title: St. Louis Felon Accused of Pointing Gun at 7-Year-Old Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a man accused of pointing a gun at a 7-year-old to 10 years in prison. Dwight Byrd, 59, pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that on Sept. 7, 2023, two witnesses told St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers that Byrd threatened a 7-year-old boy by pointing a black handgun at him and saying that he would “teach him some (expletive) respect.” After officers spotted Byrd, he ran into his nearby home and changed clothes before surrendering. Officers found a loaded black 9mm handgun with a chambered round near the stairs Byrd used to get to his second-story apartment and a .38 special revolver and 9mm ammunition in his apartment. At the time, Byrd was on parole for a state drug offense. Byrd conceded at Thursday’s hearing that prosecutors could prove that he pointed a gun at the child by a preponderance of the evidence. In a letter to Judge Autrey, the victim’s mother wrote that she is not sure what sent Byrd off, adding, “We are all traumatized, and he probably still doesn’t care.” In court and in a sentencing memo, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj pointed out that Byrd’s prior robbery and drug convictions include three other occasions in which he pointed or shot a gun at one or more people. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence, Mass. was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Santo Beato Aybar-Aybar, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to time served (five months). The defendant is now subject to deportation proceedings. In June 2025 , Aybar-Aybar pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Aybar-Aybar was indicted in April 2025 . Aybar-Aybar was previously deported from the United States three times, the last time on or about Sept. 21, 2021. Sometime after his September 2021 removal, Aybar-Aybar again illegally reentered the United States without permission. Aybar-Aybar has been convicted of numerous crimes while residing in the country unlawfully, including a 2013 New Hampshire conviction for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, and a 2021 Massachusetts conviction for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. He was located by immigration authorities during a law enforcement operation in Lawrence, Mass. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crime Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Former Liberian Rebel General Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison for Concealing Serious Human Rights Violations to Fraudulently Obtain Immigration Status in the United States

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Laye Sekou Camara, 47, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of visa fraud. “The defendant, who was a member of a Liberian rebel group, engaged in the extrajudicial killing of civilians and ordered a mortar attack which struck the U.S. Embassy compound in Monrovia, Liberia, before traveling to the United States and making false statements to obtain lawful permanent residence,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human rights violators are not welcome in the United States, and the Criminal Division is committed to holding accountable those who attempt to conceal their crimes and live freely without consequence in the United States.” “The defendant was a notorious LURD commander, brutal even by the standards of the Second Liberian Civil War, and he lied about his past to build a new life in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s sentence holds him responsible for his immigration fraud and officially ends his efforts to avoid accountability for his horrific crimes.” According to court records, in 2010, Camara, also known as “general K-1” and “general Dragon Master,” entered the United States pursuant to an immigrant visa and later obtained Lawful Permanent Resident status and a green card by falsely stating on immigration forms that he had never participated in extrajudicial killings or other acts of violence; had never been involved with a paramilitary unit, rebel group, or guerilla group; and had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers. At a preliminary sentencing hearing held on Jan. 23, nine Liberian witnesses described how Camara used his position of power in the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group to terrorize civilians, committing extrajudicial killings and other atrocities. One farmer in Lofa County, Liberia, described how “K-1 and his boys surrounded the town, . . . [and] . . . [t]hose who refused to be arrested, those who resisted, they were killed.” Another witness recounted how Camara used a handgun to kill at close range a pregnant woman and her 13-year-old son after the woman objected to LURD’s recruitment of her son. Other witnesses described how LURD rebels – and Camara specifically – fired on and killed civilians who were trying to obtain food. Camara also ordered a “mortar crew” under his command to attack central Monrovia, striking the U.S. Embassy compound, resulting in the death of a U.S. embassy employee – a Liberian guard – and other civilians. Other witnesses testified about Camara’s tactics to humiliate and terrorize civilians, including through mutilation of his victims. In one instance, a witness described how Camara tied a man’s hands behind his back and “cut off his right ear,” when the man continued to resist. HSI Philadelphia investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. The Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) supported the case. Established in 2009 and led by HSI, the HRVWCC uses a whole of government approach to further efforts to identify, locate, and prosecute human rights abusers in the United States, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linwood C. Wright, Kelly Harrell, and Patrick Brown of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case. Members of the public who have information about former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also email HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov or complete its online tip form at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp .


title: Six Defendants Charged With Operating A Fentanyl Mill That Manufactured And Sold Millions-Worth Of Fentanyl

