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20 May 2025
Guilty Verdicts for Maryland Members of a PCP and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Centered in D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kenneth Watts, 57, of Upper Marlboro, Md., and James Kinard, 47, of Temple Hills, Md., were found guilty by a federal jury today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and PCP in the DMV. The conspiracy also used firearms to protect their narcotics and the proceeds from their trafficking operation.
The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The jury found both defendants guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP. The jury also found defendant Kinard guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2025. Watts and Kinard each face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Watts has two prior felony drug convictions. Kinard has a prior 1995 conviction for second-degree murder while armed and a prior 2016 conviction assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and related offenses. Kinard was on supervised release during the investigation in this case.
Three co-defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial on May 7.
Melvin Grayson, 51, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, more than 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and more than one kilogram or more of PCP. Grayson faces a minimum-mandatory sentence of ten years. He has two prior felony drug convictions from 1993.
Tyrone Ragland, 56, aka “Tech,” of the District, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram of PCP. Charles Cunningham, 58, of the District, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to their plea agreements, Ragland and Cunningham will be required to serve 15 years in prison. Cunningham has four prior felony drug convictions.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department intercepted a package containing six kilos of PCP at a FedEx facility in Maryland. The officers set up a controlled delivery of the package and stopped defendant Kenneth Watts after he picked it up. In Watts’ cell phone, investigators found text messages linking Watts to the package and to co-defendant Melvin Grayson.
Through controlled purchases and wiretaps, evidence showed that Grayson distributed PCP, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The investigation also showed that defendants Ragland, Cunningham, Kinard and others conspired with Grayson to distribute the narcotics. In search warrants conducted at various residences, agents recovered four firearms, more than 2.5 kilos of PCP, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $50,000 in cash.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Cross Border Task Force and the DEA Washington Field Office, with assistance from MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The Cross Border Task Force is a part of the FBI’S Safe Streets Initiative and targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R. Mohanty and Iris Y. McCranie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
23cr007
Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in New Bedford has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Manuel Ruiz Luis, 52, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Ruiz Luis was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 31, 2025. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Ruiz Luis has been detained.
According to the indictment, Ruiz Luis was first deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 1996 and allegedly reentered the United States illegally sometime thereafter. Ruiz Luis was removed from the United States a second time on March 28, 2012. It is alleged that sometime after his March 2012 removal, Ruiz Luis illegally reentered the United States without permission.
According to court documents, prior to his 2012 removal, Ruiz Luis had multiple criminal convictions including one charge of operating under the influence and four separate charges of operating a motor vehicle without a license.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Georgia Woman Who Trafficked over 10 Pounds of Methamphetamine Hidden Inside Bag of Dog Food Sentenced to Decade in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Georgia woman was sentenced on May 14, 2025 in federal court in Boston for her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that trafficked narcotics from Mexico into the United States.
Brooke Logan Paniagua, 28, of Dalton, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release. In January 2025, Paniagua pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
On Sept. 25, 2022, the DTO informed a confidential source that a female courier would be transporting 12 pounds of methamphetamine from Georgia to Massachusetts. On Sept. 27, 2022, Paniagua called the confidential source to coordinate the time and location to meet to complete the sale of the methamphetamine. Paniagua informed the confidential source that the methamphetamine was hidden inside a 50-pound bag of dog food.
On Sept. 27, 2022, Paniagua arrived at the agreed-upon location and notified the confidential source that she had arrived at the location. During a search of her person, a .22 caliber Ruger handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition was located in Paniagua’s back pocket. A search of Paniagua’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of a large, partially opened bag of dog food that contained five plastic containers filled with 12.3 pounds of 97% pure methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, and the Natick, Newton and Waltham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to illegally possessing a firearm.
Jayden Isaac Simmonds, 19, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.
Simmonds admitted to possessing a stolen Smith and Wesson 10mm semi-automatic pistol and daily use of marijuana and opioid addiction. Simmonds also admits to being a member of a local gang known as the “1500.”
According to an affidavit filed with the original complaint charging Simmonds with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, investigators test-fired the pistol and submitted the casings to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for analysis. The test-fired cartridges, the affidavit says, were a presumptive match to shell casings recovered from two separate shootings in Springfield in August 2024. The first shooting occurred on Aug. 4, 2024, on West Brower Street. An occupied residence was shot multiple times by unknown suspects. At least 17 rounds struck the residence, but there were no injuries. The second shooting occurred on Aug. 14, 2024, on North Prospect Avenue. A disturbance resulted in shots being fired. One residence was struck, but there were no injuries reported.
Following his arrest, Simmonds told investigators he had been using marijuana daily since he was 11 or 12 years old, and that he was addicted to opioids and had been using fentanyl.
Under federal statutes, Simmonds is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Postal Worker Sentenced for Stealing $1.9 Million in Business Checks from Post Office in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dontavis Romario Truesdale, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for financial institution fraud, after he stole $1.9 million in business checks from the post office where he worked, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Kathleen Woodson, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG) for the Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office (MAAFO), Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which oversees Charlotte, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to court records, from November 2022 to April 2023, Truesdale worked as a processing clerk at the Ballantyne Post Office in Charlotte. Court records show that Truesdale used his position and access to steal hundreds of checks of businesses that maintained post office boxes at that location. Truesdale then sold the stolen checks to other co-conspirators who committed bank fraud. Over the course of the scheme, Truesdale stole more than 200 checks with a total face value of over $1.9 million.
Following the sentencing hearing, Truesdale was released on bond. He will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked USPS-OIG, USPIS and CMPD for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Smith with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Former Bank of O’Fallon executive pleads guilty to swindling $2 million in check kiting fraud schemeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – The former second-in-command of the Bank of O’Fallon appeared in federal court Monday to admit to charges for engaging in a fraud scheme to obtain more than $2 million.
Andrew P. Blassie, 69, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of interstate transportation of security or funds obtained by fraud.
“This conviction, secured shortly after Blassie’s April 8 indictment, reflects the investigators’ outstanding work and the Bank of O’Fallon’s vital cooperation to dismantle the scheme. This result delivers swift justice for O’Fallon’s residents and protects the integrity of our financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “He must face a serious consequence for betraying his clients, employer, family, and community.”
According to the indictment, Blassie served as the Executive Vice President for the Bank of O’Fallon and defrauded the bank out of $1,972,887.67 in a check kite scheme from September 2023 through September 2024 during his employment.
Blassie admitted to falsely inflating the balance of his personal checking account at the Bank of O’Fallon by depositing checks he knew to be backed by non-sufficient funds. He deposited checks with non-sufficient funds from four personal accounts at three other banks and one credit union into the Bank of O’Fallon account.
“The level of corruption the defendant in this case achieved was beyond shameful. Rather than serve the Bank of O’Fallon and its customers, the defendant chose to serve himself – to more than $2 million. His guilty plea today should send a message to others who would seek to rip off their unsuspecting customers that they will be caught, and they will be held accountable,” Resident Agent in Charge Michael Kurzeja, of the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Office said. “I thank all of our Federal, state and local partners who helped in the successful prosecution of this former bank executive.”
Blassie paid nearly $2.7 million for personal expenses from the falsely inflated account thus using funds belonging to the Bank of O’Fallon. As the former Executive Vice President, Blassie used his position to conceal his fraud from the Bank of O’Fallon by scrubbing his name and account number from the suspected kiting reports.
“This former bank executive abused his position of trust and the trust of the community for personal enrichment,” said Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), Chicago Region. “The FDIC OIG is pleased to join our law enforcement partners in announcing today’s guilty plea, and we remain committed to investigating and holding bank insiders who commit fraud accountable, as we seek to preserve the integrity of our Nation’s banking system and to protect depositors and financial consumers.”
From August 2022 through September 2024, Blassie also persuaded a couple from Lebanon, Illinois, to give him $489,000 of their retirement savings. In return for this investment, Blassie gave the couple two promissory notes. He agreed to pay the couple interest on the notes and used money he obtained through his check kite scheme to pay some of that interest.
As security for his promissory notes, Blassie pledged 128 of his and his wife’s shares of the holding company which owns the Bank of O’Fallon.
“Andrew Blassie abused his position of trust as a bank executive by committing fraud for his own personal gain and has now been brought to justice for his actions,” said Jon Ellwanger, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “We are proud to have worked with our law enforcement partners to achieve this plea agreement.”
According to the indictment, Blassie later sold most of these shares and did not use those funds to repay the Lebanon couple. This left the couple with no means of recourse when Blassie later defaulted on the promissory notes.
“The Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) is committed to investigating allegations of fraud involving bank officials who abuse their position of public trust and financial institutions, particularly the Federal Home Loan Banks,” said Korey Brinkman, Special Agent in Charge of the FHFA-OIG’s Central Region. “We are proud to have partnered with the U.S. Secret Service, FDIC OIG, FRB OIG, and the O’Fallon (IL) Police Department on this case.”
