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25 July 2025
Six Massachusetts Men Arrested for Alleged Roles in Bank Fraud RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Six Massachusetts men have been charged and arrested in connection with a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud banks in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
The following individuals have been indicted on one count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering:- Phalentz Vernot, 24, of Waltham, who was also indicted on one count of aggravated identity theft;
- Selby Okai, 23, of Worcester;
- Yves Bissainthe, 23, of Randolph;
- Marvin Kimani, 24, of Lowell;
- Keith Wainaina, 23, of Lowell; and
- Victor Kolawole, 25, of Brockton.
All six defendants were arrested this morning and appeared in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging documents, from at least December 2022 through the present, the defendants allegedly obtained, without authorization, the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and bank account numbers of customers of various local banks; recruited individuals to pose as those customers; obtained fake identification documents with the victim customers’ names but the imposters’ photos; drove the imposters to banks in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, where the imposters presented the fake identification documents and withdrew large sums from the victim customers’ accounts in the form of Cashier’s checks; deposited those checks into bank accounts defendants and their co-conspirators controlled; and transferred the money to other bank accounts they controlled. The defendants allegedly recruited bank insiders to facilitate their scheme, including by providing them access to victim customers’ information and disabling account notifications that would have alerted customers to the unauthorized withdrawals.
The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transactions, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence consecutive to any sentence received on the other charges. 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; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Haven Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Connecticut State Police; Glocester (RI), Sutton, Concord (Mass.), Dracut, Westwood and Abington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is 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.Serial Cyberstalker Who Terrorized Women for 16 Years Sentenced to Nine Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Plymouth, Mass. man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for cyberstalking more than a dozen Massachusetts women over a 16-year period. Beginning as early as 2008 and continuing into 2024, the defendant engaged in elaborate online harassment campaigns that targeted and tormented women he knew personally – including two who were minors when the conduct began. Among other things, the defendant hacked into victims’ personal accounts and used over 60 accounts across nearly 30 platforms to relentlessly impersonate, intimidate and abuse them – sharing thousands of fake sexually explicit images of the victims along with their personal information and urging others to contact, shame and sextort them.
James Florence Jr., 37, was sentenced on July 23, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to nine years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In April 2025, Florence pleaded guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking and one count of possession of child pornography. Florence was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2024 and has remained in custody since.“This was not internet trolling. It was psychological torture – sustained, targeted, and deeply personal. For 16 years, this defendant tormented more than a dozen women who considered him a friend, a loved one or an ally and, at the stroke of a key, inflicted lasting harm that changed the way many of these women move through the world. And he did it all while hiding, cowardly, behind a keyboard. Now, he’ll face the consequences of that cruelty behind bars for the better part of the next decade,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “The courage of the victims in this case is extraordinary and it’s their strength that made justice possible here. Our office will continue to do everything in our power to unmask and hold predators like this accountable.”
“James Florence Jr. is a serial cyber stalker who led a double life, weaponizing modern technology to debase, destroy and traumatize more than a dozen women, many of whom were family and close friends, for over a decade. What he did was sickening, demented, and cruel, and he’ll now pay for it with his freedom,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Cyberstalking is a serious crime, and you can be sure the FBI will work to unmask and bring to justice anyone who uses today’s technology in such a despicable way.”
According to court filings, Florence targeted women he knew personally as well as acquaintances – stealing photos from their online accounts and digitally altering the images to make the victims appear nude or engaged in sexual acts. Florence would then post the doctored images publicly alongside the victims’ names, home addresses and other identifying details. For nearly all seven victims, Florence’s cyberstalking campaigns included:- Creating “imposter” social media accounts designed to appear as if they were operated by the victims themselves;
- Posting sexually explicit, AI-generated or photoshopped images of victims, often tagging the victims’ real accounts to maximize exposure;
- Publishing victims’ personal information, including driver’s license photos, home addresses and professional affiliations, with messages urging others to humiliate and expose them;
- Using hacked and compromised personal accounts to surveil victims and gain access to additional private content;
- Attempting to sell doctored nude images of one victim online; and
- Setting up notifications to monitor any changes to victims’ online biographies.
Florence often prompted strangers to contact the victims directly – with some unknown senders demanding that the victims produce real sexually explicit content under threat of distributing the doctored images to friends, family and professional contacts.
For one of the victims, Florence used the name, image and other personal identifying information to program at least three AI-driven chatbots to interact with strangers across multiple platforms in sexually explicit conversations and disclose how to contact or find the victim. For another victim, he created a false online persona describing her sexual preferences, fabricated stories about sex toys and equipment in her home and posted her home address inviting strangers to contact her for sex.
Florence also designed a collage of digitally altered images depicting one victim nude, which he posted to a website alongside her full personal information, encouraging viewers to “Post & Share Her Everywhere. Make The Whore Famous.”
Many of Florence’s victims continue to receive harassing and threatening messages from unknown individuals who encountered the content he created and distributed online.
Additionally, the following items were uncovered during a search of Florence’s residence in Plymouth in September 2024:
- Dozens of pairs of women’s underwear and socks stolen from his victims;
- A custom phone case featuring the image of one of the victims;
- At least 11 digital wallpapers of his victims stored on his phone;
- At least one photo of a victim taken when she was a minor; and
- 62 images and four videos of child sexual abuse material, depicting minor female victims between the ages of approximately eight and 15 years old.
Florence used his expertise to employ several techniques to hide his online identity and criminal activities. According to court filings, Florence was an Information Technology professional who had worked for 10 years at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and had a DoD “Secret” clearance. With this knowledge, he employed a variety of tactics to evade law enforcement – via VPN services, anonymous overseas “revenge porn” websites and encrypted foreign email providers that do not respond to U.S. legal process or retain identifying records.
If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberstalking, please visit: Office for Victims of Crime | What can I do if I am a victim of stalking?
U.S. Attorney Foley and FBI SAC Docks made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Norfolk and Plymouth Police Departments and the Plymouth Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.San Diego Man Sentenced in D.C. to 108 Months in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Eduardo Alberto Zelaya Vides, 31, of San Diego, California, was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 108 months in prison in connection with repeatedly posting child sexual abuse materials to an online chatroom, with aggressively encouraging other group members to do the same, and possessing a collection of child pornography that numbered more than 2,000 digital files, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Zelaya Vides pleaded guilty on February 7, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell, to one count of distribution of child pornography.
In addition to the 108-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Zelaya Vides to serve 15 years of supervised release, to register as a sex offender, and to provide a total of $106,500 in restitution to the 14 children depicted in the child exploitation images that he distributed.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, which conducted the investigation.
According to court documents, Zelaya Vides joined an instant messaging group which existed as a chatroom for the purpose of discussing the sexual exploitation of children and sharing child pornography. To gain entry and remain in the group, members were required to actively post and share child sexual abuse content. Zelaya repeatedly shared child pornography videos in the group and encouraged other members to share materials they collected, repeatedly imploring the group to “post your sluts” and “post your young sluts.”
On May 10, 2024, law enforcement arrested Zelaya Vides. FBI agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home and recovered six digital devices, three of which contained more than 2,000 videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
During his interview with investigators, Zelaya Vides admitted that he participated in the chatroom that began as a forum for discussion and exchange of pornography. He later admitted that he was aware that the pornographic images shared in the group depicted minors who were under 18-years-old. He further admitted that he uploaded images to the chatroom.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Shinskie.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
24cr0216
Sallisaw High School Coach Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Sexual Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joshua Lee Bolin, age 26, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to a Superseding Indictment of one count of Receipt of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, punishable by five to twenty years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The Superseding Indictment alleged that beginning in January 2024 and continuing until June 28, 2024, Bolin received visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sallisaw Police Department.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Bolin was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.