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Frank A. Tarentino; and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging JESUS JAVIER BRITO RIVERA, JOSE ALEXIS DE LA CRUZ MORA, JOSE ANTONIO DE LA CRUZ MORA, DANY RIVERA SANCHEZ, JOAN ALBERTO TORIBIO TAVAREZ, and FREDDYS RIVERA QUEZADA with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute narcotics. The defendants were arrested Tuesday, September 9, 2025, inside a Bronx apartment while in the middle of processing more than eight kilograms of apparent fentanyl powder, producing thousands of individual packages of the drug for distribution. Records recovered from within the mill indicate that the defendants conspired over at least a year to sell millions of dollars’ worth of fentanyl. All six defendants were present in the U.S. without legal status, and one was previously removed from the U.S. after entering the country illegally and later being convicted of another drug distribution offense. All six defendants were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo and ordered detained pending trial. “As alleged, these defendants were caught in the act of packaging and preparing to distribute enough fentanyl to potentially amount to four million deadly doses,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “At the time our law enforcement partners raided this fentanyl mill, fentanyl glassines were drying in the kitchen oven, and the defendants were gathered around individual workstations. New Yorkers want these mills destroyed and their operators off the streets. We and our law enforcement partners are committed to that mission.” “Once again, the DEA and our law enforcement partners successfully shut down a fentanyl mill, resulting in the arrests of six illegal, alleged criminal drug traffickers, and the removal of approximately eight kilograms of fentanyl powder from an apartment building in the Bronx,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino. “As we have seen time and again, the Bronx is often exploited by drug trafficking organizations as a hub to transport and distribute their illicit and dangerous narcotics throughout the Northeast corridor of the United States. This operation eliminated their distribution network and their ability to flood our streets with poison. The DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our communities and safeguarding our nation.” “These defendants allegedly turned a Bronx apartment into a full-scale drug den, pumping out thousands of packages of illicit fentanyl for profit,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “We know how dangerous even a trace amount of fentanyl is, but this staggering amount would have put countless New Yorkers in great danger. The NYPD will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle dangerous operations like this. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators, the DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their relentless work to shut this network down and ensure these criminals are brought to justice.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint: [ [1] ] Inside the Bronx apartment searched by law enforcement, officers observed a table that appeared to be set up with four working stations to mix and package apparent fentanyl powder, each lit with a reading lamp and covered in apparent fentanyl dust; a large pile of individually stamped glassines filled with powder, but which had not yet been sealed; another table piled with thousands of wrapped and stamped glassines; two plastic bags filled with white powder; two boxes filled with 17 grinders, themselves filled with powder; numerous scales, boxes of packaging materials, colanders, markers, rubber bands, and MetroCards, all of which appear to have been used to separate, measure, process, and package the powder; and a shopping bag containing hundreds of fully bundled and stamped glassines. Officers also found glassines and stamps drying inside the kitchen oven and identified a drawer full of stamps used to mark variations of fentanyl being prepared for distribution. Below are images taken during the search of the mill: * * * RIVERA, 23; ALEXIS DE LA CRUZ MORA, 23; ANTONIO DE LA CRUZ MORA, 22; SANCHEZ, 34; TAVAREZ, 45; and QUEZADA, 44, all citizens of the Dominican Republic, are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of distribution of narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, the NYPD, the New York State Police, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Narcotics. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan T. Nees is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._rivera_et_al._complaint.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Lawton Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Five years in Federal Prison for Possessing Machinegun Conversion Device

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JEREMIAH ALEXANDER DEARING , 21, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, on October 9, 2024, Dearing participated in a recorded video jail call with an inmate at the Grady County Jail. During that call, officers with the Lawton Police Department (LPD) observed Dearing display an AK47-style pistol and flash multiple gang signs. As Dearing’s age prohibited him from legally carrying such a firearm under Oklahoma state law, LPD detectives sought and obtained a search warrant for his residence. Law enforcement executed that warrant and discovered five firearms in Dearing’s bedroom, including a privately manufactured firearm that did not have a serial number. All of the firearms were chamber-loaded and equipped with high-capacity magazines. Officers also seized a machinegun conversion device (MCD). When installed, the MCD converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Law enforcement also recovered approximately 92 fentanyl pills from the residence. On December 3, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Dearing with unlawful possession of a machinegun. Dearing pleaded guilty on February 11, 2025, and admitted to possessing a machinegun. At the sentencing hearing on August 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Dearing to serve 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the significant public safety concern posed by Dearing’s conduct and the need to promote respect for the law. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case is also part of “Project Switch Off,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of PSN. “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: PENSACOLA MAN INDICTED FOR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A CONVICTED FELON

component: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jerney Jabara Purifoy, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today. Purifoy appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho for his arraignment in federal court on September 8, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is set for October 20, 2025, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, Purifoy faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Employee at Multinational DVD Company Sentenced to Over Four Years Prison for Stealing, Selling Pre-Release Commercial DVDs for Blockbuster Films

