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24 August 2026
Felon Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing “Machine Gun” in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A felon has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a machine gun in Chicago.
On Sept. 12, 2025, ANTONIO LUKES possessed a handgun equipped with a “Glock switch” conversion device that made the firearm capable of firing in fully automatic mode. Lukes was standing next to an empty vehicle near Jackson Boulevard and Western Avenue on the West Side of Chicago with the firearm concealed in his waistband. As Chicago Police officers drove by Lukes in their squad car, the firearm fell out of his waistband to his feet. Lukes ran from the officers but was arrested after a brief chase. Lukes had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Lukes, 40, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. On Aug. 17, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman sentenced Lukes to 28 months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The investigation was conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago. The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement partnership that focuses exclusively on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders who utilize firearms in commission of their crimes in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois. Every firearm-related case in Chicago is processed through the CGIC on a daily basis.
“Defendant’s crime is a serious one,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Skiba argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The Glock that defendant possessed that night was no ordinary firearm. The switch made a dangerous weapon even more dangerous still.”
Federal Jury in Chicago Convicts Engineer of Unlawfully Stealing Trade Secrets from Philips Medical Systems on Behalf of Chinese CompetitorRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a former engineer at Philips Medical Systems of conspiring to steal Philips’ trade secrets and bring them to a Chinese competitor.
CHIH-YEE JEN worked as an engineer at Philips’ facility in Aurora, Ill., where employees researched, developed, and manufactured X-ray tubes used in computed tomography (CT) medical imaging machines. Through its Dunlee brand, Philips spent years developing proprietary X-ray technology and selling various devices to medical facilities. In 2017, as Philips prepared to close the facility in Aurora, China-based KUNSHAN GUOLI ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. and a Kunshan GuoLi vice president, XIAOQIN DU, began communicating with Jen about creating a U.S. subsidiary for Kunshan GuoLi to help it compete with Philips in developing, manufacturing, and selling X-ray tubes. While still employed at Philips, Jen began sharing confidential Philips documents with Kunshan GuoLi and Du and successfully recruited multiple Philips engineers to join him at the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary. Jen copied Philips’ proprietary X-ray trade secret information from internal Philips databases and used the stolen information in connection with his new work developing the technology for the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary.
After a week-long trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the jury on Friday convicted Jen, 71, of Mequon, Wisc., of both counts against him, including conspiracy to steal, misappropriate, or possess trade secrets and possession or attempted possession of stolen trade secrets. U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang set Jen’s sentencing for Jan. 5, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.
The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ramon Villalpando and Michael Maione.
“The theft of proprietary information is a serious economic crime that harms American jobs and stifles critically important research and development driving the future of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “When individuals, corporate entities, or nation states steal proprietary information, they are threatening our country’s technological edge. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute trade secret theft to protect innovation, ensure fair competition, and safeguard national economic security.”
“The FBI and our prosecutorial partners are relentless in combatting trade secret theft and holding accountable those who seek to compromise private sector innovation and the safety of our nation,” said FBI Acting SAC Whalen. “As detailed throughout the trial, Jen's conspiracy to steal, misappropriate, or possess trade secrets and his possession of stolen trade secrets shows a blatant disregard for his former employer's proprietary information and America's security. This conviction reaffirms that the theft of trade secrets will be thoroughly investigated and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Two other former Philips engineers—FINCE TENDIAN, 57, of Aurora, Ill., and VLADIMIR NEVTONENKO, 77, of Arlington Heights, Ill.—pleaded guilty prior to trial and admitted possessing stolen trade secrets. Judge Chang scheduled Nevtonenko’s sentencing for Dec. 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and Tendian’s sentencing for Dec. 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Du, 64, of Suzhou, China, Kunshan GuoLi, and a related Chinese company, KUNSHAN YIYUAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD., were also indicted in the case. They were placed on the Court’s Fugitive Calendar and have not been arraigned.
Federal Jury in Chicago Convicts Engineer for Stealing Trade Secrets from Philips Medical Systems on Behalf of Chinese CompetitorRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Chicago convicted a former engineer at Philips Medical Systems Friday of conspiring to steal Philips’ trade secrets and bring them to a Chinese competitor.
“The theft of proprietary information is a serious economic crime that harms American jobs and stifles critically important research and development driving the future of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “When individuals, corporate entities, or nation states steal proprietary information, they are threatening our country’s technological edge. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute trade secret theft to protect innovation, ensure fair competition, and safeguard national economic security.”
“Jen acted at the expense of his U.S. employer by stealing closely guarded x-ray technology trade secrets for the benefit of a Chinese competitor,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “Protecting America’s private sector companies is a priority for the FBI, and this conviction underscores our commitment to defend the homeland. Know that if you choose to steal trade secrets, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.”
Chih-Yee Jen, 71, of Mequon, Wisconsin, worked as an engineer at Philips’ facility in Aurora, Illinois, where employees researched, developed, and manufactured X-ray tubes used in computed tomography (CT) medical imaging machines. Through its Dunlee brand, Philips spent years developing proprietary X-ray technology and selling various devices to medical facilities. In 2017, as Philips prepared to close the facility in Aurora, China-based Kunshan GuoLi Electronic Technology Co Ltd. and a Kunshan GuoLi vice president, Xiaoqin Du, began communicating with Jen about creating a U.S. subsidiary for Kunshan GuoLi to help it compete with Philips in developing, manufacturing, and selling X-ray tubes. While still employed at Philips, Jen began sharing confidential Philips documents with Kunshan GuoLi and Du and successfully recruited multiple Philips engineers to join him at the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary. Jen copied Philips’ proprietary X-ray trade secret information from internal Philips databases and used the stolen information in connection with his new work developing the technology for the Kunshan GuoLi subsidiary.
After a week-long trial, Jen was convicted of both counts against him, including conspiracy to steal, misappropriate, or possess trade secrets and possession or attempted possession of stolen trade secrets. U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang set Jen’s sentencing for Jan. 5, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.
Two other former Philips engineers — Fince Tendian, 57, of Aurora, Illinois, and Vladimir Nevtonenko, 77, of Arlington Heights, Illinois — pleaded guilty prior to trial and admitted possessing stolen trade secrets. Judge Chang scheduled Nevtonenko’s sentencing for Dec. 1 at 10:00 a.m., and Tendian’s sentencing for Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Du, 64, of Suzhou, China, Kunshan GuoLi, and a related Chinese company, Kunshan Yiyuan Medical Technology Co. Ltd., were also indicted in the case. They were placed on the court’s Fugitive Calendar and have not been arraigned.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ramon Villalpando and Michael Maione for the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Massachusetts Resident for Attempting to Sex Traffic a Minor at a Manchester HotelRead the Press Release
CONCORD – After a 4-day trial, a Haverhill, Massachusetts man was found guilty by a federal jury of attempting to sex traffic a 12-year-old as part of a proactive federal and local law enforcement operation that took place in November of 2024, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Sharath Chandra Bollu, age 25, was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. United States Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott ordered Bollu detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for November 24, 2026.
On November 14, 2024, in a proactive law enforcement operation, agents posted and monitored an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex. The advertisement contained images of what appeared to be two minor females, and a contact phone number. Law enforcement agents monitored this line and used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Bollu. During a text conversation and several phone calls between an undercover agent and Bollu, the agent stated that a 12-year-old girl was available to perform sex acts in exchange for money. Bollu communicated with the number from November 14 into the evening of November 15, 2024. He then traveled to a hotel in Manchester, which was the designated location for the commercial sex date. He brought condoms and $100 in cash to the hotel.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo and Charles Rombeau are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Employee of LAX Service Provider Charged in Federal Complaint with Possessing 11 Kilograms of Fentanyl in Men’s Bathroom at AirportRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An employee of a service provider working at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and a fellow South Bay resident have been arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint with possessing a bag containing approximately 11 kilograms (24.3 pounds) of fentanyl in an airport bathroom, where it was to be taken and transported on a Minnesota-bound flight, the Justice Department announced today.
Miguel Angel Tuz-Noh, 24, of Lennox, who works at LAX, and Anthony Olvera, 23, also of Lennox, are charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Both defendants were arrested on August 19 and made their initial appearances on August 21 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered each of them released on $10,000 bond. Their arraignments are scheduled for September 17.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Tuz-Noh is an LAX employee whom law enforcement believes has ties to a drug trafficking organization. On August 19, law enforcement observed Tuz-Noh and Olvera attempt to exchange narcotics in a men’s bathroom at one of the airport’s terminals.
