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7 August 2025
Philadelphia Men Convicted at Trial in Connection with Two Armed KidnappingsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Christopher Burton, 45, and Khalil Jackson-Fletcher, 33, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were convicted today at trial of charges arising from the kidnapping of one individual in December 2021, the kidnappings of five individuals, including an infant, in February 2022, and related crimes.
The defendants were charged by indictment in August of 2023 with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, robbery interfering with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. A federal jury convicted both defendants of all counts.
As detailed in court filings and proven at trial, Burton orchestrated both kidnappings to steal large sums of money from the intended victims, who were known to him, and enlisted Jackson-Fletcher and other co-conspirators to participate.
In December 2021, Burton placed ads offering vending machines for sale on the online marketplace OfferUp, as a ruse to attract his intended victim, who contacted him and agreed to buy the machines. The two arranged to meet in Northeast Philadelphia on December 18, 2021, to complete the deal. On that date, however, the purchaser’s then-business partner (Victim 1), went to the meetup in the purchaser’s place.
When Victim 1 arrived, Jackson-Fletcher and a co-conspirator forced Victim 1 into his own transit van at gunpoint, maintaining constant communication with Burton, who was watching nearby. The men zip-tied Victim 1’s wrists together and took his wallet and cell phone, using the phone to transfer approximately $6,000 from the victim’s Cash App account into an account they controlled. The men then transferred the Victim 1 into their vehicle and drove him to several ATMs, forcing him to withdraw more than $9,000 from his bank account. The abductors eventually released Victim 1.
In January 2022, Burton came up with a plan to kidnap and steal money from Victim 2, who owned a business that purchased, sold, and shipped goods throughout Pennsylvania, other states, and other countries.
On February 4, 2022, at around 10 a.m., Victim 2 left his Northeast Philadelphia home to go to work. As he was walking to his car, Burton, Jackson-Fletcher, and a co-conspirator pulled up in a car, forced Victim 2 into their vehicle at gunpoint, then handcuffed him, and took his cell phone, cash, and bank cards. They proceeded to pistol whip Victim 2, demanding more money.
The abductors were eventually able to wire $25,000 from the victim’s bank account to an account that they controlled, but continued to demand even more money, brutally assaulting Victim 2. That night, the men brought Victim 2 back to his residence. Burton and Jackson-Fletcher then forced Victim 2 and Victim 2’s wife into the basement and ransacked the space, looking for more money.
For more than two days, the abductors held the family captive in their home, beating, burning, and torturing Victim 2 and choking him and his wife, with Jackson-Fletcher even choking the baby. At times, the men forced Victim 2 to leave with them, driving him around to multiple banks so that he could withdraw cash, to stores to buy merchandise with his bank card, and to a local casino, where they made Victim 2 take out a $25,000 cash advance.
On the evening of February 6, 2022, Burton left Victim 2’s home after an argument with a co-conspirator and fled the Philadelphia area. The same night, Jackson-Fletcher and the other co-conspirators took Victim 2 from the home to a local casino, where they released him.
Burton and Jackson-Fletcher are scheduled to be sentenced on November 18. They face maximum possible sentences of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of incarceration of 34 years.
“Burton and Jackson-Fletcher thoroughly terrorized their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “The lengths the defendants went to — to steal other people’s hard-earned money — are chilling. While today’s verdict can’t reverse the physical and emotional harm done, it ensures that these violent offenders don’t walk free to hurt anyone else.”
“Burton and Jackson-Fletcher are convicted of a vicious nightmarish crime spree,” said Shannon Hamm, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “They stalked their victims, kidnapping them at gunpoint. Holding a family and baby hostage, they tortured their victims for three days while repeatedly robbing them. These criminals’ efforts to disguise themselves was no match to the meticulous work of the ATF Special Agents, Philadelphia Police Detectives and federal prosecutors who brought these brutal criminals to justice.”
“This case represents some of the most disturbing and violent criminal behavior our city has seen,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “The cruelty these victims endured is unimaginable. I commend the tireless work of our detectives, our federal partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in securing these convictions. Today’s verdict is a powerful message - that those who commit such heinous acts in our communities will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Jeanette Kang and Anthony Carissimi and Special Assistant United States Attorney Izabella Babchinetskaya.
Philadelphia County Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, man was arrested today for various child exploitation offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Bobbyjean Orak, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged in a five-count Indictment with (i) transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a) (Count One); (ii) interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b) (Count Two); (iii) enticement of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) (Count Three); (iv) production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) (Count Four); and (v) possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252A(a)(5)(B) & (b)(2) (Count Five). Orak was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning at least in or around October 2022, Orak, who was then 27 years old, used a facility and means of interstate commerce to entice a minor (“Victim-1”) to engage in sexual activity, including the production of child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”). On or about July 13, 2024, Orak transported Victim-1 from Pennsylvania to New Jersey with the intent to engage in sexual activity with Victim-1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement recovered the minor in Atlantic County in August 2024. Following Victim-1’s recovery, law enforcement’s investigation of Orak’s cellphone and various of his online accounts revealed that he possessed substantial quantities of CSAM, including CSAM of Victim-1 and others.
If convicted, Orak faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on Counts One and Three of the Indictment, a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment on Count Two of the Indictment, a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment on Count Four of the Indictment, and a maximum prison sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on Count Five of the Indictment. Each of the offenses carry a maximum fine of $250,000, in addition to restitution and other assessments.
“There is no higher responsibility than safeguarding the welfare of our children. According to the allegations in the Indictment, the defendant methodically groomed his victim for years, then transported the minor across state lines to sexually exploit the minor. We will continue to prioritize these cases, pursue aggressive prosecutions, and hold predators to account. I commend the Federal Bureau of Investigation and our law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this investigation.”
- Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba
Acting U.S. Attorney Habba credited law enforcement members with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Philadelphia, Galloway Township, Evesham, Delran, Waterford Township, and Winslow Township Police Departments for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Thomas Young, Assistant Federal Public Defender
orak.indictment.pdfPennsylvania Man Charged with Unlawfully Possessing and Transporting an Explosive Device with Intent to Intimidate and Damage Vehicle and Other PropertyRead the Press Release
Camden, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man was charged with unlawfully possessing and transporting an explosive device with intent to intimidate with a detonation that resulted in significant damage to a vehicle, personal property, and adjacent residential homes in Burlington County, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced today.
Michael Patrick Takacs, Jr., 43, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, is charged by complaint with one count of transporting in interstate commerce an explosive with knowledge and intent that it would intimidate an individual and damage and destroy a building, vehicle, and real personal property; one count of unlawfully transporting explosive materials; and two counts of unlawful possession of an explosive device. Takacs had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court on August 7, 2025, and was ordered detained.
“Disgruntled individuals who seek retaliation in such dangerous ways – ways that could have seriously injured not only the victim, but others in the community, cannot be tolerated. We will continue to support and collaborate with our law enforcement partners, who acted swiftly, yet methodically, in this matter. Violent actors will be brought to justice.”
- Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba
"We learned a bomb was placed under a person’s vehicle and it exploded before dawn on a Saturday in Delran, NJ. Our agents, intelligence analysts, bomb technicians, evidence response team, and task force officers with state and local police agencies rushed to the scene and immediately began searching for a suspect. We worked around the clock and developed evidence in just days to allege Takacs built the bomb and took very specific steps to avoid detection. Our most important mission in these types of investigations is to protect the public from injury or death by preventing additional attacks. The people of New Jersey do not always get to see the swift and incredible work done by the FBI and our law enforcement partners, but this case illustrates what we do and the way we do it is vital to the communities we serve," Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy said.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On or about July 26, 2025, at approximately 2:42 a.m., an explosive device detonated in the vicinity of a silver Ford Explorer owned by Victim-1 and parked in Victim-1’s driveway located in Delran, New Jersey. The explosion caused a debris field extending out approximately 100 feet in diameter, with various nails and bolts lodged in both the body of the Ford Explorer and in adjacent residential homes.
Approximately two minutes prior to the explosion, surveillance video reviewed by law enforcement showed a dark-colored SUV, later identified as a Jeep Renegade, park directly across the street from Victim-1’s residence and an individual exit the front driver’s side door of the SUV carrying a black object. The individual approached the vicinity of the driver’s side door of Victim-1’s Ford Explorer and then quickly left the vicinity of the Ford Explorer empty handed, returning to the SUV and departing the area.