body_text: A court in Tennessee today sentenced a former employee of a DVD and Blu-ray manufacturing and distribution company used by major movie studios to 57 months in prison for stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of blockbuster movies from the company and selling them before their official scheduled release dates, as well as for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A digital copy of at least one of the stolen Blu-rays was illegally distributed tens of millions of times over the internet, causing the copyright owner tens of millions of dollars in losses. “The defendant profited from the creativity and intellectual property of others by stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of movies that were being prepared for commercial distribution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentencing signals our commitment to protecting American innovation from pirates that would exploit others’ work for a quick profit, which, in this case, cost one copyright owner tens of millions of dollars.” “The copyright owner lost tens of millions of dollars as a result of Steven Hale stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of blockbuster movies and selling them before their official scheduled release dates,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today’s sentence should send a strong message that willfully stealing another party’s intellectual property is a serious crime and the FBI is committed to holding violators accountable.” According to court documents and statements made in court, Steven R. Hale, 38, of Memphis, worked for a multinational company that, among other things, manufactured and distributed DVDs and Blu-rays of movies. From approximately February 2021 to March 2022, Hale stole hundreds of “pre-release” DVDs and Blu-rays, that is, discs being prepared for commercial distribution in the United States and not available for sale to the public. These included DVDs and Blu-rays for such popular films as “F9: The Fast Saga,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” “Godzilla v. Kong,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Dune,” and “Black Widow.” Hale sold the DVDs and Blu-rays through e-commerce sites. At least one pre-release Blu-ray that Hale stole and sold, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” was extracted or “ripped” from the Blu-ray by bypassing the encryption that prevents unauthorized copying. That digital copy was then illegally made available over the internet more than a month before the Blu-ray’s official scheduled release date. Copies of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” were downloaded tens of millions of times, with an estimated loss to the copyright owner of tens of millions of dollars. In addition, Hale unlawfully possessed a pistol that was loaded with one live round in the chamber and 13 rounds in the magazine. Hale has prior felony convictions for armed robbery and attempted robbery. In May 2025, in the DVD and Blu-ray case, Hale pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement and agreed to make full restitution to his victims, including the return of the approximately 1,160 stolen DVDs and Blu-rays seized from him to the company where he worked. The same day, in the gun case, Hale pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The cases were consolidated for sentencing. The FBI is investigating the case. Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.


title: ARKANSAS MAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTING TO ENTICE A MINOR TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Bobby Joe Sheffield, 52, of Paris, Arkansas, was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the collaboration of our state and federal law enforcement partners in the execution of Operation Safe Summer, and this successful prosecution by the attorneys in my office, this predator is facing justice for his attempt to victimize and sexually exploit a minor child. My office is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community against the predations of offenders who seek to sexually exploit our children, and we will not hesitate to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” Trial testimony demonstrated that in July 2024, federal, state, and local law enforcement executed Operation Safe Summer, an undercover operation designed to apprehend individuals who use the Internet to sexually exploit children online. During the operation, Sheffield communicated with an undercover officer, who he believed to be a minor female, and expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child. When Sheffield arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location, law enforcement arrested him and found condoms in his possession. A subsequent search of his cellular phone confirmed his communication with the undercover officers. Sheffield faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment, followed by a term of five years to life of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Joseph A. Ravelo. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Mexican National Charged with Illegal Reentry After Committing an Aggravated Felony

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Leon-Avalos, age 32, of Mexico, was indicted on September 10, 2025, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States after committing an aggravated felony. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Leon-Avalos was convicted of Aggravated Assault and Attempted Indecent Assault in Dauphin County’s Court of Common Pleas in January 2015. It further alleges Leon-Avalos was removed from the United States on January 6, 2016, through Brownsville, Texas, and then found on or about August 26, 2025, in Dauphin County without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. This case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Chattanooga Man Sentenced To 24 Months' Imprisonment For Threatening To Kill Member Of Congress

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On September 10, 2025, Garry Lebron Hayes, 45, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was sentenced to 24 months in prison by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Following his imprisonment, he will be on supervised release for one year. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Hayes agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with knowingly and willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure the person of another, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c). According to filed court documents, in July of 2024, Hayes called the district office of a Member of Congress and left the following voicemail: “Chattanooga. I’m in Chattanooga. Yeah, you better ask your kids to f***ing finally kiss your a**—‘cause I’m gonna beat your a** b**ch. I’m gonna kill your a**. I’m gonna kill you b**ch.” Additional evidence of Hayes’s relevant conduct introduced at the sentencing hearing revealed that, in January of 2024, Hayes, while outside the state of Tennessee, called the office of a different Member of Congress, which was not located in the state of Tennessee, and left that Member a voicemail, identifying the Member by name and stating: “I will slice your throat, mother f***er.” The Court-determined applicable sentencing guidelines range was 18-24 months. The United States advocated for a top of the guidelines sentence of 24 months. In imposing a 24-month sentence, the Court stressed that society must be protected from Hayes, and others like him, who threaten to maim, and murder elected officials with whom they disagree. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge, Joseph Carrico, Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Lewen, Jr. represented the United States. ###


