Jacobsen had contacted dozens of minor females while using the Snapchat screen names “trippinj” and “treydawgg2000.” Jacobsen often purported to be 16 or 17 years old when communicating with the victims and soliciting sexually explicit photographs and videos. Jacobsen admitted to investigators that he had been obtaining sexually explicit images of minor females for more than five years prior to his arrest.
Jacobsen pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025.
“Jacobsen preyed upon some of the most vulnerable members of our society for years. Now, thanks to the quick thinking of a Tennessee mother, and the swift and decisive action of our law enforcement partners and prosecution team, this significant sentence will ensure the public is protected from this child sexual predator for decades to come,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
The FBI Nashville Field Office, Memphis Resident Agency, and the FBI Sacramento, Ripon Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa 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.justice.gov/psc.
Medicare Advantage Provider Monogram Health Agrees to Pay $2.4M to Settle False Claims Act SuitRead the Press Release
Monogram Health Professional Services PC and Monogram Health Inc., (Monogram Health), headquartered in Tennessee, have agreed to pay $2.4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes in order to increase payments that they received from the Medicare Advantage program.
“When companies submit false diagnosis codes, they unlawfully exploit a system built to support vulnerable seniors,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement reinforces the Department’s commitment to protecting taxpayer money and ensuring that Medicare Advantage payments are based on accurate information.”
“When it comes to how federal money is being spent, taxpayers deserve to know that this Justice Department is looking out for them,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “My office will continue to work to ensure that money for public health programs is spent how it’s intended, as today’s settlement shows.”
“Health care companies that seek to inflate profits by inaccurately reporting the medical conditions of Medicare Advantage enrollees will be held accountable,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “This settlement underscores HHS‑OIG’s commitment to protecting the integrity of taxpayer‑funded federal health care programs. Medicare Advantage exists to deliver medically necessary care to beneficiaries, not to serve as a vehicle for improper financial gain.”
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To calculate the payment amounts, CMS uses a health-based risk adjustment model — the Hierarchical Conditions Category (HCC) model — that takes into account diagnoses reported by healthcare providers.
In general, the more severe the diagnosis or costly the associated treatment, the higher the risk score and the higher the corresponding payments to the MAO. The diagnoses must be supported by the medical record of a face-to-face visit between a patient and a provider, and for outpatient visits, must have required or affected patient care, treatment, or management at the visit.
Monogram provides in-home care and related services to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MA Plans pursuant to contracts with certain MAOs. Under these contracts, Monogram was eligible to be paid more by the MAOs if the beneficiaries in its care had higher risk scores because the MAO received higher payments from CMS for those beneficiaries. These risk sharing arrangements gave Monogram a financial incentive to submit additional diagnosis codes in order to increase its patients’ risk scores and the corresponding payments made by CMS.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, during the period from Jan, 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2023, Monogram knowingly submitted diagnosis codes within the following four HCCs that were not clinically accurate, not supported by documentation in the beneficiary’s medical records, and/or did not require or affect patient care, treatment or management: HCC 21 (Protein-Calorie Malnutrition), HCC 55 (Substance Use Disorder); HCC 48 (Coagulation Defects and Other Specified Hematological Disorders), and HCC 88 (Angina Pectoris). The submission of these diagnosis codes resulted in false claims that inflated the risk scores of the Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, thereby causing CMS to make higher capitated payments to the MAOs than it would have paid without these diagnosis codes.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Ajay Gupta, a physician formerly employed by Monogram. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Dr. Gupta will receive approximately $380,000 as his share of the recovery in this case. The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Dr. Ajay Gupta v. Monogram Health Professional Services, et. al., Case No. 2:22-cv-08758 MWF-JCx (C.D. Cal.).
Monogram received credit under the Department of Justice’s guidelines in Justice Manual § 4-4.112 for taking cooperation into account in cases involving False Claims Act allegations.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was investigated by Fraud Section Attorney Jennifer Cook and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter B. Thomson for the Central District of California.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: This release has been updated from a previous version
Medicare Advantage Provider Monogram Health Agrees to Pay $2.4 Million to Settle False Claims Act LawsuitRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Monogram Health Professional Services PC and Monogram Health Inc., headquartered in Tennessee, have agreed to pay $2.4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes to increase payments that they received from the Medicare Advantage program.
“When it comes to how federal money is being spent, taxpayers deserve to know that this Justice Department is looking out for them,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “My office will continue to work to ensure that money for public health programs is spent how it’s intended, as today’s settlement shows.”
“When companies submit false diagnosis codes, they unlawfully exploit a system built to support vulnerable seniors,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement reinforces the Department’s commitment to protecting taxpayer money and ensuring that Medicare Advantage payments are based on accurate information.”
“Health care companies that seek to inflate profits by inaccurately reporting the medical conditions of Medicare Advantage enrollees will be held accountable,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “This settlement underscores HHS‑OIG’s commitment to protecting the integrity of taxpayer‑funded federal health care programs. Medicare Advantage exists to deliver medically necessary care to beneficiaries, not to serve as a vehicle for improper financial gain.”