Shortly thereafter, surveillance video footage showed what appeared to be the same dark-colored Jeep Renegade pass Victim-1’s residence at a high rate of speed, followed immediately by a large explosion that engulfed the vicinity of the Ford Explorer in or near Victim-1’s driveway. Law enforcement believes that the individual driving the Jeep Renegade remotely detonated an explosive device that he had placed near the Ford Explorer while passing Victim-1’s residence.
Victim-1 previously worked with Takacs and was one of his supervisors. In or around May 2025, Takacs was terminated from his position at his place of employment.
Law enforcement later observed a dark-colored Jeep Renegade – the same make and model of the SUV seen on surveillance footage outside of Victim-1’s residence – parked in the vicinity of Takac’s residential driveway in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Additionally, law enforcement learned that Takacs had purchased detonators consistent with the detonator found on the scene of the explosion from an online website just weeks before the event.
Takacs had taken a screenshot, on or about June 4, 2025, of an online map depicting Victim-1’s residence and had conversations with another individual about purchasing a license plate flipper (a device that assists drivers in obscuring or concealing license plates at the press of a button). Takacs did not hold the necessary permits, licenses, or registrations to make or transport explosives.
Counts 1 and 2 of the Complaint each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Counts 3 and 4 of the complaint each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs in Philadelphia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, under the direction of David Metcalf, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, under the direction of Director Laurie R. Doran, New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of LaChia L. Bradshaw, the Delran (NJ) Township Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Matthew J. Gasper, the Warminster (PA) Township Police Department under the direction of Chief James Donnelly III, the Bucks County (PA) Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Fred Haran, and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Jennifer M. Schorn.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincent D. Romano and Casey S. Smith of the Office’s National Security Unit in Newark, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Thomas Young, Assistant Federal Public Defender
takacs.complaint.pdfParamount Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Throwing Chunks of Cinderblock at and Injuring Border Patrol OfficerRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury has indicted a Paramount man on a federal charge that he threw pieces of cinderblock and injured a Border Patrol officer last June when a protest against immigration enforcement turned into a riot, the Justice Department announced today.
Jacob Daniel Terrazas, 30, of Paramount, is charged with one count of assault on a federal employee by using a deadly and dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury.
Terrazas is scheduled to go to trial on September 23.
“We will not stand by while our brave federal agents and officers get hurt,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “If you injure an official enforcing immigration law, you may serve 20 years in a federal prison cell. It’s just not worth it.”
According to the indictment returned Tuesday and in other court documents previously filed in this case, a protest occurred on June 7 near a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) facility in Paramount and turned violent. Terrazas was one of several individuals who threw hard objects – including cinderblocks and rocks – at federal agents. Terrazas used both a makeshift shield and nearby trees for cover and repeatedly rushed toward the agents to throw remnants of cinderblock at them.
One of the pieces of cinderblock Terrazas threw hit a Border Patrol agent in his left shin, injuring the agent and causing him to bleed. The injured agent removed himself from the front lines to mend his injury but – after realizing he could still walk and stand – returned to the front lines. Another Border Patrol agent was struck by rocks but was uninjured.
Terrazas – who wore a dark beanie and black mask covering the lower half of his face – and other individuals threw rocks at Border Patrol agents for approximately three hours. Law enforcement used less-lethal force pepper bells against Terrazas and other rock throwers. Eventually, law enforcement detained, identified, and arrested Terrazas.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Terrazas would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
HSI is investigating Terrazas.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Mackie and Brenda Galván of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Dog Fighting and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to federal dog fighting and drug crimes.
Joel Brown, 38, admitted to possessing and training dogs for fighting purposes and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, Brown kept 11 pit bull-type dogs for fighting purposes at his residence in Franklin County. The dogs on his property were chained with heavy tow chains attached to tire axels buried in the ground. The dogs were within eyesight of each other but housed just out of reach — a housing style typical with organized dogfighting.
On one of Brown’s Facebook accounts, he posted a video of a black pit bull with visible scarring running on a slatmill. After responding to complaints about dogs being left outside at the property and obtaining search warrants, Columbus Humane rescued the dogs, working with the Columbus Division of Police. Authorities also recovered tools and supplies commonly used in the training and keeping of dogs for fighting. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess, train, transport, deliver, receive, buy, or sell animals intended for use in an animal fighting venture.
While conducting search warrants, law enforcement officers also discovered approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine in Brown’s home.
Brown will be sentenced at a later date. He faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison for the drug charge, as well as a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the animal fighting charge.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.
Columbus Humane, the Columbus Division of Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Kevin W. Kelley for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Oceanside Man Charged with Investment Fraud Scheme that Funded Gambling Habit and Luxury CarsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Sang Phuoc Do Le of Oceanside was charged in federal court today with defrauding investors who unwittingly funded the defendant’s gambling habit and luxury car purchases rather than supposedly-profitable Apple reseller businesses.
According to a complaint, Le told investors he owned two businesses, MobileSky and MobileSky2 (collectively, the “MobileSky Companies”), that purchased bulk supplies of Apple iPhones and sold them overseas for profit. However, the MobileSky Companies conducted no such business. Rather, Le used the “MobileSky” business name, which belonged to a person he knew in Northern California, to further his investment scheme.
Le, also known as “Andy Le,” was arrested July 23, 2025, after the FBI learned Le had returned to Oceanside from a recent casino stay in Arizona. He was charged via complaint and then indictment by a federal grand jury. He was arraigned today on five counts of wire and mail fraud. According to charging documents, it was a Ponzi-like scheme in which some investors were paid small returns from the investments of others; but many never received any of their promised profit or their original investment back.
The indictment alleges that Le convinced his victims to invest by making false representations, including that the MobileSky Companies operated an overseas iPhone business in foreign countries such as China; that he held a legitimate Apple Reseller Agreement to purchase and sell iPhones overseas; that investor money would be used to fund wholesale purchase orders of Apple products, including iPhones; and that the MobileSky Companies had substantial purchase orders for large quantities of cell phones.
The indictment further alleges that Le provided investors with falsified receipts—purportedly from Apple for iPhone purchases—to create the appearance of legitimate business activity by the MobileSky Companies. For example, he allegedly assured investors of the MobileSky Companies’ ongoing viability by falsely claiming there was an outstanding purchase order from Apple for iPhones worth more than $1 million.
Instead of using investor funds for the MobileSky Companies, the indictment contends that Le diverted the money for his own personal use, spending it on gambling, luxury cars, and luxury items. He also used the money to make Ponzi-like payments to other investors. As a result of his investment fraud, Le induced investors to part with more than $2 million by wiring and mailing him the funds.
The complaint said FBI agents obtained numerous records from casinos in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida, showing that Le deposited large sums of cash and, in some cases, had investors wire funds directly to such casinos, and then Le used these funds to gamble—not to purchase bulk supplies of iPhones.
Le received various wire transfers from investors throughout the scheme, including one for $792,500. Le made a series of money transfers, but he did not use these funds to purchase iPhones as he told his investors he would. Rather, he withdrew $300,000 in cash and transferred approximately $398,000 to several car companies – West Coast Exotic Cars and Fusion Luxury Motors. Based upon witness statements and business records, Le purchased luxury vehicles, including a green Lamborghini, as shown below.
Le repeatedly made excuses to investors on why he could not pay them the interest promised. At the same time, Le was pitching his “MobileSky” investment program to other potential investors. Le told them they could invest in MobileSky and receive a fixed-rate monthly return, such as 17 percent, on their principal. Le continued to pursue investors, taking some out for lavish dinners and at least one complimentary trip to Las Vegas. After witnessing Le spend lavishly and gamble extravagantly in the casinos in Las Vegas, some potential investors felt confident to invest in MobileSky.
According to witness statements, Le claimed he used casinos like banks to explain to investors why he asked them, at times, to wire money to him at the casinos, which some investors did. However, casino records show significant gambling losses by Le at various casinos in California, Arizona, and Nevada. At the arraignment today, Le entered a plea of not guilty to all the charges in the indictment.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill Burkhardt scheduled a motion hearing/trial setting for September 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw. Le has been ordered detained without bail at this time.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Orabona and Ashley Goff.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 25CR3037-DMS
Sang Phuoc Do Le, aka “Andy Le” Age: 39 Oceanside, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution to victims.