Soon afterward, law enforcement detained both defendants and opened a duffle bag Olvera had carried. Inside the duffle bag were 10 brick-type packages containing a total of approximately 11 kilograms of fentanyl. Law enforcement believes Olvera had agreed to fly with the fentanyl to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
A criminal complaint contains merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, the defendants would each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Los Angeles Airport Police are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kent M. Walters of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Drug Trafficker Will Spend Next 24 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Bernard Coles, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 292 months in federal prison for trafficking dangerous drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Coles, also known as “Pay Day,” and “Him Him,” 39, sold methamphetamine and cocaine on multiple occasions in Harrison County. During a search of his residence, investigators seized more than 150 grams of fentanyl, a stolen 9mm Glock pistol, 9mm ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. The firearm and ammunition were found hidden inside air vents.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Department of Justice Announces Launch of National Fraud Detection Center to Combat Fraud Against Taxpayer-Funded ProgramsRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the launch of the National Fraud Detection Center (NFDC), a prosecutor-led, multi-agency team designed to investigate the most harmful actors defrauding federal government programs, including illicit actors overseas and those operating fraud schemes across federal programs. The NFDC will bring together law enforcement agencies and analytical capabilities to generate criminal leads to drive more impactful prosecutions and enhance fraud-fighting results for the American people.
“The creation of the NFDC marks a decisive shift in how the federal government detects and investigates complex fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “By breaking down institutional silos, embedding analysts from across the IG community, and leveraging shared technology, the NFDC is actively closing the window of opportunity for bad actors who seek to exploit taxpayer dollars. Today’s announcement sends a clear message: if you defraud federal programs, we have the tools and the law enforcement partners to find you.”
The NFDC solves for a lack of cross-program visibility that has long hindered efforts to deter fraud on taxpayer-funded programs and has enabled some fraud actors to further perpetrate schemes across multiple taxpayer-funded programs without detection. The NFDC closes this gap by bringing partners across federal and state government together to break down silos and work collaboratively in a whole-of-government approach to eliminate fraud.
The NFDC’s success relies directly on the collaborative strength of our partners across federal and state government. The inaugural members of the NFDC include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, FinCEN, the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, the Treasury Department, and the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Department of War Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Small Business Administration, and Social Security Administration. The NFDC presents a unified front to identify fraud across agencies and prosecute the most nefarious criminals, domestic and abroad.
The Department also extends its sincere gratitude to our state partners whose efforts further power the NFDC. We proudly acknowledge the leadership and contributions of the Secretaries of State of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and South Carolina; the State Treasurers of Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, and South Carolina; and the South Carolina Department of Social Services. These partnerships strengthen our capacity to detect fraud and protect taxpayer dollars.
This Fraud Division initiative is being led by Acting Assistant Director Amanda Riedel of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and Acting Chief Cody Matthew Herche of the Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement Section.
For more information on the Department’s anti-fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/fraud.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the 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.
Chinese National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 94 Kilograms of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Chinese National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 94 Kilograms of Marijuana
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Wenjian Zhuo, age 32, a Chinese national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was sentenced July 28, 2026, to 27 months in prison for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute it. Zhuo was convicted by a jury after a two-day trial in federal court in Syracuse in February.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement.
Evidence presented during the two-day trial proved that on January 22, 2025, Zhuo drove from New York City to the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation where his van was loaded with 94 kilograms (approximately 207 pounds) of marijuana. Zhuo began to transport the marijuana back to New York City where he intended to deliver it when Border Patrol pulled him over and seized the marijuana.
“Our partners at the U.S. Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration are working tirelessly to protect our nation and to crack down on those who traffic illegal drugs into our country,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “This prison sentence reaffirms this administration’s commitment to stopping the flow of dangerous drugs along our northern border — and it delivers a clear message: if you push illegal substances into our communities, we will identify you, we will prosecute you, and you will face justice for your actions. Following this sentence, the Department of Homeland Security will be able to pursue action to revoke Zhuo’s legal status and begin the process of deportation. Legal immigrants who violate our laws and put Americans at risk are subject to review and potential revocation of their legal status as part of ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message to those individuals who attempt to traffic illegal marijuana across our border, that actions have consequences,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “This defendant traveled hundreds of miles to obtain and transport 94 kilos of marijuana with the intent to distribute it in New York City. The DEA New York Enforcement Division, alongside our U.S. Border Patrol and law enforcement partners, remain steadfast in securing our border and disrupting those drug trafficking individuals and organizations looking to flood our neighborhoods with illegal drugs.”In addition to the 27 months of imprisonment, United States Senior District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered that Zhuo be subject to 3 years of supervised release once released and pay a $5,000 fine.
U.S. Border Patrol and DEA investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.
Chautauqua County man pleads guilty to production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andrew Klos, 21, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Between August 2021 and May 2024, Klos communicated with a minor victim online. In May 2024, utilizing an online chat application, he coerced the 13-year-old minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, specifically describing the images he wanted. The minor victim, at Klos’s direction, produced and sent the images to him via the internet. A search of Klos’s cell phone recovered the images of the minor victim. In addition, Klos also enticed her to produce images of her minor sibling for his gratification.
During the investigation, Klos admitted to investigators that he engaged in multiple online relationships with other minor females, via internet chat websites or social media applications. During these communications, Klos engaged in sexually explicit conversations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins. 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Cerro Gordo County Husband & Wife Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Bruce Sogard, age 68, from Jewell, was sentenced July 1, 2026, to more than 8 years in federal prison, after a February 12, 2026, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Cheryl Zeien Sogard, age 63, from Mason City, was sentenced August 18, 2026, to more than 4 years in federal prison, after an April 20, 2026, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence in the case revealed that between January 2025, and continuing to at least September 20, 2025, Sogard and Zeien were involved in an ongoing methamphetamine distribution conspiracy based in Mason City, Iowa, where the pair were obtaining multiple pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado. Law enforcement also utilized a confidential source to purchase methamphetamine on multiple occasions from Zeien and Sogard. During the execution of a search warrant on the couple’s home, law enforcement located multiple scales, packaging materials, a drug ledger, marijuana, THC gummies, and several firearms.
Sogard and Zeien were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sogard was sentenced to 107 months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Zeien was sentenced to 59 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Sogard and Zeien are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they 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 25-3061.
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California man sentenced to more than 3 years for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A California man who was found with 57 pounds of methamphetamine in his car, among other illicit drugs, was sentenced Thursday to three years and two months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Heriberto Eddie Garcia, 46, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Garcia worked for a drug trafficking organization transporting meth, cocaine, fentanyl, and cash to various western states, including Montana.
In late 2023, law enforcement learned from a source that Garcia was flying from Santa Ana, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, and then driving to Billings with a shipment of illicit drugs. At the direction of the DEA, Montana Highway Patrol troopers pulled Garcia over on Jan. 22, 2024, and with a warrant searched his car. They found 57 pounds of meth and a kilogram of cocaine. In an interview with law enforcement, Garcia said he had been in Des Moines and then South Dakota picking up money. He had travelled to Billings previously to pick up $70,000 for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA conducted the investigation.
Broome County Man Pleads Guilty to Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Bryan Nixon, age 32, of Endicott, New York pled guilty on July 27, 2026, in Syracuse, New York to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Bryan DiGirolamo and Vestal Police Department Chief of Police Vince Stavola, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Nixon admitted that he possessed a loaded handgun in February of 2025 during a vehicle stop by police, subsequently fled, disassembled the handgun during his flight and ultimately struck another vehicle before exiting the roadway and throwing parts of the disassembled firearm into a wooded area. At the time of this offense, Nixon was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law because he had been previously convicted of a felony for attempted robbery.
When he is sentenced by Hon. Brenda K. Sannes on November 24, 2026, Nixon faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
“As alleged, Nixon knowingly possessed a firearm illegally as a previously convicted felon, and when stopped by police, fled in an attempt to evade arrest and discard the firearm,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. “This Administration is committed to cracking down on repeat offenders, and with the help of our partners at the Vestal Police Department and ATF, defendants like Nixon should be on notice: repeat violent offenders carrying deadly weapons will be caught and will be prosecuted.”
Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division ATF Bryan DiGirolamo said, “Convicted felons who choose to illegally possess firearms put our communities at risk and will be held accountable. This guilty plea demonstrates the value of the close partnership between ATF, the Vestal Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Together, we will continue working to reduce violent crime.”
Vestal Police Department Chief of Police Vince Stavola said, “This incident is a prime example of why we continue to work closely with our federal partners to make sure violent offenders are held accountable. Nixon entered the Town of Vestal and put the lives of our residents, motorists, and police officers at risk without hesitation or regard for the consequences of his actions. That was clear when he illegally carried a firearm into our town, menaced a police officer, and fled from a lawful traffic stop, ultimately striking another motorist. Nixon knew what he was doing was illegal, evident by the fact that he tried to destroy evidence by dismantling and concealing the firearm. Thankfully, our federal partners were able to take action stemming from this incident, now he faces up to 15 years in federal prison.”The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Vestal Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Grabowski is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Boyfriend and Girlfriend Plead Guilty to Importing Large Quantity of Ketamine in LuggageRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A boyfriend and girlfriend pleaded guilty today to bringing over 75 pounds of Ketamine in their luggage into the United States from London, England.
“Ketamine is a powerful controlled anesthetic intended strictly for supervised clinical use,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “When weaponized by black-market distribution rings, it becomes an explicit and immediate threat to public safety. Today's guilty pleas underscore our coordinated federal resolve to dismantle synthetic drug pipelines, disrupt international supply lines, and hold distributors fully accountable under federal law.”
