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30 July 2026
Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Cory Alan Kinsel, also known as “Cory Alan Hatcher,” 38, pleaded guilty today to failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) after relocating from West Virginia to Ohio and obtaining employment in Kentucky.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 2, 2025, a law enforcement officer conducting a compliance check on Kinsel determined that Kinsel had left his registered address, a Charleston men’s shelter, without updating his registration. The resulting investigation revealed that Kinsel was living in South Point, Ohio, and working at a restaurant in Ashland, Kentucky, where he was arrested on October 8, 2025.
Kinsel knew he was required to register as a sex offender and maintain that registration as a result of his conviction for third-degree sexual assault of as 13-year-old girl in Hancock County Circuit Court in 2007.
Kinsel is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.
SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-179.
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Registered Sex Offender in Sacramento Charged with Multiple Counts of Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mickey O’Brien, 31, of Sacramento, was arrested Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in court today after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of minors, two counts of sexual exploitation of minors, and one count of committing a sex offense while being required to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between 2022 and 2023, O’Brien used Snapchat to induce multiple underage girls as young as 11 to produce and send him sexually explicit depictions of themselves. At the time of these alleged offenses, O’Brien was subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement in Sacramento County due to prior sex crimes he committed against minors.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the counts of sexual exploitation of minors or attempted sexual exploitation of minors, O’Brien faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine. If convicted of committing a sex offense while being a registered sex offender, O’Brien faces a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively with any other sentence. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Previously convicted child sex offender sentenced to 16 years in prison for latest crimesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a child and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and an additional year for violating the terms of his supervised release.
According to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2018, Christopher Charles Collins, 40, was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia of attempted transfer of obscene material to a person under 16 years of age and possession of CSAM. He was sentenced to six years and six months in prison and a five-year term of supervised release. Collins was released from prison on Nov. 24, 2023.
On October 28, 2025, using the moniker “SinningPastor,” Collins engaged online with an undercover officer who was posing as a 14-year-old girl on the social media platform Chatiw. After moving their communications to Discord, Collins sexually propositioned the undercover officer and arranged to pick her up from a home in Newport News and take her to his residence. Law enforcement arrested Collins when he arrived at the home.
At the time of his arrest, Collins possessed two cellphones. A search of the phones revealed that Collins possessed CSAM, of which he was attributed with over a thousand images.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Washington D.C. Field Office and Newport News Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa R. McKeel 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov.
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. 4:26-cr-19.
Previously Convicted Robber Sentenced in Southeast D.C. Firearm and Ammunition CaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Antoine Gatling, 33, a previously convicted violent felon, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 36 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Gatling was found guilty following a stipulated trial before Judge Richard J. Leon of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 36-month prison term, Judge Leon ordered Gatling to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 37-month prison term.
According to court papers, on March 1, 2024, at about 9:04 a.m., a 911 caller reported a man trying to break into an apartment in the 4500 block of 3rd Street SE, describing him as wearing a black jacket, black pants, and black-and-white shoes, carrying a black bag, and armed with a handgun tucked into his waistband.
Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the scene. The first officer arrived at about 9:11 a.m. and found Gatling in the doorway of the apartment complex, matching the caller's description.
The officer asked Gatling to step outside for a pat-down. As the officer reached a satchel worn across Gatling's back, Gatling began to resist. Additional officers responded, and Gatling was handcuffed.
Officers removed the satchel and felt the outline of a firearm inside. Inside, they found a .380 Llama semi-automatic pistol. A further search of Gatling's clothing turned up a round of ammunition and a loaded magazine.
Gatling was previously convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon in Prince George's County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 13 years suspended, followed by five years of probation.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Office.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
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Philadelphia Man Charged with Robbing Williston Convenience Store at GunpointRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 11, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Maurice Nelson, 38, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with interfering with commerce by robbery, and with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Nelson entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on July 30, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge James P. O’Hara. Nelson was previously ordered detained pending trial at his initial appearance which occurred on May 19, 2026.
According to court records, on April 3, 2026, Nelson entered a convenience store in Williston, Vermont, pointed a handgun at the store clerk, and threatened to “blow [the clerk’s] head off.” Nelson fled the store with approximately $369 and packs of cigarettes, lighters, and a cup full of coins. After leaving the store, Nelson stole a vehicle from the parking lot and drove off. About 90 minutes later, law enforcement located the stolen vehicle on Main Street in Burlington, and apprehended Nelson nearby. Nelson’s clothing at the time of his apprehension was consistent in appearance with the clothing worn by the robber. Packs of cigarettes bearing the same lot number as the stolen packs were found in the vehicle. The day after Nelson’s arrest, Burlington Fire Department personnel located a handgun in the area where Nelson was arrested.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Nelson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Nelson faces a mandatory minimum of seven years of imprisonment and up to lifetime imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the swift and collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Williston Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, and the Vermont State Police.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jason Turner. Nelson is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Owasso Man Sentenced for Receiving, Possessing, and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – An Owasso man was sentenced today for receiving, possessing, and distributing videos of children being sexually abused, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Corey Michael John, 25, for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. John was ordered to serve 121 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Further, John was ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution. Upon release, John will be required to register as a sex offender.
In 2025, an agent with the Homeland Security Investigations Detroit office was on the social media application Kik, in an undercover capacity. The agent was in several groups that were discussing the sexual exploitation of minor children. Court documents show that the agent received a private message requesting to trade child sexual abuse material. The user, later identified as John, sent the undercover agent 10 videos that showed minor children being sexually abused.
Agents obtained a search warrant to locate John and discovered that he lived in Owasso, Oklahoma. Agents served a search warrant at his home and seized his electronic devices. When agents interviewed John, he initially denied ever looking at child sexual abuse material. However, agents showed John the videos he possessed on his cellphone. He then admitted to talking with others online about child sexual abuse material, downloading it, and viewing it. Court documents show that John admitted to creating an alias username and attempting to frame someone else.
The child sexual abuse material found on John’s devices was sent to the National Child Victim Identification System, managed by the NCMEC, for identification. They identified 88 children whose images were previously identified and reported to NCMEC for cataloging. Those victims live in the United States and various parts of the world. They were notified and allowed to submit victim impact statements to the court. Restitution paid by John will go directly to the victims who requested restitution.
John will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Robert and Christopher Kelly 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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Oregon Department of Corrections Officer Charged with CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging an Oregon Department of Corrections Officer with cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend from January 2024 to October 2024.
According to court documents, following a breakup with the victim, Jack Daniel Rowlett, 46, created fake social media profiles on Facebook, posing as other men. Using the fake profiles, Rowlett posted offensive and degrading claims about the victim, including false claims about the victim’s sexual history with the men depicted in the fake accounts. The posts caused the victim significant emotional distress and reputational harm. When the victim sought a protective order in state court against Rowlett for making the harassing posts, Rowlett fought the protective order and denied responsibility for the conduct. Through the federal investigation Rowlett has now been linked to the posts he denied responsibility for.
Rowlett made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending further court proceedings.
If convicted, Rowlett faces a maximum of five years in federal prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
The FBI investigated the case. The Oregon Department of Corrections cooperated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arin C. Heinz and Natasha M. Geiling are prosecuting the case.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Investment Fund Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A North Carolina man, who posed as an investment advisor, is headed to prison for running an investment fund theft scam in which he stole from at least 64 investors in the District of Maryland.
Today, U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox sentenced Hunter Haithcock, 25, aka Hunter Elliott, of Matthews, to 42 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for committing wire and investment adviser fraud. Judge Maddox also ordered Haithcock to pay $655,498.93 in restitution and forfeiture. Through Haithcock’s scheme, he stole at least $650,000 in funds from the victims.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.
According to court documents, beginning in September 2019, and continuing through October 2022, Haithcock stole at least $655,498.93 from the victims. The victims entrusted Haithcock with their funds after he deceptively claimed he worked for Company #1 with a registered investment adviser (the “victim investment advisor”). Then Haithcock told the victim investors if they invested with him, he would guarantee their investment principal and provide them significant returns on their investments.
In connection with the scheme, Haithcock routinely provided investors with fabricated reports that purported to show investors’ portfolio gains. But Haithcock created the fictitious documents to perpetuate and conceal his scheme. Instead of investing his clients’ investment funds, Haithcock stole them. Haithcock funneled the money to accounts he controlled and used the funds for his own purposes. Specifically, he used the stolen funds to pay for credit card bills, meals, entertainment, car payments, travel expenses – including hotels and flights, and to trade cryptocurrency for his own benefit.
As described in his plea agreement, Haithcock met his victims in a variety of ways, including through a local church and by word-of-mouth referrals. Haithcock routinely represented himself as Hunter Elliott, a licensed securities broker for Company #1, who could invest their money in securities and provide them with very large, 100-200 percent or larger, returns. But Haithcock was never employed with Company #1 or any other broker-dealer. Haithcock also never had a license to trade securities and does not know the victim investment advisor.
Additionally, Haithcock promised investors that their investment principal was protected from loss regardless of the risk of the performance of the market and the size of their initial investment. Some victims invested tens of thousands of dollars while others invested $10,000 or less. Haithcock routinely lied about the future projected performance of anticipated investments.
After victims invested funds with Haithcock, he routinely provided investors with fraudulent “Statement Reports,” often on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. These reports purported to list, among other things, each investor’s portfolio value and purported stock trades Haithcock made on their behalf. Eventually, when investors began to ask for the return of their funds, Haithcock fabricated reasons why he could not return their money. Haithcock used a small portion of the client investor funds he received from other investors to pay a few of them back, but most victims received nothing. Eventually, Haithcock stopped returning their calls and text messages.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and praised the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Cecil County Sherriff’s Office, and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Maryland for their assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wenner who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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New York Man Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery in LondonderryRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A New York man has been sentenced to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a 2025 armed robbery in Londonderry, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Zaire Braddock, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe yesterday. According to the court documents and statements made in court, Braddock, along with four co-conspirators, traveled together from New York to Londonderry, New Hampshire, for the purpose of robbing a local business. Upon arriving at the business, the five individuals entered the premises, where Braddock threatened the victim with a box cutter and the crew restrained the victim. Braddock and his co-conspirators then proceeded to steal merchandise and goods from the business, placing those items in a truck driven by a sixth co-conspirator. Afterwards, Braddock and his co-conspirators fled the scene in their vehicle and returned to New York.
“This individual traveled from New York to Londonderry to terrorize others with violence and threats,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “This sentence shows that actions have consequences, and we will continue to coordinate with our federal and state law enforcement partners to quickly and decisively investigate and prosecute violent crimes and hold lawbreakers accountable.”
“Anyone willing to victimize another person by brandishing a boxcutter and threatening to kill them, in broad daylight. is a clear threat to our community. The FBI is grateful to see Zaire Braddock will spend the next three years behind bars for his role in this brazen act of violence,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “No one who lives, works, or visits New Hampshire should have to fear violent criminals targeting them. That’s why the FBI and our partners will continue to work in lockstep to crush violent crime in our neighborhoods and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Londonderry Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and New York Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo, Michael Shannon, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.
Natchez Man Sentenced to Year in Prison for Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Natchez man was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for possession of a stolen firearm.
According to court documents, Patrick Montrell Harris, 34, stole a pistol from the property room of the Centreville Police Department and later sold it to a pawn shop while he was an officer with CPD.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Denham of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Capitol Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Modesto Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Amador Faalaga, 39, of Modesto, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on July 2, 2026, Faalaga, possessed 16 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Faalaga is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a prior felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of California (Case No. 1:15-cr-319).