Mail Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1341
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution to victims.
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone with information about allegations of investment fraud committed by Sang Phuoc Do Le, aka “Andy Le”, or others, can report it by calling the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Diego Field Office at (858) 320-1800; calling the FBI’s National Complaint Hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324); or submitting a tip about a federal crime, including fraud, at tips.fbi.gov.
Northfield Man Charged with Possession and Sale of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on July 10, 2025 a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Peter Baez, 41, of Northfield, Vermont with possession and sale of stolen firearms.
Baez entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on August 7, 2025 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Baez be released on conditions pending trial.
According to court records and statements at the arraignment, the allegations in the grand jury’s indictment relate to Peter Baez’ unlawful possession and sale of firearms which had belonged to his father, Pedro Baez. Pedro Baez died suddenly in the fall of 2024, and his will left his home and all property to his daughter. Despite having notice of the terms of his father’s estate, Peter Baez retained possession of Pedro Baez’ firearms, and sold some of them to area gun stores, keeping the proceeds.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Baez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Baez faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and thanked the Berlin and Montpelier Police Departments for their assistance.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Peter Baez is represented by William Vasiliou, II, Esq.
New Orleans Woman Guilty of Theft of Mail by Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on August 5, 2025, KANESHA FLORENCE (“FLORENCE”), age 28, pled guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.
According to court records, on February 6, 2023, FLORENCE allegedly unlawfully stole and removed a greeting card containing an Amazon Gift Card came into her possession and was intended to be conveyed by mail.
FLORENCE faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing is set for November 4, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Jersey Man Charged with Maliciously Damaging a Building by Fire or Explosive Material and Use of Explosive Material in the Commission of a FelonyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyrie Rashad Dunn, a.k.a. “Chaos,” age 37, of Lodi, New Jersey, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for maliciously damaging a building by fire or explosive material and use of explosive material in the commission of a felony.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on January 17, 2025, Dunn carried and used two Molotov cocktails to set fire to a rental property in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Dunn set fire and heavily damaged the property during the early morning hours, while the five building tenants were asleep. Several of the victim tenants had to jump from a second story window to escape, resulting in bodily injuries. Dunn fled from the scene of the fire to New Jersey, where he was subsequently apprehended ten days later after a car chase and the assault of law enforcement officers. Separate criminal charges for that incident are currently pending in the District of New Jersey.
The case was investigated by the Pottsville Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Muskogee Resident Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dewayne Tyree Miller, a/k/a Dejuan Tyree Miller, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On March 3, 2025, Miller pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 17, 2024, Miller admitted to possessing methamphetamine after officers conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Miller in possession of two baggies containing approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine and $950.00 in cash.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Miller will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Parker and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Moore Woman to Serve More Than Nine Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Leading to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Defendant Ordered to Pay More Than $18,000 in Restitution for Funeral Expenses
OKLAHOMA CITY – BETH NICHOLE CHRISTIANNA MORRIS, 34, of Moore, has been sentenced to serve 110 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl leading to an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On October 28, 2019, Norman Police Department responded to a fatal fentanyl overdose at an apartment complex in Norman. A subsequent investigation identified Morris as having sold three counterfeit “M-30” pills to the victim the day prior. The counterfeit “M-30” pills were laced with fentanyl and resulted in the victim’s fatal overdose.
On March 18, 2024, Morris was charged by Superseding Information with distribution of fentanyl. Morris pled guilty on March 27, 2024. As part of her guilty plea, Morris admitted that the fentanyl she distributed resulted in the death of the victim.
At the sentencing hearing on July 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Morris to serve 110 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Morris was also ordered to pay $18,690.51 in restitution to the victim’s family for funeral expenses. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to afford adequate deterrence.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and demonstrates the importance of the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. More information about “One Pill Can Kill” can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Further information about the danger associated with fentanyl distribution and use can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16O7TkhFH9k.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and David McCrary prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Arvil W. Bryant, Jr., 32 years old, of Litchfield, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Bryant was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.According to documents in the case, on May 14, 2024, Bryant was apprehended on a motorcycle in Fremont, Indiana, for warrants out of Michigan. During a search incident to arrest, Bryant was found in possession of a firearm that was reported stolen. As a convicted felon, Bryant was prohibited from possessing the firearm. State and local bomb squads were also called to the scene to secure an improvised explosive device affixed to the handlebars of Bryant’s motorcycle.
“On May 14, 2024, Arvil Bryant was a felon,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “He should not have possessed any firearm; let alone one reported as stolen. He especially should not have possessed that firearm while riding an explosives-laden motorcycle. Thanks to the excellent team that investigated and prosecuted the case, both he and those items are off the streets.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Michigan State Police 1st District Fugitive Team, United States Marshals Service, Fremont Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Forensic Science Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa L. Ashcraft.
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.
Mexican man charged for the third time with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar Figueroa Rosario, 41, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 1, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers encountered a vehicle at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry that had made a wrong turn towards Canada. Figueroa Rosario, who was one of the occupants of the vehicle, had been previously ordered removed from the United States and has two prior felony convictions for illegal re-entry. Figueroa Rosario did not have permission to return to the United States.
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.
Figueroa Rosario made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican man arrested, charged with illegal re-entryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Roberto Perez-Solis, 31, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 5, 2025, Border Patrol agents encountered a vehicle during a traffic stop in Ripley, NY. Perez-Solis, who was one of the occupants of the vehicle, had been previously ordered removed from the United States and was deported to Mexico in 2012. Perez-Solis did not have permission to return to the United States.
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.
Perez-Solis made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Travis McNaughton.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican National Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (Actual) and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Jesus Ignacio Medina-Leyva will spend the next 120 months, or ten years, in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
A federal grand jury indicted Medina-Leyva, 29, of Culiacan, Mexico, along with 31 other defendants on November 2, 2017. The 31-count indictment charged Medina-Leyva with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On April 10, 2025, Medina-Leyva pleaded guilty to both counts he was charged with in the filed indictment.
An investigation revealed that Medina-Leyva and co-defendants were involved in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, a money laundering conspiracy, and various federal firearms violations. Medina-Leyva was arrested entering into the United States from Canada on a warrant relating to the charges in the indictment on August 6, 2024. To date, 26 of Medina-Leyva’s co-defendants have been convicted and sentenced.
In addition to the 120-month sentence, Judge Miller also sentenced Medina-Leyva to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, North Little Rock Police Department, Conway Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
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Mexican National Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eduardo Lopez-Zamorano, age 35, was sentenced to 84 months in prison to be followed by three years on supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegally reentering the United States.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Lopez-Zamorano has a long criminal history in the United States. He was convicted of obstructing the administration of law in 2022, when he tried to shove a police officer who had responded to a domestic dispute in Chambersburg. He was then removed from the United States on May 26, 2022. He illegally reentered the United States thereafter and was again removed on December 9, 2022, after serving a five-month sentence for illegal reentry. That notwithstanding, Lopez-Zamorano again illegally reentered the United States. He was convicted of criminal mischief and harassment in 2023 and driving under the influence in 2024, when he was found driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.25%. He was also convicted of harassment for punching a female victim in the face in February 2024. On March 30, 2024, he was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where he had been charged with assault for holding a knife to the throat of the mother of his child. He had not obtained legal permission to reenter the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Valencia-Diaz, age 51, a Mexican National residing in York County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for a charge of reentry of previously removed aliens.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Valencia having previously been removed in 2017, was found to be in the United States on or about July 19, 2025, in York County, Pennsylvania, and he did not have authority for readmission to the United States at the time he was encountered.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported multiple times was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison.
Mario Uribe-Rodriguez, age 33, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in North Buena Vista, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 8, 2025, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported following a conviction for a felony offense.
At the guilty plea, Uribe-Rodriguez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Uribe-Rodriguez was previously deported in 2012, 2014, and 2018. On April 9, 2025, immigration officials encountered Uribe-Rodriguez in Dubuque, Iowa, after he had been summoned to state court for a charge of theft, fifth degree, in Dubuque County.
This conviction was Uribe-Rodriguez’s fourth federal conviction for a crime related to illegal immigration. In 2012, he was convicted of illegal entry in the Western District of Texas and deported after serving 10 days in jail. In 2014, he was convicted of eluding examination by immigration officers in the District of Arizona and deported after serving 75 days in jail. In 2018, he was convicted of illegal reentry into the United States in the Western District of Texas, a felony offense, and deported after serving 77 days in jail.