Officials with the Bank of O’Fallon have fully cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation. Blassie’s sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 18 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
The O’Fallon Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General made contributions to the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Verseman and Zoe Gross are prosecuting the case.
Foreign National Sentenced for $3.2 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A foreign national was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $3.2 million through a sham durable medical equipment company.
According to court documents, Julian Lopez, 55, a citizen of Cuba who resides in Miami-Dade County, Florida, obtained Medicare beneficiary identification cards and sold Medicare beneficiaries’ personal information to a durable medical equipment company, One Medical Services. Lopez knew the Medicare identification cards he obtained would be used to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare. One Medical Services used the information from Lopez to bill Medicare for orthotic braces that were never provided to the Medicare beneficiaries. In connection with the scheme, One Medical Services submitted and caused the submission of over $3.2 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary DME.
Lopez pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud in February 2025. At sentencing, he was also ordered to pay $1,496,412 in restitution.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis and Trial Attorney Owen Dunn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Florida Ophthalmology Practice Agrees to Pay $615,000 to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medicaid for Cranial UltrasoundsRead the Press Release
Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care (“Gulfcoast Eye”), an ophthalmology practice with offices in Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, and St. Petersburg, Florida, has agreed to pay $615,000 to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and an analogous Florida statute arising from its billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (“TCDs”) provided through a kickback arrangement with a third party. Gulfcoast Eye has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.
The settlement resolves allegations that Gulfcoast Eye knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary TCDs. Gulfcoast Eye and a third-party provider of TCD services performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, Gulfcoast Eye and the third-party provider identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis — most commonly of occlusion and stenosis of their cerebral arteries — that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, and that diagnosis was accordingly not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. Gulfcoast Eye paid the third-party TCD provider based on the volume or value of tests ordered and referred the patients to the TCD provider’s preferred radiology group for the TCD’s professional component.
The United States alleged that, as a result of this scheme, Gulfcoast Eye submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. Of the $615,000 total settlement amount, $602,046 is to be paid to the United States, and $12,953 is to be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.
“Patients trust their healthcare providers to administer reliable and competent care consistent with their medical needs and ethical standards,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “When this relationship is exploited for personal gain or greed, the integrity of our healthcare system is compromised. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect patients from potential harm and maintain the integrity of our federal programs.”
“Kickback schemes will always be an investigative priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Our mission is to protect the American people which includes safeguarding them from deceitful actions threatening our nation’s federal healthcare system.”
“Kickback arrangements can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan P. Lynch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid as well as those served by these programs.”
The civil settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive $116,850 in connection with the settlement.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved allegations that another ophthalmology practice in Florida engaged in a similar scheme with the same third-party TCD provider.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Federal Jury Finds Red Lake Man Guilty of Sexually Abusing a MinorRead the Press Release
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – A federal jury found Clarence Clark, Jr., guilty of two counts of sexually abusing a minor on the Red Lake Indian Reservation after a three-day trial in U.S. District Court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Clarence Edward Clark, Jr., 37, sexually assaulted a minor victim who was physically incapacitated at a Red Lake Reservation home in the early morning hours of March 1, 2024. Another minor present at the home interrupted the assault and ran to a neighbor’s home for help. The concerned neighbor called 911 to report the crime. Clark was found intoxicated at the scene and was apprehended by Red Lake Tribal Police.
On May 15, 2025, a jury convicted Clark Jr. of both counts with which he was indicted in U.S. District Court before Judge John R. Tunheim. “This guilty verdict is the result of close and timely coordination between the Red Lake Nation, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s office. It reflects the courage of two minors and the deep partnership between the Federal and Tribal governments. Those who hurt children will find no quarter in Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
“Clarence Clark Jr. robbed a child of safety and innocence,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “His actions were not only depraved — they were an egregious violation of trust. This guilty verdict ensures he will face the consequences of his crimes. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protect children, pursue predators relentlessly, and bring them to justice.”
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Red Lake Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel L. Kraker and Michael P. McBride prosecuted the case.
Federal Indictment Charges Rockford Man with ArsonRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly maliciously destroying - by means of fire and explosive materials - a building at 201 15th Ave. in Rockford.
JAMES PURIFOY, 50, committed the arson on Jan. 22, 2023, according to an indictment returned today in U.S. District Court in Rockford. Arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Rockford Fire Department and Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The minimum sentence for the arson count is five years in federal prison, while the maximum sentence is 20 years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
purifoy_indictment.pdfDuo Sentenced to 17 Years Each for Violent Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Bryant Hoskins, 20, and Samuel Fancher, Jr., 19, of Indianapolis, have each been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, in late May of 2024, Fancher Jr. and Hoskins committed two violent carjackings in less than one week, targeting Uber drivers during the late-night hours.
On May 24, 2024, at 4:30 in the morning, the duo called an Uber to pick them up near East 21st street in Indianapolis. Once they reached their drop off location, they held the driver at gunpoint and ordered him to get out of the car. When the driver did not immediately comply, one of the defendants dragged the driver out of the car and punched him in the head. They took the driver’s wallet and then drove away in his Toyota Rav 4. After fleeing the scene, they took videos of themselves driving the stolen vehicle and bragging, “I told you we was gone get one… we got one.”
Just five days later on May 29, the duo called another Uber to pick them up near Franklin Road, this time targeting a luxury vehicle so they could sell the stolen vehicle for profit. Once they reached their drop off location, they held the female driver at gunpoint and ordered her to get out of her Mercedes GLA. She did not immediately comply, and during the ensuing struggle Hoskins fired his weapon. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and received treatment at a local hospital.
“Uber drivers frequently work alone during late hours, putting their safety at risk just to earn a living. The defendants exploited this vulnerability, leaving both victims deeply traumatized and showing no signs of remorse. Instead, they became emboldened—committing additional crimes and boasting about their actions," said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Gig workers have the right to feel safe, especially as they provide vital transportation services. Our office remains committed to working with federal and local partners to ensure that violent offenders are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
“No one should fear becoming a victim of violence simply while driving their car in an effort to support themselves,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O'Malley. “This sentence sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will pursue violent offenders relentlessly and work tirelessly to restore a sense of safety and justice to our neighborhoods."
FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey L. Massa and Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Dozens of Illegal Aliens Plead Guilty to National Defense Area Violations in MayRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – Beginning in early May, additional criminal charges were filed against individuals who illegally entered or were found illegally in the United States and who had illegally entered the National Defense Area (NDA) that had been established along the U.S.-Mexico border from area bordering New Mexico, through El Paso County, to an area near Fort Hancock. As of May 19, 60 defendants had pleaded guilty and were convicted of these charges.
Title 50 United States Code (USC) 797 and Title 18 USC 1382 are among the federal statutes that establish criminal penalties for unlawful intrusions into areas designated as National Defense Areas. Title 50 USC 797 refers to the willful violation of defense property security regulation, which, pursuant to lawful authority, was approved by the Secretary of Defense—or a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense—for the protection or security of Department of Defense property. Title 18 USC 1382 subjects anyone to criminal penalties who, within the jurisdiction of the U.S., entered upon a military post, fort, or yard—in these cases, the Texas National Defense Area—for a purpose prohibit by law or lawful regulation, that is illegal entry into the U.S.
“The role of this U.S. Attorney’s Office is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and to administer and enforce the nation's laws to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “These NDA-related charges are brought because the defendants violated of the federal law. These convictions area positive step in the judicial process of deterring illegal immigration, and I am very grateful to our El Paso Division staff and to our federal law enforcement and military partners for their diligent work in securing our borders.”
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 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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Director of Mobile Medical Diagnostics Company Agrees to Plead Guilty to Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York-based director of operations and sales for the Northeast region of a mobile medical diagnostics company has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to provide kickbacks to doctors in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans.
James Rausch, 57, of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., has been charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, from approximately March 2015 through September 2020, Rausch conspired with others, including two managers for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, to enter into kickback agreements with various doctors. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain. It is alleged that Rausch and his co-conspirators agreed to offer and pay doctors kickbacks, some in cash and others by check, based on the number of TCD ultrasounds the doctors ordered. Rausch and his co-conspirators allegedly created purported rental and administrative service agreements that, on paper, made it appear as if the doctors’ practices were compensated for the TCD company’s use of space as well as for administrative costs associated with processing each order – based on fair market value, not based on the volume or value of referrals. It is alleged that these agreements were shams that hid the true nature of the payment arrangement for each test.
It is alleged that the scheme as a whole resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $70.6 million to Medicare. Medicare paid approximately $27.2 million to the TCD company for the fraudulent claims.
The charge of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute provides 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; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Kelly M. Lawson, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit are 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.