The Modesto Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney George Biko is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Faalaga faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Meridian Man Sentenced for Making a Bomb ThreatRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Meridian man was sentenced on July 29, 2026 to 36 months in prison for threatening to unlawfully damage and destroy a building on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Gabriel Billie, Director of Choctaw Public Safety for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
According to court documents, Joshua Mark Davis, 37, of Meridian, used a phone inside the Silver Star Hotel & Casino of the Pearl River Resort on the Choctaw Indian Reservation to make a bomb threat.
In May of 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Davis and on March 19, 2026, Davis entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
On July 29, 2026, Davis was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. Davis was also fined $1,500.
U.S. Attorney Kruger commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
McAlester Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Justin Leon Westbrook, 43, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine, punishable by a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine, and one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment charged Westbrook with knowingly and intentionally distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, on July 23, 2025.
The Indictment also charged Westbrook with knowingly possessing one semi-automatic pistol, serial number obliterated, on July 29, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Westbrook will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chuck Sullivan represented the United States.
Maryland Felon Pleads Guilty in D.C. to Federal Firearm Charge After Traffic Stop Uncovers Loaded Glock, DrugsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Samuel Fapohunda, 27, a previously convicted felon residing in Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with his illegal possession of a Glock 19 pistol with a 17-round magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Fapohunda pleaded guilty before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Judge McFadden scheduled sentencing for Dec. 3, 2026.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2026, at 6:45 p.m., officers on patrol in the 1800 block of 18th Street SE found a vehicle parked with its engine running and an illegally-tinted window.
An officer approached the car and the driver rolled down his window when officers smelled marijuana. The driver, identified as Fapohunda, admitted he had been smoking. Officers ordered the occupants out of the car. As the passenger stepped out, officers saw a burnt marijuana cigarette in her hand.
A federal law enforcement officer conducted a protective pat-down of Fapohunda and felt a firearm in his waistband. Before officers recovered it, Fapohunda blurted out, “it’s under my shorts,” repeating the phrase three times. Officers recovered a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun with a 17-round magazine.
A search of the vehicle turned up marijuana, a nearly full bottle of codeine-based cough syrup, drug paraphernalia including a scale and baggies with residue, and $985 in cash.
A criminal history check showed Fapohunda was previously convicted of robbery in Arlington County, Virginia, and sentenced to five years incarceration, with four years suspended, making his possession of the firearm and ammunition illegal under federal law.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Office.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Liss.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
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Maryland Woman and Ghanaian National Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Nationwide Romance ScamRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Maryland woman and Ghanaian national was sentenced on July 22, 2026, to 70 months in federal prison for money laundering, stemming from her participation in a nationwide romance scam.
According to public court documents, Nana Takyiwa Adonu, 43, of Odenton, Maryland, played an integral role in an extensive romance scam conspiracy. As part of the scam, individuals create fake profiles on internet dating sites and other social media platforms to exploit victims for financial gain.
Adonu operated “Han-Dak LLC,” a company that she used to receive money from victims. Adonu received over $1.6 million from victims, including over $55,000 from a victim living in the Southern District of Iowa. The victims sent Adonu money at the request of their purported romantic partners, believing it would be used to facilitate uniting them with their partner, among other things. Many victims drained their retirement accounts, sold their homes and vehicles, returned to work after retirement, and borrowed substantial sums from friends and family.
When confronted by the FBI, Adonu claimed Han-Dak LLC was a legitimate garment production company producing clothing in China. Adonu subsequently produced false invoices, “customer” and “vendor” lists, and other documentation in response to a federal grand jury subpoena in an attempt to further obstruct the investigation.
In addition to the 70-month term of imprisonment, Adonu was ordered to pay $1,655,640.76 in restitution. After completing her prison term, Adonu will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
In March 2026, Adonu’s co-defendant, Naabanyin Aniagyei-Cobbold was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,554,442.46 in restitution.
“Romance scammers exploit victims when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office. “They prey on innocent people by convincing them a relationship is real, then slowly abuse that trust to steal their life savings. Some victims lost their entire retirement accounts. This case is an egregious example of the ruthless persistence exhibited by scammers who enrich themselves at the expense of vulnerable people. The FBI will continue using every tool at our disposal to apprehend these criminals and bring them to justice.”
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Omaha Cyber Task Force and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.
According to the FBI, in 2024, approximately 59,000 people fell victim to romance-related scams, losing over $672 million dollars. The FBI says that many times, once a victim realizes that they have been exploited, they feel embarrassed or ashamed, and do not want to let anyone know what happened to them, including law enforcement. However, the FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized by this fraud or unsuccessfully targeted to file a complaint. If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you have already sent money, report any transfer of funds to your financial institution and contact law enforcement.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590 or file a complaint online: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint. You can also report fraud complaints to your local FBI field office by calling 1 800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or visiting https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Persuading and Inducing Individuals, Including Two Minors, to Travel to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Maryland man pleaded guilty on July 23, 2026 in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to inducing three individuals, including two minors, to travel across state lines to engage in prostitution.
David Kaufman, 45, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging three counts of knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution and aiding and abetting, as well as one count of conspiring to do the same. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 13, 2026. Kaufman was arrested in April 2025. In May 2025, a federal grand jury charged Kaufman in a superseding indictment that included additional charges against Kaufman as well as a co-conspirator.
In January and February of 2024, Kaufman and a co-conspirator made arrangements for a victim to travel to Baltimore to stay with Kaufman, who paid for the travel. Once at Kaufman’s residence in Baltimore, Kaufman persuaded and enticed the victim to allow Kaufman to perform sex acts on the victim in exchange for money and things of value. In March, the victim and co-conspirator again traveled from Massachusetts to Maryland, where Kaufman once again persuaded and enticed the victim to allow Kaufman to perform sex acts on the victim in exchange for money and things of value.
In June 2024, a minor victim and a co-conspirator traveled from Massachusetts to Maryland to stay with Kaufman. Kaufman again paid for the travel. Once there, Kaufman persuaded and enticed the minor victim to allow him to perform sex acts on the minor victim and paid the victim money to do so. Kaufman continued to communicate with the minor victim and encouraged the victim to return to Maryland to engage in additional sex acts for money. In late June, the minor victim and the co-conspirator again traveled from Massachusetts to Baltimore, and Kaufman paid for the tickets in anticipation of the victim engaging in additional sex acts with him for money. Once back in Baltimore, Kaufman and the minor victim engaged in sex acts in exchange for money in Kaufman’s bedroom. At that time, the victim was 16 years old but, at the co-conspirator’s urging, told Kaufman that he was 18 years old.
In July 2024, Kaufman traveled to Boston, Mass.. Kaufman and his co-conspirator arranged to meet in Boston and the co-conspirator introduced Kaufman to another minor victim, convincing the minor to travel from Connecticut to Massachusetts to meet Kaufman for prostitution. Once Kaufman, his co-conspirator and the minor victim were in Boston, Kaufman engaged in sex acts with the victim in exchange for money. At that time, the minor was 17 years old but, at the co-conspirator’s urging, told Kaufman that he was 18 years old.
If you have information or questions about this investigation, or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking or child exploitation, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The charge of knowingly persuading and inducing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to knowingly persuade and induce a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to 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 and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and the Baltimore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings, Craig E. Estes and Kunal Pasricha of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Manitowoc Man Sentenced to 7 Years’ Imprisonment for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 28, 2026, Zachariah R. Breihof (age 28), of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Byron B. Conway to 84 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of Transportation of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(1).
According to court documents, in January 2025, the defendant was the subject of a CyberTip indicating that he had uploaded approximately 130 images of child pornography to a popular cloud storage platform. Law enforcement investigated further and subsequently executed a search warrant at Breihof's residence. A review of the defendant's electronic devices revealed more than 28,000 files containing suspected child pornography and an additional 5,000 files were identified as "high-risk" child pornography.
Judge Conway described the defendant's crime as extremely serious and noted that the types of images possessed and transported by Breihof are "reviled by every culture." He further stated that Breihof exhibits "impulse problems" and emphasized the need to protect the public and deter similar conduct in the future. Following his seven-year prison sentence, the defendant will serve 10 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under state and federal law.
“Every image of child pornography is a graphic memorialization of a child being abused,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Schimel. “The abuse of children to create these images is driven by the demand from those who seek and view these materials. We have no higher priority than protecting our children, and Federal, state and local authorities will continue to aggressively pursue and lock up those who traffic in this vile trade.”
"Crimes against children remain one of the highest priorities for the Manitowoc Police Department,” said Manitowoc Police Chief John R. Musial II. “I am incredibly grateful for the dedicated members of our department who possess the skill, compassion, and professionalism to thoroughly investigate these difficult cases and seek justice on behalf of vulnerable victims.
I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for its steadfast partnership and commitment to protecting children, supporting victims, and aggressively prosecuting those who exploit our most vulnerable. Holding offenders accountable requires strong collaboration between local and federal law enforcement, and that partnership plays a vital role in making our communities safer. Thank you for your exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.”
This case was investigated by the Manitowoc Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet.
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For further information contact:Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 151 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ricky Charles Patterson, age 45, a resident of Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on May 2, 2025, ATF agents served a federal search warrant at Patterson’s residence in Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the warrant, agents seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson revolver. Patterson, a previously convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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Louisiana man sentenced to 25+ years in federal prison for Jefferson County violent crime spree that included carjackings, a shooting, and a convenience store robberyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Sunset, Louisiana, man has been sentenced to over 25 years in federal prison for a violent crime spree in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Bracelon Armon Charles, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted carjacking; carjacking; Hobbs Act robbery; and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 308 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 30, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on October 6-7, 2023, Charles and a juvenile engaged in a violent crime spree that included the attempted carjacking of a vehicle in Beaumont, the shooting of the vehicle’s owner, another carjacking in Port Arthur, and an attempted armed robbery of a convenience store in Beaumont.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Beaumont Police Department; the Port Arthur Police Department; and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.
Louisiana U.S. Attorneys Highlight Nine Recent Fraud Prosecutions Across the StateRead the Press Release
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. DOJ efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a comprehensive effort led by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorneys in Louisiana are proud to stand unified in this critical effort on behalf of Louisiana citizens and made this joint statement:
“The cases highlighted include some of the most expansive and complex fraud cases that DOJ has investigated and prosecuted, and which emphasize the combined missions of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana to safeguard the nation’s coffers from fraudulent schemes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of fraud, hold them accountable, and seek justice for those directly impacted by fraud. It is the hardworking American taxpayer who ultimately bears the financial burden of fraud, waste, and abuse,” stated David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Louisiana, Kurt L. Wall, United States Attorney, Middle District of Louisiana, Zachary A. Keller, United States Attorney, Western District of Louisiana.
“The Louisiana Department of Justice is proud to partner with our three U.S. Attorneys - David Courcelle, Kurt Wall, and Zachary Keller - to fight fraud. Since I assumed office, the LDOJ has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution, stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “Those kinds of results only happen when all levels of government work together toward the same mission. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Acting Attorney General Blanche, Governor Landry, the Louisiana Legislature, and our many other state and federal partners, we are holding criminals accountable and delivering real results for the taxpayers of Louisiana and the nation,” stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
“Louisiana’s business records should never become a tool for criminals. This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting businesses, consumers, and the integrity of our state’s business registration system. By working more closely with our law enforcement partners at both the state and federal levels, we can better identify fraudulent activity, disrupt criminal schemes, and protect businesses from those who seek to exploit them. Collaboration like this strengthens public confidence and helps ensure Louisiana remains a safe place to live, work, and do business,” stated Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry.