Uribe-Rodriguez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-cr-1017.
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Mexican Accountant Sentenced to 5 Years for Role in International Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced Angelica Mendoza Rubio, 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Williams M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to commit concealment money laundering. Mendoza Rubio pleaded guilty to this charge on May 9, 2025.
Mendoza Rubio was a certified accountant in Mexico. From December of 2020 to April 2021, operating in Mexico, Mendoza Rubio used a complex network of money launderers in the United States to help criminal clients launder funds out of the United States by converting bulk cash in the United States to Bitcoin. The scheme utilized shell companies, nominee account holders, funnel accounts, and layered financial transactions to help conceal the true source, owner, and location of the funds. In December of 2020, Mendoza Rubio and others in the network laundered approximately $240,000 in proceeds generated from a wire fraud scheme targeting a business in the Western District of Wisconsin.
At the sentencing, Judge Conley found that the Mendoza Rubio had assisted in laundering $5.1 million in funds generated from criminal activity during the five months of the charged conspiracy. In selecting a 5-year sentence, Judge Conley noted Mendoza Rubio’s invaluable role in the scheme given her expertise as an accountant and the sophisticated nature of the scheme.
Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma praised the efforts of law enforcement in this case, “Sophisticated money launderers like Mendoza Rubio help facilitate international criminal activity. I commend the law enforcement agents who worked to bring her to justice.”
The charge against Mendoza Rubio was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance provided by the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith P. Duchemin and Louis Glinzak handled the prosecution.
Man in Possession of Loaded Semi-Automatic Rifle at Palm Beach International Airport Makes Initial Appearance in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Michael Jeffrey Rodrigues, 41, made his initial appearance in federal court today on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the complaint, on August 5, Rodrigues parked a rental car in an employee lot at Palm Beach International Airport, where it remained for approximately two hours. During that time, Rodrigues was seen entering and exiting the car multiple times. At one point, Rodrigues walked toward the airport gates carrying a large black case and returned to the car around 7:00 am, still in possession of the case.
Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office made contact with Rodrigues and observed a set of throwing knives inside the case. A database check revealed that the car had been rented, and Rodrigues stated that his father had rented it. Rodrigues authorized deputies to search the car for the rental agreement. Inside the glove compartment, deputies found a loaded magazine. Next to the glove compartment, concealed under a towel, they found a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P-15 rifle along with two additional magazines.
Rodrigues has prior felony convictions in Martin County, Florida. On June 20, 2022, Rodrigues was convicted in Martin County, Florida of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility—both felony offenses under Florida law.
United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
FBI Miami and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Marc Osborne is prosecuting the case.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-mj-08427.
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Man Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to 92 days in prison.
Yoni Omar Alvarado-Gomes, also known as Jhonny Ramos Campos, age 35, a citizen of Honduras, received the prison term after a May 28, 2025 guilty plea to one count of being found in the United States after illegal reentry
At the guilty plea, Alvarado-Gomes admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Alvarado-Gomes was previously removed in 2009 and in 2013. On April 26, 2025, immigration officials found him at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges for driving without a license and speeding.
Alvarado-Gomes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Alvarado-Gomes was sentenced to 92 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.
Alvarado-Gomes is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by Enforcement and Removal Operations of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-37.
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Local man pleads guilty to exploiting child, faces 15 to nearly 22 years in prisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Loveland, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexually exploiting an 11-year-old.
Jonathan Travis Mackey, 46, of Loveland, admitted to exploiting a child victim in person while employed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As part of his plea, Mackey immediately resigned from the FDIC.
The plea document recommends a prison sentence of 180 to 262 months in federal prison.
According to his court documents, in May 2024, Mackey sexually exploited an 11-year-old and created photos of the abuse. For example, the defendant created a digital photo that depicted Mackey directly engaged in sexual conduct with the victim.
Mackey was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 30.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Jason J. Scalzo, Special Agent in Charge of the FDIC Office of Inspector General Electronic Crimes Unit; and officials with the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Danielle E. Margeaux are representing the United States in this case.
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Las Vegas Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident who has a prior felony conviction was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 30 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for her role in stealing 38 firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee business in Overton, Nevada, then illegally selling at least 20 of those firearms. The government recommended a prison sentence of 108 months.
Alexis Breanna Worrell pleaded guilty to one-count of theft of firearms from a licensee and one-count of possession of stolen firearms. Co-defendant Dennis James Caputo, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to one-count of theft of firearms from a licensee and one-count of possession of stolen firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 24, 2023, Worrell, Caputo, and another individual drove from Las Vegas to Overton. After the FFL business was closed, Caputo climbed onto the roof and used tools to open a hole in the roof of the building. He directed Worrell to wait for his call at a gas and convenience store. Caputo reached down through the ceiling and pulled up an AK-47 pattern semiautomatic rifle. He then dropped down inside the store, silenced the motion-sensor alarm, and began to pull various firearms from displays. He placed firearms on a bed sheet that he had brought with him and into a rifle case he found in the store. He also filled two five-gallon buckets with other firearms. Worrell admitted that she helped Caputo put the rifle and other firearms into the cab of the vehicle.
From July 25, 2023, to about September 5, 2023, Worrell and Caputo sold and transferred some of the stolen firearms to other individuals. To date, nine of those stolen firearms have been recovered by law enforcement from five prohibited persons who were engaged in criminal activities in the Las Vegas area. Four of the firearms remain outstanding.
Worrell has previously been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in Clark County, Nevada. Caputo has previously been convicted of felony drug crimes in Douglas County, Clackamas County, and Coos County, Oregon; and burglary in Cowlitz County, Washington.
Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Kansas City man sentenced for trafficking fentanyl and cocaineRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for drug trafficking stemming from an investigation into multiple fentanyl overdoses.
According to court documents, Rayvon Porter, 33, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
While investigating the supplier in several fentanyl-related overdoses, Porter was identified as a suspect and law enforcement began to conduct surveillance. Investigators took him into custody while he was inside of a business. During a search of his car, they found a loaded Glock handgun, 1.32 grams of cocaine, 9.7 grams of fentanyl, and digital scales.
“Illegal fentanyl is a blight on our community that causes death and destruction,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our office will do everything in its power to help eliminate it and stop its distribution.”
“This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant narcotics investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and David P. Zabel prosecuted the case.
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KC Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Illegal Firearms Trafficking, Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegal firearms and drug trafficking.
Nathan Caldwell, Sr., a/k/a “Prince Bossalinie”, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to twenty-one years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
On April 3, 2025, Caldwell, Sr. pleaded guilty to engaging in firearm sales without a license, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes, distribution of cocaine, and trafficking a firearm.
Between Dec. 20, 2023, and Apr. 17, 2024, a Confidential Informant purchased 19 firearms, one bulletproof vest, approximately 606.29 grams of methamphetamine, 3.4 grams of powder cocaine, 3.3 grams of crack cocaine, and 9.4 grams of marijuana from Caldwell, Sr. Each of the transactions occurred at Caldwell Sr.’s residence. On May 8, 2024, Caldwell, Sr. sold the Confidential Informant a Glock, Model 19x, 9mm pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch”, on the slide of the pistol. The Confidential Informant also purchased three extra firearm magazines from Caldwell, Sr. The Confidential Informant left the residence, and investigators executed a search warrant on the residence. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators recovered the firearm and magazines the Confidential Informant purchased, along with approximately 14.2 grams of crack cocaine and 15.3 grams of cocaine from Caldwell Sr.’s dining room table.
Caldwell, Sr. has two prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm and prior felony convictions for aiding a felon, attempted aggravated assault, attempted possession of cocaine, conspiracy to commit robbery, and possessing cocaine.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
KC Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced to four years of imprisonment in federal court today for conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and illegally trafficking firearms.
Antonio Manning, Sr., 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 48 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The court also ordered the defendant to pay a criminal forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $11,260.
On April 14, 2025, Antonio Manning admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law. According to the plea agreement, the defendants trafficked at least 22 firearms to persons who were known felons or they sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Antonio Manning admitted that he was personally involved in illegally selling at least nine firearms and one of those firearms was an unregistered machinegun.