“Drug smugglers who attempt to move large quantities of controlled substances through our ports of entry put communities at risk and will be met with a coordinated law enforcement response,” said Jonathan Sherwin, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI Las Vegas. “HSI Las Vegas and our partners will continue to target the individuals and networks importing dangerous drugs into the United States and work to keep those substances from reaching our streets.”
According to court documents, on February 27, 2026, Adam Flores and Nichole Bremenour each had a suitcase that contained 17.9 kilograms of ketamine in large plastic sealed bags. There were 17 bags in Flores’ suitcase, and another 17 bags in Bremenour’s suitcase, with a combined weight of over 78 pounds.
Ketamine, a schedule III controlled substance, is commonly known on the street as Special K. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects and distorts perceptions of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control.
Flores and Bremenour each pleaded guilty to one count of importation of a controlled substance and one-count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Sentencing has been scheduled before U.S. District Judge Cristina D. Silva on December 7, 2026. The total maximum sentence is 10 years’ imprisonment. Any sentence 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.
This case was investigated by HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda Brewer is prosecuting the case.
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Billings man sentenced to prison for posting bonds in exchange for sexRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings bail bondsman who posted bond for an inmate in return for sexual favors was sentenced Wednesday to one year in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Louis Christopher Ikeda, 46, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of racketeering.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Ikeda was using his position as a bail bondsman to leverage sexual favors from at least one female inmate at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility in November and December 2024.
The only way to communicate with county inmates is through the jail’s communication system, which includes text messaging. On. Nov. 18, 2024, Ikeda began texting an inmate who had contracted the services of his bail bond company. Ikeda’s messaging quickly turned sexual, especially when the inmate brought up the topic of her $10,000 bail. The two discussed how much of a bond the inmate would need to pay Ikeda to be released and they finally settled on $300. The conversation then turned sexual in anticipation of her release.
Ikeda posted the inmate’s bail on Dec. 2, 2024, and the two left the county jail together, driving to a secluded area where they had sex. The inmate later described “feeling pressured” into having sex with Ikeda. He always responded to her comments about being released from jail by expressing his desire to have sex with her. She also told investigators she believed her sexual encounter with Ikeda was in exchange for the reduced bond amount.
Following the encounter with the first inmate, Ikeda contacted to two other inmates. He discussed bail with both and those conversations quickly turned sexual. Ultimately, he posted bond for both inmates for less than the required minimum premium amount. Both women later said they believed a sexual relationship with Ikeda was expected in exchange for his posting their bond. However, both were able to evade him after being released from the county jail.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Montana State Auditor, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Department of Corrections conducted the investigation.
Billings man sentenced to over 3 years in prison for possessing stolen gunRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who was found with a stolen gun was sentenced Wednesday to three years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Dalton Cole Hilliard, 28, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a stolen firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Hilliard was found with a stolen gun after he and a partner were spotted in a Heights neighborhood where police were investigating a string of thefts on Dec. 7, 2025. Hilliard was on probation with the Montana Department of Corrections for a previous felony conviction and was wearing a GPS monitor. When investigators tracked the location history of the monitor it showed that Hilliard had been at multiple locations in the Heights and on the same street as one of the thefts.
Billings police visited Hilliard, speaking to him outside his home. He acknowledged to officers that he and his associate had gone through the Heights and stolen numerous items, including a handgun which Hilliard said was in his truck. Officers searched the truck with a warrant and found the gun, along with numerous driver’s licenses, social security cards, vehicle keys, and other stolen items. Officers also learned the truck had been stolen. With a warrant, law enforcement searched Hilliard’s home, where they found a loaded 10 mm magazine for the stolen firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and ATF conducted the investigation.
Billings man sentenced to 20 months in prison for assaulting, injuring girlfriendRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who struck his girlfriend multiple times during an argument was sentenced Wednesday to 20 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Isaiah Shawn-Sam Glenn, 30, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating or intimate partner.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Glenn assaulted his girlfriend while the two were arguing in his vehicle in Lodge Grass on Sept. 21, 2025. Big Horn County Sheriff’s deputies arrived and spoke with the victim, who said Glenn struck her multiple times. She was treated by EMTs and taken to an area hospital, where she was diagnosed with multiple injuries, including bilateral bruising on her neck and scratches on her face.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
Arms Dealer Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Export American Made Ammunition Used in War Against UkraineRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Italian national Manfred Gruber was sentenced by United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez to 18 months in prison for conspiracy to commit export control violations. Gruber pleaded guilty to the charge on March 30, 2026.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and David Peters, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), announced the charges.
“The defendant was held accountable for his scheme to send military‑grade ammunition to Kyrgyzstan before reexporting the ammunition to Russia to support its war effort,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentencing reaffirms that people who illegally divert weapons will be brought to justice.”
“Manfred Gruber's guilty plea reflects our unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export-control laws and protecting national security. His actions undermined federal regulations designed to safeguard our defense materials, and this outcome demonstrates that violations of these laws will be addressed with the utmost seriousness,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
As set forth in court filings, the defendant was the Director of Sales for Italian Company-1, a large wholesale distributor of firearms and ammunition. The defendant served as a key member of an international procurement network for Russia during its war against Ukraine, purchasing ammunition from the United States and reexporting it to Kyrgyzstan in violation of DOC licenses issued to Italian Company-1, which required that the ammunition stay in Italy. The defendant did not apply for, obtain, or possess a license to export or reexport ammunition to Kyrgyzstan.
The defendant illegally exported ammunition worth over $540,000 from the United States to Kyrgyzstan, via companies that the defendant and his co-conspirator controlled in Italy. After reaching Kyrgyzstan, most of this ammunition was subsequently reexported to Russia.
In one example of the defendant’s illegal transactions, U.S. Company-1, headquartered in Nebraska, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company-1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. In violation of the license, the defendant, using a cutout company, Italian Company‑2, reexported U.S. Company-1 ammunition to Sergei Zharnovnikov, an arms dealer from Kyrgyzstan who has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate export controls by sending U.S.-made firearms and ammunition to Russia. A contract found on Zharnovnikov’s phone indicated that he had contracted with a Russian company for ammunition manufactured by U.S. Company-1. Zharnovnikov was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment earlier this year. See United States v. Zharnovnikov, 25‑cr‑45 (HG).
In addition, U.S. Company-2, headquartered in Tennessee, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company‑1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. The defendant exported the ammunition from U.S. Company-2 to Italy, and then reexported the U.S. Company-2 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan.
The defendant was aware that U.S. law prohibited the reexport of U.S. ammunition without further licenses, which he did not obtain. To help the unlawful export scheme succeed, the defendant took steps to disguise the true destination of the ammunition. For example, in encrypted messages on or about September 23, 2023, the defendant and a co-conspirator discussed splitting up a shipment of 100,000 bullets. In the defendant’s words, this was necessary “so it goes unnoticed” by “FBI.”
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise, Tara B. McGrath, and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jessica Spindler.
The Defendant:
MANFRED GRUBER
Age: 61
Ora, ItalyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-61 (HG)
Armed Duo Sentenced to Federal Prison for Carmel CVS RobberyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Two men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy in Carmel, Indiana.
Mikhal Hamilton, 26, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In March, a federal jury found Hamilton guilty of interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
David Washington, 24, of Arcadia, was previously sentenced to 9 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, witness testimony, and surveillance footage presented at trial, on the morning of June 25, 2023, Hamilton and Washington robbed the CVS Pharmacy located at 1424 Rangeline Road in Carmel. During the robbery, Hamilton jumped over the pharmacy counter, pointed a firearm at an employee’s face, and demanded she open the safe. The safe contained various controlled substances in the form of prescription pills. Washington filled bags with pill bottles before both men fled northbound in a blue Chevrolet Impala parked at a nearby restaurant.
Carmel Police officers quickly located the vehicle. Hamilton was seen throwing pill bottles out of the back window as officers chased them and conducted the stop. Inside the car, officers recovered pills, pill bottles, and two handguns.
Hamilton has a lengthy criminal history, including felony convictions for synthetic identity deception and carrying a handgun without a license.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Carmel Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
“Armed robbery is a violent and dangerous crime. It forever changes the lives of the victims who experience fear, anguish, and violence associated with being robbed while trying to earn a living. While the victim may be physically fine, the defendants’ violent actions took away her peace of mind and ability to feel safe in the workplace,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Let these sentences serve as a clear message: those who commit armed robberies in our communities will be met with swift investigation, prosecution, and significant federal prison time.”
“When you point a gun at people during a robbery, someone can get hurt or killed - plain and simple. These guys stormed into a CVS and terrorized employees and customers just to get their hands on drugs. That kind of behavior puts innocent people at risk, and there’s no excuse for it,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Now they’re doing federal time - and that’s exactly what happens when you use a gun to commit a violent crime. The FBI is going to keep working with our partners to find violent offenders and get them off the streets. If you threaten our communities, you’re going to answer for it.”