“Louisiana is all in with President Trump and Vice President Vance. To anyone stealing from a Louisiana program: the State of Louisiana and the United States Department of Justice are working from the same file, and there is no seam left to hide in,” stated Louisiana Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer Angele Davis.
“We thank the U.S. Department of Justice for its partnership in combating fraud and for bringing together investigative partners from across the Southeast to strengthen our shared efforts,” Louisiana Legislative Auditor Michael “Mike” Waguespack.
What follows are cases that particularly exemplify the effort to investigate and prosecute fraud in Louisiana and restore confidence to citizens.
EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
On June 3, 2026, Amanda Clayborne-Williams was charged with wire fraud and tax evasion. According to the bill of information, in 2020 and 2021, Clayborne-Williams submitted twelve fraudulent Small Business Administration loan and loan forgiveness applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Clayborne-Williams applied for approximately $1.3 million in loans. It is alleged she received approximately $447,305.98. Clayborne-Williams also attempted to evade paying income tax by filing a false form with the IRS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni.
On June 17, 2026,Scharmaine Lawson Baker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,508,868 in restitution for her role in a health care fraud scheme resulting in over $12 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for medically unnecessary cancer genetic tests. Baker received tens of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks. Trial evidence showed that Baker ordered ovarian and cervical cancer tests for male patients. The case was prosecuted by DOJ Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Trial Attorneys Samantha E. Usher, Gary A. Crosby II, and Kelly Z. Walters; and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses.
On June 22, 2026, Dr. Christopher Whipple, a New Orleans physician, was charged by indictment with two counts of health care fraud. Whipple owned and operated two health care companies that are alleged to have submitted $5.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Humana. Whipple allegedly submitted claims on behalf of patients for which he did not provide care and billed for in-person care for Louisianians despite their being outside the state. Whipple is also alleged to have submitted claims using the identities of other providers without their permission. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Zakeria Haidary, Acting Assistant Chief Sara Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Knight. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Giavotella is handling asset forfeiture.
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
Chakesha Scott, Eric Scott, Courtney Scott, and Sam Green, all of Zachary, were indicted on July 15, 2026, for conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Beginning around June 2018 and continuing until at least December 2024, the defendants allegedly conspired to embezzle or steal funds from Impact Charter School for personal use. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis, who also serves as the office’s District Fraud Counsel.
Oscar Hills, IV, of Baton Rouge, was convicted following a three-day jury trial in September 2025 of two counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. The jury found that, between March 2020 and May 2020, Hills submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which were created or expanded by Congress under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these applications, Hills fraudulently obtained over $835,000. He is awaiting sentencing. The case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Casey.
Damian Raby, of Gonzales, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in October of 2025 following his conviction for conspiracy to launder money and obstruct the due administration of internal revenue laws. Raby was also ordered to pay over $2.6 million in restitution based on his filing of over three dozen fraudulent applications for pandemic-era tax credits under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program, which was implemented by the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payrolls. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel, and John B. Casey.
WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
Jane Francis Pierce, of Boyce, is charged with running a multi‑year fraud scheme in which she filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, seeking almost $10 million in refunds, and successfully obtaining more than $1 million from the IRS. She allegedly used the money for personal expenses, including a home and vehicle, and then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to reclaim the fraudulent refunds. On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four‑count indictment charging her with mail fraud, money laundering, filing false tax returns, and interfering with an IRS investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson, and Trial Attorney with the Criminal Division Tax Section, Isaiah Boyd.
Chandrakant Patel, of Oakdale, a business owner, and four co-defendants, Chad Doyle, Michael Slaney, Glynn Dixon, and Tebo Onishea, were paid thousands of dollars by foreign nationals to be named as false “victims” of crimes in order to obtain U-visas in and around Oakdale. Patel conspired with his co-defendants, prominent members of local law enforcement, who used their official positions to certify the fraudulent reports. Patel also attempted to bribe a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office employee with $5,000 for an additional fraudulent report and the group used the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers to submit falsified documents. They were indicted on July 2, 2025, and all have now pled guilty. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Nickel and Danny Siefker.
On May 7, 2026, Mya Carter, of Shreveport, and nine co-defendants, were indicted after a multi-year investigation of individuals applying for fraudulent loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the Federal Government. The 10 individuals indicted in this case applied for, or had others apply in their place, for multiple loans using fraudulent documents and false information to claim ownership of mostly non-existent businesses in order to enrich themselves. A total of 12 loans were funded for a loss of approximately $260,000 with an additional 46 loans that attempted to obtain over one million dollars in federal funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
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Louisiana U.S. Attorneys Highlight Nine Recent Fraud Prosecutions Across the StateRead the Press Release
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. DOJ efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a comprehensive effort led by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorneys in Louisiana are proud to stand unified in this critical effort on behalf of Louisiana citizens and made this joint statement:
“The cases highlighted include some of the most expansive and complex fraud cases that DOJ has investigated and prosecuted, and which emphasize the combined missions of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana to safeguard the nation’s coffers from fraudulent schemes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of fraud, hold them accountable, and seek justice for those directly impacted by fraud. It is the hardworking American taxpayer who ultimately bears the financial burden of fraud, waste and abuse.”
-David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Louisiana
-Kurt L. Wall, United States Attorney, Middle District of Louisiana
-Zachary A. Keller, United States Attorney, Western District of Louisiana“The Louisiana Department of Justice is proud to partner with our three U.S. Attorneys – David Courcelle, Kurt Wall, and Zachary Keller – to fight fraud. Since I assumed office, the LDOJ has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution. Those kinds of results only happen when all levels of government work together toward the same mission. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Acting Attorney General Blanche, Governor Landry, the Louisiana Legislature, and our many other state and federal partners, we are holding criminals accountable and delivering real results for the taxpayers of Louisiana and the nation.”
-Liz Murrill
Louisiana Attorney General“Louisiana’s business records should never become a tool for criminals. This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting businesses, consumers, and the integrity of our state’s business registration system. By working more closely with our law enforcement partners at both the state and federal levels, we can better identify fraudulent activity, disrupt criminal schemes, and protect businesses from those who seek to exploit them. Collaboration like this strengthens public confidence and helps ensure Louisiana remains a safe place to live, work, and do business.”
-Nancy Landry
Louisiana Secretary of State“Louisiana is all in with President Trump and Vice President Vance. To anyone stealing from a Louisiana program: the State of Louisiana and the United States Department of Justice are working from the same file, and there is no seam left to hide in.”
-Angele Davis
Louisiana Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer“We thank the U.S. Department of Justice for its partnership in combating fraud and for bringing together investigative partners from across the Southeast to strengthen our shared efforts.”
-Michael “Mike” Waguespack
Louisiana Legislative AuditorWhat follows are cases that particularly exemplify the effort to investigate and prosecute fraud in Louisiana and restore confidence to citizens.
EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
On June 3, 2026, Amanda Clayborne-Williams was charged with wire fraud and tax evasion. According to the bill of information, in 2020 and 2021, Clayborne-Williams submitted twelve fraudulent Small Business Administration (SBA) loan and loan forgiveness applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Clayborne-Williams applied for approximately $1.3 million in loans. It is alleged she received approximately $447,305.98. Clayborne-Williams also attempted to evade paying income tax by filing a false form with the IRS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni.
On June 17, 2026, Scharmaine Lawson Baker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,508,868 in restitution for her role in a health care fraud scheme resulting in over $12 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for medically unnecessary cancer genetic tests. Baker received tens of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks. Trial evidence showed that Baker ordered ovarian and cervical cancer tests for male patients. The case was prosecuted by DOJ Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Trial Attorneys Samantha E. Usher, Gary A. Crosby II, and Kelly Z. Walters; and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses.
On June 22, 2026, Dr. Christopher Whipple, a New Orleans physician, was charged by indictment with two counts of health care fraud. Whipple owned and operated two health care companies that are alleged to have submitted $5.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Humana. Whipple allegedly submitted claims on behalf of patients for which he did not provide care and billed for in-person care for Louisianians despite their being outside the state. Whipple is also alleged to have submitted claims using the identities of other providers without their permission. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Zakeria Haidary, Acting Assistant Chief Sara Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Knight. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Giavotella is handling asset forfeiture.
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
Chakesha Scott, Eric Scott, Courtney Scott, and Sam Green, all of Zachary, were indicted on July 15, 2026, for conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Beginning around June 2018 and continuing until at least December 2024, the defendants allegedly conspired to embezzle or steal funds from Impact Charter School for personal use. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis, who also serves as the office’s District Fraud Counsel.
Oscar Hills, IV, of Baton Rouge, was convicted following a three-day jury trial in September 2025 of two counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. The jury found that, between March 2020 and May 2020, Hills submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which were created or expanded by Congress under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these applications, Hills fraudulently obtained over $835,000. He is awaiting sentencing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Casey.
Damian Raby, of Gonzales, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in October of 2025 following his conviction for conspiracy to launder money and obstruct the due administration of internal revenue laws. Raby was also ordered to pay over $2.6 million in restitution based on his filing of over three dozen fraudulent applications for pandemic-era tax credits under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program, which was implemented by the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payrolls. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel, and John B. Casey.
WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANAOn May 7, 2026, Mya Carter, of Shreveport, and nine co-defendants - Ashley Belion, Destiny Church, Diedra Church, Corey Graham, Ciera Lashan Harris, Jimessia Robinson, Rosie Shoals, Desiman Veail, and Greginald Williams - were indicted after a multi-year investigation of individuals applying for fraudulent loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the Federal Government. The 10 individuals indicted in this case applied for, or had others apply in their place, for multiple loans using fraudulent documents and false information to claim ownership of mostly non-existent businesses in order to enrich themselves. A total of 12 loans were funded for a loss of approximately $260,000 with an additional 46 loans that attempted to obtain over one million dollars in federal funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
Jane Francis Pierce, of Boyce, is charged with running a multi year fraud scheme in which she filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, seeking almost $10 million in refunds, and successfully obtaining more than $1 million from the IRS. Pierce allegedly used the money for personal expenses, including a home and vehicle, and then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to reclaim the fraudulent refunds. On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four count indictment charging her with mail fraud, money laundering, filing false tax returns, and interfering with an IRS investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson, and Trial Attorney with the Criminal Division Tax Section, Isaiah Boyd.
Chandrakant Patel, of Oakdale, a business owner, and four co-defendants, Chad Doyle, Michael Slaney, Glynn Dixon, and Tebo Onishea, were paid thousands of dollars by foreign nationals to be named as false “victims” of crimes in order to obtain U-visas in and around Oakdale. Patel conspired with his co-defendants, prominent members of local law enforcement, who used their official positions to certify the fraudulent reports. Patel also attempted to bribe a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office employee with $5,000 for an additional fraudulent report and the group used the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers to submit falsified documents. They were indicted on July 2, 2025, and all have now pled guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Nickel and Danny Siefker.