On Jan. 22, 2025, co-defendant Sheron Manning, the brother of Antonio Manning, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and to one count of illegally trafficking a firearm that had been converted into an unregistered machinegun. On May 21, 2025, Sheron Manning, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 57 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On April 07, 2025, co-defendant Michael Dewayne Hardy, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons, to one count of illegally trafficking a firearm that had been converted into an unregistered machinegun, and one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of firearms. On June 26, 2024, Michael Dewayne Hardy, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 70 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Justice Department Requires Broad Divestitures to Resolve Challenge to UnitedHealth’s Acquisition of AmedisysRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, together with its state co-Plaintiffs, filed a proposed settlement today requiring broad divestitures to resolve Plaintiffs’ challenge to UnitedHealth Group Incorporated’s (UnitedHealth) $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys Inc. In addition, Amedisys would pay a $1.1 million civil penalty to the United States for falsely certifying that it had provided “true, correct, and complete” responses under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
“In no sector of our economy is competition more important to Americans’ well-being than healthcare. This settlement protects quality and price competition for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable patients and wage competition for thousands of nurses,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “I commend the Antitrust Division’s Staff for doggedly investigating and prosecuting this case on behalf of seniors, hospice patients, nurses, and their families.”
The proposed settlement would require UnitedHealth and Amedisys to divest 164 home health and hospice locations (including one affiliated palliative care facility) across 19 states, accounting for approximately $528 million in annual revenue. By number of facilities, the settlement would secure the largest divestiture of outpatient healthcare services to resolve a merger challenge. In addition, the proposed settlement would:
- Obligate UnitedHealth to divest eight additional locations if it fails to obtain regulatory approval for the divestiture of associated facilities without the additional locations;
- Impose a monitor to supervise UnitedHealth’s divestiture of the assets and compliance with the consent decree;
- Provide the divestiture buyers with the assets, personnel, and relationships to compete against UnitedHealth in the overlap areas;
- Incorporate robust protections to strengthen adherence to the decree and deter interference with the divestiture buyers’ ability to compete; and
- Require Amedisys to pay a $1.1 million civil penalty and train its corporate and field leadership on antitrust compliance for falsely certifying that the company had truthfully, correctly, and completely responded to the United States’ requests for documents.
The map below shows the locations of the divested home health and hospice locations under the decree:
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any interested person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days following the publication to Jill Maguire, Acting Chief, Healthcare and Consumer Products Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 4100, Washington, DC 20530. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest.
UnitedHealth is a vertically integrated insurer, healthcare provider, pharmacy benefit manager, and healthcare software and services vendor headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. UnitedHealth acquired Amedisys’s home health and hospice rival LHC Group Inc. (LHC) in 2023. Amedisys is a home health and hospice services provider headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Illinois Man Charged in Durable Medical Equipment SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Geneva, Ill., man has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with an alleged fraud scheme to defraud Medicare of over $2 million by submitting claims for durable medical equipment (DME) that was medically unnecessary, not wanted by the Medicare beneficiaries and tainted by kickbacks.
Kartik Bhatia, 36, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of making false statements. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, Bhatia allegedly worked with Raju Sharma, and other co-conspirators to own and operate a DME company that paid telemarketing companies for DME orders for orthotics such as ankle, wrist, knee and back braces. Often, the Medicare beneficiaries did not need or want the braces the defendants shipped them and, as further alleged in the information, the doctors whose signatures appeared on these DME orders often did not treat these beneficiaries and did not prescribe the DME. After the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a payment suspension to Bhatia’s DME company, Bhatia simply opened a new DME company that engaged in the same conduct. Bhatia has agreed to plead guilty to health care fraud conspiracy for his alleged role in the scheme as well as false statements in connection with a materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statement and representation that he made to law enforcement during the investigation.
The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Victoriano Ponce-Garcia, age 53, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Coalgate Police Department.
On May 27, 2025, Ponce-Garcia pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on April 11, 2025, Ponce-Garcia, an alien, was found in the United States after having been previously removed in 2009 and in 2020 without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dak T. Cohen represented the United States.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Honduran national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Jose Denis Guardado-Paz, 40, was sentenced on Aug. 4, 2025 by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to time served (approximately 43 days in prison). Guardado-Paz is now subject to deportation proceedings. Earlier in the hearing, Guardado-Paz pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Guardado-Paz was arrested on May 5, 2025 and was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Guardado-Paz was most recently deported from the United States on Oct. 18, 2019. Sometime after his October 2019 removal, Guardado-Paz illegally reentered the United States without permission.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Honduran Guilty of Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ABRAHAM RAMIREZ-CANTOR (“RAMIREZ-CANTOR”), age 40, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty today to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, RAMIREZ-CANTOR was previously removed from the United States on November 21, 2005. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on April 3, 2025, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to re-enter the country. United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo accepted the guilty plea and sentenced RAMIREZ-CANTOR to time served.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Homewood Felon Charged with Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Homewood, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Chaz Mitchell, 35, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about July 5, 2025, Mitchell had three firearms and ammunition in his possession after having been convicted of two prior felonies, including on state firearm charges. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County Man Admits to Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad William Mullooly, 40, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to the distribution of p-Fluorofentanyl.
According to court documents, Mullooly sold fentanyl and p-Fluorofentanyl, a synthetic opioid, on several occasions in Harrison County.
Mullooly faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rhee is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Fresno Man Indicted for Unlawful Firearms SalesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Bee Her, 20, of Fresno, charging him with unlawful transfer of firearms in violation of the National Firearms Act and dealing and manufacturing firearms without a license, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced.
According to court documents, Her sold 10 firearms to undercover agents in three different transactions, including multiple short-barreled rifles. Her sold firearms despite being told by the undercover agent that the firearms were going to Mexico. He also possessed 12 privately manufactured firearms receivers and six auto-sear machine gun conversion devices for purposes of sale.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, and the California Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Her faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Fresno Man Charged with Offenses Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Miguel Angel Dorantes, aka Miguel Castro, 28, of Fresno, charging him with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced.
According to court documents, between Nov. 6, 2021, and May 7, 2025, Dorantes used three minors to create visual depictions of the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Dorantes also provided obscene material to a minor in November 2021.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Dorantes faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, and up to a $250,000 fine for each count of sexual exploitation of a minor. If convicted of transferring obscene material to a minor, Dorantes faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Fraud Conspiracy Leader Sentenced on Bank Fraud, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A North Providence man convicted and sentenced multiple times on economic-based and firearms charges was sentenced today to federal prison for leading a well-organized conspiracy to defraud banks, steal individuals’ personal information, and for illegally possessing a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Jamal Mansaray, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 110 months of incarceration, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution to various financial institutions totaling more than $70,000. Mansaray pleaded guilty on April 29, 2025, to charges of bank fraud conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
As detailed in court documents, Mansaray led a well-organized conspiracy from his dining room table to steal checks from the U.S. Mail, and to obtain and use business and personal identifying information of third parties. The stolen identifying information was used to alter stolen checks, create fraudulent checks, and to fraudulently access bank accounts.
A court-authorized search of Mansaray’s residence in May 2023 resulted in the seizure of hundreds of personal and business checks, blank “washed” checks, more than 1,000 blank check stock used to create and print counterfeit checks, multiple laptops and printers, checks in various stages of alteration, Social Security cards, debit cards, and a temporary driver’s license in the name of others.
Additionally, law enforcement also located a loaded firearm and ammunition inside a backpack belonging to the defendant. Mansaray is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he has been convicted previously on felony charges, including firearms and financial crimes.
In 2018, Mansaray was convicted on federal charges of bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated ID theft. He was sentenced in October 2018 to 60 months of incarceration and three years’ supervised release.
This most current case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Rhode Island State Police.
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sentencing_memo.pdfFort Wayne Man Sentenced to 188 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, Brock E. Russell, 45 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Russell was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.According to documents in the case, in February of 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Russell was driving. In the vehicle was approximately five pounds of methamphetamine and a digital scale. During further investigation, Russell was also found in possession of numerous firearms. As a multi-convicted felon, Russell is prohibited from possessing any firearms.