component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: WASHINGTON — A court in Tennessee today sentenced a former employee of a DVD and Blu-ray manufacturing and distribution company used by major movie studios to 57 months in prison for stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of blockbuster movies from the company and selling them before their official scheduled release dates, as well as for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A digital copy of at least one of the stolen Blu-rays was illegally distributed tens of millions of times over the internet, causing the copyright owner tens of millions of dollars in losses. “The defendant profited from the creativity and intellectual property of others by stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of movies that were being prepared for commercial distribution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentencing signals our commitment to protecting American innovation from pirates that would exploit others’ work for a quick profit, which, in this case, cost one copyright owner tens of millions of dollars.” “The copyright owner lost tens of millions of dollars as a result of Steven Hale stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of blockbuster movies and selling them before their official scheduled release dates,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today’s sentence should send a strong message that willfully stealing another party’s intellectual property is a serious crime and the FBI is committed to holding violators accountable.” According to court documents and statements made in court, Steven R. Hale, 38, of Memphis, worked for a multinational company that, among other things, manufactured and distributed DVDs and Blu-rays of movies. From approximately February 2021 to March 2022, Hale stole hundreds of “pre-release” DVDs and Blu-rays, that is, discs being prepared for commercial distribution in the United States and not available for sale to the public. These included DVDs and Blu-rays for such popular films as “F9: The Fast Saga,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” “Godzilla v. Kong,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Dune,” and “Black Widow.” Hale sold the DVDs and Blu-rays through e-commerce sites. At least one pre-release Blu-ray that Hale stole and sold, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” was extracted or “ripped” from the Blu-ray by bypassing the encryption that prevents unauthorized copying. That digital copy was then illegally made available over the internet more than a month before the Blu-ray’s official scheduled release date. Copies of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” were downloaded tens of millions of times, with an estimated loss to the copyright owner of tens of millions of dollars. In addition, Hale unlawfully possessed a pistol that was loaded with one live round in the chamber and 13 rounds in the magazine. Hale has prior felony convictions for armed robbery and attempted robbery. In May 2025, in the DVD and Blu-ray case, Hale pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement and agreed to make full restitution to his victims, including the return of the approximately 1,160 stolen DVDs and Blu-rays seized from him to the company where he worked. The same day, in the gun case, Hale pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The cases were consolidated for sentencing. The FBI is investigating the case. Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. ### CRM 25-940 If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.


title: Wakarusa Man Sentenced to 2 Years of Probation

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Dylan Nissley, 32 years old, of Wakarusa, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to three misdemeanor Lacey Act violations, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Nissley was sentenced to a term of probation of 2 years, which includes a universal fishing and hunting ban for the entire probation period, and 144 hours of community service. According to documents in the case, during the spring of 2023, Nissley offered unlawful guided fishing trips in Lake Erie, Ohio. At the time of the trips, Nissley did not possess a valid United States Coast Guard Captain License or a valid fishing guide license. He also allowed individuals to “double bag” and catch and keep several more walleye than allowed by the legal bag limit. Nissley also violated the Lacey Act in November 2023 during the archery-only portion of the Missouri hunting season. Nissley killed a buck with a firearm, failed to report all the deer he harvested, and took more than two antlered deer during the season. “True sportsmen and sportswomen understand that the North American model of wildlife conservation depends upon everyone—and especially guides—following the relevant laws and regulations when harvesting game,” announced Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “Dylan Nissley disregarded those rules, and in doing so he violated the federal Lacey Act. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement team, he has been held to account for his unlawful acts.” “Poaching has no place in America’s hunting and fishing heritage,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “We appreciate the strong support from our partners in Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. This case is a reminder for all hunters and anglers to be diligent when selecting guiding services and ensure you’re working with someone who complies with the law and honors the ethical principles of the outdoors." This case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, and Missouri Department of Conservation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.