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CONTACT: Public Affairs
USALAW-News@usdoj.gov
United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Western District of Louisiana
Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Louisiana U.s. Attorneys Highlight Nine Recent Fraud Prosecutions Across the StateRead the Press Release
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. DOJ efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a comprehensive effort led by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorneys in Louisiana are proud to stand unified in this critical effort on behalf of Louisiana citizens and made this joint statement:
“The cases highlighted include some of the most expansive and complex fraud cases that DOJ has investigated and prosecuted, and which emphasize the combined missions of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana to safeguard the nation’s coffers from fraudulent schemes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of fraud, hold them accountable, and seek justice for those directly impacted by fraud. It is the hardworking American taxpayer who ultimately bears the financial burden of fraud, waste and abuse,” stated David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Louisiana; Kurt L. Wall, United States Attorney, Middle District of Louisiana; and Zachary A. Keller, United States Attorney, Western District of Louisiana.
“The Louisiana Department of Justice is proud to partner with our three U.S. Attorneys – David Courcelle, Kurt Wall, and Zachary Keller – to fight fraud,” stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “Since I assumed office, the LDOJ has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution. Those kinds of results only happen when all levels of government work together toward the same mission. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Acting Attorney General Blanche, Governor Landry, the Louisiana Legislature, and our many other state and federal partners, we are holding criminals accountable and delivering real results for the taxpayers of Louisiana and the nation.”
“Louisiana’s business records should never become a tool for criminals. This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting businesses, consumers, and the integrity of our state’s business registration system,” stated Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry. “By working more closely with our law enforcement partners at both the state and federal levels, we can better identify fraudulent activity, disrupt criminal schemes, and protect businesses from those who seek to exploit them. Collaboration like this strengthens public confidence and helps ensure Louisiana remains a safe place to live, work, and do business.”
“Louisiana is all in with President Trump and Vice President Vance. To anyone stealing from a Louisiana program: the State of Louisiana and the United States Department of Justice are working from the same file, and there is no seam left to hide in,” stated Angele Davis, Louisiana Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer.
“We thank the U.S. Department of Justice for its partnership in combating fraud and for bringing together investigative partners from across the Southeast to strengthen our shared efforts,” stated Michael “Mike” Waguespack, Louisiana Legislative Auditor.
What follows are cases that particularly exemplify the effort to investigate and prosecute fraud in Louisiana and restore confidence to citizens.
EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
On June 3, 2026, Amanda Clayborne-Williams was charged with wire fraud and tax evasion. According to the bill of information, in 2020 and 2021, Clayborne-Williams submitted twelve fraudulent Small Business Administration loan and loan forgiveness applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Clayborne-Williams applied for approximately $1.3 million in loans. It is alleged she received approximately $447,305.98. Clayborne-Williams also attempted to evade paying income tax by filing a false form with the IRS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni.
On June 17, 2026, Scharmaine Lawson Baker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,508,868 in restitution for her role in a health care fraud scheme resulting in over $12 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for medically unnecessary cancer genetic tests. Baker received tens of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks. Trial evidence showed that Baker ordered ovarian and cervical cancer tests for male patients. The case was prosecuted by DOJ Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Trial Attorneys Samantha E. Usher, Gary A. Crosby II, and Kelly Z. Walters; and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses.
On June 22, 2026, Dr. Christopher Whipple, a New Orleans physician, was charged by indictment with two counts of health care fraud. Whipple owned and operated two health care companies that are alleged to have submitted $5.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Humana. Whipple allegedly submitted claims on behalf of patients for which he did not provide care and billed for in-person care for Louisianians despite their being outside the state. Whipple is also alleged to have submitted claims using the identities of other providers without their permission. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Zakeria Haidary, Acting Assistant Chief Sara Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Knight. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Giavotella is handling asset forfeiture.
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
Chakesha Scott, Eric Scott, Courtney Scott, and Sam Green, all of Zachary, were indicted on July 15, 2026, for conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Beginning around June 2018 and continuing until at least December 2024, the defendants allegedly conspired to embezzle or steal funds from Impact Charter School for personal use. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis, who also serves as the office’s District Fraud Counsel.
Oscar Hills, IV, of Baton Rouge, was convicted following a three-day jury trial in September 2025 of two counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. The jury found that, between March 2020 and May 2020, Hills submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which were created or expanded by Congress under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these applications, Hills fraudulently obtained over $835,000. He is awaiting sentencing. The case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Casey.
Damian Raby, of Gonzales, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in October of 2025 following his conviction for conspiracy to launder money and obstruct the due administration of internal revenue laws. Raby was also ordered to pay over $2.6 million in restitution based on his filing of over three dozen fraudulent applications for pandemic-era tax credits under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program, which was implemented by the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payrolls. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel, and John B. Casey.
WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
Jane Francis Pierce, of Boyce, is charged with running a multi-year fraud scheme in which she filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, seeking almost $10 million in refunds, and successfully obtaining more than $1 million from the IRS. She allegedly used the money for personal expenses, including a home and vehicle, and then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to reclaim the fraudulent refunds. On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging her with mail fraud, money laundering, filing false tax returns, and interfering with an IRS investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson, and Trial Attorney with the Criminal Division Tax Section, Isaiah Boyd.
Chandrakant Patel, of Oakdale, a business owner, and four co-defendants, Chad Doyle, Michael Slaney, Glynn Dixon, and Tebo Onishea, were paid thousands of dollars by foreign nationals to be named as false “victims” of crimes to obtain U-visas in and around Oakdale. Patel conspired with his co-defendants, prominent members of local law enforcement, who used their official positions to certify the fraudulent reports. Patel also attempted to bribe a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office employee with $5,000 for an additional fraudulent report and the group used the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers to submit falsified documents. They were indicted on July 2, 2025, and all have now pled guilty. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Nickel and Danny Siefker.
On May 7, 2026, Mya Carter, of Shreveport, and nine co-defendants, were indicted after a multi-year investigation of individuals applying for fraudulent loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the Federal Government. The 10 individuals indicted in this case applied for, or had others apply in their place, for multiple loans using fraudulent documents and false information to claim ownership of mostly non-existent businesses to enrich themselves. A total of 12 loans were funded for a loss of approximately $260,000 with an additional 46 loans that attempted to obtain over one million dollars in federal funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
Kansas man indicted for robbing a bank at gunpointRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with robbing a bank.
According to court documents, Daniel J. Young, 41, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on one count of bank robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
In June 2026, Young is accused of brandishing a firearm while robbing a bank on Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas, and using intimidation to force an employee to give him money.
Photo created from bank surveillance.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###Kansas City Woman Sentenced to Seven Years for Possession and Intent to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
April Cevasco, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 84 months in federal prison without parole for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cevasco pleaded guilty on Jan. 2, 2026.
On Jan. 12, 2024, Riverside Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Cevasco. After a drug‑detection canine alerted to the vehicle, officers searched the car and located a purple duffle bag containing a loaded .38‑caliber revolver and drug paraphernalia. Officers also recovered a large amount of cash from Cevasco representing proceeds of drug distribution. Cevasco had previously possessed two pounds of methamphetamine for distribution and the quantity recovered by officers was what remained.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick. It was investigated by the Riverside Police Department and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
Justice Department’s Fraud Division Announces Unprecedented Fraud Enforcement Actions in Southeast Resulting from Federal–State PartnershipsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division today announced a series of significant fraud enforcement actions across the Southeastern United States, the product of robust federal-state partnerships with Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The charges announced today encompass 17 cases spanning the seven states. These recent cases involve over $350 million in intended losses and include cases involving SNAP benefits, Small Business Administration loans, housing benefits, and tax fraud. From July 4 alone, federal prosecutors charged cases reaching over $90 million in loss and implicating 12 named defendants. The Division separately announced the formation of federal-state anti-fraud task forces in North Carolina, Mississippi, and Florida.
The Division additionally announced new federal-state cooperation agreements with this group of states to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts, following a recent roundtable that brought together 18 U.S. Attorneys Offices, seven State Attorneys General Offices, five federal law enforcement partners, and over 50 state officials.
“Defeating the fraud epidemic in our country requires all-hands-on-deck from our federal and state partners nationwide,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Whether it’s sharing intelligence, data, personnel, or priorities, partnering with state agencies directly strengthens our ability to identify those stealing taxpayer dollars. When federal prosecutors work alongside state agencies to root out fraud, fraudsters lose and the American people win.”
“Working alongside our federal and interstate partners, we are committed to combating fraud at every level. Our collaborative partnerships allowed us to uncover more than $20 million in Medicaid fraud claims during an operation known as Operation Border Wars,” said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. “My office also recently indicted six individuals accused of defrauding taxpayers and stealing jobs from hardworking South Carolinians by providing counterfeit employment documents to illegal aliens. The rule of law means something in South Carolina, and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these schemes and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We appreciate the Trump Administration's commitment to rooting out fraud in government healthcare programs, including the creation of a dedicated state-federal partnership to lead this fight,” said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Thanks to the Administration’s serious commitment to ending waste, fraud, and abuse, we now have the tools and coordination needed to identify bad actors and hold them accountable. Together, we are protecting the integrity of Medicaid and the taxpayer dollars that fund it.”
“With the help of the Trump administration, the states are fighting back against benefits fraud,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murill. “Since taking office, my administration has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution. Under the leadership of Acting Attorney General Blanche, Director Patel, and Administrator Oz, our partnership is holding criminals accountable and delivering real results for the taxpayers of Louisiana and the nation.”
“President Trump has challenged all of us to step up our efforts to fight fraud and protect American taxpayers from this grift,” said Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Partnerships like this one show that we are bringing everything to the table in this work. In that spirit, with the support of the U.S. Department of Justice, my office is standing up Joint Task Force Vigilance with our two U.S. Attorneys and the FBI to surge resources and personnel to make Mississippi safer, protect Mississippi taxpayers, and restore law and order. This first-of-its-kind task force will bring the full authority of our offices to bear on con artists, grifters, fraudsters, and scammers.”
Building a National Model of Federal-State Cooperation
In connection with these fraud enforcement actions, the Fraud Division, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal law enforcement officials, and state partners announced the following innovative steps to enhance federal–state cooperation to detect, investigate, and prosecute fraud:
- The Fraud Division and Secretaries of State from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina as well as State Treasurers from Florida, Mississippi, and South Carolina announced data sharing agreements that provide the Fraud Division access to publicly available corporate registration and public benefits payment data held by these state agencies. This data will help the Fraud Division proactively identify connections and patterns across both business entities and public benefits payment activity — cutting through the shell companies, layered structures, and complex financial trails that fraudsters rely on to conceal control and carry out largescale schemes.
Federal and State Partners Represented at the 2026 Southeast Fraud Enforcement Partnership Event
Alabama: Secretary of State Wes Allen and Chief Examiner Rachel Riddle.
Florida: Attorney General James Uthmeier, Secretary of State Cord Byrd, and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.
Georgia: Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
Louisiana: Attorney General Liz Murrill, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, Auditor Michael Waguespack, and Inspector General Angele Davis.
Mississippi: Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Secretary of State Michael Watson, Auditor Shad White, and Treasurer David McRae.
North Carolina: Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Auditor Dave Boliek.
South Carolina: Governor Henry McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Secretary of State Mark Hammond, Treasurer Curtis Loftis, Inspector General Sean Fay, and Director for South Carolina Department of Social Services Tony Catone.
U.S. Attorneys Offices: Northern District of Alabama, Middle District of Alabama, Southern District of Alabama, Northern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Middle District of Georgia, Southern District of Georgia, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, and District of South Carolina.
Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, FBI Assistant Director Heith Janke, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Director James Harris, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General William Kirk, and USDA Inspector General John Walk.
These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts.