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Massa and Nate Walter, who prosecuted this case.
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Anchorage businesswoman sentenced to prison for fraudulently obtaining, misusing nearly $1M in COVID-19 relief funds for personal gainRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - An Anchorage businesswoman was sentenced today to 3.8 years in prison for lying on federal loan applications and stealing identities to fraudulently obtain nearly $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
According to court documents, Cheryl Labrie, 39, was the owner of AKBS LLC, doing business as Liberty Tax Service and Alaska’s Bookkeeping Solutions, providing bookkeeping and tax preparation services in Alaska, including for several marijuana businesses. Over the course of more than a year, Labrie applied for and obtained multiple emergency relief loans and advances, totaling nearly $1 million.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided funds to qualifying small businesses to offset the impacts of the pandemic. The two SBA programs relevant to this case are the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The funding for these programs was limited and when it ran out there were thousands of applications from small businesses pending that were never funded.
Between April 2020 and November 2021, Labrie falsified applications and submitted fraudulent IRS documents seeking four loans and two forgiveness applications from the EIDL and PPP programs. She obtained over $970,000 in federal tax-payer dollars through these applications. Labrie falsely certified on her applications that she had never been convicted or pleaded guilty to a crime and had never been placed on pretrial diversion or probation. Labrie had two prior convictions and was on probation when she filed the applications.
She also falsely stated that the funds would be used for business expenses, like payroll relief for AKBS LLC. Instead, Labrie used the fraudulently obtained federal funds for her personal use including purchasing a parcel of land on the hillside and making a downpayment for a personal residence. Labrie also used the relief funds to pay off her prior criminal restitution and other unauthorized debts. To disguise her misuse of federal funds, Labrie co-mingled the funds with cash from her marijuana clients, structured transactions through multiple accounts, and utilized money orders and cashier checks before spending the funds for personal purposes.
Labrie also used the personal identifying information of seven marijuana business employees, without their permission, to falsely claim them as employees of AKBS LLC to obtain funds her business was not eligible to receive.
On Jan. 18, 2024, Labrie was indicted by a federal grand jury on 12 criminal counts. On March 20, 2025, and Feb. 18, 2026, a federal grand jury in Alaska returned superseding indictments against LaBrie, ultimately charging her with seven counts of aggravated identity theft, six counts of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering. On April 13, 2026, Labrie pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
During sentencing, in addition to incarceration, the Court also ordered Labrie to serve three years on supervised release upon completion of her prison sentence. The total loss amount in this case was more than $970,000, and the Court ordered Labrie to pay the total loss amount in full through restitution.
“Ms. Labrie orchestrated an elaborate web of deceit to steal nearly $1 million from the American taxpayers, funds that could have benefited struggling businesses during a national emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Tackling fraud against the American purse is a priority for my office and this administration. We must protect the systems set in place to assist law abiding U.S. citizens in times of need.”
“Lying to gain access to SBA’s pandemic response programs will be met with justice,” said SBA OIG’s Acting Special Agent in Charge, Tim Larson. “OIG will aggressively pursue evidence of fraud against SBA’s programs aimed at assisting the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
The investigation was led by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, with significant assistance from the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, FBI Anchorage Field Office and IRS Criminal Investigation Anchorage Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Steward and Mac Caille Petursson prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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AiNET Corp. and Deepak Jain Agree to Pay $1.8M to Resolve Allegations of Submitting False Claims to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for Data Center ServicesRead the Press Release
AiNET Corp. and its former Chief Executive Officer Deepak Jain have agreed to pay $1,800,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims for data center services provided under a contract with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). AiNET operates a data center in Beltsville, Maryland.
“Those who do business with the government must do so fairly and honestly,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue contractors that knowingly fail to provide required services to federal agencies.”
“Protecting taxpayer dollars is an OIG priority,” said SEC Inspector General Kevin Muhlendorf. “The SEC OIG’s dedicated team of investigators and auditors works tirelessly to hold contractors accountable, and we appreciate our continued partnership with the Department of Justice in that shared endeavor.”
The settlement resolves allegations that AiNET and Deepak Jain fraudulently induced the SEC to enter the contract by falsely certifying that the AiNET data center met at least Tier III standards as defined by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Standards for Data Centers, TIA 942, and as required by the SEC contract. The United States alleged that the AiNET data center failed to comply with Tier III standards and that AiNet and Jain falsely certified to the SEC that experts from an entity called UpTime Council had inspected the data center and determined it was Tier IV, as defined by TIA 942. The United States alleged that these certifications were false because UpTime Council was not an operating company and never inspected the AiNET data center.
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 SEC, Office of the Inspector General. Senior Trial Attorney Greg Pearson of the Fraud Section handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
21 August 2026
West Virginia Man Found Guilty of Coercion and Enticement of Minor and Interstate Travel to Engage in Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A West Virginia man was found guilty on two federal charges at the conclusion of a three-day jury trial that concluded on August 20, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger and Matthew Reidell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of HSI Gulfport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Joshua Timothy Radcliffe, 43, of Charleston, West Virginia, used the internet and a cellular phone to coerce and entice a minor child in Mississippi to engage in sexual activity. Testimony during the trial established that Radcliffe traveled from West Virginia to Mississippi to meet the 15-year-old minor. Testimony and evidence further established that Radcliffe sent thousands of sexually explicit messages and coerced the minor to engage in sexual activity.
In November 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Radcliffe for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct.
Radcliffe’s sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2026. He faces a minimum penalty of not less than 10 years, and a maximum penalty up to life and is currently being held in federal custody.
“Protecting children from predators is one of the highest priorities of the Department of Justice. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who abuse our children and seek the toughest penalties authorized by law,” said United States Attorney Baxter Kruger.
“Individuals who hold positions of public trust are expected to protect the vulnerable, not exploit them,” said Matthew Reidell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of HSI Gulfport. “This verdict underscores HSI’s unwavering commitment to investigating those who use positions of influence, technology, or access to target children, and to working with our partners to ensure they are held accountable.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Madison Police Department, and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Division. West Virginia law enforcement also assisted with the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Glenda Haynes and Kimberly Purdie, and former Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Goff.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.
Virginia Company to Pay $2.5 Million in Anti-Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – EBI LLC (“EBI”), a Virginia company with its principal place of business in Danville, Virginia, has agreed to pay $2,541,742.12 to resolve allegations that it fraudulently obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for which it was not eligible.
PPP was an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, and administered by the SBA. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March of 2020, that was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the SBA to provide loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses that were experiencing a loss of revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. A second round of PPP loans was authorized in early 2021, and to be eligible, a business was required to certify, among other things, that it had no more than 300 employees, including domestic and foreign affiliates.
“The Western District of Virginia is committed to combatting waste, fraud, and abuse in all federal benefit programs,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
The settlement resolves allegations that EBI was ineligible for its second draw PPP loan because it was affiliated with a Polish company known as COM40 Spółka z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Spółka Komandytowa, also known as Com40 Sp. z o.o. Sp. K. or Comforty Fabryka (“COM40”). EBI was a wholly owned subsidiary of COM40, and according to its financial filings, COM40 employed more than 3,000 people in 2020 and 2021. As a result, the United States contends that EBI was ineligible for its second draw PPP loan because it exceeded the SBA’s size standards based on affiliation rules. EBI cooperated with the government’s investigation and was proactive in its efforts to reach a resolution in this matter.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party known as a relator can file an action on behalf of the government and receive a portion of the recovery. The case was captioned United States ex rel. Aidan Forsyth v. EBI LLC, Docket No. 4:25-cv-00036 (W.D. Va.). In this case, the relator will receive a share of the settlement.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis made the announcement.
The resolution was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and the SBA. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Howells with assistance from Randall K. Martin, Trial Attorney with the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
Veterans Affairs Nurse Indicted for Stealing OpioidsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Steve Michael Kelley, 58, a former nurse who worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, was indicted by grand jury for one count of obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. His initial appearance was before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elsa M. Bullard on August 21, 2026.
According to the indictment, Kelley is alleged to have wrongfully obtained hydromorphone, a controlled substance, from in or about January 2025 through on or about January 28, 2026.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, the Veterans Affairs Police Department, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Venezuelan Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for ATM Jackpotting Following Homeland Security Task Force InitiativeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Juan Manuel Gouveia-Aguilera, 27, originally of Venezuela, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his role in a conspiracy to deploy malware and steal millions of dollars from ATMs in the United States, a crime commonly referred to as “ATM jackpotting.” Chief United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gouveia-Aguilera to 96 months’ imprisonment, a 5-year term of supervised release, and $500 in special assessments. Gouveia-Aguilera was also ordered to pay restitution as part of his sentence.
The Court found Gouveia-Aguilera to be responsible for more than $3.5 million in losses and this sentence is believed to be the longest federal sentence imposed for an individual’s role in ATM jackpotting. Specifically, Gouveia-Aguilera was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank burglary and fraud in connection with computers, bank fraud, bank burglary, and fraud in connection with computers following a guilty plea.