Delta Airline Stowaway Sentenced to a Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, 27, of Leander, Texas, was sentenced today on a felony conviction to time-served (approximately six months’ imprisonment), after he unlawfully boarded a Delta Airlines flight in 2024 and hid in a lavatory for a flight to Austin, Texas, from Salt Lake City International Airport.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, comes after Fleurizard pleaded guilty on March 11, 2025, to being a stowaway on an aircraft. Fleurizard was also sentenced to three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made at Fleurizard’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on March 17, 2024, he intentionally boarded Delta Airlines flight #1683 at Gate 2 of the Salt Lake City International Airport, which was destined for Austin, Texas. Fleurizard intended to board the aircraft without purchasing a ticket and he hid in the lavatory to avoid getting caught, but was confronted by flight crew. Prior to boarding, Fleurizard was captured on surveillance footage in the boarding area taking photos of multiple passengers’ personal information on his cell phone. He then used that information to obtain electronic boarding passes in their names and successfully boarded airplanes in both Austin and Salt Lake City. See prior release: Texas Man Admits to Stowaway Charge Onboard a Delta Airlines Flight.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message to would-be offenders that the District of Utah will not tolerate crimes committed in and around our vital airports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Airport crimes will be prosecuted.”
“Mr. Fleurizard’s actions were not only disruptive to passengers, it also compromised the safety and security for all on board,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The sentence holds him accountable for trespassing, theft, and fraud.”
"This was a deliberate breach of security that put passengers and crew, at risk,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd. “The security measures we have in place are to keep everyone safe and this reminds us that we must regularly work to strengthen those aviation security measures. I want to thank our officers and FBI task force detectives who responded to investigate this incident alongside our federal partners, and the flight crew whose attentiveness on board helped protect the safety of our traveling community.”
The case was investigated jointly by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan N. Reeves and Michael Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Connecticut Company and Owner Settle Liability for False Claims Related to Violations of Buy American Act and Trade Agreements ActRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LED Lighting Solutions, LLC and its owner, Thomas DeSantos, of Berlin, Connecticut, have entered into a $300,000 civil settlement agreement with the United States to resolve allegations that they failed to comply with the requirements of the Buy American Act (“BAA”) and the Trade Agreements Act (“TAA”) by selling foreign end products to several government procuring agencies, including by shipping products directly from China to a procuring agency, in violation of the False Claims Act.
The TAA generally bars government procurements of end products from foreign countries that have not entered into trade agreements with the U.S. The BAA creates a preference for the government to acquire domestic end products.
In 2013, LED Lighting Solutions entered into a Multiple Award Schedule contract (“MAS”) with the General Services Administration (“GSA”) to supply LED lights and lighting products, which required compliance with the TAA. Before entering into the GSA MAS contract, LED Lighting Solutions provided GSA with a “letter of supply” attesting to its supplier’s compliance with the TAA. LED Lighting Solutions certified compliance with the TAA and failed to identify any foreign end products on its product list each year. The Air Force, Coast Guard, GSA, Department of State, and USDA each ordered products off of LED Lighting Solutions’ GSA MAS contract.
The government contends that LED Lighting Solutions and DeSantos falsely certified that they were providing these agencies with TAA-compliant end products under seven contracts/delivery orders when, in fact, some of the end products were manufactured in China, which has not entered into a trade agreement with the U.S. This included at least one contract for which LED Lighting Solutions and DeSantos arranged to have products shipped directly from China to the procuring agency.
LED Lighting Solutions also entered into eight contracts/delivery orders with the Air Force, Army, and FEMA, which required compliance with the BAA. The government contends that LED Lighting Solutions and DeSantos falsely certified that they were providing these procuring agencies with domestic end products when, in fact, some of the products were foreign end products.
In addition to making payment under the civil settlement agreement, LED Lighting also agreed to withdraw, with prejudice, two appeals pending before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (“ASBCA”) for termination of an Army contract for which LED Lighting Solutions supplied foreign end products in violation of the BAA and the False Claims Act.
This investigation was conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Contract Audit Agency Operations Investigative Support Division, the GSA Office of Inspector General, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigative Division, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Justice Office of Inspector General.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Gruber and Richard Molot.
The ASBCA case, Appeal of LED Lighting Solutions, LLC Under Contract No. W50S6T22P0011, ASBCA Nos. 63425, 63546, was handled by Maj. Danielle C. Naser and Mr. John C. Degnan.
Cincinnati man sentenced to more than 8 years in prison for cocaine crimeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man was sentenced in federal court here today to 99 months in prison for conspiring in the distribution of drugs out of a house on Vine Street.
Terrell Kirkland, 40, conspired to possess with the intent distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, Kirkland would broker drug transactions that took place at the house on Vine Street. The defendant would meet customers at a separate location and then bring them to the residence. Kirkland received a cut of the profits for brokering the transactions.
In April 2024, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of cocaine at the residence.
Kirkland and co-defendant Ricky Cannon, 37, of Cincinnati, were indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024. Kirkland pleaded guilty in January. Cannon has also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is representing the United States in this case.
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Chinese National Who Stole $326,000 in Fraud Scheme Involving Counterfeit iPads Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell sentenced Zhango Liang, 24, of Fuzhou City, China, to 264 days in prison on a fraud charge connected to a fraud scheme involving counterfeit iPads. At sentencing Judge Pennell acknowledged Liang served 101 days on related charges in Skagit County, Washington, for a total of one year in prison. Judge Pennell also imposed 3 years of supervised release and restitution of $326,000. The state and federal convictions for the fraud scheme are Liang’s first criminal convictions.
According to court documents, in the Summer of 2023, Liang was approached by a friend who offered him a job using gift cards to make purchases at Target stores. The items would then be delivered to another person.
Beginning in December 2023, Liang was instructed to start doing returns of counterfeit iPads. As part of the scheme, Liang would purchase authentic iPads from Target stores in the Eastern District of Washington and elsewhere, remove them from their boxes, place counterfeit iPads in the boxes, then reseal the boxes. Liang would then return the counterfeit iPads and receive a refund on a Target gift card. Liang would use the gift cards to purchase additional items from Target, including more iPads that they would replace with counterfeit goods for subsequent returns.
Between January 2024 and June 2024, Liang returned at least 140 iPads to Target stores and was refunded approximately $163,000. Because Target both lost the authentic iPad in the scheme and reimbursed the purchase amount to a gift card, the loss amount to Target was approximately $326,000.
“Mr. Liang participated in a calculated scheme that exploited retail return systems for substantial personal gain, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “This type of fraud undermines the integrity of commerce and ultimately affects everyday consumers by raising prices for everyone. I am so grateful for the diligent work of Homeland Security Investigations and our partners throughout this investigation to protect everyday consumers, who live and work in Eastern Washington.”
“Today’s sentencing delivers a message: individuals who engage in sophisticated fraud schemes will be aggressively pursued and held accountable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “The defendant manipulated weaknesses in the retail return system to steal high-value electronics, defrauding not only a major corporation but also the consumers who ultimately shoulder the cost. We remain steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our law enforcement and corporate partners to identify financial crimes and ensure those responsible face justice."
Liang’s co-defendant, Linda You, pleaded guilty to a fraud charge and will be sentenced on June 23, 2025, in Spokane.
The case was referred for federal investigation by the Washington Attorney General’s Office Organized Retail Crime Task Force and the Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, highlighting the important and successful partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies to address organized retail crimes.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.
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California Executives Plead Guilty to Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.
For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.
During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, California. There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS. From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms.
In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million.
Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million.
Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering SchemesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Zaven Yeghiazaryan, 44, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Gerald J. Pappert to 13 counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy, health care fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with his execution of a variety of schemes.
The charges arose from the defendant’s commission of fraud offenses targeting, among others, government programs, including through the use of shell companies and false identities, between January 2020 and April 2024. The defendant’s fraud offenses targeted two government programs which offered relief during the Covid-19 pandemic: the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program. In addition, the defendant admitted that he participated in a scheme to defraud the Medicaid program.
Based upon his guilty pleas to the 13 counts, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 230 years in prison, a three-year period of supervised release, and a $3,250,000 fine, restitution of $334,905 and forfeiture. Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the United States Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Department of Transportation – Office of the Inspector General and the State Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary E. Crawley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.
Browning woman sentenced to prison for assault on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning woman who admitted striking another woman from behind, causing serious injury to the victim’s eye, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Autumn Rose Rider, 30, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 24, 2022, the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, and Rider’s father drove Rider to a residence in Browning. While Jane Doe was standing outside of the vehicle and getting back into the car, Rider hit her from behind. The assault caused a laceration and caused Jane Doe to feel like there was a piece of glass in her eye. Jane Doe was ultimately transported to Kalispell Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries to her eye and face.
The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.