Federal and State Partners Represented at the 2026 Southeast Fraud Enforcement Partnership EventCases
Alabama
Northern District of Alabama led by U.S. Attorney Phillip Williams, United States vs. Michael Shine. Michael Shine is a tax preparer based in the Birmingham area who owns and operates Shine’s Professional Services. He has filed and caused to be filed literally thousands of tax returns falsely claiming energy tax credits that were baseless and fraudulent, causing almost $70 million in loss as charged in a complaint.
Example of "Self-Prepared" Attestation Seized During Search Warrant From United States vs. Michael Shine.Middle District of Alabama led by U.S. Attorney Thomas Govan, United States v Kevin Padgett et al. Kevin Padgett and co-defendants were charged in a mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy in connection with their scheme to sell approximately $7 million counterfeit U.S. Postage Stamps.
Southern District of Alabama led by U.S. Attorney Sean Costello, United States v. Nia Bradley, et al. Five defendants, Nia Bradley, Randy Burden, Steve Jones, Larry Knight, and Dejuan Lamar, board members and employees of the Prichard, Alabama Water and Sewer Works, created false invoices for work that was never performed and created fictitious construction companies for the purpose of defrauding the utility for a total loss amount of roughly $2.5 million.
Florida
Northern District of Florida led by U.S. Attorney John Heekin, United States v. Lekishaan Huggins. The former manager of the Tallahassee Housing Authority used former tenants’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to fraudulently obtain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rent subsidies for a total case loss of just over $500,000. As charged, Huggins used fraudulently obtained funds to sustain her luxurious lifestyle, including vacations, buying luxury apparel and jewelry, and having a celebrity chef cater her private Christmas party.
Middle District of Florida led by U.S. Attorney Greg Kehoe, United States vs. Daniel Liburdi. Daniel Liburdi pled guilty in the Middle District of Florida to filing a false tax return and agreed to restitution of nearly $35 million and forfeiture including multiple properties in Miami Beach and the U.S. Virgin Islands and three luxury vehicles (Land Rover Range Rover, a Ferrari 812 and a Ferrari F8).
Alleged Ferrari 812 and Ferrari F8 vehicles from United States vs. Daniel Liburdi. Alleged Virgin Islands property from United States vs. Daniel Liburdi. Alleged Miami Beach property from United States vs. Daniel Liburdi.Southern District of Florida led by U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones, United States vs. Rajaie Ali et al. Defendants Rajaie Ahmad Ali, Sami Jamhour, Cristian Amaro, and Adel Amro concocted a scheme to use willing food stamp recipients to sell their EBT stamp benefits at a discounted rate for cash. The scheme, launched in 2019, caused nearly $20 million in fraudulent EBT transactions at a Kwik Stop convenience store in Miami. Two of the indicted co-conspirators are foreign nationals. Defendant Ali is even subject to a final order of removal from the United States.
Alleged Kwik Stop location responsible for multi-millions in SNAP Benefits Fraud from United States vs. Rajaie Ali et al.Georgia
Northern District of Georgia led by U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg, United States v. Ian Patrick Jackson. Defendant Ian Patrick Jackson pled guilty for running a fraud and money laundering scheme that stole more than $3 million in CARES Act funds administered by the SBA in the form of PPP and EIDL loans. Jackson has twice been convicted of previous fraud felonies, recruited at least nine business owners into his scheme to submit fraudulent applications, and spent the proceeds on personal expenses, including restaurant dining, spa services, phone and credit card bills, and travel to California, Texas, and Aruba.
Southern District of Georgia led by U.S. Attorney Meg Heap, United States v Melanie Charise Thompson and Toriono Laselle Byrd. Defendant Thompson was indicted for orchestrating a scheme to defraud the Hinesville Housing Authority (HHA) of millions of dollars by using HHA funds to pay her former boyfriend for work that he never completed or paid him far in excess of what he should have been paid for work that was completed, sometimes in return for kickbacks. Purchases from fraud proceeds included custom jewelry worth over $100,000, a gold bracelet, a diamond ring, a Porsche Panamera, a Cadillac Escalade, a Bently Flying Spur, real estate, a hot tub, and tickets to a Janet Jackson concert, reaching nearly $3 million in loss.
Louisiana
Eastern District of Louisiana led by U.S. Attorney David Courcelle, United States vs. Spivey. Spivey was sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Spivey conspired with his codefendant, Jamie McNamara, to fraudulently submit $174 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary cancer genetic testing and cardiovascular genetic testing. The genetic tests Medicare patients were lured into did not provide them with any answers on their predisposition to life threatening illnesses and cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
Western District of Louisiana led by U.S. Attorney Zach Keller, United States v Patel et. al. Defendants, including former law enforcement officials, spent nearly 10 years manufacturing false crime reports as part of a visa-fraud scheme. The operation netted the officers $5,000 per “victim” and helped hundreds of foreign nationals secure U visas for false crimes.
Middle District of Louisiana led by U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall, United States v Chakesha Scott et al., Chakesha Scott was the CEO of Impact Charter School in Baker Louisiana, which received state and federal funds. Instead of using those funds to benefit the students, Scott and her indicted co-conspirators diverted nearly $1.5 million in federal funds to pay off family members for overinflated contracting invoices, buying herself luxury vehicles, and even paying for her personal travel expenses.
Scott on personal travel in Egypt allegedly using taxpayer funds from United States v Chakesha Scott et al.Mississippi
Northern District of Mississippi led by U.S. Attorney Scott Leary, United States v. Lakieth Faulkner et al. Lakeith Faulkner was an attorney and an employee of the Small Business Administration (SBA) who, as a part of his actual job, worked with borrowers and was uniquely positioned to understand the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) approval process. Faulkner devised a kickback scheme with co-conspirators including Tierra Scott, a former IRS employee, to generate more than $11.5 million in fraudulent loan payments by the SBA.
Southern District of Mississippi led by U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger, United States v. Qadir Shabazz, et al. As alleged, federal inmates housed at the Yazoo Federal Correctional Complex conspired to steal unemployment insurance benefits and EIDL funds using falsified identities, generating approximately $4.3 million in losses. Trial is set for February 2027.
North Carolina
Western District of North Carolina led by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, United States v. Dumitru. Two Romanian brothers illegally in the United States pled guilty to wire fraud charging them with orchestrating a fraud scheme involving SNAP benefits affecting victims across multiple states, causing nearly $766,000 in loss. A victim reported that she was shopping with her family on their monthly grocery run for approximately $700 of SNAP-eligible items. Because the defendants had used her SNAP benefits, the transaction was denied, and the victim was unable to purchase food or school supplies for her family.
Middle District of North Carolina led by U.S. Attorney Dan Bishop, United States v. Adedayo Afolabi Fateru. Fateru pled guilty as a member of a money laundering ring involving proceeds of various fraud schemes including false applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and false applications for unemployment benefits. He caused nearly $1.7 million in loss.
Eastern District of North Carolina led by U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle, United States v. Mitchell et al. A Robeson County woman (along with seven co-conspirators) who was the owner of a North Carolina tax return preparation business pled guilty to conspiring to prepare false returns claiming fraudulent refunds based on COVID-19 tax credits, causing nearly $25 million in loss.
South Carolina
District of South Carolina led by U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling, United States v. Misty Dawn Woody. Misty Dawn Woody was charged by indictment for making false statements relating to healthcare matters. In her role as an employee for Vital Care, a medical patient transport service, Woody allegedly copied and forged a physician’s signature on over one hundred certification forms for patients that were no longer under that physician’s care. She submitted those forms to Medicare causing over $1.8 million in false and fraudulent billing.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison for burglarizing Beaumont gun storeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for burglarizing a gun store in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Leonard Joseph Flowers, 60, pleaded guilty to theft of a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 30, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on July 17, 2025, a federally licensed gun store on East-Tex Freeway in Beaumont was burglarized and three firearms were stolen. Soon after, an investigation began and Flowers turned himself in to law enforcement and admitted to smashing the front door of the gun store and stealing the firearms.
Video surveillance identified the getaway car which led to James Christopher Moffett, a convicted felon. Moffett was stopped for a traffic violation that same day and found to be in possession of two of the firearms stolen in the earlier burglary. As a convicted felon, Moffett is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Moffett, 56, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on June 4, 2026.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
###
Jackson Man Sentenced to over Six Years for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Capitol Police were patrolling a local hotel known for drug activity when they observed Michael Kwanmaine Fields, 34, and another man seated inside a vehicle late at night. When officers exited their vehicles, they smelled marijuana emitting from Field’s vehicle and subsequently discovered firearms and drugs inside it. Field’s has prior felony convictions for manslaughter, aggravated assault, and felon in possession of a firearm. Because of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Fields will not be eligible for parole because there is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Denham of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Capitol Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Illinois Man and Indiana Woman Sentenced Respectively to 70 Months and 16 Months in Prison for Selling Unapproved Drugs in Interstate CommerceRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Matthew J. Kawa, 48 years old, of Grant Park, Illinois, and his sister Jennifer L. Stechkober, 32 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to introducing unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Additionally, Kawa pled guilty to illegally importing merchandise into the United States.
Kawa was sentenced to 70 months of prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. Stechkober was sentenced to 16 months of prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. Both defendants were ordered to pay $78,317.52 in restitution. The Court also entered a money judgment against Kawa in the amount of $5 million.
“The owner of Paradigm Peptides and his accomplice have been held accountable, sentenced to prison, and ordered to pay restitution to the identified victims. He and his accomplice lied to the world at large saying their company was legitimate; their products were safe, pure, tested, and manufactured in the United States; and that they were approved by the FDA. They were all lies. What’s worse is that the two defendants fleeced an estimated 54,000 people out of over 5 million dollars, in total, and acted with callous disregard for the truth and the significant harm that could and, in some cases, was inflicted on those customers. These customers trusted them and consumed the products in the hope of improving their health or physique and instead were poisoned with known and unknown substances that were illegally imported from China, India, and other countries. Hopefully this outcome will deter bad actors who would try to make quick, easy money selling unregulated and untested products in interstate commerce. Thanks to the extensive efforts by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander and with cooperation of brave victims and witnesses, the Defendants have been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
“The Defendant operated a business called Paradigm Peptides that marketed products online. Through his website, the Defendant and his sister/accomplice illegally sold peptides, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (“SARMs”), Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (“HCG”), and other drugs for human consumption without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). He then shipped his products to customers through the mail. On the business website and in representations to customers by email, the Defendant and his employees falsely said that his business was licensed and registered with the FDA, that the business manufactured its products at its own laboratories in the United States, that it tested its products to ensure the highest quality, and that its products were safe and of pharmaceutical quality. In reality, the Defendant imported the products from Asia, including China and India, and he did not test the products for quality before selling them to customers. It was later determined that many of the SARMs sold by Paradigm Peptides were actually testosterone and not the SARM listed on the product’s label. Stechkober worked in the business’s location in Michigan City, Indiana, where they packaged and shipped products to customers,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
“Kawa continued to sell these products online despite receiving letters in 2020 and 2022 from the FDA warning him that he was marketing and selling unapproved drugs in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. From 2019 to 2024, he sold products to more than 54,000 customers in each of the 50 United States and throughout more than 80 countries worldwide. Kawa derived $5 million in proceeds from the illegal sales. Several customers, including those who ingested testosterone mislabeled as SARMs, reported severe negative effects on their physical, psychological, and mental health after using the products. In particular, customers reported skin irritation and chronic acne; drops in natural testosterone requiring testosterone replacement therapy; cardiac health issues; and stress, anxiety, and other psychological issues up to suicidal ideation,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.