“The Court’s sentence of Juan Manuel Gouveia-Aguilera reflects the severity of his criminal conduct,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He participated in a scheme to hack ATMs across the United States, the result of which forced them to dispense substantial amounts of cash – known as jackpotting. These malware schemes help fund the operations of violent transnational criminal organizations, such as Tren de Aragua (TdA). We will continue to safeguard the security of our financial institutions and disrupt this network with our law enforcement partners and the District of Nebraska.”
“Today’s sentence is one of many yet to come in this case, and the United States Attorney’s Office looks forward to the day when the leaders and architects of this nationwide conspiracy to victimize American banks to fill the coffers of a terrorist organization are held accountable in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods. “This appropriate and just sentence is only the beginning of the justice that will be doled out across the entire conspiracy before this case concludes.”
“TdA poses a direct threat to our communities both here in the Midwest and across our country. This violent terrorist organization relies on a wide range of criminal activities to generate revenue supporting their campaigns of violence and terror,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “This case highlights TdA’s plot to deploy sophisticated malware targeting financial institutions across the U.S., syphoning millions of dollars from American banks to fund acts of terrorism. As criminal enterprises change tactics, we surge resources and adapt accordingly to protect the American people.”
“Gouveia-Aguilera and his alleged co-conspirators thought they could hack American ATMs, drain financial institutions, and funnel money to a violent transnational criminal organization without consequence. They were wrong,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Rick Sabatini. “This 8-year sentence is a warning to every criminal network targeting our financial systems: HSI and our partners will hunt you down, dismantle your operations, and put you in federal prison.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Cyber Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Joint Task Force Vulcan is investigating and prosecuting a widespread ATM Jackpotting conspiracy that has been tied to designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA). To date, 119 defendants have been charged in the District of Nebraska for their role in this conspiracy. Gouveia-Aguilera is the third defendant to be sentenced in the District of Nebraska for crimes in connection with this conspiracy. Two prior defendants were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis in Lincoln, Nebraska, in June:
DefendantSentenceOddry Arnoldo Cabrera Torrealba78 months’ imprisonmentCarlos Javier Padron78 months’ imprisonmentThe investigation has established extensive direct and indirect links between the indicted co-conspirators and TdA. According to court documents, TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities range from drug trafficking and firearms trafficking to commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other violent acts to advance the organization’s criminal activities. TdA has also developed an additional source of revenue stream through financial crimes that target financial institutions throughout the United States, including using ATM jackpotting to steal millions of dollars in cash. The investigation has revealed that the conspiracy has targeted or carried out ATM jackpotting attacks in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign nations.
FBI’s Omaha Field Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Omaha are investigating the case, with assistance from FBI’s Denver, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Oklahoma, Sacramento, Seattle, and Springfield Field Offices, and the United States Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General, Financial Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, and a significant number of local law enforcement entities across the country.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Kansas, Western District of Washington, Eastern District of California, Southern District of New York, Northern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Eastern District of Oklahoma, Northern District of Oklahoma, Southern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Missouri, Western District of Missouri, Middle District of Louisiana, Middle District of Georgia, Middle District of Wisconsin, and Eastern District of Wisconsin, as well as the Larimer County Attorney’s Office, Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Tennessee 9th District Attorney General’s Office, Tennessee 5th District Attorney General’s Office, and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office have provided significant assistance.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, USPIS, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division.
Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV) was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and has now expanded to target TdA. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and the District of Nevada, as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, HSI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), USMS, and the Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
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United in the Fight Against Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Birmingham Police Department along with federal law enforcement partners highlighted their strong and ongoing partnership during a press conference focused on their coordinated efforts to make Birmingham safer.
“This is the ultimate good news story! When we stand together, we are stronger, and our communities are safer – we are a united front,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. “The Birmingham Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office have been an outstanding partner to our office. We share a commitment to the people of Birmingham. We will continue to work together from the streets to the courtroom, and the results we are seeing demonstrate the power of that partnership.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to holding violent offenders and drug traffickers accountable and ensuring that individuals who threaten the safety of Birmingham’s communities are brought to justice. This collaboration allows the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Birmingham Police Department, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office to combine resources, expertise, and information to identify the most dangerous offenders. It also allows prosecutors to work together to ensure that serious offenders are held accountable, whether a case is prosecuted in state or federal court.
“We are incredibly appreciative of our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal partners. Through our shared commitment and collaboration, we have accomplished significant results in Birmingham and made our community safer,” said Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett. “This partnership demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.”
Since 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office has worked alongside the Birmingham Police Department in approximately 165 cases, resulting in more than 130 federal indictments. The violent crime rate in Birmingham has improved dramatically because of the increased level of collaborative policing and prosecution between local and federal agencies.
In addition, U.S. Attorney Williams highlighted non-prosecution efforts to increased safe streets. “One of the most impactful ways that our office can support local law enforcement agencies and expand their ability to protect and serve is by tirelessly aiding their efforts to obtain grant and additional funding resources from the Department of Justice, as well as other federal, state, and local agencies.”
Williams pointed out that in the past two weeks, the Department of Justice has announced $1.3 million in direct Justice Assistance Grant funding to local law enforcement agencies across the Northern District. More than $440,000 of that total amount is allocated specifically for the Birmingham Police Department, so that it can sustain and advance its impactful work to protect our community and to fight crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office is a committed and vigorous advocate within the Department of Justice for the interests of our public safety partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirmed that it will continue to work alongside local partners to deliver new resources and dollars to best secure and protect communities from violence and crime. “We will continue to proudly and sincerely champion in Washington, DC the good work our partners are doing in Birmingham and elsewhere in Alabama,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. In his closing comments Williams added, “To the good people of Birmingham, tell your friends and neighbors that good things are happening. And to the criminals who would dare to bring crime and violence to our streets I say that Birmingham PD will find you and we will prosecute you. This is a united front.”
U.S. Attorney's Office Presents Inaugural Awards for Investigative ExcellenceRead the Press Release
OXFORD – U.S. Attorney Scott Leary presented three awards for investigative excellence to investigators relating to their work on a Homeland Security Task Force drug trafficking prosecution:
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Josh Moore;
- DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant/DEA Task Force Officer Josh Bryant; and
- Hernando Police Department’s Special Investigations Division Captain/DEA Task Force Officer Steven Markway.
The Northern District of Mississippi’s Award for Investigative Excellence recognizes state, federal, and local law enforcement individuals or units that have demonstrated excellence in investigation response strategy and dedication to the cause of justice.
The 2026 award recipients facilitated a major HSTF operation involving 19 defendants, more than 25 kilograms of cocaine and $150,000 in drug proceeds and multiple vehicles seized. The recipients of this award exemplified the importance of effective use of interagency relationships to facilitate swift justice.
U.S. Attorney Scott Leary presented the award, “the HSTF initiative is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, human smuggling and drug trafficking rings. This operation exemplifies the importance of state and federal collaboration. Our local communities are the beneficiaries of such cooperation, and outstanding investigations like this should be recognized accordingly. Our office extends a hearty thank you to the DEA, the Hernando Police Department and the Desoto County Sheriff’s office. And congratulations to Special Agent Moore, Task Force Officer Bryant, and Task Force Officer Markway, this was just a great job.”
This operation was 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 tin 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 Jackson comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ICE ERO, CBP, CBP OFO, CBP USBP, CBP AMO, CGIS, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS and with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Two People Sentenced for Helping to Conceal the Murder of a Navajo ManRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Marlin Leon Nez, 45, and Megan Ashley Yarber, 36, both of Chinle, Arizona, were sentenced on Aug. 17, 2026, by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to time-served sentences, after serving more than 16 months in prison for their roles in concealing the murder of a Navajo man. Nez and Yarber were also ordered to pay restitution to the victim’s family for expenses incurred in searching for the missing victim. Nez and Yarber previously pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.
According to court documents, on July 11, 2024, Wendell Draper, a Navajo man, shot and killed the victim in Nez’s residence. Following the murder, Nez helped Draper wrap the victim’s body and lift it into the back of the victim’s own vehicle. Draper then drove out to a rural location, buried the victim in a shallow grave, drove to a secondary location, and set the victim’s vehicle on fire. Yarber picked Draper up from the site of the burned vehicle and drove him back to the residence. Nez and Yarber knew that Draper had committed a federal felony by unlawfully killing the victim but failed to notify a federal authority as soon as possible.
Following the murder, the victim’s family reported him missing and searched for him for weeks. His body was eventually recovered and returned to the family. Draper was shot and killed after allegedly pointing a firearm at law enforcement officers who were attempting to arrest him.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Gallup office and the Navajo Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-08034-PCT-MTL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-142_Nez# # #
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.Two Jacksonville Men Indicted for Obstructing a Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Leo Denard Robinson (39) and Brian Gregory Brightman (33), both of Jacksonville, have been charged by indictment with obstruction of the due administration of justice. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, between approximately August 10 and August 19, 2026, Brightman and Robinson aided and abetted each other in corruptly trying to influence, obstruct, and impede the due administration of justice in a pending case in the Middle District of Florida, specifically United States v. Brian Gregory Brightman, et al. (case no. 3:26-cr-170-MMH-LLL). The indictment alleges that Brightman and Robinson committed the offense by intimidating, pressuring, and implicitly threatening an individual they perceived to be a witness in an attempt to influence or prevent the witnesses’ testimony.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nassau County Sherriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Kelli Swaney.