Roanoke Rapids Man Sentenced in Large-Scale Drug and Gun CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Diandre Sherod Ireland, aka “Debo”, 35, was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years in prison for drug trafficking in Roanoke Rapids.
“This sentence reflects the serious threat posed by fentanyl traffickers who fuel addiction and violence in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who profit from dealing this deadly poison.”
“This conviction is the culmination of hard work by the Halifax Narcotics and Gang Taskforce, a partnership between RRPD and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, as well as our federal law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The dedication of each,” said Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Lawrence Wiggins.
“Over the past three years we have built an excellent relationship with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners. We have used this partnership to go after those who are terrorizing our community,” said Halifax County Sheriff Tyree Davis. “Drugs and gangs are a problem in Halifax County and a vast majority of our murders, violent crimes and non-violent crimes are directly related to drugs and gangs. In partnership with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, our (HCSO & RRPD) Drug and Gang Task Force works tirelessly to ensure our communities are safer. Our agents will build strong, detailed cases. The Chief and I take a tough stance on drugs and gangs.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force began investigating Ireland in 2022 after sources identified him as a major drug supplier. Officers observed him making short visits to suspected drug houses in North Carolina and Virginia and interacting with known traffickers.
In February 2024, agents executed a search warrant at his home. When they arrived, law enforcement observed Ireland exit out the back door and toss two backpacks into the neighboring yard before returning inside. Inside the bags, investigators found more than 1,500 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of fentanyl. A search of Ireland’s home uncovered nearly 250 grams of marijuana, digital scales, more than $38,000 in cash, and four firearms – including two stolen handguns and a rifle with a high-capacity magazine.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, and the ATF investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Childress prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00075.
Repeat offender convicted at trial of drug trafficking and firearms offensesRead the Press Release
Seattle – A Seattle man with prior convictions for robbery, burglary and indecent liberties with forcible compulsion for sexually assaulting a homeowner during the course of a residential burglary, was convicted late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Seattle of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Anthony Raymond Dodd, 36, was convicted following a three-day jury trial. The jury deliberated about 6 hours before returning the guilty verdict. At a second proceeding, the jury convicted Dodd of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge John H. Chun scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2025.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, on February 22, 2024, Dodd was scheduled to meet with his community corrections officer in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle. Law enforcement had received a report that Dodd was armed and dealing fentanyl pills. Corrections officers followed Dodd in a car he was driving to the check-in meeting. The car was kept under surveillance while Dodd met with his corrections officer and failed to truthfully an
swer some questions about guns and drugs. When corrections officers searched the vehicle Dodd was driving, they found two bags of fentanyl pills in the center console, with a loaded handgun sitting on top of the pills. DNA consistent with Dodd’s DNA profile was found on the trigger of the gun and the magazine holding the bullets. When law enforcement searched Dodd’s apartment, they found $1,460 in cash and a few pills hidden in a heat vent. On Dodd’s phone was a request from someone asking for ‘blues’ – the street name for fentanyl pills.
In closing arguments Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson told the jury, Dodd “was the only person in that car, he was the last person in that car.”
Dodd’s defense tried to argue that the case was a ‘cautionary tale’ about borrowing the wrong car from a friend – a car Dodd claimed he did not know contained drugs and a loaded gun. Prosecutors say the case is something different, “This is a ‘cautionary tale’ about a defendant thinking he could commit crimes on the way to and from his Department of Corrections appointment.”
To limit what the jury knew of Dodd’s criminal history, Judge Chun held a second trial on whether Dodd illegally possessed the firearm since he is a convicted felon. Jurors briefly deliberated before returning that guilty verdict.
Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of 40 years. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison to run consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking count. Unlawful Possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Washington State Department of Corrections, the Seattle Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cecelia Gregson and Rachel Yemini.
Puerto Rico Man Indicted for Straw-Purchasing Dozens of Firearms on Behalf of OthersRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Esai Pastrana Cruz (30, Puerto Rico) with conspiring to make and making false statements to a firearms dealer. If convicted, Pastrana Cruz faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count and up to 10 years on each substantive count. The indictment also notifies Pastrana Cruz that the United States intends to forfeit all firearms and ammunition involved in or used in the violation.
According to the indictment, between June 29, 2019, and December 22, 2023, while living within the Middle District of Florida, Pastrana Cruz purchased dozens of firearms on behalf of his co-conspirators. While making the purchases, Pastrana Cruz falsely represented to federally licensed firearms dealers that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
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).
Previously Convicted Murderer in Possession of a Glock Sentenced to 32 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wendell Smith, 60, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 32 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Glock firearm when he was stopped by police for speeding on the Suitland Parkway, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Smith pleaded guilty on April 18, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 32-month prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release
Joining in the announcement of Smith’s sentencing was Chief Jessica Taylor of the U.S. Park Police.
According to court documents, on Nov. 4, 2024, U.S. Park Police officers observed a black Mercedes speeding on the Suitland Parkway near Alabama Ave. SE, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. After the sedan came to a halt, officers saw the driver reach to his right side.
Smith presented his driver’s license. Officers asked Smith to step out of the vehicle. A K-9 unit indicated the presence of controlled dangerous substances in the car.
Officers searched the car and, from a backpack on the passenger’s seat, recovered a Glock 27, .40 caliber pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. In another bag on the floor, officers discovered more than $78,000 in cash.
Smith previously was convicted of first degree murder while armed and other offenses in D.C. Superior Court and in February 1990 was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Park Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Strong.
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Osceola County Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Yo’Rel Le-Dari Pemberton (27, Osceola County) to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of over 40 grams of fentanyl. Pemberton pled guilty on April 16, 2025.
According to court documents, on six occasions between July 6, 2023, and June 6, 2024, Pemberton sold pills containing fentanyl to an undercover officer. In total, Pemberton sold approximately 284 grams of fentanyl to the undercover officer.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Nate and Patrick Flanigan.
Northern Colorado Couple Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution Linked to Death of a MinorRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Destiny Salazar, age 22, and Gabriel Orozco, age 23, both of Weld County, Colorado, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and to distribution of fentanyl.
According to the plea agreements, Salazar and Orozco used cellphones, Facebook, and email to sell fentanyl pills to a variety of customers. They referred to the pills as “blues," "30s," "percs," "perxs," and "yerks” on Facebook. They also used their various devices and accounts interchangeably, with Orozco sometimes responding for Salazar on her account.
The plea agreements further state that the defendants engaged in a series of transactions with an individual on July 24th, 2021, who purchased six pills in total from Salazar and Orozco. This individual shared the pills with a minor female, who died shortly thereafter as a result of fentanyl intoxication. Both defendants and the individual who purchased the pills were aware they contained fentanyl.
Salazar and Orozco continued to conspire and distribute fentanyl through at least March 2022, when they were arrested on burglary charges. At the time of their arrest, they possessed distribution quantities of fentanyl, according to the plea agreements.
United States District Court Senior Judge John L. Kane presided over the hearing.
Salazar will be sentenced on October 21st, 2025, and Orozco will be sentenced on October 23rd, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greeley Police Department, Brighton Police Department, Weld County District Attorney's Office, and the Weld County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brad Giles.