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Brazilian Man Pleads Guilty to Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A man from Brazil pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to re-entry after deportation
According to court records, Americo Lopes-Da Silva, 37, was a passenger in a van stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol in the Rangeley, Maine area. During a field immigration inspection, Lopes-Da Silva indicated that he was from Brazil and had no legal status to be present in the United States. Subsequent processing at the Rangeley Border Patrol Station revealed that Lopes-Da Silva had been removed from the United States in 2021 after illegally crossing into the country in Texas.
Lopes-Da Silva faces up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
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Bradford County Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Prison for Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jay Holloway, age 37, a resident of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, for distribution of child pornography.
According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on May 17, 2023, members of both the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General served a search warrant at Holloway’s residence in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the warrant, agents seized and later analyzed multiple digital devices, including cellular phones and computers. The forensic analysis uncovered approximately 3,369 images and 965 videos of child pornography on Holloway’s devices. Further, it showed that Holloway distributed child pornography to others via Telegram, a cloud-based encrypted messaging application.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations– Philadelphia Division, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Birmingham Man Sentenced to More than Three Years in Prison for RobberyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has been sentenced for his role in the robbery of a Hibbett Sports Distribution Center, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Mario Autwun Scott, 42, to 45 months in prison. In November 2024, Scott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by threats or violence.
Michael Anthony Pippens, 42, of Birmingham, Scott’s co-conspirator in the robbery, was previously sentenced to 30 months in prison. In January 2025, Pippens pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
According to court documents, in October 2022, Scott robbed the Hibbett Sports Distribution Center in Shelby County, stealing two trailers full of sporting goods merchandise worth over $84,000. Prior to the robbery, Pippens provided a box truck to Scott so that he could transport the stolen goods.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Alabaster Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darius C. Greene and Lloyd C. Peeples prosecuted the case.
Arizona Mechanic Sentenced to Prison, Must Repay $1.37 Million for Defrauding Missouri Customer, OthersRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a purported auto mechanic from Arizona to 33 Months in Prison and ordered him to repay $1.37 million to his fraud victims.
Beginning in November 2019, Andres “Manny” Lopez, 37, defrauded customers of his Arizona company, All Performance Tuning and Diesel Repair LLC, by accepting money for vehicles, vehicle upgrades and parts with no intention of performing the work or turning over the vehicles. He also damaged some customer vehicles and loaned vehicles to others without the owners’ consent.
A Missouri victim who wanted to buy a vehicle for his mother wired Lopez $45,000 for a Toyota RAV4. Lopez falsely claimed that he’d bought the vehicle, and then provided a series of false excuses about why it was not being delivered. Lopez claimed delivery delays were due to product recalls and even impersonated the general manager of a Florida Toyota dealership in text messages to the client’s mother.
After Lopez was indicted in October of 2023, he defrauded another victim out of approximately $567,892.
Lopez used the money for personal expenses.
In a letter to the court, one victim spoke of Lopez’s pattern: “Promise… then a reason why I cannot meet that promise… then a new promise… then repeat the string (for years).”
Lopez pleaded guilty in February U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of wire fraud.
“For years, Andres Lopez lied to customers to line his own pockets. The lies and manipulation continued even after he had been charged for the crime and released on bond,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Today, Lopez earned every day of his prison sentence for victimizing people with his fraudulent business practices.”
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting case.
Alameda Man Sentenced to Four Years and Nine Months in Federal Prison for Unlawful Firearm and Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Adesola Kehinde was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence.
Kehinde, 38, of Alameda, was charged by complaint in January 2024 and by information in May 2024. On Dec. 16, 2024, Kehinde pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). According to the plea agreement, Kehinde admitted that on Jan. 9, 2024, officers with the Alameda Police Department detained him while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his car, which was parked outside of his apartment building. At the time, Kehinde was on parole after serving a state prison sentence for human trafficking of a minor, threats with intent to terrorize, and robbery. Officers searched Kehinde’s car and located a loaded Glock pistol with one round in the chamber and six rounds inside the magazine inserted into the pistol.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín also sentenced Kehinde to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Alameda Police Department.
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Kennett McLeod, 45, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 64 months and eight days with three years of supervised release to follow for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on June 12, 2024, the Wyoming Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on McLeod’s vehicle and smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car. A K9 drug dog alerted to controlled substances, and a search was conducted. Troopers located 56 grams of methamphetamine, 39 grams of fentanyl, and marijuana. During questioning, McLeod admitted to purchasing large quantities of drugs from Colorado and selling them. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated the crime. Assistant. U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 16. Case No. 24-CR-00162
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Juvencio “Juan” Aldana-Vasquez, 51, of Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 26, 2024, Aldana-Vasquez was encountered at the Laramie County jail after an arrest by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force for sexual abuse of a minor. ICE was notified and they determined that Aldana-Vasquez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in March 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 16. Case No. 25-CR-00070Javier Gomez-Salazar, 31, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2024, Gomez-Salazar was arrested by the Jackson Police Department for driving under the influence of alcohol. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, the defendant’s fingerprints were examined against their database, and a match was found. They determined that Gomez-Salazar had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in June 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 12. Case No. 25-CR-00042
Erick Orozco-Renova, 29, of Mexico, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 8, 2024, Orozco-Renova was arrested for interference with a police officer and booked into the Laramie County Jail. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, and the defendant’s fingerprints were examined against their database, and a match was found. They determined that Orozco-Renova had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in December 2022. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 13. Case No. 25-CR-00066
Leonardo Leon-Jaime, 42, of Mexico, was sentenced to eight months and then will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 22, Leon-Jaime was arrested in Campbell County for driving under the influence of alcohol. ICE was contacted when he admitted to being a citizen of Mexico. They determined that Ramos-Perez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in December 2017. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 15. Case No. 25-CR-00043
13 Members and Associates of Rival Armenian Syndicates Arrested on Federal Complaints Alleging Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, TheftRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Law enforcement officials in California and Florida today arrested 13 alleged members and associates of Armenian organized crime syndicates who are charged in five federal complaints with a series of crimes – including attempted murder, kidnapping, tens of millions of dollars’ worth of thefts of online retailer shipments, and illegal firearm possession – to expand and maintain their control in the San Fernando Valley.
Among the defendants charged are Ara Artuni, 41, of Porter Ranch, who is charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and a rival, Robert Amiryan, 46, of Hollywood, who is charged with kidnapping.
The defendants arrested today in California are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Vahan Harutyunyan, 49, of Hollywood, Florida, made his initial appearance earlier today in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was ordered detained. Two of the remaining defendants, Levon Arakelyan, 45, of Las Vegas, and Ivan Bojorquez, 33, of Gardena, are presently detained in state custody on unrelated matters.
Law enforcement is still seeking one defendant and seized approximately $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms during today’s operation.
According to affidavits filed with the criminal complaints, Armenian Organized Crime, a Russian mafia-affiliated transnational criminal organization, has made Los Angeles County a center of U.S. operations. Since 2022, two local leaders within the organization, also known as avtoritet, which in Russian means “authority,” allegedly have engaged in a power struggle for control in their territory, resulting in multiple murder attempts and a kidnapping.
Artuni, an avtoritet, is charged with ordering the attempted murder of Amiryan during the summer of 2023. In retaliation, Amiryan, also an avtoritet, allegedly conspired with members of his own criminal organization to kidnap and torture one of Artuni’s associates in June 2023.
In addition to attempted murder, Artuni and his criminal enterprise has, since at least 2021, allegedly committed additional crimes, including bank fraud, wire fraud, and “cargo theft” targeting online retailers such as Amazon.com Inc. Artuni Enterprise members and associates enrolled with Amazon as carriers, contracted for trucking routes, and then, while transporting the goods, diverged from the route and stole all or part of the shipment. To date, the Artuni Enterprise has allegedly stolen goods from Amazon worth more than $83 million, according to estimates provided by Amazon.
The Artuni Enterprise also ran a “credit card bust-out” scheme in which they charged various credit cards to a sham business then drained the business account before the credit card companies could collect the to-be disputed funds.
“Today’s arrests reflect that my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping America safe by dismantling transnational criminal organizations,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Let today’s enforcement action be a warning to criminals: Our communities are not your playground to engage in violence and thuggery.”
“This transnational criminal organization operated with the structure and brutality of an international cartel, inflicting significant harm on public safety and causing substantial damage to legitimate commerce and supply chains,” said HSI Los Angeles Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Dwayne Angebrandt. “Dismantling transnational criminal organizations is at the core of HSI’s mission, and through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are holding these perpetrators accountable and disrupting their criminal enterprise at every level.”
“Our commitment to public safety is strengthened through collaboration,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “By working hand-in-hand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are united in our mission to identify, apprehend, and bring violent criminals to justice. Together, we are sending a clear message: violence will not be tolerated in our communities.”