“Brock Russell aimed to distribute a large amount of meth—five pounds—into our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “He further endangered those communities by possessing firearms that federal law prohibited him from possessing. Thankfully, our exceptional team of investigators, prosecutors, lab techs, and support staff put an end to his illegal conduct. Northern Indiana is safer thanks to their efforts.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Allen County Police Department; South Bend Police Department; and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa L. Ashcraft.
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.
Forsyth County Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection with COVID-19 Rental Assistance FundsRead the Press Release
Greensboro, NC – Shakerra Aarka Jones of Forsyth County pled guilty Tuesday, August 6, to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Treasury and Forsyth County’s Department of Social Services of funds allocated for emergency rental assistance, announced Clifton T. Barrett, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Jones, age 48, submitted fraudulent applications to the City of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (“ERA”) Program in 2021 and 2022 to obtain money to personally enrich herself. ERA funds were designated to assist low-income residents who were behind on their rent and/or utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A tenant had to meet eligibility requirements, and the tenant and property owner were required to submit supporting documentation. Jones submitted applications for ERA funds as though her business, BAS Tax Service, were the property owner to whom past-due rent was due, but neither Jones nor BAS Tax Service owned any property. In the applications, Jones made false and fraudulent representations, including the submission of fake rental agreements, fake arrears letters, and fake property management agreements with false information and forged signatures. When the applications were approved, the checks were issued to BAS Tax Service as the property owner, and, with one exception, Jones deposited them into the bank account in the name of Shakerra Jones d/b/a BAS Tax Service. In total, Jones fraudulently obtained $135,501 in ERA funds.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on November 24, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. At sentencing, Jones faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.
The United States Secret Service, Winston-Salem Police Department, and Forsyth County Department of Social Services Program Integrity Unit are investigating. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
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Former East Bay Middle School Aide Indicted for Receipt and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has indicted Dominic James Vannucci, who was employed as a teacher’s aide at a middle school in Contra Costa County until June 2025, on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography. Vannucci made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland today.
According to the indictment filed and unsealed last week, Vannucci, 25, of Discovery Bay, Calif., allegedly received child sexual abuse materials involving a minor in May 2025. Vannucci is also charged with possessing child sexual abuse materials involving a prepubescent minor beginning from an unknown date continuing through June 2025.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Vannucci faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine for each count of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Vannucci was transferred to federal custody earlier today and is currently on conditional release. He is next scheduled to appear in district court on Sept. 19, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Brannigan made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly I. Volkar is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Alycee Lane and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who has information relevant to this case can report it by contacting HSI at HSISanJose@dhs.gov or (877) 477-4847.
Vannucci Indictment
Former Corrections Officer Admits to Taking BribesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A former correctional officer at Federal Corrections Institution Gilmer has admitted to taking bribes from inmates in exchange for smuggling in contraband.
Hector Lopez, age 41, of Weston, West Virginia pled guilty to bribery of a public official. According to the plea agreement, Lopez accepted $40,000 in payments from or on behalf of inmates as payment for smuggling contraband into the prison.
Lopez faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Charged in Connection with Inmate’s DeathRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — On Aug. 5, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia returned a two-count indictment charging former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips with violating the constitutional rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of harm to an inmate, resulting in his death. The indictment further charges Roberson with falsifying a logbook to cover up his misconduct.
The indictment alleges that on Oct. 28, 2020, Roberson and Phillips became aware of a smoldering fire in an inmate’s cell, and, rather than extinguish the smoldering fire, evacuate the inmate from his cell, remediate the smoke from the cell, or call a fire emergency over the radio, they willfully disregarded the substantial risk of serious harm to the inmate by leaving him in his locked cell for several hours while he slowly died from smoke inhalation.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Augusta Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Augusta Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Charged in Connection with Inmate’s DeathRead the Press Release
On Aug. 5, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia returned a two-count indictment charging former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips with violating the constitutional rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of harm to an inmate, resulting in his death. The indictment further charges Roberson with falsifying a logbook to cover up his misconduct.
The indictment alleges that on Oct. 28, 2020, Roberson and Phillips became aware of a smoldering fire in an inmate’s cell, and, rather than extinguish the smoldering fire, evacuate the inmate from his cell, remediate the smoke from the cell, or call a fire emergency over the radio, they willfully disregarded the substantial risk of serious harm to the inmate by leaving him in his locked cell for several hours while he slowly died from smoke inhalation.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Atlanta's Augusta Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Conspiring to Destroy Baltimore Region Power GridRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Senior U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Brandon Clint Russell, 30, of Orlando, Florida, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor, FBI Tampa Field Office.
“Russell allowed hatred to drive him and his co-conspirator to plot a dangerous scheme that could have harmed thousands of people,” Hayes said. “The sentence imposed today reflects the gravity of Russell’s egregious conduct and his ongoing threat to public safety. This conviction underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling violent extremist threats and holding accountable anyone who dares to conspire to endanger the lives of others.”
“Swift and thorough coordination from our law enforcement partners through the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force disrupted this significant threat to Maryland,” DelBagno said. “I am proud of the dedicated FBI agents and analysts who worked this case from Maryland to Florida. This investigation shows the commitment and broad reach of the FBI to ensure those plotting harm are brought to justice.”
“This case illustrates the FBI’s vigilance in defending the homeland from radical violent extremists like Brandon Russell,” Fodor said. “Our strong partnerships, resources, and resilience exemplifies our commitment to disrupting hate-filled campaigns intended to harm our communities.”
Judge Bredar previously sentenced Russell’s co-conspirator, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 37, of Catonsville, Maryland, to 18 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, in connection with her role in the scheme.
According to evidence presented at trial, from at least November 2022, until February 3, 2023, Russell conspired to carry out attacks against critical infrastructure, specifically transformers located within electrical substations. Russell’s plan was in furtherance of his racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist beliefs. Russell posted links to open-source maps of infrastructure, including the locations of electrical substations. He described how a small number of attacks on substations could cause a “cascading failure.” Additionally, Russell discussed maximizing the impact of the planned attack by attacking multiple substations at one time.
Russell recruited Clendaniel to carry out the attacks in Baltimore and elsewhere. They planned to damage energy facilities involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity and to cause a significant interruption and impairment of the Baltimore regional power grid. The intended monetary loss associated with the planned attacks would have exceeded $75 million.
Clendaniel identified five substations to target, and Russell attempted to secure a weapon for her. She stated that if they attacked multiple substations in the same day, they “would completely destroy this whole city,” and that a “good four or five shots through the center of them . . . should make that happen.” Clendaniel further added, “[i]t would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste if we could do that successfully.”
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Baltimore and FBI Tampa for their outstanding work in the investigation and praised the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Maryland State Police, Baltimore County Police Department and FBI Washington for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also acknowledged the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida for their support. Additionally, U.S. Attorney Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Aubin and Joseph R. Baldwin who prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is a partner in the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate community outreach program. The United Against Hate initiative seeks to directly connect federal, state and local law enforcement with traditionally marginalized communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. To report a Maryland-based hate crime, contact the FBI Baltimore field office at (410) 265-8080 or tips.fbi.gov.
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Final Defendant in Massive Chicago-to-Duluth Fentanyl Trafficking Scheme Convicted After TrialRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Following a three-day trial, a federal jury found defendant Carl Maurice Brown, 32, guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
In February 2024, a federal grand jury indicted multiple defendants, including scheme leader Ezell Cordero Lucas, a/k/a “Cash,” and trial defendant Carl Brown, with engaging in a Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Carl Brown proceeded to trial and today a federal jury found him guilty. Six other defendants, including scheme leader Lucas, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
“This conviction closes the book on a dangerous fentanyl trafficking ring that pumped poison into northern Minnesota from Chicago,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Fentanyl has devastated families and communities across our state, and this case is a powerful reminder: we will not let drug traffickers exploit our cities or our rural communities. We are grateful to the federal, state, and local partners whose tireless work dismantled this network and helped protect Minnesotans from the lethal fentanyl epidemic.”