Case Number: 24-cr-310-JLK
Nine Indicted in Illegal Gambling Ring Worth over $9.5 MillionRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Nine individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged involvement in an illegal gambling conspiracy occurring at six locations in southwest Missouri. Each of the defendants face multiple charges in the 72-count indictment.
Rahulkumar D. Patel, 40, a citizen of India residing in the state of Washington, Manishkumar M. Patel, 44, a citizen of India residing in the state of Georgia, Mitulkumar M. Barot, 40, of Georgia, Sunilkumar N. Patel, 52, a citizen of India residing in the state of New York, Tushar R. Patel, 39, of Georgia, Azghar Ali, 51, of New York, Harshadkumar S. Chaudhari, 38, a citizen of India, residing in Colorado, Vipul A. Patel, 40, of Arkansas, and Mohammed Iphtekar Ali Ajgar, 50, of Georgia were each charged in a 72-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on May 14, 2025. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned against Rahulkumar D. Patel, on Dec. 10, 2024, and includes additional charges and defendants. The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrest of several defendants and in advance of certain defendants’ arraignments on July 23 and 24, 2025.
“Illegal gambling operations affect the citizens of the neighborhoods and communities where they are located as well as the local economy. We worked closely with our law enforcement partners to shut down this criminal conspiracy and bring those responsible to justice. This case is an example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together to tackle organized criminal activity,” said Acting United States Attorney Jeff Ray.
“What began as a local investigation quickly expanded into a large, multi-jurisdictional case resulting in numerous indictments and a significant positive impact across our community,” Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams said. “We’re grateful for the strong partnerships we have with federal agencies that made it possible to build a case of this scale.”
“This wasn’t some low-level gambling scheme. It was an organized, multi-million-dollar criminal network that operated brazenly and believed it could stay one step ahead of law enforcement,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “They were mistaken. Through precise coordination, relentless investigation, and cross-agency teamwork, we dismantled their operation piece by piece-locally and overseas. To those still involved in this kind of crime: we’re watching, we’re tracking, and we will shut you down.”
“Today’s charges reflect the dedication of law enforcement – especially in Springfield, Joplin, and across Southwest Missouri - to hold those who violate the law accountable. We especially thank and commend our law enforcement partners for their persistent and unwavering commitment to this case,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus.
The federal indictment charges all nine defendants with one count each of participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling businesses from July 1, 2022, to May 13, 2025. In addition to the conspiracy counts, all nine defendants were charged with at least one count of wire fraud, and eight defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The State of Missouri has established regulations controlling the operation of electronic gaming devices. Certain gambling devices and slot machines are prohibited by Missouri and Federal law.
According to the indictment, the defendants ran illegal gambling businesses under the guise of internet amusement arcade games, skill game arcades, and adult arcades.
Between April 24, 2023, and Aug. 28, 2023, Barot registered six businesses online with the Missouri Secretary of State: Big Win Arcade, LLC; Big Win Arcade 2023, LLC; Spin Hitters 1, LLC; Spin Hitters, LLC; Vegas City Arcade, LLC; and Vegas Arcade, LLC. The indictment alleges that the defendants then used these businesses to fraudulently apply for business license applications filed with the cities of Springfield, Joplin, and Branson West, and to obtain utilities contracts, lease agreements, and business incorporation documents filed with the State of Missouri.
The defendants hired local employees to work in their businesses, which operated contests of chance, gambling devices, and slot machines in violation of Missouri and Federal law. There were four locations that operated in Springfield: Big Win Arcade #1 at 1928 S. Glenstone Ave., Big Win Arcade #2 at 1135 E. Commercial St., Spin Hitters at 838-840 S. Glenstone Ave., and Vegas Arcade at 615 S. Scenic. They also opened Spin Zone at 2331 E. 7th St. in Joplin, Mo., and Vegas City Arcade at 16585 Missouri Highway 13, Branson West.
Rahulkumar D. Patel, Manishkumar M. Patel, Tushar R. Patel, Vipul A. Patel, and Ajgar participated in WhatsApp group chats where they communicated about the operation of the illegal gambling arcades from May 31, 2023, to March 11, 2024.
The indictment alleges that the defendants transported the proceeds from the illegal gambling locations to several states to promote the ongoing illegal activity. The defendants hid the proceeds of their gambling ring by depositing them in various personal bank accounts within the United States and the Republic of India. Over $9.5 million in US currency was laundered by this organization in a little over three years.
Rahulkumar D. Patel, Manishkumar M. Patel, Sunilkumar N. Patel, Tushar R. Patel, Barot, Ali, Chaudhari, and Ajgar are all charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and at least one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering. Rahulkumar D. Patel, Manishkumar M. Patel, Sunilkumar N. Patel, Tushar R. Patel, Barot, Ali, and Ajgar are all charged with money laundering. Rahulkumar D. Patel, Manishkumar M. Patel, and Ali are also charged with depositing or transferring more than $10,000 of funds derived from illegal gambling and wire fraud in a single transaction.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is the result of a lengthy investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) involving the transnational organized crime group with ties to India. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark who was significantly assisted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Oliver prior to his retirement in June of this year. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri National Guard Counter Drug Unit, the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, the Greene County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney, the Jasper County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney, and the Johnson County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney.
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).
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Identity Theft in Connection with Stolen $810,000 Tax Refund CheckRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Yonkers, N.Y. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to steal an $810,000 tax refund by impersonating a corporate executive in Connecticut.
Steven Ware, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2025. Ware was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2024 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024.
In December 2023, Ware opened bank accounts in the name of a Connecticut investment company and one of its executives at a credit union in Tyngsborough, Mass. When opening the account, Ware identified himself as the executive – using the executive’s full name, date of birth, Social Security number and other documents.
Shortly after opening the account, Ware returned to the credit union pretending to be the executive and deposited a United States Treasury check payable to the company and the executive for $810,337.
Once the check cleared, a debit card was used to withdraw money from the account to buy goods at various retailers in New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Ware returned to the Tyngsborough credit union several times over the following days and weeks pretending to be the executive and wired more than $634,000 of the stolen funds.
The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of aggravated identity theft each provide for a mandatory two years in prison, in addition to any sentence imposed for bank fraud, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; and Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, OIG made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Tyngsborough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Woman Sentenced in Connection with Scheme to Fraudulently Obtain Loans from Small Business AdministrationRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Jennifer Watkins, 48, of Marlton, New Jersey, to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with her role as a co-conspirator in a multi-million-dollar bank fraud conspiracy. Watkins and her co-conspirators schemed to fraudulently obtain more than $35 million in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans from financial institutions that they used to purchase hotels. Judge Chasanow also ordered Watkins to pay restitution of $6,010,655.72.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) – Mid-Atlantic Region.
According to the factual stipulations in the guilty pleas of Watkins, and co-conspirators Mehul Ramesh Khatiwala, aka “Mike Khatiwala,” 43, of Voorhees, New Jersey, and Rajendra G. Parikh, 64, of Monroe, New Jersey, Khatiwala was the owner and managing member of Delaware Hotel Group LLC (DHG), and an operator of GMK Consulting LLC (GMK) and KPG Hotel Mgmt. LLC (KPG). These LLCs were hotel management and loan broker companies located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Watkins served as a project coordinator for DHG and managing member of Forza Consulting LLC (Forza), a hotel consulting and loan broker company located in Marlton, New Jersey. Parikh was an owner of KPG. Co-defendant Rebecca Marie Cohn a/k/a Rebecca Marie Stanton, 38, was a settlement and title processor for Residential Title & Escrow Company, a real estate title company located in Owings Mills, Maryland, that offered escrow and loan-settlement services.