“Investigators from the Burbank Police Department spent hundreds of hours investigating these heinous violent crimes,” said Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero. “The Burbank Police Department is grateful for the assistance from its law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in holding these individuals accountable for their actions.”
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted of all charges, the defendants will face statutory maximum sentences ranging from 10 years in federal prison to life imprisonment.
The Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section; the Burbank Police Department; Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) Northridge and Ventura offices; the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); IRS Criminal Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop and Kenneth R. Carbajal of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Tara B. Vavere of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case. The Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section provided substantial assistance.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
19 May 2025
Westwego Woman Guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud by Defrauding State Offices of Unemployment InsuranceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that REHA JANEE ARVIE,(“ARVIE”), age 34, of Westwego, LA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. ARVIE faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine up to $250,000.00, or twice the gross gain to the defendant, or twice the gross loss to any victim, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, beginning in or around July 2020, ARVIE defrauded, and attempted to defraud, various state offices of Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) through the submission of approximately 100 fraudulent UI applications. ARVIE recruited friends and family, via Facebook, to file these fraudulent UI applications. Additionally, ARVIE filed fraudulent UI applications for herself and others, in various states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Utah, Texas, and the territory of Guam. ARVIE charged those for whom she filed fraudulent UI claims fees, ranging from $1,200.00 to $1,500.00. For example, ARVIE obtained $267,612.00 in UI benefits from California’s Employment Development Department. Moreover, during the investigation, ARVIE lied to federal agents during an interview.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for September 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, is an active member of the PRAC Fraud Task Force.
“The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations.”
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; the National Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force; The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee; the United States Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General COVID Fraud Unit; and the California Employment Development Department with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Washington State Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Dominique Terrel Gonzales, 35, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of sex trafficking a minor. Gonzales has been in federal custody since his arrest for illegal firearms possession in August 2020. The court has set a restitution hearing date for Aug. 18.
According to court documents, Gonzales first met the victim when she was 13 or 14 years old. In July and August 2020, when the victim was 17 years old, Gonzales caused her to engage in commercial sex acts. He arranged her travel across state lines and directed her acts in a rented apartment in Portland, Oregon. Gonzales collected the illicit proceeds and controlled the victim with various rules that he implemented.
“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for the criminal conduct he perpetrated for years within the Western District of Washington,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Predators who target and coerce the vulnerable face appropriately serious sanctions under federal law, and the Justice Department will continue to seek significant sentences to vindicate the rights of human trafficking victims.”
“For years this defendant used violence, threats, and emotional coercion to force vulnerable young women into having sex with strangers and giving their earnings to him,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington. “He preyed upon teenagers and young women who were insecure and estranged from their families. To maintain control over his victims, Gonzales physically beat them, verbally assaulted them, and forced them to install tracking programs on their cellphones so that he could follow their every move. He used whatever means necessary to ensure that his victims engaged in prostitution to fund his luxurious lifestyle.”
“Today’s sentencing is a powerful reminder that those who prey on vulnerable children through violence and exploitation will be held fully accountable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle. “This individual used force and coercion to rob a minor of their freedom and dignity, and justice has now been served. This outcome was made possible through the unwavering collaboration with our law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions, whose dedication and coordination were vital to this investigation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Olympia Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, Idaho State Police, Ada County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), and the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Crisham for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Jessica Arco of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org
. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Violent pimp who trafficked victims in Washington, Oregon, and across the country sentenced to 11 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 35-year-old Washington State man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 11 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Dominique Terrel Gonzales used residences in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, Washington, as well as different short-term rental homes on the East Coast, during the period when he preyed on young women, forcing them into prostitution. Gonzales has been in federal custody since his arrest for illegal firearms possession in August 2020.
At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, Gonzales “engaged in monstrous activity that profoundly affected a number of people. In many ways, your victims have lifetime sentences as a result of the harm you’ve caused. It is hard to overstate the human suffering and damage . . . The victims in this case go beyond those that you abused. You can see how profoundly your actions have affected their families.”
“For years this defendant used violence, threats, and emotional coercion to force vulnerable young women into having sex with strangers and giving their earnings to him,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “He preyed upon teenagers and young women who were insecure and estranged from their families. To maintain control over his victims, Gonzales physically beat them, verbally assaulted them, and forced them to install tracking programs on their cellphones so that he could follow their every move. He used whatever means necessary to ensure that his victims engaged in prostitution to fund his luxurious lifestyle.”
“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for the criminal conduct he perpetrated for years within the Western District of Washington,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Predators who target and coerce the vulnerable face appropriately serious sanctions under federal law, and the Justice Department will continue to seek significant sentences to vindicate the rights of human trafficking victims.”
Law enforcement in Idaho, Southwest Washington, and Seattle investigated the case. According to records in the case, in August 2020, Gonzales trafficked a juvenile female causing her to engage in commercial sex acts. Gonzales transported the girl across state lines to Portland, Oregon, for her to engage in commercial sex acts.
The investigation revealed that between 2016 and 2019, Gonzalez also forced four adult women to work for him as prostitutes – using force, fraud, and coercion to make them do his bidding. One of the victims was lured from her home in Idaho and then forced to engage in prostitution. Many of the victims met Gonzales through online dating aps. After he lured them in promising a relationship, he put them to work doing sex acts with strangers. Gonzales arranged the “dates” and forced the women to turn over any money they earned. He used violence and threats of violence to keep the victims working for him.
At the time of his arrest, Gonzales illegally possessed a Desert Eagle 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Three felony convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms: Two counts of second-degree assault (domestic violence) from August 2014 in King County Superior Court and one count of unlawful imprisonment – domestic violence, from the same incident.
In asking for a 12-year prison sentence and 15 years of supervised release prosecutors wrote to the court, “The facts make clear that Gonzales is a manipulative, violent predator who targets vulnerable women to work for him in prostitution and then brutally beats them to keep them under his control….. Despite being prohibited from doing so, Gonzales possessed firearms and used them to threaten and frighten his victims. As a result of their victimization, all five victims have suffered significant trauma – trauma that they were forced to revisit during the course of this prosecution.”
“Today’s sentencing is a powerful reminder that those who prey on vulnerable children through violence and exploitation will be held fully accountable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “This individual used force and coercion to rob a minor of their freedom and dignity, and justice has now been served. This outcome was made possible through the unwavering collaboration with our law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions, whose dedication and coordination were vital to this investigation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
Judge Settle ordered that Gonzales be on supervised release for 15 years following his prison term. Restitution for the victims will be determined at a hearing in August 2025.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Olympia Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, Idaho State Police, Ada County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), and the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Crisham for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Jessica Arco of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case. Ms. Crisham leads the Anti-Trafficking prosecutions in the Western District of Washington.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking
Two More Defendants Plead Guilty in Bank Fraud and Identity Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kani Bassie, age 36, of Brooklyn, New York, and Jermon Brooks, age 20, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty last week to their roles in a multi-million-dollar bank fraud conspiracy led by Oluwaseun Adekoya, age 39, a Nigerian citizen. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Bassie and Brooks admitted that they were members of a conspiracy to defraud financial institutions all over the country by obtaining the personal identifying information (“PII”) of individuals and using lower-level “workers” to impersonate the identity-theft victims to conduct fraudulent banking transactions in their names. Bassie and Brooks supervised and oversaw lower-level coconspirators who withdrew hundreds of thousands of dollars from identity-theft victims in the Northern District of New York and all over the country. Bassie admitted to conspiring with alleged ringleader Adekoya to launder bank fraud proceeds in transactions designed to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds and to use bank fraud proceeds to reinvest in the ongoing conspiracy.
Adekoya, the alleged ringleader of the conspiracy, faces trial beginning June 9, 2025 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on a second superseding indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft. The charges against Adekoya in the second superseding indictment are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“And then there was one,” United States Attorney Sarcone said. “We look forward to trial. We appreciate the efforts of the FBI, and many other law enforcement partners across the country, in uncovering this scheme.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “The FBI takes very seriously our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud for personal gain. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use illegal means and criminal behavior to take advantage of others.”
The prosecution is the result of an ongoing investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Albany Field Office, which began after the May 2022 arrest of David Daniyan, a/k/a “Bamikole Laniyan,” a/k/a “David Enfield,” a/k/a “Africa,” age 60, of Brooklyn, New York, Gaysha Kennedy, age 46, of Brooklyn, and Victor Barriera, age 64, of the Bronx, New York, by the Cohoes Police Department after the trio traveled to the Capital Region to commit bank fraud. According to documents previously filed in the case, the investigation has uncovered over $2 million in fraudulent transactions to date. Thirteen defendants have pled guilty and forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds, luxury apparel, and jewelry.