“The FDA’s requirements help ensure that individuals receive safe and effective drugs. Evading the FDA process and distributing unapproved drugs to consumers poses a serious risk to public health and safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “FDA will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who traffic in unapproved drugs.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting the United States Postal Service employees,” said Inspector in Charge Felicia B. George, United States Postal Inspection Service, Detroit Division. “The public has a right to expect the U.S. Mail and its contents to be safe, and Mr. Kawa and Ms. Stechkober eroded that trust by distributing unsafe and dangerous substances through the United States Postal Service. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works tirelessly with our Local, State, and Federal law enforcement partners to protect the public from dangerous substances.”
This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl, Methamphetamine While Armed at Northwest D.C. RentalRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Hieu Trung Vu, 37, a previously convicted felon and illegal alien from Vietnam, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison in connection with drug trafficking from a Georgetown Airbnb and unlawful possession of two firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“This defendant showed a complete disregard for our laws and our borders, yet he chose to arm himself with weapons and narcotics. A previously convicted felon, he continued to put American communities at risk by trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamines,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This illegal alien is exactly the type of offender the Trump administration is working tirelessly to remove from our country and after serving his sentence, he will be deported.”
Vu pleaded guilty on March 17, 2026, before Judge Amit P. Mehta to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, amphetamine, cocaine base, and fentanyl, and to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Because of his illegal status, after Vu serves his 60-month prison term he will be subject to deportation to Vietnam.
According to court papers, on Dec. 4, 2025, police received an emergency call reporting that a woman was in an apartment with a man, later identified as Vu, who was in possession of narcotics. Officers determined the location was a short-term rental in the 1400 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown and obtained a search warrant.
When officers executed the warrant, they recovered two handguns from a backpack in a bedroom, along with a substantial quantity of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a debit card bearing Vu's name from a bag in the kitchen. Vu acknowledged that the firearms and narcotics were his, court papers state.
Laboratory testing confirmed the narcotics included methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, amphetamine, and fentanyl. One of the recovered firearms was loaded, court papers state.
Vu has a previous 2022 felony conviction in Fairfax County, Virginia, for possession with intent to manufacture or sell a controlled substance, for which he received a five-year sentence with more than two years suspended.
This investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David B. Liss and Caelainn Carney. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
Police recovered this Glock 43X, 9mm pistol from Vu’s Airbnb.
Police also recovered this CZ Model 27, 7.65mm pistol from Vu’s Georgetown Airbnb.
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Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Adan Cruz Castillo, a/k/a Adan Cruz-Castillo, a/k/a Adan Cruz, a/k/a Adam Cruz, 33, a Mexican national unlawfully present in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, plead guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Checotah Police Department.
The Indictment alleged that on June 18, 2026, Cruz Castillo, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on June 23, 2022, and January 12, 2018.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Cruz Castillo will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Knutson represented the United States.
Identity Theft Ring, Including Former Bank Employee, Charged with Posing as Bank Customers and Stealing over $1.6 MillionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the arrests of CATORA NOEL, DARREN STEPHENSON, and IMANI-KAI BROWN, who are charged with stealing the personal identifying and financial information of dozens of victims as part of a conspiracy to fraudulently take over those victims’ bank accounts and initiate over a million dollars in unauthorized wire transfers and ATM withdrawals. NOEL and STEPHENSON were arrested in Brooklyn, New York, this morning and presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker. BROWN was arrested today in Miami, Florida, and will be presented tomorrow in the Southern District of Florida before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres.
“As alleged, Noel, Stephenson, and Brown engaged in a coordinated scheme to defraud financial institutions and steal over $1.6 million from the bank accounts of dozens of hardworking New Yorkers,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As part of this scheme, Stephenson exploited his employment at a bank to feed sensitive customer information to his co-defendants, who intercepted bank debit cards and posed as bank customers over the phone and in person. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners, this insider scheme has been disrupted.”
“The co-defendants spent years targeting and exploiting dozens of U.S. businesses and innocent victims, stealing more than $1.6 million through compromised personal and confidential information,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI remains relentless in our mission to hold accountable and impose repercussions on those who prey on our country and our communities through fraudulent and predatory schemes.”
As alleged in the Complaint:(1)
From at least in or about July 2022 through in or about September 2024, NOEL, STEPHENSON, and BROWN participated in an identity theft scam and related fraud operation involving primarily a bank with multiple locations in the New York metropolitan area (“Victim Institution-1”). Through the fraud scheme, one or more of the participants, including NOEL, intercepted new or replacement bank debit cards that Victim Institution-1 mailed to its customers.
The defendants unlawfully obtained customers’ bank debit cards by stealing bank debit cards from mail deposits and placing recorded calls to banks, impersonating customers by providing the customer’s name, personal identifying information (“PII”), and debit card number, and requesting that the bank mail a debit card for the customer’s account to an address accessible to the defendants or their co-conspirators. NOEL, STEPHENSON, and BROWN communicated through, among other means, text messages and an encrypted messaging application and exchanged the information, including names, PII, and bank card and account numbers, of bank customers. STEPHENSON, a former Victim Institution-1 employee, used his privileged access to customer account information to steal customer PII and provide it to his co-conspirators in furtherance of the scheme.
Among other things, NOEL then posed as bank customers of Victim Institution-1 to conduct unauthorized and fraudulent transactions, including wire transfers, teller withdrawals, and automated teller machine (“ATM”) withdrawals. Specifically, NOEL posed as bank customers by calling and visiting Victim Institution-1, providing the customer’s PII and account information, and requesting a wire transfer or withdrawal of funds from the customer’s Victim Institution-1 account to another bank account. Alternatively, NOEL would use the intercepted bank cards to conduct fraudulent withdrawals from ATM machines.
* * *
NOEL, 42, and BROWN, 33, both of Brooklyn, New York, and STEPHENSON, 41, of Valley Stream, New York, are each charged with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. NOEL is also charged with one count of access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of Operation Riptide of the FBI New York Field Office and Cyber Crimes Task Force, as well as the New York City Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This action is part of Operation Riptide, an ongoing FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and fraud against the American people. Last year, Americans reported over $20 billion in losses to cybercrime, a 26% single-year increase. Operation Riptide is the FBI’s sustained enforcement response to that threat.
The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana R. McCann is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
^
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Complaint to date constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Henderson Woman Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Embezzling over $26 Million from EmployerRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nevada, woman was sentenced yesterday to five years and 10 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for embezzling over $26 million from her employer. She was also ordered to pay back the money she stole. The government requested a sentence of 57 months’ imprisonment.
"This sentencing sends a clear message that financial fraud and the abuse of professional trust will carry severe consequences," said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "Embezzlement harms not only the business owners but also the employees, clients, and community members who rely on the organization's financial stability. We remain committed to holding individuals fully accountable for exploiting their employers for personal gain."
“Financial crimes of this scale inflict deep and lasting harm on victims and their families,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge for the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office Scott Brown. “Marabella’s $26 million fraud represented not only a staggering financial loss but also an extensive breach of trust. When an individual exploits their position to steal such a significant amount for personal gain, the fallout reverberates throughout the entire business, impacting everyone who depends on it for their livelihood. This announcement is a clear illustration of IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to protecting taxpayers from financial fraud and maintaining integrity within our financial system.”
According to court documents, from January 1, 2018, to about February 28, 2025, Cynthia Marie Marabella and her boyfriend co-defendant William Keolanui Costa devised a scheme to defraud Marabella’s employer, a Las Vegas construction company. As part of the scheme, they: fraudulently duplicated bonus checks and deposited the checks into bank accounts controlled by Marabella and Costa; opened credit cards in other peoples’ names and made unauthorized charges then paid the credit cards’ bills with stolen funds; provided false accounting records to the employer; created forged and false bank statements; and sent fictitious invoices from merchant accounts then paid the invoices with stolen funds.
Marabella and Costa used the stolen money to live in lavish mansions, to drive high-end cars, and to pay private school tuition. Marabella purchased high-end merchandise using the stolen funds and sold those items through an online consignment company. As a result of the fraud scheme, Marabella and Costa obtained more than $26 million from the employer.
Marabella pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of monetary transactions in criminally derived property.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn prosecuted the case.
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Healthcare Executive and Telemarketing Company Owner Sentenced to Prison for Exploiting Elderly Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries in $35 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Two South Florida men, a healthcare executive and a telemarketing company owner, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a scheme that resulted in the submission of approximately $35 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare Advantage plans for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, including back, knee, shoulder, and ankle braces.
Senior U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham sentenced Michael Kochen, 42, of Aventura, Florida, to 204 months in federal prison and Sandro Herek, 56, of Coral Springs, Florida, to 92 months in federal prison after they were convicted at trial. Kochen was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, six counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and three counts of payment of health care kickbacks. Herek was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, one count of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and three counts of receiving health care kickbacks.
“These defendants targeted elderly Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with relentless telemarketing and unnecessary medical equipment, generating approximately $35 million in fraudulent claims and more than $19 million in payments,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Michael Kochen and Sandro Herek treated vulnerable seniors as profit centers and federal health care programs as personal bank accounts. These substantial prison sentences hold them accountable, and we will pursue the forfeiture and recovery of their ill-gotten gains.”
“These sentencings underscore the commitment of HHS-OIG to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs as well as the health and well-being of the many Americans who rely on those programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Exploiting Medicare Advantage beneficiaries through deceptive telemarketing and fraudulent claims is not only illegal, it is reprehensible. These outcomes send a clear message: those who engage in health care fraud will be held accountable.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kochen and Herek targeted Medicare Advantage beneficiaries through deceptive telemarketing practices, pressuring elderly individuals to accept medical equipment they did not need — and in some cases, did not want. Over the course of the scheme, Medicare Advantage plans paid more than $19 million on fraudulent claims.
Kochen owned dozens of companies that sold durable medical equipment supplies, such as braces, and paid illegal kickbacks to Herek and others to recruit Medicare beneficiaries to receive these braces. Herek oversaw and directed overseas call centers, including in Egypt and other foreign jurisdictions, which aggressively cold-called Medicare beneficiaries without prior requests for services. Call-center representatives repeatedly contacted beneficiaries — often after initial refusals — and used high-pressure tactics to induce them to accept braces regardless of medical necessity.
Evidence further showed that physicians frequently issued standardized or boilerplate medical authorizations for braces based solely on call recordings rather than individualized medical evaluations. In many instances, doctors did not speak with beneficiaries at all. When calls did occur, they were often brief, lasted only minutes, and did not include a meaningful assessment of medical necessity. Kochen paid kickbacks to telemedicine companies to obtain prescription orders for braces for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, which were then used to submit claims for unnecessary equipment.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Acting Special Agent in Charge Isaac Bledsoe of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HHS-OIG Miami and FBI Miami investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger Cruz, David Turken, and Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Demici is handling asset forfeiture.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice, HHS-OIG, and the FBI encourage members of the public to remain vigilant against any signs of identity theft or suspicious claims submitted to their health insurance plans, including Medicare. Individuals should carefully review their explanation of benefits (“EOB”) documents, and if they see any sign of suspicious or unauthorized claims in their Medicare records, they should call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Report Medicare Fraud online at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20078.
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Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty for Illegal Reentry into the United States After a Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National who was previously indicted by a federal grand jury, pleaded guilty to the offense of illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported.