The guilty pleas outline how from August 2018 through February 2020, Khatiwala, Parikh, and Watkins conspired to obtain loan proceeds to buy and sell hotels in connection with a hotel flipping scheme. “Flipping” is a real estate investment strategy that involves purchasing property to hold for a short period before selling it to make a quick profit. During the SBA-loan application process, the co-conspirators made and caused others to make material misrepresentations and omissions to financial institutions regarding the sellers’ identity, familial relationships between parties, and the nature and amount of the equity injected by the borrowers. The defendants sought loans through the SBA’s Section 7(a) Program, which guaranteed and insured approximately 75-85 percent of these loans, and required that the small business owner/borrower invest a certain amount of their own money into the business to qualify for the loan.
In their guilty pleas, Khatiwala and Parikh admitted that they acted as managers or supervisors in connection with the scheme. Additionally, Khatiwala, Parikh, and Watkins admitted that they created shell companies using co-conspirators as straw owners of the entities. These straw owners had no actual ownership interest in the entities as Khatiwala and Parikh were the true owners. The straw owners signed purchase contracts, operating agreements, and related documents to buy hotel properties in the name of the shell companies.
Co-conspirators then created a second company to purchase the hotels from the shell companies at substantially higher prices. After the co-conspirators formed the companies to control both sides of the flip transaction, they solicited banks for small-business loans to finance the buying company’s purchase of the hotel from the straw companies. The co-conspirators helped the buying companies qualify for the loans by falsely representing investors’ equity injections to the banks, among other materially false statements, misrepresentations, and omissions. The financial institutions extending the loans relied on the false statements and misrepresentations.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FHFA-OIG and FDIC-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Evelyn L. Cusson, and Ari D. Evans, who are prosecuting the federal case, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber, who provided legal support for the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Monterey Man Charged with Production of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and Other Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury has indicted Samuel Rios on seven counts of child exploitation and child pornography offenses.
Rios, 29, of Monterey, was initially charged by complaint on July 8, 2025, and was indicted yesterday on two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, three counts production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the complaint and indictment, Rios allegedly used the social media platform Snapchat to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce two different minor victims (Victim-1 and Victim-3) in Monterey County to engage in sexually explicit activity from July 24, 2023, through March 5, 2024, and from May 9, 2024, through May 10, 2024.
The indictment also alleges that Rios produced child sexual abuse materials with minor victims in the Northern District of California in 2023 and 2024, and further possessed and distributed child sexual abuse materials.
In May 2024, on behalf of an anonymous client, a therapist reported the possible sexual assault of a child by a male alleged to be Rios.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Brannigan made the announcement.
Rios has been in federal custody since July 16, 2025. He is next scheduled to appear in federal court on July 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Rios faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count of coercion and enticement of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b); a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for each count of production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a); a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for the count of distribution of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1); and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the count of possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Ellis James Jr. is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, the Monterey Police Department, and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who believes they are the victim of a crime perpetrated by Rios or has information relevant to this case can report it by contacting HSI at HSISanJose@dhs.gov or (877) 477-4847.
Mobile Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Carrie Mae Jones of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced to serve two years in federal prison for filing fraudulent tax returns.
According to court documents, Jones operated Agee’s Outreach Tax Service and Royalty Queen Tax Service in Mobile where she acted as a “ghost preparer” of at least 34 false or fraudulent tax returns between 2019 and 2022. Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Jones to two years’ imprisonment and ordered her to pay $419,452 in restitution. At the conclusion of her sentence, Jones will serve one year of supervised release.
“Carrie Jones represents many of the unethical tax preparers we advise filers to avoid by doing research on the business before using their services,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Not signing tax returns is just one of several indicators that someone is dealing with a ghost preparer. The sentencing of Jones sends a message that unethical return preparers will be held accountable for their criminal activity.”
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasee Heisterhagen prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Middleburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeffrey Snyder, age 47, of Middleburg, was sentenced yesterday to 188 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Snyder led Pennsylvania State Police officers on a 90-mile-an-hour chase through Union and Snyder counties on April 8, 2024. When Snyder was finally arrested, he possessed approximately 376 grams of methamphetamine, $1,390.40 in cash, was driving a stolen vehicle, and had a loaded, stolen revolver in the driver’s side door. Snyder previously pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025.
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation. The sentencing took place on July 23, 2025.
Francisco Jimenez-Grijalva, 31, was sentenced to time served and ordered to be removed from the United States.
Jimenez-Grijalva was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025.
Jimenez-Grijalva, a non-citizen of the United States and a Mexican national, was deported from the United States to Mexico in 2015 and was found back in the United States in May 2025. He was arrested for DUI in Pennington County. After the arrest, it was discovered Jimenez-Grijalva had been deported from the United States on three separate occasions. Reentering the United States after deportation is a felony.
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 was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Jimenez-Grijalva was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican National Arrested Thursday in Waco for Failing to Possess RegistrationRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Mexican national was arrested in Waco Thursday for failure to possess registration documents.
According to court documents, Noe Fermin Guerrero-Mendieta, 33, was allegedly located on July 24 by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Waco Fugitive Operations team without his required certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card. Upon his original apprehension by immigration authorities, Guerrero-Mendieta was granted an immigration bond and released from immigration custody. By federal law, he was required to, at all times, carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card.
Guerrero-Mendieta was charged with one count of failure to possess a registration form and made his initial appearance in federal court Friday afternoon. If convicted, he faces up to 30 days in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
ICE is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Frazier is prosecuting the case.
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).
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican man pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Ausencio Flores Salazar, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 27, 2025. Flores Salazar was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Flores Salazar was deported to Mexico in 2019. Sometime after his removal, Flores Salazar unlawfully reentered the United States and was encountered in Shrewsbury on or about May 12, 2025.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement.
Malden Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.
Logan Pierre, a/k/a “LO,” 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In March 2025, Pierre pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl and cocaine.
Logan Pierre was charged along with his brother and co-defendant, Isaiah Pierre in June 2024. Isaiah Pierre fled apprehension and remains a fugitive.
In the fall of 2023, an investigation began into drug trafficking activities conducted by Logan and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre. The investigation revealed that the Pierre brothers were allegedly actively selling methamphetamine in the greater Boston area. Between October 2023 and May 2024, Logan Pierre and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre sold or arranged the sale of a pound methamphetamine on at least five separate controlled purchases. During a search of Logan Pierre’s apartment, an additional 1000g of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine was recovered.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin; and Interim Revere Police Chief Maria Lavita made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.
Major Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Supplier Sentenced to 145 MonthsRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A major supplier of methamphetamine and fentanyl, who conspired with others to traffic over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl into Southwest Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 145 months in federal prison.
Andora Lee Smith, 62, of Whitesburg, Kentucky, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Smith conspired with others, including Eric Coffey, Daniel Hafemeister, Michael Hicks, Cody Rose, and Ashley Beverly Jr., to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Southwest Virginia.
Most of Smith’s distributions took place at her Kentucky residence, where she kept multiple pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl and distributed ounce-plus quantities at a time to her customers. Smith also delivered drugs to Virginia and routinely traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to obtain quantities of xylazine and fentanyl (“black”) for distribution.