At sentencing later this year, Bassie and Brooks face a maximum term of 30 years’ incarceration for the bank fraud conspiracy, Bassie faces a maximum term of 20 years’ incarceration for the money laundering conspiracy, and Bassie and Brooks face a mandatory consecutive term of 2 years’ incarceration for their convictions of aggravated identity theft. The defendants will be ordered to pay restitution and will also face a term of post-incarceration supervised release of up to 5 years.
FBI Albany is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in New York, Newark, Richmond and Resident Agencies in Westchester, New York; Brooklyn/Queens, New York; Garrett Mountain, New Jersey; and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Additional assistance was provided by other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement & Removal Operations (New York Field Office & Albany sub-office); U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (Buffalo Field Office & St. Albans Resident Office); U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General; New York law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police; Cohoes PD; Colonie PD; Elmira PD; Corning PD; Plattsburgh PD; Florida law enforcement agencies including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; Alabama law enforcement agencies including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Gasden PD, and Rainbow City PD; Georgia law enforcement agencies including the Georgia State Patrol, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow PD; Kansas law enforcement agencies including Lawrence PD and Overland Park PD; New Hampshire law enforcement agencies including Rochester PD, Manchester PD, and Amherst PD; the Delaware State Police; Maryland law enforcement agencies including the Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin law enforcement agencies including Onalaska PD and Eau Claire PD; and Indiana law enforcement agencies including the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark, Mathew M. Paulbeck, and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting this case.
Terrebonne Parish Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JON VERDIN (“VERDIN”), age 29, of Terrebonne Parish, La., was sentenced on May 14, 2025. by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms, in addition to money laundering. As to the charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, VERDIN was sentenced to 200 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. As to the charges of felon in possession of firearms and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity, VERDIN was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on each count. All sentenced are to run concurrently with each other.
According to court records, on February 2, 2022, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at VERDIN’s home and recovered over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms. VERDIN admitted he possessed the fentanyl with intent to distribute. He also admitted that he possessed the firearms knowing he had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that on March 20, 2021, VERDIN used proceeds from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to purchase a Lincoln MKZ for $28,000, an act of money laundering.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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Tennessee Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Scheme Involving Fraudulent Deed Transfers and Property SalesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Alicia England, 32, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez and pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for orchestrating a scheme involving fraudulent deed transfers and sales of properties in North Carolina and elsewhere, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Jason Byrnes, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to filed plea documents and today’s court hearing, from October 2022 to August 2024, England engaged in a wire fraud scheme involving, among other things, the filing of bogus deeds for residential real estate in North Carolina and other states, and the misuse of property owners’ personal identifying information (PII). As part of the scheme, England caused bogus deeds to be filed for certain properties, and then sold, and attempted to sell, those properties to third parties. England’s fraudulent scheme involved at least 19 properties worth over $1.4 million.
As England admitted in court today, the defendant stole the identities of various living and deceased individuals and used those identities and PII to open bank accounts, file fraudulent deeds, and enter into real estate sales for properties she did not actually own. For example, England utilized falsified trust documents in the name of VGR, a deceased individual. England admitted to causing the electronic filing of fraudulent quitclaim deeds purporting to transfer multiple real estate parcels from identity theft victims to the VGR Trust. After the fraudulent quitclaim deeds were filed, England advertised those properties for sale, including through online marketplaces, like Facebook Marketplace. England then negotiated the sales of the properties with interested buyers and arranged for the proceeds of the sales to be wired to bank accounts she controlled, including accounts in her own name, the VGR Trust, and in the names of other identity theft victims.
England pleaded guilty to wire fraud which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed. England was released on bond following the plea hearing. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Secret Service for the investigation of this case and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for its assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
Tampa Man with A History of Drug Trafficking Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in the Death of Two VictimsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Marquis Lamar McCullough (39, Tampa) to imprisonment for life for distributing fentanyl, the use of which resulted in the deaths of two victims. On February 13, 2025, a federal jury found McCullough guilty of two counts of distribution of fentanyl, the use of which resulted in the death of a person, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The court sentenced McCullough to life imprisonment for each count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, 30 years on the count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and ordered that the sentences be served consecutively to prison sentences McCullough is currently serving in the Florida Department of Corrections.
According to court records and the evidence presented at trial, on April 22, 2021, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to the residence of K.K. to conduct a wellness check. They found K.K. dead when they entered his apartment and found two baggies with small quantities of fentanyl in the residence. Detectives reviewed K.K.’s cellphone and found communications with a woman who appeared to help K.K. purchase fentanyl the previous evening. During the investigation, detectives found the woman, who explained that K.K. could not get heroin from his usual source, so he asked her to buy some for him from her source. She arranged a meeting with McCullough, who was her supplier, and she purchased the fentanyl and provided it to K.K. The woman provided McCullough’s phone number to the detectives.
On May 6, 2021, the son of N.M. found his father dead, lying in his bed, and called 911 to report the death. HCSO deputies and detectives responded to the residence, and inside N.M.’s wallet they found a baggie with a small amount of fentanyl. While reviewing calls and texts on N.M.’s phone, a detective determined that the last three calls placed by N.M. were to McCullough’s phone number, and the call and text history indicated that McCullough was N.M.’s supplier. Later that day, detectives planned to purchase fentanyl from McCullough, using N.M.’s cellphone to set up the meeting. When McCullough arrived at the meet location, he tried to call N.M., but when his calls went unanswered, McCullough fled the area. An arrest team pursued his vehicle and apprehended McCullough.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office investigated both deaths and determined that the use of fentanyl caused the deaths of K.K. and N.M.
Before he committed these offenses, McCullough had been convicted in Hillsborough County, Florida, for trafficking in cocaine, and he served a prison sentence of 60 months. He was also convicted in state court in 2022 for trafficking in fentanyl and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and he is currently serving a sentence of seven years in the Florida Department of Corrections for those crimes.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Ross Roberts.
Stockton Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ricardo Sanchez, 32, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2023, law enforcement officers contacted Sanchez and found him to be in possession of a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Sanchez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions, including conspiracy to commit a crime and inflicting injury on a spouse/cohabitant or fellow parent.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 210 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Lawrence Powell, 44 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Powell was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.According to documents in the case, in July 2022, a search warrant executed on Powell’s house resulted in the recovery of more than 800 grams of methamphetamine and 3 loaded guns.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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.
Sharon Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine in Close Proximity to SchoolRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl and cocaine trafficking within 1,000 feet of an elementary school and next to a day care facility, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Larry Marrow, 37, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville to possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine within 1,000 feet of a playground, school, or public housing on July 6, 2023.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for September 30, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than one year and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Marrow.
Santa Barbara County Investment Advisor Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Stealing Nearly $2.3 Million from Elderly ClientsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County investment advisor was sentenced today to 121 months in federal prison for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients of her investment advisory business, including clients that were receiving end-of-life care.
Julie Anne Darrah, 52, of Santa Maria, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who will schedule a restitution hearing at a later date.
Darrah pleaded guilty on March 4 to one count of wire fraud.
During the scheme, Darrah stole approximately $2.25 million from her firm’s clients. She did so by obtaining control of her victims’ assets, and then – without the victims’ knowledge or consent – she liquidated their security holdings and transferred the proceeds to accounts she controlled. As part of this, she convinced victims to sign documents making her the trustee of their trusts or a signatory on their bank accounts or giving her power of attorney over their brokerage accounts and allowing her – as their investment advisor – to transfer funds from their accounts to other bank accounts, including to her own accounts.
Darrah took advantage of trust victims placed in her – often convincing them she would take care of them in their older years like a daughter, and she used this trust to convince them to sign the documents that she then used to steal money from them. In this way, Darrah stole money from victims from approximately November 2016 to July 2023. She used stolen funds to buy properties for herself, pay other personal expenses, buy luxury vehicles, and operate other business ventures. Some victims were left in desperate circumstances, without the money to pay for end-of-life care, when the fraud was discovered.
Darrah also convinced a company identified in the plea agreement as “Business Victim 1,” a Minnesota-based investment advisor firm, to acquire VFM based on false and misleading statements and the concealment of material facts, including not telling that firm about her theft of individual client funds. After the fraud was discovered, Business Victim 1 incurred approximately $5.4 million in losses.
In October 2023, the SEC filed a civil complaint against Darrah in connection with this scheme. In December 2024, United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer found Darrah liable to pay $2,416,511, including interest.
The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Salesman Who Defrauded Women and Older Adults Denied Bankruptcy DischargeRead the Press Release
The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) recently obtained a judgment denying a bankruptcy discharge to a door-to-door salesman who concealed his business interests and lied in his bankruptcy case to evade his creditors, including women and older adults whom he defrauded.