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary.
In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To calculate the payment amounts, CMS uses a health-based risk adjustment model — the Hierarchical Conditions Category (HCC) model — that considers diagnoses reported by healthcare providers.
In general, the more severe the diagnosis or costly the associated treatment, the higher the risk score and the higher the corresponding payments to the MAO. The diagnoses must be supported by the medical record of a face-to-face visit between a patient and a provider, and for outpatient visits, must have required or affected patient care, treatment, or management at the visit.
Monogram provides in-home care and related services to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MA Plans pursuant to contracts with certain MAOs. Under these contracts, Monogram was eligible to be paid more by the MAOs if the beneficiaries in its care had higher risk scores because the MAO received higher payments from CMS for those beneficiaries. These risk sharing arrangements gave Monogram a financial incentive to submit additional diagnosis codes to increase its patients’ risk scores and the corresponding payments made by CMS.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, during the period from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023, Monogram knowingly submitted diagnosis codes within the following four HCCs that were not clinically accurate, not supported by documentation in the beneficiary’s medical records, and/or did not require or affect patient care, treatment or management: HCC 21 (Protein-Calorie Malnutrition), HCC 55 (Substance Use Disorder); HCC 48 (Coagulation Defects and Other Specified Hematological Disorders), and HCC 88 (Angina Pectoris).
The submission of these diagnosis codes resulted in false claims that inflated the risk scores of the Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, thereby causing CMS to make higher capitated payments to the MAOs than it would have paid without these diagnosis codes.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Ajay Gupta, a physician formerly employed by Monogram. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Dr. Gupta will receive approximately $380,000 as his share of the recovery in this case. The lawsuit is captioned United States of America ex rel. Dr. Ajay Gupta v. Monogram Health Professional Services, et. al., Case No. 2:22-cv-08758 MWF-JCx (C.D. Calif.).
Monogram received credit under the Department of Justice’s guidelines in Justice Manual § 4-4.112 for taking cooperation into account in cases involving False Claims Act allegations.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was investigated by Assistant United States Attorney Hunter B. Thomson of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Justice Department Fraud Section Attorney Jennifer Cook.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Mason City Woman Sentenced to More than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tina Smith, age 46, from Mason City, was sentenced August 18, 2026, to more than 11 years in federal prison, after an April 17, 2026, guilty plea to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Evidence in the case revealed between March 6, 2024, through at least September 6, 2024, Smith, and others, were involved in an ongoing conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine around the Mason City area. Law enforcement utilized a confidential source to purchase methamphetamine from Smith on 7 different occasions.
Smith was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 136 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Smith is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3065.
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Justice Department Sues Ohio Landlord for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Against Female TenantsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Alfred Falgiani Jr., 72, of Girard, Ohio, the owner and manager of rental properties located in and around Girard, Ohio, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges that Falgiani sexually harassed female tenants beginning in 2008. According to the complaint, Falgiani offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, subjected female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping, and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances.
“When landlords exploit their position of power to harass or intimidate tenants, they violate the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who abuse vulnerable residents and will work tirelessly to ensure that tenants can live free from sexual harassment and coercion.”
“No one should have to live in fear of a landlord making highly inappropriate advances,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Housing owners and managers who engage in loathsome behavior and infringe on a person’s right to feel secure in their own home will face justice.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Alfred Falgiani, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, should contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291 (press 1 for English, press 2 for Sexual Harassment, then press 4 to leave a message related to Alfred Falgiani), or send an email to Talk.Falgiani@usdoj.gov. Individuals may also submit a report online.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. This lawsuit is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, which the department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 54 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $19 million for victims of such harassment.
Justice Department Sues Ohio Landlord for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Against Female TenantsRead the Press Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the owner and manager of rental properties located in and around Girard, Ohio, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges that Alfred Falgiani, Jr., 72, of Girard, sexually harassed female tenants beginning in 2008. According to the complaint, Falgiani offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, subjected female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping, and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances.
“Everyone deserves a home where they feel safe and protected. When landlords exploit their position of power to harass or intimidate tenants, they violate both the law and the basic dignity that housing should provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who abuse vulnerable residents and will work tirelessly to ensure that tenants can live free from sexual harassment and coercion.”
“No one should have to live in fear of a landlord making highly inappropriate advances,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Housing owners and managers who engage in loathsome behavior and infringe on a person’s right to feel secure in their own home will face justice.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Alfred Falgiani, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, should contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291 (press 1 for English, press 2 for Sexual Harassment, then press 4 to leave a message related to Alfred Falgiani), or send an email to Talk.Falgiani@usdoj.gov. Individuals may also submit a report online.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. This lawsuit is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, which the department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 54 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $19 million for victims of such harassment.