title: Transylvania County Drug Trafficker Is Sentenced To Over 10 Years In Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – James Edward Frady, 39, of Brevard, N.C., was sentenced today to 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his role in a drug trafficking ring that distributed methamphetamine and cocaine in Transylvania County announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to documents and court proceedings, from 2021 to 2023, Frady was part of a drug trafficking network that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Frady frequently communicated with his drug supplier, Zachery Micah Rice, to buy the methamphetamine and cocaine that he then distributed within the Transylvania County area. On October 19, 2023, deputies with the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office arrested Frady for a traffic offense. Over the course of the traffic stop, law enforcement recovered from the passenger of the vehicle two plastic baggies containing 90.79 grams of methamphetamine and 56.51 grams of cocaine. Court documents show that Frady asked the passenger to conceal the drugs prior to being pulled over. Frady pleaded guilty on February 21, 2025, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons. Rice was previously sentenced to 28 years in prison, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machinegun. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, the Asheville Police Department, the Waynesville Police Department, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Employee Retention Credit Tax Scheme Lands Philadelphia Man in Federal Prison for Three Years

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – Julianne E. Murray, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Carnell Ragan, 59, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to three years in federal prison for assisting in the filing of false tax forms. Ragan was also ordered to pay over $1.6 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence. Congress created the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) to provide emergency financial assistance in connection with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ERC was introduced in 2020 to incentivize businesses to continue paying employees by providing, at first, for a 50% credit on up to $10,000 in wages paid to each employee for the calendar year for businesses closed by government order or who had a 50% drop in gross receipts due to the pandemic. By 2021, the percentage credit increased to 70% per employee per quarter. To obtain ERC, entities had to file an IRS Form 941 setting forth their eligibility for ERC According to court documents, Ragan recruited over 20 people to take part in his ERC scheme. Each of those people maintained a business entity that was not entitled to ERC because the relevant business was either non-operational or did not have paid employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ragan knew those people and entities were not entitled to ERC but nonetheless used their information to file false Forms 941 with the IRS seeking over $20 million in ERC. Based on those false tax filings, the IRS issued checks worth over $1.6 million to entities, including over $800,000 to a Delaware registered business, that were not entitled to those funds. U.S. Attorney Murray commented on the case, “Ragan took advantage of pandemic relief funds that were intended to help those harmed most by the pandemic. He shamelessly enriched himself and his friends at the expense of the American taxpayer. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and hold responsible all those who stole COVID-19 pandemic relief funds that were intended to help hard working Americans cope with the financial fallout from the pandemic.” "Today's sentencing is a strong reminder that those who find ways to fraudulently benefit from government programs meant to help struggling businesses will be brought to justice," said Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Field office, IRS Criminal Investigation. "Those who line their pockets with profits from these schemes should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable." This case was investigated by IRS-CI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger. 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 25-CR-0009-CFC.


title: New Jersey Woman Indicted on Charges Relating to Stolen U.S. Treasury Check

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging MADISYN PETTAWAY, 30, of Newark, New Jersey, with offenses related to the attempted deposit of a stolen U.S. Treasury check at a Connecticut credit union. As alleged in court documents, on August 27, 2024, Pettaway, using a stolen identity and a fraudulent New Jersey driver’s license, opened an account at a branch of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union. On September 13, 2024, Pettaway attempted to deposit a U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $410,085.48 at the credit union. Charter Oak FCU ultimately did not accept the deposit. It is further alleged that, in June 2025, Pettaway opened another account at a branch of Charter Oak FCU using a fraudulent identity. On July 28, 2025, East Lyme Police arrested Pettaway and charged her with state offenses. Pettaway possessed a fake New York driver’s license and three debit cards in the name of the fraudulent identity at the time of her arrest. She was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 20, 2025. The indictment, which was returned on September 3, charges Pettaway with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count; theft of government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years. Pettaway appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the East Lyme Police Department, and the Montville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.


component: Criminal - Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section