From December 2021 to February 2024, defendant Ezell Lucas, a/k/a “Cash,” managed a large-scale drug distribution operation (the “Lucas drug trafficking organization” or the “Lucas DTO”) based in Chicago, Illinois, that transported mass quantities of fentanyl to Duluth, Minnesota, for sale to drug customers in the Twin Ports region. Lucas worked with local drug distributors in Duluth to traffic fentanyl from Chicago and establish a customer base in Duluth. Lucas directed criminal associates from Chicago, including defendant Carl Brown, to travel to Duluth and conduct the organization’s operations on the ground. Lucas, sitting in Chicago, fielded calls from drug customers and directed those customers to pre-determined locations in Duluth to meet Lucas’s drug dealers and complete the sales. During a two-year period, law enforcement seized more than 890 grams of fentanyl and 262 grams of methamphetamine from the Lucas DTO over the course of 19 seizure events, including controlled buys, traffic stops, residence search warrants, and a seizure incident to an overdose death.
Brown will be sentenced at a later date. He faces up to life in prison.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Duluth Police Department, the Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and Syngen Kanassatega are prosecuting the case.
Federal Hate Crime and First-Degree Murder Charges Filed Against Alleged Killer of Israeli Embassy Staff MembersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was charged in an indictment unsealed yesterday with additional federal and local murder offenses in connection with the May 21, 2025, fatal shootings of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Rodriguez previously was charged by complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with the murder of a foreign official, causing death through the use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition, he had been charged with two counts of first-degree murder under the D.C. criminal code.
The indictment adds two federal counts of hate crime resulting in death and two local counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Multiple charges in the indictment carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment. At a later date, the Attorney General will decide whether to seek the death penalty.
“This office will leave no stone unturned in its effort to bring justice to the innocent victims of Elias Rodriguez,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The hate charges shed further light on his evil intent in the killing of innocent victims.”
Joining in the announcement were Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith.
“This Justice Department will not tolerate violence motivated by hatred of faith or national origin, and we will enforce our federal civil rights laws accordingly,” said Assistant Attorney General Dhillon.
According to the indictment, Rodriguez made multiple statements prior to the slayings in which he advocated for violence against Israelis.
On May 20, 2025, Rodriguez flew from Chicago to Washington D.C. with a Heckler and Koch VP9 SK 9mm semi-automatic handgun packed in his luggage.
The same day, he allegedly authored a manifesto that he called “Explication,” in which he argued for the “morality of armed demonstration” and wrote that “[t]hose of us against the genocide take satisfaction in arguing that the perpetrators and abettors have forfeited their humanity.”
On May 21, 2025, Rodriguez purchased a ticket to the “Young Diplomats Reception” sponsored by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the Capital Jewish Museum (CJM) located at 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Yaron Lischinsky, Sarah Milgrim, C.S., and A.T., were employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., who attended the reception at the CJM. Yaron Lischinsky was an Israeli citizen who was in the United States on official business. Sarah Milgrim, C.S., and A.T. were United States citizens.
Rodriguez allegedly approached the victims after they walked out of the CJM and fired approximately 20 shots using the 9mm semi-automatic handgun that he had transported from Chicago. After the victims fell, he allegedly continued firing at close range, including as one attempted to crawl away. Multiple shots struck Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, killing them. During the shooting, the defendant allegedly called out, “Free Palestine.”
Moments after the shooting, Rodriguez entered the CJM, where several event attendees were still present., displayed a red keffiyeh and allegedly said, “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza.”
Police removed Rodriguez from the CJM. As he was taken away, Rodriguez yelled at event attendees who had remained inside CJM, “shame on you” and “shame on Zio-nazi terror.”
Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun and 20 spent shell casings at the scene.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with assistance from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Farmington Man Sentenced to Imprisonment After Embezzling Approximately $1.7M from His Small Business EmployerRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Timothy Sean Edgar, 44, of Farmington, Utah, was sentenced today to 18 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and money laundering after he admitted to engaging in a years-long scheme to embezzle approximately $1.7 million from his employer for his personal enrichment.
In addition to Edgar’s term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr. ordered that he serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,778,251 in restitution to the victim.
According to court documents and statements made at Edgar’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning in 2021 and continuing until October 2024, Edgar defrauded his employer to obtain money and property by stealing and lying. As part of Edgar’s scheme, he fraudulently opened a sales channel through a popular online marketplace and used his employment credentials to access the vendor portal and redirect Automated Clearing House payments to his personal bank account. Edgar then made payments back to his employer using his personal credit card.
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
“This case is an example of a defendant who used the victim’s trust against them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Mr. Edgar took advantage of a small business by building a strong relationship with his employer and gained access and control that he then used to perpetrate his fraud scheme. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate fraud in our communities, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudsters and seek justice for victims of these crimes.”
The case was investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and the North Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf and Jacob J. Strain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Executives of Data Intelligence and Mobile Advertising Companies Charged in Connection with Accounting Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ANIL MATHEWS, RAHUL AGARWAL, and KENNETH HARLAN with conspiracy and securities fraud. MATHEWS and AGARWAL were, respectively, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Near Intelligence, Inc. (“Near”), and HARLAN was the Chief Executive Officer of MobileFuse LLC (“MobileFuse”). The charges in the Indictment arise from an alleged scheme to defraud investors in Near by fraudulently inflating the company’s revenue by approximately $25 million through a series of “round trip” transactions in which Near made inflated payments to MobileFuse, only for MobileFuse to pay the money back to Near. MATHEWS and AGARWAL are also charged with wire fraud in connection with their separate schemes to embezzle money from Near, and MATHEWS is charged with aggravated identity theft in connection with his appropriation of the identities of others that he used to generate fake invoices to disguise his embezzlement.
MATHEWS was previously arrested in connection with these charges in France, where he fled during the pendency of this criminal investigation. The United States is seeking his extradition. AGARWAL, an Indian citizen and resident, is at large. HARLAN was arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.
“As alleged, executives from Near and MobileFuse ran a circular payment scheme to inflate revenue and increase Near’s value,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Our investors, businesses and employees depend on the integrity of our capital markets. Market integrity is one of America’s great competitive advantages, and this Office will hold those who undermine that essential integrity to account.”
“These defendants not only allegedly recycled more than $25 million through each other’s businesses, but two of them also stole even more funds to maintain their personal lifestyles,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “These defendants allegedly manipulated their executive positions within their respective companies to create a mirage of financial success and attract prospective buyers. The FBI is determined to apprehend any individual who relies on fraudulent misrepresentations to improve their economic portfolio.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
The defendants, from 2021 to December 2023, caused Near to fraudulently inflate its reported revenue by “round-tripping” money through MobileFuse, a private mobile advertising company founded and run by HARLAN. The round-tripping scheme began before Near became a public reporting company, and MATHEWS and AGARWAL’s fraudulent inflation of Near’s revenue was designed, at least in part, to make Near look more attractive for acquisition by a Special Purpose Acquisition Company, or SPAC, to take Near public. HARLAN, along with other senior MobileFuse executives, agreed to facilitate Near’s fraudulent inflation of its revenue by exchanging fake invoices along with inflated payments that allowed Near’s revenue from MobileFuse’s business to appear more than 10 times higher than it actually was, while MobileFuse “netted” out the roundtripped amounts and paid Near only what MobileFuse owed it for services actually rendered. The defendants, and other senior executives at Near and MobileFuse, knew that Near was recognizing fake revenue that was based on these round-tripped amounts that originated at Near, rather than representing money MobileFuse legitimately owed Near for business services.
The fraudulent accounting practices instigated by the defendants and their co-conspirators caused Near to overstate its revenue by at least approximately $25 million. At various times, Near’s revenue was falsely inflated by as much as approximately 28 percent, with the greatest inflations to Near’s revenue in 2022, just before it went public. These inflated figures were relied on by the SPAC when it evaluated whether to acquire Near. Near’s misrepresentations about its revenue, as orchestrated by the defendants and their co-conspirators, continued after it became a public reporting company. Revenue inflated by MobileFuse’s round-tripped payments gave the appearance that Near was meeting its revenue projections, when, actually, Near would have failed to meet those projections without the round-trip payments. In order to conceal Near’s fraudulent accounting practices, the defendants, and other senior executives at Near and MobileFuse, took steps to mislead the independent certified public accountants engaged to audit Near’s financial statements.
The round-tripping scheme unraveled a few months after Near began trading on the Nasdaq on or about March 24, 2023. On or about October 5, 2023, Near announced an initial assessment that revenue may have been overstated and that its financial statements should not be relied on. Near filed for bankruptcy in December 2023, less than nine months after its merger with the SPAC was completed.