Smith worked as a teacher at Norton Elementary School and John I. Burton High School in Norton, Virginia, for 15 years prior to committing her crimes.
C. Todd Gilbert, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Southwest Drug Task Force, Kentucky State Police, and Wise County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States.
Madisonville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Madisonville, Kentucky man was sentenced on July 22, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison for possessing over 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Steve Bryan of the Madisonville Police Department made the announcement.
Michael Skinner, 65, admitted in his plea agreement that he was stopped by law enforcement on August 3, 2024, based on excessive window tinting. A K-9 subsequently alerted to the presence of narcotics coming from the vehicle, resulting in the discovery of 80.77 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the hood of the vehicle. Skinner admitted to distributing methamphetamine and to frequent prior drug distribution. As a result of his conduct and his criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 10 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the Madisonville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This conviction 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).
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Longtime Gang Member Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston-based gang H-Block has been sentenced in federal court in Boston on drug conspiracy charges.
Jason Bly, 44, of Quincy, was sentenced on July 23, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. In February 2025, Bly pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the charging documents, the H-Block street gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H-Block. Current members of H-Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation.
Bly was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation of H-Block beginning in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. According to court documents, over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation.
The investigation identified Bly as a longtime H-Block gang member and a supplier of wholesale quantities of cocaine for distribution. During this investigation, Bly supplied co-defendant and fellow H-Block gang member Avery Lewis with a quarter kilogram of cocaine.
According to court documents, Bly’s criminal history includes a 2016 conviction of attempted assault and battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm without a permit during an incident where he fired several rounds from a firearm in H-Block territory. He also has a 2024 conviction for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon during incident in which he threw a cup of hot coffee in another man’s face during an argument for which he was on probation at the time of his arrest in this case.
Lewis was sentenced to 46 months in prison in June 2025.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Randy Maloney of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section prosecuted the case.The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
La Nueva Familia Michoacana Drug Cartel Member Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Pablo Tabares-Martinez, 50, a member of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel who was arrested in Guatemala and extradited to the United States, will serve a ten-year prison sentence following his conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“The successful extradition and prosecution of Tabares-Martinez reflect my office’s commitment to eliminating dangerous cartels that seek to introduce drugs into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “This case also sends a strong message to cartel members who transport deadly drugs destined for the Northern District of Georgia: we will find you and bring you here to face justice.”
“This investigation demonstrates DEA’s commitment to protecting our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA remains focused on keeping America safe by removing dangerous drugs from our communities and bringing criminals to justice.”
“We will relentlessly pursue and dismantle cartels and criminal organizations that threaten our communities with deadly drugs,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “The extradition and conviction of Pablo Tabares-Martinez, a key member of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel, is a direct result of the unwavering dedication of HSI and our law enforcement partners to eradicate these dangerous criminal organizations from our society.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: The La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM) cartel is a violent Mexican cartel responsible for the annual transportation, importation, and distribution of approximately 12 tons of methamphetamine, 13 tons of opioids, including heroin and fentanyl, and 18 tons of cocaine in the United States. On November 16, 2021, Tabares-Martinez, who resided in Mexico and was a mid-level member of LNFM, orchestrated the sale of one kilogram of methamphetamine to an individual in the Atlanta area. After the transaction was complete, Tabares-Martinez contacted the purchaser to confirm the methamphetamine was high quality.
In 2022 and 2023, Tabares-Martinez and other LNFM members established a transportation route for 150 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to Atlanta, Georgia. In March 2023, local law enforcement arrested Tabares-Martinez after he traveled to Guatemala to inspect the cocaine. In November 2023, Tabares-Martinez was extradited to the Northern District of Georgia, where he has remained in federal custody.
Earlier today, Chief United States District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced Tabares-Martinez to ten years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Tabares-Martinez was convicted on January 13, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. Guatemalan law enforcement provided valuable assistance in the arrest of Tabares-Martinez.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Laurel B. Milam prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to eliminate the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates. The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies.
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 OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Kansas City Man Charged in String of Bank Robberies Across Kansas CityRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On July 16, 2025, Staci-Christopher Zjacku Cannon, 26, was charged with four counts of bank robbery and two counts of attempted bank robbery in a now-unsealed federal indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri.
The indictment alleges that between Feb. 6, 2024, and May 15, 2024, Cannon robbed, or attempted to rob, six different banks and credit unions across Kansas City, acquiring over $30,000 in the process.
Under federal statutes, each count of bank robbery, or attempted bank robbery, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
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).
KC Man Indicted for Illegal Firearms, Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing firearms and drug trafficking.
Victor Roseberry, 60, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on June 27, 2025.
The indictment was unsealed and made public today following Roseberry’s arrest.
The indictment charges Roseberry with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
The indictment alleges Roseberry possessed firearms on June 9, 2023, and July 4, 2024. The indictment also alleges that on July 4, 2024, Roseberry possessed 5 or more grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges Roseberry is an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
Roseberry has prior felony convictions for robbery, domestic assault, aggravated assault, tampering, and possession of a firearm by a person with three prior convictions for crimes of violence.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Under federal statutes, Roseberry is subject to a sentence of up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
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).
Jury Convicts Chicago Woman of Straw Purchasing and False Statements During Purchase of FirearmRead the Press Release
A woman who purchased several firearms for prohibited persons was convicted by a jury yesterday after a 4-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Cedrinique Coleman, 32, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of four counts of false statement and representation during a firearm purchase and two counts of purchasing a firearm for another for prohibited purposes commonly known as “straw purchasing;” she was acquitted of two counts of false statement and representation during a firearm purchase. The verdict was returned following about four hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that between April 2020, and July 2023, Coleman purchased seven firearms. Ms. Coleman came to the attention of law enforcement when the firearms began showing up at crime scenes both in Iowa, and out of state. Two Glock 19 handguns were converted to machineguns: one recovered in possession of a prohibited person in Chicago, the other was used in the shooting of a police officer in Minneapolis. A Glock 22 handgun was reported stolen by Coleman. Evidence at trial showed that this is a common tactic used in straw purchasing cases to distance the purchaser from the gun in case it is ever tied to a crime. The other handgun was found in possession of Coleman’s boyfriend on February 21, 2024, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Coleman’s apartment. Coleman’s boyfriend is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is an illegal drug user and domestic abuser. Coleman was aware of his prohibition because she was the victim of his domestic abuse conviction stemming from 2020. Coleman’s boyfriend was also out on bond for an indictment for attempted murder out of Blackhawk County. Despite this, Coleman continued to purchase firearms for her boyfriend. Photos and text messages recovered from Coleman’s cell phone showed she was in communication with her boyfriend before and during the purchase of several of the firearms. Evidence showed Coleman bought the guns at the request or demand of her boyfriend.
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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Coleman remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Coleman faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and Mason City Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin C. Fletcher and Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-3038. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Jamaican Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Jamaican woman pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Tanya James, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2025. James was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
In 2003, Tanya James was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base. Subsequent to that conviction, she was ordered removed from the United States and was removed to Jamaica in 2004. In 2011, James was again ordered removed from the United States and was removed to Jamaica in 2012. On or about May 12, 2025, James was found to be in the United States without having received permission to reenter.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement.
International Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Drug Conspiracy That Smuggled Hundreds of Kilograms of Cocaine and Murdered A RivalRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Marlon Alexis Aguilar-Reyes (44, Guatemala), a/k/a “Padrino,” “Flack,” “New Flack,” and “Flack NW” has pleaded guilty for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Aguilar was apprehended on March 4, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, Aguilar-Reyes was part of an organization in Guatemala that received cocaine from South American maritime vessels, transported the cocaine to locations near the Guatemala/Mexico border, and smuggled bulk cash throughout the country. Aguilar-Reyes controlled one of the land routes between northern Guatemala and southern Mexico and worked with corrupt law enforcement and politicians to further the conspiracy.
Throughout 2018, intercepted communications between Aguilar-Reyes and associates revealed multiple sales of cocaine and payments of millions of dollars. For example, in April 2018, Aguilar-Reyes negotiated a sale of 100 kilograms of cocaine for $1.2 million. On another occasion, Aguilar-Reyes and other coconspirators, including a coconspirator operating in Mexico, discussed the transfer of $5.877 million to Aguilar-Reyes and his organization. In May 2018, discussions between the conspirators, including a corrupt law enforcement officer, were involved in a murder near the Suchiate River crossing in Ayutla, Guatemala on the Guatemala/Mexico border. After confirming that the victim was killed, Aguilar-Reyes asked the officer to send a video recording to a local politician to show that the victim “was a freaking nuisance.”
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The U.S. Marshals Service provided critical support in the apprehension of the defendant. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Honduran National Sentenced to 24 Months for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed Alien; Sentence Enhanced Due to Prior Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CESAR A. LOBO-RAMOS (“,LOBO-RAMOS”) age 38, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on July 22, 2025, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long sentenced him to 24 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, LOBO-RAMOS re-entered the United States after being previously deported on April 10, 2018. LOBO-RAMOS came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after he was arrested by the Kenner Police Department on November 2, 2023 for resisting arrest and obstruction of police. He faced an enhanced statutory maximum sentence of 20 years due to a Sexual Battery conviction in Jefferson Parish in 2010.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRICK THOMAS, 35, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a fentanyl trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 16, 2024, Tyrick was arrested after a search of his residence on Ashley Street residence revealed approximately 88 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine, and a search of his vehicle revealed nearly 200 wax folds of fentanyl and xylazine, and additional quantity of loose fentanyl.
Thomas pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22.
Thomas has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force, the ATF, and the New Haven Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr. through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Harrold Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Shulte has sentenced a man from Harrold, South Dakota, who was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025.
Jerrod Fallis, age 47, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture of the firearm and silencer was also ordered.
Fallis was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 17, 2025.
On December 8, 2023, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle driven by Fallis. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a Rock River Arms AR15 rifle, silencer, and methamphetamine paraphernalia. Fallis is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior state felony drug convictions.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Fallis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hawthorne Man Charged with Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – William Hernandez, 27, of Hawthorne, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possessing with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Hernandez is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida on July 29, 2025, at 2:15 p.m.
If convicted, Hernandez faces up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gainesville Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Adam Hapner.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Guilty Verdict in Road Rage Killing of Uber Driver Near Dupont CircleRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Rodney Baggott, 58, of the District of Columbia, was found guilty yesterday of murder and related counts in U.S. District Court in the 2024 road rage slaying of Uber Eats driver Rasheek Abdullah near the Dupont Circle Metro Station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A federal jury deliberated for a single day before finding Baggott guilty on July 24 of first degree murder while armed (premeditated), possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Reggie B. Walton scheduled sentencing for Dec. 18, 2025.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, on Jan. 30, 2024, Baggott was driving a white Mitsubishi Outlander to his then-girlfriend’s office at a law firm in Dupont Circle.
Shortly before 4 p.m., the girlfriend left her office and joined Baggott. The two drove to the intersection of Connecticut Ave. and Q St, NW. There, as Baggott made a right-hand turn, Mr. Abdullah passed him on the left-hand side. Baggott became enraged believing that Mr. Abdullah had cut him off. Baggott drove up next to Mr. Abdullah, pulled out a gun, and shot him in the neck. Mr. Abdullah ultimately died as a result of the shooting.
Baggott fled the scene with his girlfriend sitting in the passenger seat. The girlfriend called an auto body repair shop to fix distinctive damage on the vehicle—distinctive damage that would go out on a police bulletin later that day and would ultimately be used to link Baggott to the shooting.
On March 2, 2024, a Montgomery County Police officer stopped Baggott and the girlfriend while they were in the white Mitsubishi Outlander. Baggott was arrested for illegally possessing a gun in the vehicle.
On March 3, 2024, law enforcement found the gun used in the shooting during the execution of a search warrant at Baggott’s girlfriend’s apartment. The firearm had DNA that linked it to both the girlfriend and Baggott.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Metropolitan Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Montgomery County Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Tepfer and Daniel Seidel, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes.
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Gainesville Man Indicted for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jesse Roger Armstrong, 35, of Gainesville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Armstrong is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida on July 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
If convicted, Armstrong faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, Tracy Nicholson, Jr., 22 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Nicholson was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.According to documents in the case, Nicholson distributed more than 40 grams of fentanyl in July of 2024. He coordinated the delivery of about 500 fentanyl pills to law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Allen County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Ashcraft.
Former Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chairman Pleads Guilty to Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and former President of the Tribe’s Gaming Authority pleaded guilty yesterday to failing to report more than $177,000 in income on his federal income tax returns for 2014 - 2017. Most of the income was related to the First Light Resort and Casino, which the Tribe’s Gaming Authority is building in Taunton.
Cedric Cromwell, 60, of Attleboro, Mass. pleaded guilty to four counts of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Nov. 5, 2025, 2025. Judge Gorton will impose sentence on both Cromwell’s tax convictions and his reinstated extortion convictions at that time.
In March 2021, a federal grand jury sitting in Boston indicted Cromwell on the tax charges and charges that he extorted an architecture-and-design firm that had a contract to serve as the Gaming Authority’s “owner’s representative” for the casino project. The trial court severed the tax counts from the extortion counts, which went to trial in the spring of 2022. On May 5, 2022, a federal jury sitting in Boston convicted Cromwell of three counts of extortion under color of official right and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. The trial court dismissed the jury’s convictions, but the First Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated them on Sept. 27, 2024. Cromwell filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court but the Court declined to hear his appeal.
Cromwell’s unreported income included $57,549 that he extorted from the architecture-and-design firm. Cromwell also failed to report $45,023 that he received from the initial architect on the casino project. Finally, he failed to report $74,821 that he received from one or more companies which developed and supplied forest carbon offsets.
The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. The charges of extortion under color of official right and conspiring to commit extortion under color of official right each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Jared C. Dolan of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and Co-Conspirator Convicted in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI — Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Calvert White, 49, of St. Thomas, and Benjamin Hendricks, 62, also of St. Thomas, were convicted of Honest Services Wire Fraud and Federal Programs Bribery following a four day jury trial.
“No one is above the law,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “Today’s convictions show that even high-ranking government officials will be held accountable for engaging in criminal misconduct. Our community deserves better.”
“Public corruption erodes the very fabric of our society. The community deserves honesty and integrity from public officials,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski. “The FBI follows the facts no matter where they lead. Our mission is simple but powerful: to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. Every person in the Virgin Islands is included in that promise. I want to thank our dedicated FBI agents and personnel here in the Virgin Islands who worked relentlessly on this investigation as well as our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office and the Public Integrity Section. We encourage anyone with information on federal crimes to contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.”