Two Former Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officers Accused of Smuggling Contraband Each Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA-WEST HELENA—Robert Cochran and Tejuana Dillard will go from being federal prison guards to federal prison inmates after each was sentenced to 30 months’ incarceration in separate cases after getting caught smuggling contraband into the Forrest City Federal Correctional Complex (FCC). Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentences which were handed down on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
On December 5, 2023, Cochran, 37, of Forrest City, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a one count Indictment charging him with bribery of a public official. On March 11, 2026, Cochran pleaded guilty to the charge in the Indictment. On June 6, 2024, Dillard, 42, of Wynne, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a two-count Indictment with one count of bribery of a public official and one count of making a false statement to federal agents. On March 11, 2026, Dillard pleaded guilty to making the false statements. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that while Cochran was employed as a correctional officer at Forrest City FCC, he received approximately $58,775 from friends and family of the inmates at the prison to bring contraband, including rolling papers, tobacco, Gucci sunglasses, and over the counter drugs, into the facility. Cochran was captured on video footage in February 2023 leaving bags containing contraband in an office while on duty. After Cochran left the office, an inmate would enter to retrieve the items. Cochran later admitted he was paid to bring items into the prison for inmates.
Through a separate investigation, it was determined that Dillard, who was employed for 13 years as a correctional officer between 2008 and July 2021 at Forrest City FCC, smuggled contraband cigarettes into the prison throughout 2020. Dillard received in total $91,788 to provide the cigarettes to two inmates, who later sold the contraband cigarettes to other inmates in the facility. Dillard, in an interview with federal agents, admitted to smuggling cigarettes while she was employed as a correctional officer, but stated she had only done so “a couple of times.” At the time of her interview with the federal agents, Dillard knew the statements she made were false.
These cases were investigated by the Office of the Investigator General, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Peters.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Traverse City Man Indicted for Impersonating Federal Officer and Violating the Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Brent Alan Tompkins, 52, Traverse City, was indicted on criminal charges alleging that he impersonated a federal officer, unlawfully used Coast Guard insignia, and discharged sewage into Lake Michigan.
The indictment follows a two-year investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Environmental Investigations Section (EIS) for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) into allegations that Tompkins discharged pollutants into Lake Michigan, at White Shoal Light. Investigators also identified allegations that Tompkins operated a vessel with insignia resembling U.S. Coast Guard insignia and represented himself as a Coast Guard member to a distressed mariner in Emmet County.
U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “Reports that Tomkins was polluting Lake Michigan got our attention right away because protecting this national resource is a high priority for my office. I appreciate the investigative work that CGIS and EGLE did in this case to make it possible to bring charges. The charges relating to impersonating a Coast Guard officer point to another troubling issue encountered in this case. The public has a right to know when they are dealing with a properly trained public official--and when they are not--especially during a potentially dangerous situation on the water. This is no place for impersonators and wannabes.”
“Protecting the public’s trust in the U.S. Coast Guard and safeguarding our nation’s waterways is critical,” said Assistant Director Joshua Packer of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, LANT Operations. “Impersonating Coast Guard personnel and misusing Coast Guard markings can create serious safety and security risks on the water. CGIS will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate conduct that threatens public confidence, maritime safety, and the marine environment.”
Tompkins is charged with false impersonation of a federal officer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 912; unauthorized use of a Coast Guard insignia, in violation of 14 U.S.C. § 933; and discharge of a pollutant into a navigable waterway, in violation of 33 U.S.C. §§ 1311(a), 1319(c)(2)(A).
The case was investigated by CGIS and EGLE. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.
If convicted, Tompkins faces up to 3 years in prison and a fine of at least $5,000 per day that he violated the Clean Water Act.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Toppenish Man Found Guilty of Assault by StrangulationRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on August 19, 2025, a jury returned a guilty verdict in the trial of Rickie Lorenzo Smith, 51, a member of the Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation of one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner by Strangulation in Indian Country in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153, 113(a)(8). Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial and set sentencing for December 2, 2026. Smith faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison to be followed by up to 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Smith assaulted his then-partner by hitting, choking and strangling her while the two attended a birthday celebration in Pioneer Park in Toppenish, Washington on August 17, 2023. Evidence of the victim’s injuries, the victim’s testimony, and the testimony of a bystander who called 911 and reported the crime was presented at trial. Smith has multiple prior arrests related to domestic violence incidents. The jury acquitted Smith of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury.
“Today’s guilty verdict reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in pursuing justice,” stated Serrano. “Assault by strangulation is a grave and violent offense, and this outcome demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the well-being of our community. This case also underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and our resolve to address it with the seriousness it demands.”
“This trial verdict emphasizes that assault against intimate partners will not be tolerated,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Rickie Lorenzo Smith will see consequences for his actions thanks to the hard work of our investigators and prosecutors in pursuing justice on behalf of victims and keeping our communities safe. Their tireless efforts resulted in this outcome, as well as contributing to a 14% drop in the violent crime rate for the state of Washington last year. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime, including on tribal lands.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Yakima RA and the Yakama Nation Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten and Michael D. Murphy.
1:25-CR-2039-SAB
Prior felon going to prison on new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nicholas Mangione, 45, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
In April 2013, Mangione was convicted of possession of child pornography and sentenced to serve 48 months in prison. On August 15, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at Mangione’s residence after it was discovered he uploaded a file containing child pornography to the Snapchat server. During the search, Mangione’s cellular telephone was seized. An examination of the device uncovered approximately 20 images and 52 videos of child pornography. It was also determined that Mangione distributed child pornography to other individuals using the Telegram application in exchange for other child pornographic files.
On August 16, 2024, the defendant was arrested on New York State charges and was found to be in possession of an additional cell phone, which also contained images and videos of child pornography. Some of the child pornography possessed by Mangione depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler and depictions of violence against children.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. 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, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
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Pittsford woman pleads guilty to her role in stolen cooking oil schemeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Fangfang Yan, 41, of Shanxi, China, and Pittsford, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr to misprision of a felony, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
On April 8, 2022, Guodeng Chen and Didi Huang caused 45,000 pounds of stolen, used cooking oil to be shipped from the Western District of New York to a refinery located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Chen and Huang received $29,433.60 for this shipment. On April 28, 2022, Chen and Huang caused another 45,000 pounds of stolen used cooking oil to be shipped from the Western District of New York to a refinery located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Chen and Huang received $30,618.00 for this shipment. Fangfang Yan was aware that Chen and Huang were transporting the stolen cooking oil but failed to notify federal authorities. On May 6, 2022, when interviewed by law enforcement officers and asked about Chen and Huang’s illegal activity, Yan refused to answer the officer’s questions in order to conceal Chen and Huang’s crimes.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Anthony Licari, Special Agent-In-Charge, Midwestern Region.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2026, before Judge Geraci.
Pittsford man pleads guilty to his role in credit card scamRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Talib Hussain, 75, of Pittsford, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to misprision of a felony, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Between 2012 and July 23, 2024, Hussain’s son, Mirza Khan, and others engaged in a scheme to obtain social security numbers of victims and then use them, along with fictitious names, to apply for and obtain credit cards from various financial institutions, including Citibank, Discover Bank, First National Bank of Omaha, and TD Bank. The financial institutions were directed to mailed the fraudulently obtained credit cards to one of many addresses that Khan and his co-conspirators leased in and around Rochester, NY. They would then use the fraudulently obtained credit cards to make purchases or pay property taxes. Talib Hussain owned a property on S. Plymouth Avenue and was legally responsible for paying the taxes associated with that property. However, between 2021 and 2022, Mirza Khan used fraudulently obtained credit cards and his father’s email address to pay the taxes on the property. Talib Hussain knew that his son was engaged in the illegal scheme. He received tax payment receipts, which showed that the taxes were paid using credit cards that were not in Hussain’s or Khan’s names. Despite this, Hussain failed to notify the relevant federal authorities about the commission of the offense.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. 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, the IRS Criminal Investigation New York, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Michael McGill, New York Field Division.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of four years on his conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a machinegun, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Andrew Rocco, 22.
According to information presented to the Court, Rocco’s residence was searched on February 2, 2024, and police found three firearms, along with magazines and ammunition. One of the firearms was equipped with a mechanism – frequently referred to as a “switch” or auto-sear – that renders it capable of fully automatic firing. That is, one of the firearms was a machinegun. All three pistols were outfitted with loaded, extended magazines.