The Round-Tripping Scheme
In January 2021, before the round-tripped payments began, MATHEWS and AGARWAL, along with another Near executive (“Near Executive-3”), invested $2 million in MobileFuse through a Singaporean private limited company in exchange for approximately 1.2 million Class B MobileFuse shares, which amounted to an approximately 10% equity stake in MobileFuse. In the summer of 2023, shortly after Near became a public company, MobileFuse repurchased these Class B MobileFuse shares from MATHEWS, AGARWAL, and Near Executive-3 for only approximately $12,000. Effectively, therefore, the January 2021 “investment” amounted to a nearly $2 million payment from the Near executives to MobileFuse, and specifically, to HARLAN and his co-founder, the majority owners of MobileFuse.
A few months later, the round-tripped payments began. MATHEWS, AGARWAL, and HARLAN coordinated the mechanics of the payments, which would begin with a large invoice from Near to MobileFuse followed by a “counter invoice” representing the amount MobileFuse would legitimately owe Near for services rendered on a monthly basis, plus the round-tripped amount that originated from Near. In accordance with this plan, from May 2021 to September 2023, Near and MobileFuse engaged in a series of similar transactions in which Near paid MobileFuse followed by reverse payments to Near on or about the same day in close but slightly greater amounts, the difference representing the amount MobileFuse legitimately owed to Near for actual services rendered. The payments totaled approximately more than $25 million to MobileFuse, and approximately $27,750,000 to Near.
Near booked payments received from MobileFuse as revenue, even though the defendants knew that the payments Near received from MobileFuse lacked economic substance and merely reflected a return of money Near had previously paid MobileFuse the same day or the day before. Near’s recognition of the fraudulently inflated revenue from the MobileFuse round-tripped transactions caused Near’s revenue to be overstated on its financial statements, including its audited financial statements from both before and after Near became a public company.
HARLAN knew that MobileFuse’s exchange of invoices with Near enabled Near to record increased revenue on its books and that this the increased revenue was fraudulent, and he acted accordingly. Explaining the arrangement to other MobileFuse executives, HARLAN said “Basically [Near is] grossing up their revenue.” MobileFuse, however, did not book the money it received from Near as part of the round-tripped transactions as revenue within its own financial statements. Rather, MobileFuse “netted” the amount Near paid it against the amount it paid Near and recorded only the difference. The result was that Near and MobileFuse accounted for the revenue from their mutual transfers differently. HARLAN recognized that Near’s approach was highly misleading: on or about March 28, 2023, HARLAN texted MobileFuse Executive-2 to compare MobileFuse’s finances to Near’s: “Interesting note….we have more revenue than Near and obviously profitable both in 2022 and forecasted for 2023 and our revenue is real.”
The Embezzlement Schemes
MATHEWS and AGARWAL further enriched themselves at Near’s expense by embezzling money from the company. From in or about May 2022, through in or about 2024, MATHEWS engaged in a scheme to embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars from Near to pay rent for a luxury home located in Laguna Beach, California. MATHEWS took concerted efforts to conceal the embezzlement scheme from Near, its auditors, and its shareholders, including through the creation and use of fictitious invoices using misappropriated identities. Similarly, from in or about 2021 to in or about 2022, AGARWAL also embezzled from Near by transferring funds equivalent to more than a million dollars to a Singaporean company owned by him, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars to a company owned by another Near executive (“Near Executive-3”). Agarwal later facilitated a cover-up by causing Near’s finance department to transmit to Near’s independent auditors a fraudulent MobileFuse invoice to account for the transfers.
* * *
A chart containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the individual defendants is attached.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI and further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is handling the extradition.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Chiuchiolo and Allison Nichols are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DefendantAgeResidenceChargesMaximum Potential Sentence(s)MATHEWS51Laguna Niguel, CAConspiracy to commit securities fraud, to make false statements in a registration statement, to make false statements in reports required to be filed by the SEC, improperly influencing the conduct of audits, and falsifying the books and records of a publicly traded company, 18 U.S.C. § 371
(Count One)
Securities fraud, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff
(Count Two)
Wire Fraud,
18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Three)
Aggravated Identity Theft, 18 U.S.C. § 1028A
Five years
20 years
20 years
Two years, mandatory consecutive
AGARWAL40IndiaConspiracy to commit securities fraud, to make false statements in a registration statement, to make false statements in reports required to be filed by the SEC, improperly influencing the conduct of audits, and falsifying the books and records of a publicly traded company, 18 U.S.C. § 371
(Count One)
Securities fraud, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff
(Count Two)
Wire Fraud,
18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Five)
Five years
20 years
20 years
HARLAN52Princeton, NJConspiracy to commit securities fraud, to make false statements in a registration statement, to make false statements in reports required to be filed by the SEC, improperly influencing the conduct of audits, and falsifying the books and records of a publicly traded company, 18 U.S.C. § 371
(Count One)
Securities fraud, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff
(Count Two)
Five years
20 years
u.s._v._mathews_et_al_indictment.pdf
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Española Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man was sentenced to more than 154 months in federal prison for robbing an ATM technician at gunpoint.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on January 15, 2022, Michael Cobb, 42, approached an ATM technician who was loading cash outside a Century Bank in Española, New Mexico. Cobb pointed a handgun at the technician and demanded the cash canisters. After the technician backed away, Cobb took the canisters, fired a round near the ATM, returned to grab two more canisters, and drove away.
Española Police used license plate reader technology to identify the red Chevrolet Sonic used in the robbery. The vehicle was registered to Cobb’s family residence in Ohkay Owingeh. Investigators matched surveillance footage to Cobb. On January 19, 2022, Pojoaque Tribal Police located the vehicle at Buffalo Thunder Casino. Cobb attempted to flee but was arrested following a brief pursuit. Officers recovered cash consistent with the stolen denominations from Cobb’s person at the time of his arrest.
On November 26, 2024, Cobb pled guilty to bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Upon his release from prison, Cobb will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Española Police Department and Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Bell prosecuted the case.
El Salvadoran Man Recently Convicted of Sexual Battery Sentenced to Maximum Federal Prison Term for Unlawful Reentry by a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – An El Salvadoran national who recently pled guilty to sexual battery was sentenced August 6, 2025 to twenty-four months in federal prison, the maximum sentence for unlawful reentry by a removed alien. Jose Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias will serve his federal prison sentence consecutively to the twenty-five-year sentence for his sexual battery conviction in the Madison County Mississippi Circuit Court.
According to court documents, Mejia-Cubias was arrested on January 30, 2025, by the Madison Police Department and charged with the sexual battery of a patron of a local restaurant where he worked as a bartender. Immigration officials determined that Mejia-Cubias was illegally in the United States and that he had previously been removed from the United States to El Salvador on August 26, 2010. Mejias-Cubias was charged with both federal and state crimes, and he later pled guilty to the state and federal charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kabah Ealy prosecuted the case.
Eight Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” age 26, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Oliver Rivera, age 31, of Drums, Pennsylvania, Mark Reynolds age 57, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Sherrielee Stout, age 32, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, Chandler George, age 34, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Angela Ruggiero, age 42, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Joel Fernandez, age 34, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and Eric Konnick, age 41, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges and firearm offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between January of 2025, and July 30 of 2025, the eight charged defendants conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and marijuana within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. The indictment further alleges the defendants committed the following criminal offenses:
- On multiple occasions between January of 2025 and July 2025, Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” distributed and possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams and more of methamphetamine;
- Between May 29, 2025, and July 20, 2025, Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” and six of the other co-defendants used communication facilities to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking crime, namely conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- On July 30, 2025, Joel Fernandez and Marvin Rivera possessed with intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and over 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl;
- On July 30, 2025, Angela Ruggiero possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine;
- On July 30, 2025, Eric Konnick possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and over 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; and,
- On July 30, 2025, Joel Fernandez and Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” each possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
During the investigation, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) executed search warrants at numerous locations associated with the drug trafficking activities of the defendants. On July 30, 2025, the agents found, among other items: approximately 71 pounds of alleged methamphetamine, over 2 kilograms of alleged fentanyl (which represents over one million in potential fatal doses), approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, and benzodiazepines, as well as multiple firearms, drug packaging materials including a kilogram press and vacuum sealers, and over $160,000 in cash. The street value for the recovered controlled substances is approximately $600,000.
The case was investigated by the DEA, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Tatum Wilson are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is imprisonment for life, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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