body_text: PHILADELPHIA — United States Attorney David Metcalf, the Justice Department, and Homeland Security Investigations announced that Laye Sekou Camara, 47, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison by United States District Judge Chad F. Kenney for using and possessing a green card that Camara unlawfully obtained by making false statements about his involvement in the civil war in the West African nation of Liberia. In March of 2022, the defendant was arrested on a criminal complaint and warrant and subsequently charged by indictment in May 2022 with three counts of using, and one count of possessing, a fraudulently obtained green card. Camara pleaded guilty to all charges against him in January of this year. According to court records, in 2010, Camara, also known as “general K-1” and “general Dragon Master,” entered the United States pursuant to an immigrant visa and later obtained Lawful Permanent Resident status and a green card by falsely stating on immigration forms that he had never participated in extrajudicial killings or other acts of violence; had never been involved with a paramilitary unit, rebel group, or guerilla group; and had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers. At a preliminary sentencing hearing held on January 23, nine Liberian witnesses described how Camara used his position of power in the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group to terrorize civilians, committing extrajudicial killings and other atrocities. One farmer in Lofa County, Liberia, described how “K-1 and his boys surrounded the town, . . . [and] . . . [t]hose who refused to be arrested, those who resisted, they were killed.” Another witness recounted how Camara used a handgun to kill at close range a pregnant woman and her 13-year-old son after the woman objected to LURD’s recruitment of her son. Other witnesses described how LURD rebels — and Camara specifically — fired on and killed civilians who were trying to obtain food. Camara also ordered a “mortar crew” under his command to attack central Monrovia, striking the U.S. Embassy compound, resulting in the death of a U.S. embassy employee — a Liberian guard — and other civilians. Other witnesses testified about Camara’s tactics to humiliate and terrorize civilians, including through mutilation of his victims. In one instance, a witness described how Camara tied a man’s hands behind his back and “cut off his right ear,” when the man continued to resist. “The defendant was a notorious LURD commander, brutal even by the standards of the Second Liberian Civil War, and he lied about his past to build a new life in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Today’s sentence holds him responsible for his immigration fraud and officially ends his efforts to avoid accountability for his horrific crimes.” “As a leader in Liberia’s civil war, Mr. Camara facilitated atrocities against civilians in his own country including the use of child soldiers,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “By concealing his crimes in Liberia, Camara was able to obtain immigration benefits and use those documents to seek employment and a new life here. HSI will not allow the United States to become a refuge for human rights violators or for individuals who secure lawful status through deception. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and international partners to identify fraud, protect the integrity of the immigration system, and support the prosecutors that hold these offenders accountable.” HSI Philadelphia investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. The Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) supported the case. Established in 2009 and led by HSI, the HRVWCC uses a whole of government approach to further efforts to identify, locate, and prosecute human rights abusers in the United States, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linwood C. Wright, Kelly Harrell, and Patrick Brown of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case. Members of the public who have information about former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also email HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov or complete this online tip form .


title: Last of Eight Defendants Sentenced in Transnational Money Laundering “Phantom Hacker” Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – The last of eight defendants who participated in a vast transnational money laundering conspiracy, that robbed victims in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana of their life savings, has been sentenced to prison. Victims in Ohio resided in Lima (Allen County), Sunbury (Delaware County), Goshen (Clermont County), and Zanesville (Muskingum County). Kishan Vinayak Patel, 26, an Indian national, was sentenced today to 46 months (3.8 years) in prison after a federal jury convicted him of participating in a large-scale money laundering conspiracy that sought to promote an international fraud scheme. Co-defendant Pranay Kumar Mamidi, 27, also of India, was found guilty of money laundering conspiracy by a federal jury and previously sentenced to 60 (5 years) months in prison. Patel and Mamidi, along with six other defendants in the case, were also ordered to pay nearly $4 million in restitution, both joint and severally. The following defendants, all Indian nationals, were previously sentenced after pleading guilty to money laundering charges: Dileep Kumar Sakineni, age 26, 72 months (6 years) in prison; Balaji Rakesh Mulpuri, age 26, 27 months (2.25 years) in prison; Avi Jitendrakumar Patel, age 22, 33 months (2.75 years) in prison; Sai Hruthik Thodeti, age 25, 24 months (2 years) in prison; and Srinivas Ravi Valluru, age 31, 60 months (5 years) in prison. In addition, Hiren Jagdishbhai Patel, age 33, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 39 months (3.25 years) in prison after also pleading guilty to money laundering charges. “These individuals stopped at nothing to purposely confuse their victims and used scare tactics to bully and coerce them into unknowingly handing over their life savings. This coordinated effort to steal from hardworking Americans is over,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “To those who take advantage of others—and then launder their money on behalf of transnational criminal organizations—know that your callous actions will have consequences. We thank our partners with FBI Cleveland who conducted the investigation as their role was vital in bringing these individuals to justice.” “Targeting victims and knowingly siphoning their life savings is reprehensible,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI is focused on defending the homeland and protecting the American public from conniving criminals, such as Kishan Patel and his associates, who preyed on their victims through coercion and scare tactics. The FBI will continue to aggressively identify and investigate those who engage in money laundering schemes, whether domestically or globally, with an intent to harm Americans.” According to court documents, from about May to November 2023, the defendants engaged in a multi-layered plan to launder proceeds derived from a fraud scheme known as a “phantom hacker” scam. The scam typically involves a fraudster contacting a victim and falsely claiming that the victim’s legitimate bank or company account has been compromised. Then, the victim is contacted by another person claiming to be a law enforcement agent who informs them that their accounts are facing imminent seizure due to purported involvement in criminal activity. In some cases, the victim is threatened with arrest. After the victim is sufficiently misled by the fake agent, he or she is then manipulated into transferring their savings for the supposed purpose of keeping the funds safe. In reality, and unbeknownst to the victim, they transferred their funds to members of a money laundering conspiracy to distribute and enrich other members of the scheme. In one common example, elderly victims are informed of supposed suspicious activity on their Amazon account and are then contacted by someone pretending to be an Amazon employee. Next, the victim is contacted by another person who claims to be from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and informs the victim that their identity was stolen. The victim is then transferred to another individual who claims to be a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent. The fake DEA special agent claims that the account in question is being investigated for facilitating drug offenses or for the production of child pornography, and as a result, that the victim will be arrested. Fearing arrest or seizure, the victim follows the scammer’s instructions to withdraw savings from their bank account and convert the funds into cash or gold bars, so that the agent can keep the funds safe on the victim’s behalf. The victim is further instructed to give a purported law enforcement official cash and/or gold bars at either the victim’s home, or a designated drop-off point, such as a gas station or fast-food restaurant. After the drop, the victim is then sent a receipt which appears to be from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Members of the money laundering scheme then distribute the cash and/or gold bars to scheme participants. According to court documents, the defendants in this case served as money launderers for other co-conspirators throughout the world who participated in phantom hacker schemes operating out of India. The U.S.-based money laundering infrastructure allowed funds illegally taken from victims to be distributed throughout the world. Investigators estimate that the total amount of money laundered is in the tens of millions of dollars. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Melching and Dexter L. Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio. The investigation and prosecution of this case is in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nation’s elderly population. If you suspect fraudulent conduct involving an older adult, please contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov to report it.