This is not Mr. Rocco’s first conviction for unlawfully possessing firearms. Less than two years prior to the execution of the search warrant in this case, the defendant was arrested in 2022 with a stolen firearm on his person after attempting to flee from police. His conduct in this case violates the probation to which he was sentenced for possessing the stolen firearm. Moreover, a year before his 2022 arrest, the defendant was adjudicated delinquent in another illegal firearm possession case. The instant matter is, therefore, the third time Mr. Rocco has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent for a gun-related crime.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan indicated that the type of weapons involved in this case, as well as the defendant’s repetitive unlawful firearm possession, present a concern for the safety of the public.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Andrew Rocco.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, on his conviction of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Court Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Chaz Mitchell, 36, on August 21, 2026.
According to the information presented to the Court, on July 5, 2025, following the issuance of a state arrest warrant for Mitchell on unrelated charges, officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police observed Mitchell in possession of an assault rifle and sawed-off shotgun and attempted to execute the state warrant. Mitchell refused to exit a residence until the SWAT unit arrived. Upon Mitchell’s surrender and being taken into custody, officers obtained and executed a state search warrant for the residence, from where they recovered an assault rifle, sawed-off shotgun, pistol, and ammunition. Mitchell had previously been convicted of felony state firearms offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Mitchell.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Nomination of Courtney Coker to serve as United States District Judge for the Northern District of TexasRead the Press Release
DALLAS — The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas is proud to announce that Courtney Coker, currently serving as First Assistant United States Attorney, has been nominated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
Mr. Coker is a career federal prosecutor who has dedicated most of his professional life to public service and the fair administration of justice. Over more than two decades in the Department of Justice, he has built a reputation for steady leadership, meticulous legal work and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
As First Assistant, Mr. Coker has been instrumental in strengthening operations across the district. His leadership has elevated hiring and retention, improved team cohesion, and increased the efficiency and effectiveness of our processes. He approaches every challenge with humility, diligence, and a deep respect for the responsibilities entrusted to our office.
“Courtney has done an exceptional job leading our office,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “He is a career prosecutor in the truest sense—someone who has devoted his entire professional life to serving the public, mentoring our attorneys and ensuring that justice is done. His judgment, character and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding choice for the federal bench.”
Coker’s distinguished service includes time as Deputy Criminal Chief in the Northern District of Texas, Criminal Chief in the Southern District of Mississippi and Homeland Security Task Force Coordinator. In each role, he has led with integrity and has earned the trust of colleagues, partners and the communities he has served.
The Northern District of Texas has a strong tradition of elevating former federal prosecutors to the federal bench. Senior District Judge Jane J. Boyle began her career as an AUSA before later serving as U.S. Attorney; Chief District Judge Reed O’Connor, District Judge Mark T. Pittman, District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, and District Judge James Wesley Hendrix likewise spent formative portions of their careers as Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the District. Courtney Coker’s nomination continues this proud lineage of career prosecutors bringing deep experience, dedication and sound judgment to the judiciary.
His nomination now moves to the United States Senate for consideration.
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Multiple defendants sentenced after pleading guilty to firearms-related chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Four men have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to various firearms charges in separate cases.
The sentences were imposed in U.S. District Court and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. They include:
- Ryan Lee Borders, 38, of Baxley, Georgia, was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Borders was found in possession of a Beretta 9 mm pistol during a traffic stop by Georgia State Patrol in May 2024.
- Antonio Lamar King, 41, of Dublin, Georgia, was sentenced to 56 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In May 2025, King was found in possession of a Smith and Wesson, Model SD40VE, .40 caliber pistol during an encounter with the Dublin Police Department.
- Charles K. Carceller, 63, of Jackson, Georgia, was sentenced to 42 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. Carceller was in possession of multiple firearms and accessories, including a silencer, that were not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record in July 2022 in Chatham County.
- Yusef Rashad Butler, 32, of Port Wentworth, was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Butler was found in possession of a HS Produkt Hellcat, 9 mm pistol in August 2025 during a traffic stop GSP in Chatham County.
There is no parole in the federal system. Under federal law, it is prohibited for previously convicted felons to possess firearms or ammunition.
“These defendants demonstrated a blatant disregard for federal law in possessing these firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue our work to hold accountable those who illegally possess guns and threaten the safety of our communities.”
“Each of these sentences reflects our dedication to reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Graves. “The collaboration between the ATF and local law enforcement agencies is vital in our fight against illegal firearms possession, and we will not waver in our efforts to protect our communities from those who choose to ignore the law.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Georgia State Patrol, Dublin Police Department, Savannah Police Department and local law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation of these cases. These cases were prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey L. Scanlon, Joshua Kyle Davis, Henry W. Syms Jr., Tara M. Lyons, Makeia R. Jonese and Jennifer J. Kirkland.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A self-proclaimed “sovereign diplomat” from Michigan, who had been living in a makeshift camp site in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, and was convicted for not registering as a convicted sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), was sentenced yesterday to 33 months in federal prison.
Deon Andre Green, 38, a.k.a. “Dalayah Assir Yashar’al” was convicted of failing to register as a convicted sex offender following a jury trial in May 2026.
“This office will aggressively target those who place our communities at risk by failing to register as sex offenders,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I commend the U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, U.S. Forest Service, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Browne for their outstanding work on this case.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in December 2025, U.S. Forest Service personnel encountered Green living at a makeshift camp inside the George Washington National Forest with nine children. Despite Green’s attempts to provide officers with a fake name and forged identity documents, they were able to identify him as a Michigan sex offender convicted in 2011 of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. At that time, they referred the investigation to the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service determined that Green had failed to meet his registration requirements under the SORNA.
At trial, it was determined that Green stopped registering as a sex offender in 2017. At sentencing, the Court further found that Green obstructed justice by lying to and misleading law enforcement.
The Court ordered that Green would be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from prison.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Matthew Davis, Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
The U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Forest Service, and the Virginia State Police investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne is prosecuting the case.
Memphis Woman with Multiple Felonies Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm after Shooting Boyfriend in Domestic Violence IncidentRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Quineshia Townsel, 29, has pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm after shooting her boyfriend in a domestic violence incident. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today.
According to the evidence, on December 30, 2025, officers responded to a shooting at North Watkins Street and Burnham Avenue. Officers located a vehicle that had been struck numerous times by gunfire with the victim sitting inside. Officers located 1 live .22 caliber round and 6 spent .22 caliber casings in the front yard and driveway. Upon speaking with the victim, he advised the officers that he had been shot in the shoulder. The victim advised that he was shot by his girlfriend, Quineshia Townsel.
Upon being located by officers, Townsel admitted to the shooting and stated she hid the firearm in her residence. Investigators executed a search warrant on Townsel’s residence and located a .22-caliber Walther P22 semi-automatic handgun. A database check was conducted on the firearm, and it was reported stolen in October 2018.
Townsel has a criminal conviction history of multiple significant felonies, including two convictions for aggravated robbery and one for attempted aggravated robbery – all of which prohibit her possession of a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
On August 19, 2026, Townsel pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Townsel is set for sentencing before District Judge Mark S. Norris on December 3, 2026, where she faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison followed by up to 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “The presence of a firearm during a crime of domestic violence dramatically increases the chances that the victim will be fatally shot. Through our aggressive federal prosecution of prohibited persons, we can incapacitate and hold dangerous offenders accountable, send a strong message of deterrence, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives.”
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative and was one of six cases recently referred and accepted for federal prosecution as part of MPD’s Domestic Violence Prolific Offender Initiative.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Wright, of the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
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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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Media Advisory – Press ConferenceRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. –United States Attorney Ellis Boyle, along with several federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will hold a press conference to announce the sentencing of Alexander Trowbridge, 41, of Henderson, NC who was sentenced on August 20, 2026, for fentanyl and heroin trafficking. USA Boyle will also discuss the EDNC and our federal partners’ efforts to combat drugs and guns in Eastern North Carolina.
WHERE: U.S. Attorney’s Office, 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2100, Raleigh, NC 27601
WHEN: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:30 AM
Media, please arrive at the U.S. Attorney’s Office by 10:00 AM for set up.
For logistical information in advance of the media availability, please contact Jeff Gordon at jeffrey.gordon@usdoj.gov or 919-856-4172. No case specific information is available until the press conference.
Massachusetts Woman Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Charlton, Mass. woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits and pension payments.
Gina M. Cummings, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to one day of prison deemed served, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $110,428 in restitution. In May 2026, Cummings pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In December 2025, Cummings was arrested and charged.
From January 2020 through July 2025, Cummings fraudulently obtained approximately $110,428 in Social Security benefits, private pension payments and COVID Economic Impact Payments. Cummings had access to the checkbook of a Social Security beneficiary and pensioner who died in August 2019. She failed to report the beneficiary’s death to the Social Security Administration, the pension plan and the bank where the funds were deposited. Instead, Cummings accessed the improperly paid funds by forging the deceased beneficiary’s name on 84 checks and regularly depleted the account funds through recurring bill payments.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Maryland Woman Found Guilty of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Incapacitated VictimRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Linda Laird, 62, of Cordova, Maryland, was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury in connection with a scheme to abuse her position as the co-guardian and co-conservator of an 81-year-old vulnerable adult, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The federal jury deliberated approximately four hours following a three-day trial before finding Laird guilty of conspiracy to commit Social Security fraud and theft of public money; conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and elderly person; and fraud in the first degree against a senior citizen.