According to evidence admitted at trial, White solicited and accepted a bribe from a then-government contractor, David Whitaker, through Hendricks, who acted as an intermediary. The scheme began in at least December 2023 and continued until the defendants were approached in June 2024. In exchange for the bribe paid by Whitaker, White agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a contract budgeted for $1.6 million with SP&R. White, amongst other acts, provided confidential bid information to Whitaker and took official action to encourage the awarding of the contract to Whitaker. Hendricks served as a middleman for the payments and facilitated the bribery scheme.
The offense of Honest Services Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the offense of Federal Programs Bribery carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Lina Peng of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Conley for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
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Florida Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years for Scheme to Steal More Than $10.8 Million from MedicareRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Lino Mallari Gutierrez, a/k/a “Joe Gutierrez,” (59, Palm City) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay more than $5.6 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare. Gutierrez and his co-conspirators submitted over $10.8 million in fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (DME) that Medicare beneficiaries did not want or need and that were procured through the payment of kickbacks. Gutierrez was convicted at trial in April 2025, of eleven health care fraud-related offenses, including conspiracy, health care fraud, and paying kickbacks.
According to court documents and testimony, over a six-month period from October 2018 to April 2019, Gutierrez conspired with others to steal millions of dollars from Medicare by creating sham companies that shipped braces to Medicare beneficiaries —some of whom co-conspirators identified through telemarketing and others whose personal identifying information conspirators stole to submit fraudulent Medicare claims. Gutierrez and his conspirators paid kickbacks to other companies in exchange for signed doctors’ orders. These companies used overseas call centers to solicit patients and fraudulent telemedicine companies to procure fake prescriptions for braces for Medicare beneficiaries.
As part of the conspiracy, Gutierrez, a licensed broker, also filed false records with his employer and a private regulatory organization of brokers to conceal his involvement in the DME companies.
On April 9, 2019, multiple federal law enforcement agencies participated in a nationwide action referred to as “Operation Brace Yourself.” The operation targeted ongoing schemes, such as Gutierrez’s, in which companies were paying illegal bribes to secure signed physicians’ DME brace orders for use as support for fraudulent claims submitted to the federal programs. In the Middle District of Florida, the April 2019 operation included, among other efforts, the execution of search warrants at numerous DME storefronts and civil actions.
Before the operation, Gutierrez was in the process of establishing six more DME companies, which were thwarted by law enforcement action. To hide the profits from the government, Gutierrez and his conspirators laundered the Medicare proceeds.
“The sentencing underscores HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting patients and taxpayers from fraudulent schemes that exploit our health care system and are motivated by pure greed,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Lynch with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that individuals and entities are profiting from deceiving and abusing federal health care programs.”
“Mr. Gutierrez orchestrated a scheme to cost taxpayers over $10 million. When federally funded healthcare systems are cheated, we ALL pay the price. The FBI is dedicated to working with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who exploit the health care system at the expense of patients,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor.
This case was investigated by the HHS-OIG and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Peresie and Trial Attorney Margaret Mortimer of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Five drug dealers sentenced to federal prison in Centralia-area crackdownRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Five drug dealers active in Fayette, Jefferson and Marion counties were sentenced to federal prison for distributing cocaine, meth or fentanyl in southern Illinois.
Jason Barnes, 53, of Odin, Illinois, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth. He was sentenced to 210 months for selling meth on multiple occasions in 2019 and 2020.
Marvelous Burnett, 46, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, pleaded guilty to 16 counts of distribution of a controlled substance: cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: cocaine. He was sentenced to 162 months for selling cocaine through the Centralia, Vandalia and Mount Vernon area in 2023 and 2024.
Kenneth Thornton, 61, of Centralia, Illinois, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl. He was sentenced to 78 months for selling more than a gram of fentanyl in December 2023.
David Barnes, 37, of Centralia, Illinois, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance: cocaine. He was sentenced to 72 months for distributing a half ounce of cocaine during a controlled buy in February 2023.
Karie Holstlaw, 40, of Salem, Illinois, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance: meth, and she was sentenced to 57 months for selling eight grams during a controlled buy in November 2022.
“These sentences send a clear message: drug trafficking in southern Illinois will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement, five fewer drug dealers are fueling addiction and violence in the Centralia area. Drug dealing is a cancer that causes all sorts of societal harm, and we will continue to use all our federal powers to protect communities."
“These sentencings further prove that the FBI Springfield's Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force will not tolerate the continued flow of drugs in southern Illinois,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. S. Johnson. “Together with our local partners, we remain relentless in our mission to identify and arrest those who bring these substances into our community.”
The FBI Springfield Field Office’s Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force and the Centralia Police Department contributed to the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Reppert, Dan Kapsak and Dan Carraway represented the U.S. for the prosecutions.
Five People Indicted in Rockford for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $1 Million in Federal BenefitsRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — Five individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rockford in a scheme alleging more than $1 million in federal benefit fraud.
The indictment returned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Rockford charges TYESHA BOWMAN, 32, of Beloit, Wis., with thirty-four counts of mail and wire fraud; LIBRA MARTIN, 48, of Rockford, with fourteen counts of wire fraud; LAMONT FOSTER, 38, of Rockford, with eight counts of mail and wire fraud; KHADIJAH BROWN, 31, of Rockford, with two counts of mail fraud; and SIETA CARRINGTON, 36, of Rockford, with one count of mail fraud. Arraignments have not yet been scheduled.
According to the indictment, Bowman and Martin schemed to defraud and fraudulently obtain over $500,000 in connection with the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, both programs enacted under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Bowman, Foster, Brown, and Carrington schemed to defraud and fraudulently obtain over $500,000 in connection with the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program.
The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of mail and wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal jury convicts South Carolina man on sex trafficking and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted a South Carolina man today on charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; sex trafficking of a minor; production of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct; transportation with the intent to engage in prostitution; transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in prostitution; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, during July 2024, Johnny Thiel Banks, 30, of Summerville, transported a minor, identified as Jane Doe, from North Carolina to Virginia on multiple occasions. While in Virginia, he sex-trafficked Jane Doe at hotels, a truck stop, and a gas station in Hampton Roads, including in Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Jane Doe was 15 years old at the time and had just finished the 8th grade. Banks repeatedly threatened Jane Doe and her family to get her to comply with his demands. He also had her pose for and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM). When she did not want to go back to Virginia to engage in commercial sex, he threatened to have her “floating in a creek.”
On July 31, 2024, while armed with a firearm, Banks took Jane Doe from a residence and brought her to a hotel in Virginia Beach to sex traffic her. He set up multiple commercial sex appointments that night. After they arrived in Virginia Beach, he argued with Jane Doe and strangled her, and she called a family member for help. After receiving information that Jane Doe was missing from Charlotte, the Virginia Beach Police Department quickly located Jane Doe in the parking garage of a hotel. As officers spoke with Jane Doe, Banks walked by and was detained.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant and recovered Banks’ loaded handgun from his rental vehicle. As a previously convicted felon, Banks cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. Police also obtained search warrants for three cellphones that contained CSAM and evidence of sex trafficking.
Banks is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19 and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Megan M. Montoya are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-15.
Federal Jury Finds Red Lake Man Guilty of Sexually Assaulting a MinorRead the Press Release
BEMIDJI, Minn. – Following a four-day trial, Matthew Thomas McGregor, 35, a Red Lake man, was convicted by a federal jury with one count of sexual abuse of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, McGregor groomed and sexually assaulted a minor victim, who was under the age of 15, in a residence. McGregor will be sentenced at a later date.