Julien Cristobal-Perez, 62, pleaded guilty before District Judge Douglas Harpool to the sole count of the indictment, related to his illegal re-entry after being previously deported from the United States. Under federal statute, illegally reentering into the United States after being previously deported is in direct violation of existing federal immigration law and is subject to a sentence of up to two years imprisonment. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Monett, Missouri, Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal Reentry into the United States After Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National was indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously deported.
Isaias Hernandez-Sales, 40, was indicted for an offense that occurred on June 20, 2026, in Newton County, Mo., related to his illegal reentry after being previously deported from the United States. Under federal statute, illegally reentering into the United States after being previously deported is in direct violation of existing federal immigration law and is subject to a sentence of up to two years imprisonment. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Neosho, Missouri Police Department.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Grand Jury Indicts Father and Son for Kidnapping Two Forest Service Employees in Shasta-Trinity National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment today against Joseph “Charles” Henrichsen, 49, and his son, Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, after a 15‑hour hostage crisis in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest that drew an extensive and coordinated response from local, state, and federal law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
The defendants, temporary residents of Siskiyou County, are charged with two counts each of kidnapping a federal employee. Charles Henrichsen faces additional charges including two counts of assaulting a federal employee with a deadly weapon, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of assault on a federal officer.
According to court documents, on July 16, 2026, two U.S. Forest Service employees were conducting routine environmental work near Gumboot Lake Campground when Charles Henrichsen approached them with an AR-10 semiautomatic rifle. He bound their hands, and with Phoenix’s help, forced them into a remote trailer where they were held for the next 15 hours. Charles called multiple individuals stating that he had taken two federal employees hostage and was armed.
The incident triggered a massive multi-agency response. Officers and agents from across the country converged on the remote Siskiyou County location. After hours of negotiations, FBI crisis negotiators secured the safe release of both victims and the surrender of both suspects. The defendants are in custody pending trial.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Land Management, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, the Mt. Shasta Police Department, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, both defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the additional charges, Charles Henrichsen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for assault on a federal employee with a deadly weapon, a mandatory minimum sentence of fourteen years in prison (to run consecutive to any other sentence) and a $250,000 fine for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for assault on a federal officer. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Four Charged in $19 Million SNAP Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned an indictment charging four men for their alleged roles in a years-long scheme to defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by exchanging food assistance benefits for cash and fraudulently obtaining more than $19 million in federal funds.
According to court records, from approximately July 2019 through May 2026, Rajaie Ahmad Ali, 63, residing in Miramar, who is subject to a final order of removal; Sami Jamhour, 43, residing in Hollywood; Cristian Giovanni Amaro, 27, residing in Miami; and Adel Amro, 23, residing in Fort Myers, allegedly conspired to traffic SNAP benefits through SNAP-authorized retail stores in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
“Food stamps exist to help families put food on the table, not to make criminals rich,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “As alleged, these defendants turned a neighborhood grocery store into a cash-for-food-stamps operation, trafficking more than $19 million in taxpayer-funded benefits for their own profit. Public benefits fraud steals twice: first from taxpayers who fund these programs, and again from the families who rely on them. Working alongside our federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle those who exploit programs designed to help our most vulnerable citizens.”
“Criminals who conspire to steal food assistance dollars from needy Americans to enrich themselves are disgraceful and will be held to account. This was a years-long scheme that amounted to more than $19 million in taxpayer funds being stolen. Outrageous,” said Inspector General John Walk of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG). “Working with our law enforcement partners, USDA OIG is a proud partner in the fight to end SNAP fraud.”
“Government programs like SNAP support American families in need of assistance, ensuring that our citizens do not go hungry,” said Special Agent Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami. “For almost 7 years, these fraudsters allegedly targeted SNAP for illicit gains, stealing millions of dollars from Americans with no remorse to the harm they inflicted upon South Florida communities. This investigation should be a clear message to anyone who targets government programs for ill-gotten gains – the FBI and our local, state, and federal partners will always investigate and bring to justice those who undermine our government and exploit American citizens in need.”
Ali owned Brown Sugar, Jamhour owned Kwik Stop, and Amaro owned Quickie Mini Market — retail stores authorized to accept SNAP benefits in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. According to the charges, Ali and Amaro provided the SNAP point-of-sale (POS) terminals assigned to their stores for use at Kwik Stop, despite program rules prohibiting retailers from sharing terminals.
Amro allegedly recruited SNAP recipients willing to exchange their electronic benefits for cash. Rather than conducting legitimate food purchases, employees allegedly processed fraudulent transactions through the POS terminals, charging recipients’ electronic benefit transfer cards for inflated amounts and then paying recipients approximately half of the value in cash. The retailers allegedly retained the remaining funds as profit.
Ali is charged with conspiracy to commit SNAP trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and structuring. Ali faces up to 65 years in prison.
Jamhour is charged with conspiracy to commit SNAP trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, three counts of money laundering, and four counts of structuring. Jamhour faces up to 50 years in prison.
Amro is charged with conspiracy to commit SNAP trafficking, SNAP trafficking, and money laundering. Amro faces up to 30 years in prison.
Amaro is charged with conspiracy to commit SNAP trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and structuring. Amaro faces up to 55 years in prison.
FBI Miami and the USDA-OIG, Southeast Region, are investigating the case, with assistance from the City of Miami Police Department and the West Palm Beach Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosenfeld is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov, under case number 26-cr-20279.
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Forsyth man sentenced to 27 years for producing, collecting child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Forsyth man who was messaging boys over social media and requesting nude images was sentenced Wednesday afternoon to 27 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Schifferns was also ordered to pay a total of $40,200 in special assessments and $15,000 in restitution.
Zachary Dean Schifferns, 38, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Schifferns sought Child Sex Abuse Material from a 14-year-old boy and that Schifferns maintained a cache of illicit images of children.
Law enforcement interviewed the 14-year-old on Dec. 25, 2024, after the boy spoke up about Schifferns reaching out to him on social media and requesting nude images. In the interaction, Schifferns had sent the boy a picture of his own genitalia and told him he was interested in 12- to 15-year-old boys. In response, the 14-year-old sent Schifferns a fake image he photoshopped from material online.
The next day, law enforcement obtained a warrant, and over the next few weeks searched Schifferns’s residence, electronic media, and social media. They discovered dozens of sexually explicit images and videos of children, including some that involved children under 12. They also discovered similar messages he had sent to other boys.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI, Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office, and Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Former Executive Director of Stanford Housing Authority Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Federal Funding TheftRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Junction City, Ky., woman, Ashley Nicole Lear, 43, was sentenced on Wednesday to 13 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Chad Merdith for three counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
According to her plea agreement, Lear engaged in multiple acts of financial misconduct during her tenure as Executive Director of Stanford Housing Authority (SHA) in Lincoln County. From July 2023 to March 2025, Lear, whose contracted salary was $58,000, paid herself unauthorized bonuses and inflated her salary. Investigators found that Lear provided forged board meeting minutes to auditors to support the falsified salary increases and bonuses.
Lear also used SHA’s credit card for personal purchases including restaurant bills, salon services, retail shopping, travel accommodations, and concert tickets. She also used the agency’s vehicle for personal travel. Specific incidents detailed in the charges include unauthorized wire transfers from SHA’s bank account to her personal Chime account which were labeled as bonuses and using the SHA credit card at a tanning salon. During the period of the misconduct, SHA received more than $10,000 in federal funds, including a $138,528 payment from HUD Treasury. Lear embezzled or misapplied more than $5,000 in SHA property while serving as an agent of the federally funded organization.
As part of her sentence, Lear was also ordered to pay $120,358.21 in restitution.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by HUD-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly Williams prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Former Correctional Sergeant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Excessive, Unlawful Force Against InmateRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Shaunacy Edmonds, 36, of Muncie, has been sentenced to five months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law.
According to court documents, Shaunacy Edmonds had been employed as a sergeant and correctional officer at the Pendleton Correctional Facility since August 2020. The Pendleton Correctional Facility is a level three maximum-security adult prison operated by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC).
On March 14, 2024, inmate E.C. was removed from his cell after creating a homemade noose and attempting self-harm. Following established protocol, the IDOC Quick Response Team transported E.C. to the prison infirmary for evaluation.
E.C., visibly agitated, was seated in a chair so nurses could safely assess him. During this time, he threatened to spit on the officers, prompting Edmonds to place a spit mask over his face. Surveillance video shows E.C. turning his head to speak to Sgt. Edmonds, who then lifted E.C. and slammed him onto the floor, directly on his head. Sgt. Edmonds subsequently drove his knee into E.C.’s head. As additional correctional officers moved in to gain control of E.C., Sgt. Edmonds delivered six closed‑fist strikes to E.C.’s head. A lieutenant intervened, blocking Edmonds’ hand and ordering him to stop. Throughout the incident, E.C. remained handcuffed.
E.C. was then taken to the shakedown booth to calm down and await further medical attention. As a result of the force used by Edmonds, E.C. suffered a swollen lip and a cut on his forehead. Sgt. Edmonds acknowledged that slamming a handcuffed inmate onto his head was unjustified and inconsistent with IDOC use‑of‑force training.
The force used was deemed so excessive that, after Edmonds submitted his incident report, a supervisory officer escorted him out of the facility. Edmonds was subsequently terminated from his position as a correctional officer.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated this case with assistance provided by the Indiana Department of Corrections. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney, II.
“When a corrections officer takes the law into their own hands and inflicts punitive, excessive force on an inmate, they don’t just endanger that individual, they undermine the safety and integrity of the entire facility. This kind of conduct escalates tension, encourages resistance rather than cooperation, and puts fellow officers at greater risk,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Sgt. Edmonds’ actions were not only reckless and cruel, but a blatant betrayal of IDOC training and standards. This sentence sends a clear message: such abuse of authority will not be tolerated.”
"Every person, regardless of where they are, is entitled to the protections guaranteed by the Constitution," said Special Agent in Charge Timothy O'Malley of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. "Those who misuse their authority under color of law to violate another person's civil rights will be held accountable. The FBI remains committed to protecting civil rights and ensuring public officials uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them."
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter A. Blackett and Carolyn Haney who prosecuted this case.
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Federal grand jury indicts father whose toddler fatally shot himselfRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted felon whose toddler died by gunshot wound from an unsecured gun was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing the firearm.
Deshawn Levelle Butler, 35, of Columbus, was arrested by federal agents on July 16 after originally being charged by criminal complaint.
According to charging documents, on July 11, Columbus police officers responded to a report of a shooting on Quinby Drive in Columbus. When officers arrived, they located a 21-month-old child suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and were told the child had accidentally shot himself. The victim was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital and later pronounced deceased.
An affidavit details that Butler was allegedly with the child during the shooting and had fled the scene prior to law enforcement officials’ arrival.
Butler turned himself in the next morning to Columbus police headquarters, where he allegedly told officers his son had discovered Butler’s 9mm handgun in an open safe in a bedroom.
Butler was previously convicted of aggravated burglary and, as a result, is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Butler also had outstanding warrants for misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Faith, South Dakota Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for First-Degree BurglaryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Faith, South Dakota, man convicted of First-Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026.
Dalton Hump, age 34, was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hump was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. He was found guilty following a two-day trial in April of 2026.