title: Former Jericho Road employee sentenced for theft of funds related to a government program

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dejan Karlovic, 30, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of theft of funds related to a government program, was sentenced to serve three months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. In addition, he was ordered to pay restitution totaling $584,884.99, and forfeit a BMW, a pickup truck, and more than $240,000 in cash and financial accounts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that between January and March 1, 2024, Jericho Road, which operates the Jericho Road Community Health Center, received more than $10,000 in federal grants and funding. Karlovic was employed by Jericho Road as a Senior Grants Accountant, and in that role acted as a liaison between the program and finance side of Jericho Road, with access to several Jericho Road commercial credit cards and other financial accounts. Between March 1 and June 26, 2024, Karlovic stole or intentionally converted funds belonging to Jericho Road totaling $584,884.99, by submitting fake invoices to Jericho Road from a company called “D and D” and making them appear as expenses related to moving and relocation, which is one service Jericho Road provides to its clients. Karlovic then paid these fraudulent invoices using a Jericho Road commercial credit card. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.


title: Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Ryan H. Guerrant, 34, of Beckley, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 26, 2023, Guerrant possessed a Bersa model BP9CC 9mm at a Beckley residence. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Guerrant knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery and escape in Raleigh County Circuit Court on January 15, 2010, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited carrier in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 13, 2013, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 25, 2017. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 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. 5:24-cr-93. ###


title: Prior felon arrested on new gun charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Mitchell, 32, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late in the evening on August 25, 2025, Buffalo Police officers responded to a residence on Austin Street for a call reporting a male in the house with a gun. When officers arrived, they located the 911 caller down the street. Officers made contact with Mitchell at the residence and detained him while conducting the investigation. Officers searched the residence, during which they seized a black hoodie sweatshirt with an unloaded firearm in the pocket, and a container with two 9mm rounds of ammunition. Officers also located a small amount of suspected crack cocaine. In April 2013, Mitchell was convicted of a federal charge of bank robbery by force of violence and sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Toa Baja Man Arrested After Being Indicted for Sex Trafficking of Children in Puerto Rico

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — On September 10, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Julio Figueroa-Álvarez, a 32-year-old man from Toa Baja with sex trafficking of children and coercion and enticement of a minor. The defendant was arrested today by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents. “Predators who target and coerce the vulnerable in our jurisdiction will face appropriately serious sanctions under federal law. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to seek justice to vindicate the rights of human trafficking victims,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting victims and ensuring that those responsible for such vicious crimes face the full weight of the law.” “This individual, a registered sex offender, was arrested in 2014 on charges of sexual exploitation of minors and convicted in 2016 to serve a ten-year sentence. HSI is now arresting him for the second time in less than ten years following his conviction. Child predators remain determined to exploit minors, but we are equally determined to stop them and bring them to justice,” said Rebecca González-Ramos, HSI San Juan’s Special Agent in Charge. “We urge the community to take action before law enforcement becomes involved. Protecting our children requires vigilance and cooperation. Be alert and proactive; engaging in sexual acts with a minor is illegal, and when such heinous acts are committed in exchange for something of value, it constitutes a federal crime. Sex trafficking is real; it’s happening in our island too often. HSI is determined to hold accountable those who believe they can operate above the law; we will arrest them as many times as necessary. Help us keep our children safe and protected.” According to court documents, between December 2024 and February 2025, Julio Figueroa-Álvarez knowingly and willfully recruited, enticed, transported, and maintained a 13-year-old male minor to engage in a commercial sex act. Figueroa-Álvarez is also accused with using a cellular phone, internet instant messaging services, and social media to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a 13-year-old male minor to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity. If convicted for the charges, the defendant faces the following penalties: sex trafficking of a child - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years up to life in prison; and coercion and enticement of a minor - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison. All charges of conviction would to be followed by a term of supervised release after imprisonment of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HSI San Juan is leading the investigation into this case, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez Lora, from the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov . To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969 or send an email to IntelHSISanJuan@hsi.dhs.gov . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Peoria Store Owner Convicted of Twenty-One Felonies After Being a Fugitive for Fifteen Years