U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, 2026.
According to court documents, in November 2017, Laird, her late father, James Blizzard, and her late mother, Joyce Blizzard were appointed by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia as co-guardians and co-conservators of Laird’s grandmother, who was a vulnerable adult. At the time, Laird’s grandmother was 81 years old and suffered from severe cognitive impairments. After Joyce Blizzard passed away in June 2018, Laird and James Blizzard continued as co-guardians and co-conservators.
While Laird’s grandmother resided in the nursing home, Laird and Blizzard were required to act as fiduciaries and apply her money towards her support, care, and treatment. Instead, Laird and Blizzard used their authority as co-guardians and co-conservators to redirect U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits intended for, and checking account funds belonging to, the vulnerable adult to their personal bank accounts for their own benefit. In total, Laird and Blizzard stole more than $21,000 in Social Security benefits and obtained over $100,000 from the vulnerable adult’s bank accounts for their personal use. Laird spent these funds on jewelry, designer shoes, and expensive football tickets.
This case was investigated by the D.C. Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, and the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Facci and David Deitch of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section.
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Marianna Man Sentenced to Forty-Five Months in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Andy Dean Biggs, 63, of Marianna, Florida was sentenced to forty-five months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution strikes another blow against the peddlers of drugs who have plagued our streets with addiction and devastation. Through aggressive prosecutions like this, we will continue to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.”
According to court records, law enforcement identified Biggs’ co-conspirator, Michael Termaine Bell, as a significant source of narcotics in the Jackson County, Florida area, and Biggs was identified as assisting in that distribution. After several months of investigation, law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant for the residence of Bell and an adjoining family residence in Marianna, Florida . Biggs was present at the property at the time of the search. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators located over 1,000 grams of cocaine, five firearms, over 3,000 grams of marijuana, approximately $10,000 in cash and other evidence of drug distribution.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Eric W. Welch.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Lexington Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegal Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington, man, Jeremy Cowan, 35, was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, in late 2025, law enforcement identified Cowan as a Lexington-area drug dealer. Law enforcement then conducted a series of controlled buys of drugs and firearms from Cowan. On four occasions, from December 15, 2025, to January 12, 2026, law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase over 330 grams of methamphetamine, over 58 grams of fentanyl, and two firearms from Cowan. Cowan admitted to possessing the firearms and knew he had been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman and Amanda Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Justice Department Secures $400M Settlement with TikTok and ByteDance to Resolve Children’s Privacy LitigationRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced a $400 million settlement with TikTok, ByteDance, and affiliated entities (TikTok) resolving litigation concerning compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and its implementing regulations (COPPA). Under the settlement, TikTok will pay $300 million immediately and an additional $100 million upon entry of an order vacating a prior consent decree entered against TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly. The settlement represents one of the largest recoveries ever obtained in a COPPA case.
“This settlement is a major victory for American children and parents,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “The Department's priority is ensuring that children are protected online and that companies entrusted with their personal information meet their legal obligations. This resolution secures a substantial recovery while reinforcing the protections that families expect and deserve.”
“Companies that collect children’s personal information must comply with the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This resolution secures a significant monetary recovery and reflects the Department’s commitment to ensuring children receive the full protections that Congress mandated.”
Since the Justice Department filed its complaint in 2024, TikTok has undergone significant changes to its ownership, management, compliance functions, and privacy practices. The company has implemented extensive measures designed to strengthen safeguards for younger users, improve age-related controls, and enhance parental oversight. Those developments have materially advanced the public interests underlying the Department’s litigation and have strengthened protections for millions of American families.
The resolution reflects the department's commitment to achieving practical results that protect the public. By securing a significant recovery while recognizing the substantial compliance improvements already implemented, the settlement ensures that American families continue to benefit from stronger protections without the delay and uncertainty of protracted litigation.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The matter was handled by the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch on referral from the Federal Trade Commission.
The claims resolved by the United States in the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: This release has been updated from a previous version.
Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel Concludes the Constitution Requires Presidential Control of the Foreign Service Grievance BoardRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice released an opinion for the Department of State’s Legal Advisor finding that the Foreign Service Grievance Board (FSGB)’s unchecked power over the U.S. Foreign Service violates the Constitution.
“Accountability for American foreign policy flows from the people to the foreign service through the President, our elected official charged by the Constitution to conduct foreign affairs, and his Secretary of State,” said Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser. “Our advice today restores that essential through-line.”
Since 1980, the Foreign Service Act has empowered the FSGB to reverse disciplinary measures and reinstate members of the Foreign Service who had been terminated by the Secretary of State. A 2013 decision of the Board, for example, reinstated a Foreign Service member who had been terminated for downloading and viewing pornography on his government-issued computer. Under the statute, the President and the Secretary of State were powerless to overrule the Board’s decision.
The opinion published today by the Office of Legal Counsel and signed by Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser concludes that the statutory provisions that gave the FSGB final decision-making authority violate Article II and cannot be enforced. The political accountability written into our Constitution requires that the President maintain control over the Executive Branch. This control is nowhere more critical than in the realm of foreign policy. To restore constitutional order in the Foreign Service, final decision-making power must be vested in a presidentially accountable Executive Branch officer — here, the Secretary of State.
Going forward, DOJ has advised that the FSGB may continue to hear grievances as before, but the Secretary will retain final decision-making authority, as the Constitution requires.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax and Fraud CrimesRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Jacksonville, Oregon, man was sentenced today for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Joel Matthew Caswell, 32, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the IRS.
According to documents and statements made in court, Caswell owned and operated three logging and construction businesses that employed approximately 40 employees. From 2018 through 2022, Caswell withheld employment taxes from his employees’ pay and willfully failed to pay over these taxes to the IRS. Caswell attempted to evade these and other taxes by directing customers to write checks to another company or to him personally, moving business funds and lying to IRS collection officers.
Separately, between 2022 and 2024, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes that involved submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender, and the Small Business Administration to secure loans. For example, Caswell submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications for these three logging and construction businesses. He transferred $70,000 of the proceeds from his scheme to be used as a deposit for an ultimate frisbee tournament. Caswell also used the personal identifying information of another person to obtain a residential mortgage.
On June 9, 2026, Caswell pleaded guilty to three counts of tax evasion, three counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell of the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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.
Illegal immigrant from French Guiana pleads guilty after stealing the identities of two victimsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A national of French Guiana residing illegally in Adelphi, Maryland, pled guilty today to aggravated identity theft, Social Security fraud, and use of a passport secured by false statements.
According to court documents, Jean Claude Casimir, 59, was deported from the United States on June 7, 1995, and Sept. 8, 2007. Following his latest removal, Casimir illegally re-entered the United States.
In 2010 and again in 2021, Casimir used the identity of another person, identified as “V1,” to obtain a U.S. passport. Casimir used the unlawfully acquired U.S. passport that he obtained in V1’s identity in 2021 to travel and pass through security at Washington Dulles International Airport in 2022. On May 26, 2022, Casimir used the social security number of another victim, a minor identified as “V2,” at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in Alexandria to obtain a vehicle title and registration.
Casimir also used the personal identifiable information of the two victims to open financial accounts, obtain loans, and for other purposes. On June 1, 2022, Casimir used the alias “Duke Casimir” and the social security number of V2 to obtain a vehicle loan through a credit union, which caused a reported loss to the credit union of $30,394.68. On May 19, 2025, V1 informed the credit union that an account was opened with his identity and without his permission, and the credit union reported an additional loss of $16,228.81.
On Oct. 2, 2024, Casimir opened a checking and savings account with a bank using V1’s identity information. On Sept. 8, 2025, Casimir began using a credit card from that bank under V1’s identity information. The amount owed for that card is $5,229.72. On March 2, 2026, Casimir used V1’s social security number on a Virginia DMV “Power of Attorney” form, and on March 3, used V1’s identity information to purchase a vehicle for $84,186. Casimir also filed taxes in the name of V1 and claimed earnings of $87,646 for tax year 2025, causing V1 financial problems.
Casimir is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 24 and faces a mandatory minimum of two years and up to 15 years in prison and full restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael McGill, Special Agent-in-Charge, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General; David Richeson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Washington Field Office for the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service; and Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Eitzen is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-123.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than four months in federal prison.
Mario Israel Ortiz-Gonzalez, age 22, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 1, 2026, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Ortiz-Gonzalez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Ortiz-Gonzalez was previously deported in November 2025. On March 15, 2026, immigration officials learned Ortiz-Gonzalez had illegally returned to the United States and found him at the Dubuque County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Ortiz-Gonzalez has two previous convictions for operating while intoxicated and one conviction for interference with official acts.
Ortiz-Gonzalez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to 124 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ortiz-Gonzalez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-CR-1002.
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