On April 18, the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon entered a default judgment denying a discharge to chapter 7 debtor Jason Gillis. Gillis — who sold vacuums, air filters, and related products — crafted fraudulent schemes generally targeting women he pursued as romantic partners and their elderly parents. In one such scheme, he solicited investments in his businesses but used the money primarily for personal expenses. His victims included a 79-year-old woman recovering from a stroke. In addition to running up debts using the identities of the woman and her daughter without their knowledge or consent, Gillis arranged for the older woman to take out a mortgage on her home, purportedly under duress. In total, he persuaded her to transfer more than $100,000 to a business bank account that he controlled, then diverted a significant amount of the funds to pay for personal expenses.
Gillis also used some of those funds to lease a recreational vehicle valued at about $150,000 from another woman in her seventies, whose daughter he briefly dated. After taking possession of the RV, which he then lived in, Gillis stopped making lease payments and refused to disclose the vehicle’s location.
Gillis filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in August 2024 amid several lawsuits and judgments based on claims of breach of contract, fraud, and theft by deception. An investigation by the USTP’s Portland office revealed that to avoid collection efforts, Gillis concealed his interests in several businesses by transferring nominal ownership to victims while he retained full control and by forging signatures on forms filed with the Oregon Secretary of State. He also made several false statements in his bankruptcy case about his assets and financial affairs, including his multiple business interests; the transfers of nominal ownership; deposits to undisclosed financial accounts; and a wrongful death settlement related to his mother’s estate.
Gillis did not respond to or defend against the USTP’s complaint to deny his bankruptcy discharge, leading to a default judgment in the USTP’s favor. As a result, Gillis remains personally liable for his debts — including more than $1.7 million in unsecured debts listed in his bankruptcy schedules — and creditors may continue collections on claims against him.
“Bankruptcy is not a safe haven for fraudsters,” said Acting U.S. Trustee Jonas V. Anderson for Region 18, which includes the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Trustee Program, as the watchdog of the bankruptcy system, is committed to rooting out deceptive schemes that harm innocent victims.”
One of the USTP’s core functions is to combat bankruptcy fraud and abuse through civil enforcement actions against debtors who engage in fraud or otherwise abuse the bankruptcy system. When circumstances warrant, the USTP takes action to deny those debtors a discharge. Generally, under the Bankruptcy Code, debtors are not entitled to a discharge if they conceal property with intent to hinder, delay or defraud a creditor or an officer of the bankruptcy estate, such as the private trustee administering the estate. The Code also prevents a discharge if the debtor knowingly and fraudulently made a false oath or account in or in connection with the bankruptcy case.
The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust.
Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Found Guilty in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Admiral Robert Burke (USN-Ret.), 62, of Coconut Creek, Florida, was found guilty of bribery today in connection with accepting future employment at a government vendor in exchange for awarding that company a government contract.
Following a five-day trial, a federal jury found Burke guilty of conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, performing acts affecting a personal financial interest, and concealing material facts from the United States. U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden scheduled sentencing for August 22, 2025.
The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Matthew R. Galeotti Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office, Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Stanley Newell of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s (DoD OIG) Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Transnational Field Office.
“When you abuse your position and betray the public trust to line your own pockets, it undermines the confidence in the government you represent,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Our office, with our law enforcement partners, will root out corruption – be it bribes or illegal contracts – and hold accountable the perpetrators, no matter what title or rank they hold.”
"Burke tarnished his reputation and position as a four-star admiral by steering a lucrative contract toward a government vendor in exchange for future employment," said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. "Today's verdict shows that no one is above the law. The FBI and our federal law enforcement partners remain committed to exposing fraud in the government and bringing corrupt officials to justice for abusing their positions of power."
According to court documents and as the evidence proved at trial, from 2020 to 2022, Burke was a four-star Admiral who oversaw U.S. naval operations in Europe, Russia, and most of Africa, and commanded thousands of civilian and military personnel. The two co-defendants Kim and Messenger were the co-CEOs of a company (Company A) and provided a workforce training pilot program to a small component of the Navy from August 2018 through July 2019. The Navy terminated a contract with Company A in late 2019 and directed Company A not to contact Burke.
Despite the Navy’s instructions, the co-defendants met with Burke in Washington, D.C., in July 2021, to reestablish Company A’s business relationship with the Navy. At the meeting, the charged defendants agreed that Burke would use his position as a Navy Admiral to steer a contract to Company A in exchange for future employment at the company. They further agreed that Burke would use his official position to influence other Navy officers to award another contract to Company A to train a large portion of the Navy with a value one of the co-defendants allegedly estimated to be “triple digit millions.”
In December 2021, Burke ordered his staff to award a $355,000 contract to Company A to train personnel under Burke’s command in Italy and Spain. Company A performed the training in January 2022. Thereafter, Burke promoted Company A in a failed effort to convince another senior Navy Admiral to award another contract to Company A. To conceal the scheme, Burke made several false and misleading statements to the Navy, including by falsely implying that Company A’s employment discussions with Burke only began months after the contract was awarded and omitting the truth on his required government ethics disclosure forms.
In October 2022, Burke began working at Company A at a yearly starting salary of $500,000 and a grant of 100,000 stock options.
This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Trevor Wilmot and Kathryn E. Fifield of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. It was investigated and indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rothstein.
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Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Dunbarton man was sentenced in federal court for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Scott Currier, age 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 144 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. Currier was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $38,000. In May 2024, Currier pleaded guilty to one count of possession of CSAM.
“The defendant is a convicted sex offender who repeatedly exploited children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Thanks to the vigilant efforts and critical leads from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement was able to identify the defendant and swiftly investigate his conduct. This office will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect children from exploitation and revictimization.”
“Currier’s criminal history of aggravated felonious sexual assault makes his possession of hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material all the more troubling. Friday’s significant sentence takes a repeat sex offender off the streets and puts him into federal prison for over a decade while also offering restitution to identified victims of child sexual exploitation found in the materials he possessed,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations New England.
The defendant was identified through a CyberTip reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children based on internet activity that was traced to his residence. Based on that tip, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home that resulted in the seizure of a computer that was found to contain over 700 files of suspected CSAM. The defendant faced enhanced penalties in this matter due to a prior state conviction for aggravated felonious sexual assault.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Dunbarton Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Petersburg meth trafficker sentenced to five years in prisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Petersburg woman was sentenced today to five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, between June 28, 2024, and July 2, 2024, Miranda Lynn Hubert, 29, distributed 141.75 grams of meth. On July 2, 2024, Hubert, who had several outstanding warrants at the time, arrived at a 7-Eleven in Richmond to sell meth. Law enforcement took Hubert into custody and conducted a search of her vehicle. Investigators recovered 84 grams of meth, a handgun, and a digital scale.
Hubert was convicted previously for possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, larceny, probation violation, entering a house to commit larceny, and assault and battery.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. The Prince George County Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
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. 3:24-cr-168.
Operation Guardian Angel Launched to Neutralize California’s Sanctuary State Policies that Protect Criminal Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The United States Attorney’s Office along with its federal law enforcement partners today announced the launch of Operation Guardian Angel, a program that seeks to neutralize California’s sanctuary state policy and protect Americans from criminal illegal aliens incarcerated in county jails by issuing federal arrest warrants for them.
The Central District of California – comprised of the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura – is home to an estimated 1.5 million illegal aliens. Among this population are gang members and other dangerous felons.
The operation will file complaints and arrest warrants to allow federal law enforcement to take as many defendants as possible into custody from state jails. The program, which began May 10, has resulted in the arrest of 13 defendants as of May 15. Those numbers are expected to grow.
“Even the worst criminal aliens in state custody are frequently released into the community because California’s sanctuary state policies block cooperation with federal law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “These laws effectively render federal immigration detainers meaningless. The days of giving criminal illegal aliens a free pass are over. While California may be presently disregarding detainers, it cannot ignore federal arrest warrants.”
The danger to the community of state protection of criminal illegal aliens could not be starker. In February 2025, José Cristian Saravia-Sánchez, 30, of Mexico, shot and killed an Inglewood man who tried to stop him from stealing a catalytic converter. Despite the fact he was an illegal alien who had been convicted of vehicle theft, was removed from the United States in 2013, and had been arrested 11 times between June 2022 and August 2024, local law enforcement was prevented by state law from complying with an immigration detainer request.
The goal of Operation Guardian Angel is to neutralize – as far as possible – California’s sanctuary state policy and make our community safer.
Ojo Amarillo Man Charged in Brutal AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Ojo Amarillo man has been charged by criminal complaint with assault following an incident that left the victim with multiple fractures and severe facial injuries.
According to court documents, on May 6, 2025, the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to a residence in Ojo Amarillo, New Mexico, where officers discovered the victim suffering from extensive facial lacerations, swelling, and a right eye swollen shut. She was immediately transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment.
The victim reported that Kyle Kee, 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, attacked her without warning, striking her repeatedly in the face, back, and stomach. The assault only ended when a phone call interrupted the attack. The victim said that Kee had previously assaulted her and was on probation for a prior offense.