“Sexual violence against children is one of the most devastating crimes we prosecute, and tragically, it occurs at disproportionately high rates in our tribal communities. This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to standing with our native nations like the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in protecting their children and delivering justice. McGregor committed an unthinkable crime against a vulnerable child. We will not tolerate it. Our office will continue working alongside tribal, federal, and local partners to confront the crisis of sexual abuse head-on and ensure that survivors are heard, believed, and protected.”
“Yesterday, a federal jury convicted Matthew McGregor for sexual abuse of a minor,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Anyone who sexually assaults a child will feel the full force of our law enforcement efforts. The FBI will deploy every resource possible to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. We will work with federal prosecutors to seek an appropriate sentence, and we remain committed to keeping every child safe.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and Red Lake Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office commends the excellent work of the FBI and the Red Lake Police Department in this case and is grateful for this important partnership.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary S. Riverso and Rachel L. Kraker prosecuted the case.
Fatal Overdose Traced to Henderson Dealer Leads to Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Henderson man whose distribution of fentanyl led to a fatal overdose has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Keymon Leahke Cofield, a/k/a “Keymoney,” a/k/a “Boi Fat,” 25, pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025, to charges of distribution of fentanyl and heroin and possession with intent to distribute both substances.
According to court records and evidence presented in court, on June 13, 2020, Cary Police Department officers responded to a 911 call for a suspected overdose at a hotel in Cary. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 35-year-old man in the room alongside drug paraphernalia and 50 bindles of suspected heroin and fentanyl. Law enforcement determined that one of the bindles had been used, resulting in the victim’s overdose. The remaining bindles were tested and found to contain heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. Investigators traced the fatal fentanyl back to Cofield, who was 20 years old at the time and had traveled from Henderson to Cary to sell the drugs.
The investigation continued through July and August, during which undercover officers conducted several purchases of heroin from Cofield. On July 15, 22, and 23, an undercover officer bought a total of more than 750 bindles from him. When Cofield arrived at another arranged deal on August 5, he was arrested. Law enforcement then seized an additional 651 bindles of suspected heroin and fentanyl. Lab testing confirmed the bindles contained mixtures of heroin, fentanyl, 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ANPP), cocaine, and tramadol. A search of Cofield’s phone revealed photographs of large quantities of cash and firearms.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Cary Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:22-CR-00278-M-RJ.
Former Mayoral Candidate Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Dollar GeneralRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA –Whitfield Leland III, 45, was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment in federal court today for Hobbs Act Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and being an Armed Career Criminal in Possession of a Firearm. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this career criminal will no longer be able to victimize and terrorize our community. My office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting violent criminals to hold them accountable to the full extent of the law in order to keep our communities safe.”
Court documents reflect that Leland robbed a Tallahassee Dollar General at gunpoint on May 20, 2024. During the robbery, Leland pointed a pistol at the store manager and demanded that the manager open the safes. A customer observed the robbery in progress and called 911. Officers from the Tallahassee Police Department responded within minutes and surrounded the store while Leland was still inside. Leland then stole the manager’s Dollar General shirt and exited the store pretending to be an employee. Leland made it outside the store in his disguise but kept running when ordered to stop. Officers chased Leland and were able to follow a trail of dropped money to where he was hiding in nearby bushes, still wearing the Dollar General shirt and with additional money stuffed into his pants. Officers were able to recover $689 stolen during the robbery.
Leland is a 13-time convicted felon who qualified as an Armed Career Criminal because he had convictions for three violent felonies committed on separate occasions: two separate incidents of resisting a law enforcement officer with violence and one conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Leland was a 2022 candidate for Tallahassee mayor.
Leland received a sentence of 22 years in prison, which will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Leland was also ordered to pay restitution.
“The safety of our community is always our top priority,” said Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. “Thanks to the quick actions of our officers and strong collaboration with our federal partners, a repeat violent offender is off the streets. This outcome reflects our continued commitment to protecting Tallahassee’s residents and businesses from harm.”
The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted 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).
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
FCI Lewisburg Inmate Charged with Assault with A Dangerous Weapon and Possession of Weapons in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Dion, age 57, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution Lewisburg (FCI Lewisburg), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 24, 2025, by a federal grand jury on two counts of possessing contraband in prison and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on June 2, 2025, Dion was in possession of a broken, wooden broom handle, approximately 13 inches in length, which he used to assault another inmate. The indictment further alleges that Dion was also in possession of a bent brush with exposed metal prongs, approximately 8 inches in length.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. A sentence would also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. 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 by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Everett Man Indicted for Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Everett man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for trafficking firearms.
Joao Victor Da Silva Soares, 21, was indicted on one count of dealing firearms without a license and one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. He will be arraigned in federal court in Boston on July 30, 2025. Da Silva Soares was previously charged by criminal complaint in January 2025.
According to the charging documents, between August and September 2024, Da Silva Soares supplied firearms for sale in Eastern Massachusetts. Specifically, on Aug. 26, 2024, Da Silva Soares allegedly delivered two AM-15 rifles and sold them for $6,000 in a parking lot in Malden. It is further alleged that on Sept. 11, 2024, Da Silva Soares participated in another sale involving a total of five firearms (consisting of rifles, pistols and a shotgun) outside a residence in Milford.
The charges of conspiracy and engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Malden and Milford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Erie Felon Sentenced to Six Years of Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 72 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal drug and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Djimon Dapree Johnson, 27, on July 24, 2025.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about October 20, 2021, Johnson possessed with the intent to distribute 382.61 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. In addition, Johnson possessed two stolen firearms and a 50-round 9mm drum magazine as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Baxter ordered that Johnson’s federal sentence be served consecutive to the sentence Johnson is already serving for violation of his parole for an unlicensed firearm conviction.
Assistant United States Attorney Molly W. Anglin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.
Ecuadorian National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ecuadorian national illegally residing in Yarmouth was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Jose Tomas Lema Pugo, a/k/a Jose Luis Ledezma, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (approximately six weeks in prison) and one year of supervised release. He is subject to deportation upon completion of the sentence imposed. Earlier in the hearing, Lema Pugo pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Lema Pugo was arrested by immigration authorities on May 9, 2025 and indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Lema Pugo was deported from the United States to Ecuador in November 2013. Sometime after his November 2013 removal, Lema Pugo 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 Jennifer Zacks of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias, age 42, a Dominican Republic National previously residing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 51 months in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for illegally reentering the United States following his deportation after committing an aggravated felony.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias illegally entered the United States on at least two prior occasions. After illegally living in Lawrence, Massachusetts, since 2009, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias was deported to the Dominican Republic on October 16, 2018, following a Massachusetts criminal conviction in 2015, for possession with the intent to distribute 635.7 grams of heroin. That crime resulted in a three-and-a-half-year imprisonment sentence. Thereafter, in early 2020, the defendant illegally reentered the United States through Texas. On October 6, 2022, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias was arrested by agents with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for his involvement in significant drug trafficking activities where he was supplying various co-conspirators with bundles of heroin/fentanyl. This second drug trafficking conviction following his illegal reentry netted a sentence of two and half to five-years’ imprisonment. On April 24, 2025, Tejeda-Arias the defendant pleaded guilty to the Federal Indictment charging illegal reentry. Judge Munley ordered that the 51 months’ imprisonment sentence was to run consecutive to the defendant’s state drug trafficking sentence. After service of his sentences, Tejeda-Arias will be deported to the Dominican Republic.
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 and Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
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