The evidence presented at trial established that on the evening of July 10, 2024, Hump unlawfully entered a residence in Ziebach County within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. He assaulted two individuals inside the residence before being forced outside.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
Hump was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
El Salvadorian man sentenced for illegal reentry into the countryRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An El Salvadorian citizen who was in the country illegally after having been removed in 2019 was sentenced Wednesday to time served of 208 days, which will be followed by his removal from the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Gabriel Dejesus Portillo-Abrego, 37, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Portillo-Abrego had illegally returned to the U.S. after having first been deported in 2019. Local law enforcement in Belgrade stopped the vehicle Portillo-Abrego was driving for speeding and driving under the influence on March 1, 2025. After he was detained, U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement learned of his arrest and determined Portillo-Abrego had been removed from the country in 2019 and lacked the proper authorization to return.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a MinorRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026.
Christofer Sand, age 28, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sand was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on August 27, 2026.
The conviction stems from Sand having sexual intercourse with a minor child in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. The crime occurred in March 2025, and, at the time, Sand was 27 years old and the victim was 13 years old.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
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.
Sand was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dover Man Indicted for Possessing Privately Manufactured “Ghost Gun”Read the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Dover man with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to the indictment, Joe Murray, 35, possessed a privately made, unserialized Polymer80 9mm semiautomatic handgun—otherwise known as a “ghost gun”—loaded with a magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition. Officers also recovered an additional bullet from Murray’s pocket.
Murray is charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. If convicted, Murray faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. ATF and the Dover Police Department investigated the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-119-GBW.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dominican National Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, age 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 18 months of imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
According to court documents and statements, on June 30, 2025, police stopped Vittini in Manchester in a car connected to a larger drug conspiracy. During a search of Vittini’s person, police found two plastic bottles containing approximately 60 plastic baggies of crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale. Inside a hidden compartment in the car were approximately 60 more baggies crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale and around $1,500 cash.
The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation with valuable assistance from the DEA and the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.
Department of Justice Files First Case in U.S. Alien Terrorist Removal Court to Deport Afghan Alien Who Supported Her Family’s Plans for Election-Day ShootingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department has filed the first-ever case in the U.S. Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), seeking to remove Nazira Haji Zada, 47, residing in Fort Worth, Texas. Zada, the matriarch of an alien Afghan family, is being removed for her role in a plot to commit an ISIS-inspired mass shooting on Election Day in 2024 for which her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, were previously arrested and convicted. The application to remove Nazira Haji Zada was filed on July 15. Zada was arrested earlier this week and will appear before the ATRC’s Chief Judge Joan N. Ericksen in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, July 30, at 11:00 a.m.
“Congress created the Alien Terrorist Removal Court three decades ago to remove from the United States alien terrorists who never should have been here in the first place,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The allegations in this case show the matriarch of an ISIS-sympathizing family aiding in a plot to launch a mass casualty attack on American voters on Election Day. The Department’s application in this court makes clear that terrorists have no place in the United States of America.”
“This is a historic step asking this court for the first time to remove an individual from the United States who supported a plot by ISIS-sympathizing family members to commit an act of terrorism in America,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “No one should be allowed to come into our country and then betray it. The FBI and our Justice Department partners will not hesitate to use all available resources to protect the American people.”
“The ATRC embodies the recognition that the government should not have to choose between allowing a dangerous alien to remain in the United States and disclosing sensitive classified information in a traditional removal proceeding,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “We will use all the tools at our disposal, including this court, to remove foreign nationals who betray our values and exploit our goodwill by supporting ISIS and terrorist plots.”
Tawhedi and Abdullah Haji Zada were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition to be used in the Election Day attack from an undercover FBI employee. Nazira’s son Abdullah, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. As part of the plea agreement, Abdullah stipulated to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States to Afghanistan following his term of incarceration. Abdullah acknowledged that the order of removal would terminate his lawful permanent resident status. Abdullah also waived his right to appeal the conviction except in limited circumstances or seek any form of appeal or relief from his removal and deportation, including but not limited to, seeking asylum.
Tawhedi, 28, pled guilty on June 13, 2025 to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism, and is awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024, he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS. According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.
According to the criminal complaint, to raise funds for their attack, in 2024, the family also started selling off their property, including furniture, computers, a mobile phone, and the family’s two vehicles. Nazia signed a contract to sell the family house. The family also purchased one-way airfare for Nazira to take the children (but not Abdullah and Tawhedi) to Kabul, Afghanistan shortly before the planned Election Day shooting.
The ATRC is a specialized federal court, which Congress established in 1996. The court has jurisdiction to remove alien terrorists swiftly from the United States, when the government establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that an alien is a terrorist. See Title Eight, United States Code, Sections 1227(a)(4)(B), 1531(1), and 1534(g). The Court is comprised of U.S. federal district court judges confirmed to the judiciary pursuant to Article III of the United States Constitution, and are then appointed to the ATRC by the Chief Justice of the United States. See Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1531 to 1537.
The court allows the government to use classified information, where disclosing that information to the public would pose risks to national security. The statutory provisions that establish the court provide paid counsel to the aliens if necessary and also permit either party to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
This removal proceeding reflects the coordinated efforts of multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Hayden O’Byrne of the National Security Division is leading the litigation, with assistance from Deputy Chief Larry Schneider and Trial Attorneys Anna Donnell and Evan Schultz.
For more information on the ATRC and to view court documents visit: https://www.atrc.uscourts.gov/
CyberTip Leads to 20-Year Federal Sentence for Wheeling ManRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced a major federal law‑enforcement action today after investigators traced a single CyberTip to a Wheeling man producing and distributing child sexual abuse material online.
The rapid response from the Wheeling Police Department and the FBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force culminated in a 20‑year federal prison sentence for 22‑year‑old Gage Heckman.
The case began when the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children flagged suspicious activity on an Instagram account. That alert set off an immediate, coordinated investigation by federal and local authorities. Search warrants were executed, electronic devices were seized from Heckman’s South Wheeling residence, and investigators uncovered evidence tying him directly to the illegal activity.
“This outcome reflects the commitment of our office and our partners to track down those who exploit children and ensure they face the full force of federal justice,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case, presenting evidence built through the joint digital‑forensics effort.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey imposed the 240‑month sentence, underscoring both the severity of the crimes and the strength of the investigative collaboration.
Federal officials say the case illustrates how quickly law enforcement can mobilize when a child is at risk—and how a single digital warning can lead straight to a decisive federal response.
Cuban National Sentenced for His Role in an International Alien Smuggling, Asylum Fraud, and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL — A Cuban National was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in an international alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
“Enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is essential to maintaining safe and secure borders,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The conspirators in this case used sophisticated methods to violate those laws and engaged in an elaborate human smuggling scheme, for profit. The diligence demonstrated by our law enforcement partners in this case ensured that this defendant was brought to justice.”
“Ventura-Castro was part of a complex conspiracy responsible for smuggling aliens into the United States on a massive scale,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant and others recruited aliens using social media, charged thousands of dollars to bring them into the country illegally, and helped them get immigration benefits to which they were not entitled.”
“The exploitation of vulnerable people through these types of intricate schemes are egregious crimes that threaten our national security and exploit the integrity of our immigration system,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. “They knowingly orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to recruit and smuggle thousands of Cuban nationals into the United States, and unlawfully obtained immigration benefits through fraudulent applications, deliberate misrepresentations, and illicit financial transactions. Such calculated criminal conduct undermines the integrity of our immigration system and will be met with the full force of the law.”
“Today’s sentencing is evidence of our all-out war on immigration fraud,” said Director Joseph Edlow of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is proud to have worked with our law enforcement partners to dismantle this criminal enterprise, which churned out thousands of fake asylum claims and flooded the country with illegal aliens. As Ventura-Castro and his criminal associates are being brought to justice, we will continue our mission protecting Americans from those who seek to exploit our laws and endanger our communities.”
According to court documents, Erik Ventura-Castro, 24, of Hialeah, Florida, between January of 2021 and June of 2025, conspired with others to operate an alien smuggling organization (ASO) which encouraged or induced thousands of Cuban aliens to enter the United States through the southern border and used fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and visa waivers. The defendants advertised their smuggling services and bogus visa services across multiple social media platforms to solicit Cuban nationals and other aliens to attempt to illegally enter the United States and fraudulently obtain lawful status in the United States. The alien smuggling organization (ASO) advertised services included assisting Cubans with making false claims of European citizenship to enter the United States on a European tourist visa waiver or ESTA and filing hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), using fake addresses and fabricated documents. To obtain admission under the ESTAs, the defendants made false representations that the applicants had not been in Cuba since 2011. The defendants knew that Cubans are not eligible for the ESTA program, and that the applicants were actually in Cuba at the time the ESTA applications were submitted.
Passports and Boarding Passes obtained as part of the scheme
Social media account advertising ASO services
Social media account using photo from human smuggling event to advertise ASO services
Ventura-Castro furthered the conspiracy by advertising trips for aliens to travel from Cuba to the United States through third-party countries and assisting the aliens in obtaining fraudulent ESTAs. The defendant submitted over 40 electronic payments to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for fraudulent ESTA applications. As part of the conspiracy, aliens were charged between $1,500 and $40,000 for smuggling services. Co-conspirators sometimes even chartered private planes to move groups of aliens. Ventura-Castro and co-defendants conspired with each other to regularly move funds to companies operating outside of the United States and to other places outside the United States, such as by purchasing international flights for aliens to travel into the United States. Ventura-Castro transmitted over $97,000 from the United States to the Cayman Islands, Colombia and Mexico to purchase flights for aliens to unlawfully enter the United States.
Ventura-Castro pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments on May 7.
Twelve individuals were charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in the conspiracy. Defendants Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 31, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 31, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 30, Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 29, and Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 31, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Defendants Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra are awaiting trial scheduled to begin on Sept. 21.
The investigation and superseding indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 465 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 424 U.S. convictions; and more than 368 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and USCIS’s’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. Authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Amanda Brown of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.
Criminal Complaint Filed Against Lee’s Summit, Missouri Man for Ponzi Scheme Defrauding Millions of Dollars from InvestorsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A criminal complaint has been filed against a Lee’s Summit, Mo. man, alleging he operated an ongoing investment scheme that defrauded millions of dollars from victims.
Signed by United States Magistrate Judge W. Brian Gaddy, the complaint alleges that Trevor Uhls, 29, operated a Ponzi scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $2 million from at least 24 individual investors through false and misleading representations. Investor funds were allegedly misappropriated for Uhls’ personal benefit. This is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
The complaint charges that on or about June 12, 2025, Uhls text messaged an Independence, Mo., investor claiming that the investor could earn 8.5% interest by pooling his money with others for a storage unit investment. The investor wired $15,000 to Uhls’ checking account. The complaint alleges Uhls used that investor’s money plus another $5,000 to purchase a Rolex FMT-Master II watch and a Rolex Jubilee bracelet from Meierotto Jewelers for a total amount of $20,155.35. According to the complaint, the storage unit investment Uhls offered the victim was part of a fraudulent scheme and that Uhls made false statements to solicit funds to further the scheme. A review of Uhls’ financial records found no evidence that he invested the victim’s money in storage units, according to the complaint.
On July 20, 2026, United States District Judge Stephen R. Bough issued a temporary restraining order against Uhls, ordering him to, among other things, stop committing wire fraud; soliciting, receiving, or accepting any funds from investors; and contacting people that he had previously asked for money.
A motion filed with the complaint seeking Uhls’ detention without bond alleges that Uhls continued to contact victims and confronted them about their cooperation with law enforcement.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Under federal statutes, Uhls is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole for wire fraud and up to 10 years in federal prison without parole for money laundering. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Ketchmark. It was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.