Officers located Kee hiding in a nearby field. After initially attempting to evade capture, Kee was apprehended and became verbally aggressive, spitting on and kicking an officer during the arrest.
Medical records confirm the victim sustained an orbital fracture, nasal bone fractures, multiple contusions, and a laceration above her right eye requiring sutures.
Keeis charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Kee faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jordan is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Making Hate Crime Threat against Michigan Attorney GeneralRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A New York man pleaded guilty today to a federal crime for threatening Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. and Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2023, AG Nessel posted to her X account a photograph of herself and her friend who had been murdered that day. Along with the photograph, AG Nessel described her friend’s faith and contributions to the community and expressed grief and shock about the murder. The next day, Kevin Delgado, 40, of Bayside, New York, posted a threatening reply to AG Nessel’s post. Delgado then pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Delgado admitted that he threatened her because of her religion and her perceived sexual orientation.
“The federal government is dedicated to protecting all Americans against threats of violence. Everyone person has equal dignity, and our office will tirelessly work to protect them. And public officials must be free to exercise their office without fear,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said.
"Threatening public officials is both illegal and unacceptable. The hateful comments made by Mr. Delgado online were especially outrageous," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those who make these dangerous and harmful threats against officials dedicated to serving and protecting our communities."
Delgado will be sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nancy G. Edmunds on September 22, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 5 years’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge Related to Threatening Calls and MessagesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on May 16, 2025, ELIJAH WHYTE, 30, formerly of White Plains, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to offenses related to harassing and threatening communications.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between August and October 2023, Whyte sent a Connecticut resident 1,330 text messages, made 72 phone calls, and left three voicemail messages. Many of the messages were threatening and harassing, discussing the victim getting killed and raped, the victim’s children, and the victim’s home and hometown.
Whyte pleaded guilty to making repeated harassing telephone communications, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for August 8.
Whyte has been detained since October 2023.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.
New Orleans Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession and Receipt of Online Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that STEPHEN BADON (“BADON ”), age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced on May 13, 2025, to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 25 years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey, after previously pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography, both in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). Additionally, BADON was ordered to pay $86,500 in restitution to numerous victims, as well as a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, the case against BADON stemmed from an online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). On August 2, 2023, FBI special agents executed a federal search warrant at BADON’s New Orleans home. FBI agents seized four electronic devices from BADON’s residence and subsequently located over 88,000 files of CSAM material throughout the four devices. BADON was subsequently arrested by the FBI.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Narco-Terrorists Charged in Federal Indictment with Exchanging Cocaine for Firearms, Explosives in War with Colombia’s GovernmentRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) foreign terrorist organization and his associate have been charged in a six-count superseding indictment alleging they are senior members of a large cocaine-manufacturing ring that trades cocaine to buy firearms to engage in terrorist activity in Colombia, the Justice Department announced today.
Iván Jacobo Idrobo Arredondo, 39, a.k.a. “Marlon Vásquez,” and Juan Diego Palta Montero, 26, a.k.a. “Ñeque,” are charged with:
- one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization;
- one count of conspiracy to engage in narco-terrorism;
- one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine for the purpose of unlawful importation;
- one count of conspiracy to possess firearms, machine guns, and destructive devices in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and
- one count of distribution of cocaine for the purpose of unlawful importation.
Idrobo is charged with one additional count of possession of firearms, machine guns, and destructive devices in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Both defendants are believed to be in Colombia and are not in custody.
According to the superseding indictment that was unsealed on May 5, FARC-EP is a dissident faction of the FARC terrorist group and emerged after its rejection of a 2016 peace agreement between FARC and the Colombian government. FARC-EP is Colombia’s most powerful and violent dissident group and has continued to carry out criminal acts, including assassinations, extortion, hostage-takings, and armed assaults. The group focuses most of its attacks on Colombian government and military targets but has also attacked critical infrastructure, Colombian civilians, and U.S. military personnel in the country. FARC-EP equips its members with firearms, machine guns, mines, and bombs.
The group disseminates propaganda videos to convince the Colombian public and government that FARC-EP controls Colombia, to threaten rivals, and to recruit young Colombians to join it. Idrobo has appeared in and is the primary speaker in some of these videos. FARC-EP controls an area of Colombia responsible for producing approximately 70% of the cocaine manufactured in that nation.
The United States designated FARC-EP a foreign terrorist organization in December 2021. FARC-EP partners with other terrorist organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and Nueva Familia Michoacana.
From March 2023 to March 2024, Idrobo and Palta knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources to FARC-EP by way of thousands of rounds of ammunition, including for AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 100 grenades, and 12 machine guns – weapons they attempted to obtain by exchanging cocaine they had manufactured and distributed at Colombia-based laboratories Idrobo and others owned and operated.
In one such drug deal in Colombia in May 2023, seven kilograms (15.4 pounds) of cocaine – intended for importation and distribution into the United States, including Southern California – in exchange for Colombian pesos worth approximately $10,715.
In December 2023, a co-conspirator traveled to the Czech Republic on Idrobo’s behalf to review and examine weapons that would be traded for cocaine to be imported into the United States. Following a meeting with a purported weapons supplier, the co-conspirator discussed how FARC-EP sought to obtain rocket-propelled grenade launchers to shoot at the Colombian presidential palace, Colombian army helicopters, Colombia’s Supreme Court building, local police stations, and the place where Colombian President Gustavo Petro was located, to force Colombia’s government to respect them.
Later that month, the defendants, along with a co-conspirator, distributed approximately 21 kilograms (46.3 pounds) of cocaine packaged in materials depicting the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles to a buyer.
Four other Colombian nationals were also charged in a related indictment also unsealed on May 5. Two defendants – Jorge Eliecer Luque Monsalve, 53, a.k.a. “Jorge Col,” and Rubén Darío García Londoño, 41, a.k.a. “Bencho,” have been arrested by Colombian authorities. Luque is pending extradition to the United States and García has been extradited to the United States and made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on May 5. García was ordered detained pending trial and entered a plea of not guilty. His trial is scheduled to begin on July 1.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted of all charges, the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division and Bogotá Country Office are investigating this matter with substantial assistance from the Colombian National Police, the Czech Republic Police’s National Counterterrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime Agency (NCTEKK) and Special Activities Unit (UZC SKPV PCR). The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, provided significant assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benedetto L. Balding, Kyle W. Kahan, and Kelly L. Larocque of the Transnational Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.— Saul Uriel Nunez-Vega, 24, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Jackson County, Oregon, pleaded guilty today for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on November 14, 2023, law enforcement responded to an attempted kidnapping and shooting in White City, Oregon, where they recovered a firearm. Surveillance footage showed Nunez-Vega in the area before the shooting occurred and investigators learned that he possessed the firearm prior to its use in the shooting.
On December 15, 2023, Nunez-Vega was charged by criminal complaint with illegally possessing a firearm.
Nunez-Vega faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 13, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Mexican National Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Role in Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme, Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that APOLINAR FRANCISCO PAREDES ESPINOZA, also known as “Pancho,” 58, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 40 months of imprisonment, for illegally reentering the U.S. and his involvement in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the U.S., harbor them at Hartford area residences, force them to work, and threaten to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest, and other living expenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed several Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford. The investigation revealed that victims typically arranged with Maria Del Carmen Sanchez Potrero and others in Connecticut and Mexico to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S. In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico. They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, including Sanchez’s and Paredes’ residence on Madison Street in Hartford, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death.
After the victims arrived in Connecticut, they were told that they would have to pay approximately $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay Sanchez and her co-coconspirators for rent, food, gas and utilities. Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area. In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform housework and yardwork, or to assist Paredes in his job responsibilities, without compensation and without having their debt reduced.
Victims were rarely provided with an accounting of their debt. If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators expected, they were sometimes threatened, including with threats to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments.
To date, investigators have identified 19 victims of this scheme. Multiple victims were minors, and at least two were smuggled into the U.S. unaccompanied by a relative or legal guardian.
In November 2014, Paredes was encountered in the U.S. and removed the same day via foot at Hildago, Texas. He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in December 2018, was arrested by East Hartford Police and charged with various motor vehicle offenses. He was again removed to Mexico in February 2019, and subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.
Paredes has been detained since his arrest on March 1, 2023. On November 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens, and to illegal reentry of a removed alien.
Sanchez and her daughter, Porfiria Maribel Ramos Sanchez, previously pleaded guilty to related charges. On April 11, 2025, Sanchez was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment, and on March 7, 2025, Ramos was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.
Judge Dooley ordered Paredes to pay, jointly and severally with his codefendants, restitution of $574,608.
Paredes, Sanchez, and Ramos face immigration proceedings when they complete their prison terms.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.