component: Department of Justice

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict at approximately 9:00 pm on September 10, 2025, against Jalal Nimer Asad, 61, of Lindenhurst, Illinois, on twenty-one felony offenses for his role in separate but related conspiracies charged in two cases. In the first case, Asad was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States and violate the tax laws, six counts of tax evasion, and nine counts of mail fraud. In the second case, Asad was convicted of conspiracy to structure financial transactions and four counts of structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements. Sentencing for Asad has been scheduled on January 8, 2026 at 10:00 am at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois. Over seven days of testimony, the government presented evidence establishing that Asad had been the leader of a group of individuals that owned and operated several convenience and liquor stores in the Central District of Illinois. During trial, the government established that Asad and his cohorts (all of whom had pleaded guilty or been convicted following trial over 15 years ago) kept two sets of books, a true set and a false set, in order to underreport their earnings and pay less state and federal taxes. The government also proved that Asad structured financial transactions to withdraw more than $4 million in cash without triggering the bank’s reporting requirements. A federal grand jury returned indictments against Asad and his co-defendants in 2009. While all the other defendants were convicted or pleaded guilty years ago, Asad remained at large overseas for 15 years until his recent return to the United States. The Court allowed Asad to remain on bond pending sentencing. At sentencing, Asad faces statutory penalties of up to twenty years in prison. The case investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and was carried out with the support of local law enforcement partners, including the Decatur Police Department. Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Eugene L. Miller and Assistant United States Attorney Douglas F. McMeyer represented the government at trial.


title: Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Unlicensed Firearms Dealing

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty to dealing firearms without a license. According to court documents, between 2019 and 2023, Anthony Lutz , 43, sold dozens of guns for profit. Lutz ’s operation was discovered after Mexican police seized one of his rifles at a crime scene in 2022, leading to an investigation by the ATF that linked him to 11 additional crime scene firearms, six from crime scenes in Albuquerque and six from crime scenes in Mexico, and uncovered evidence of approximately 82 firearms purchased by Lutz , including 50 of the same two AR-15 models. In his plea agreement, Lutz admitted to building receivers into functional firearms and selling them for profit using online platforms such as JasonsGuns.com. Lutz pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully dealing in firearms. In the plea agreement, the parties agreed to recommend that Lutz serve a term of five years of probation and pay a fine of $30,000. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. View the Plea Agreement (Lutz).pdf


title: Naugatuck Resident Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Operating Investment Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL MUZZI, 28, a citizen of Brazil residing in Naugatuck, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment for operating an investment fraud scheme. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017 and 2018, Muzzi, at times using two entities he formed, Solace Investments LLC and Asseno LLC, induced victim-investors to provide him funds based on the representation he would use the funds for trading currencies in foreign exchange markets using a trading software program that he told his victims he had developed. Muzzi represented to victims that his software program had a feature that would cause trading to cease in the event of a certain loss in value, thus minimizing downside risk. Muzzi failed to invest a substantial portion of invested funds as he represented, and instead diverted those funds for his own personal use, and to pay other individuals who had invested with him. Through this scheme, Muzzi stole a total of $579,925.28 from 21 victim-investors. Muzzi sent victims fabricated monthly account statements that falsely overstated their return on investment and their account balances. These misrepresentations induced some victim-investors to provide him with additional investment funds. In response to victim complaints, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Banking investigated Muzzi’s conduct, issued orders finding that Muzzi and Solace Investments had violated state securities laws, ordered them to make restitution to victims, and fined Muzzi $300,000. On September 6, 2020, Muzzi traveled to Brazil and did not return. On August 23, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Muzzi with fraud and money laundering offenses. Muzzi was arrested on April 1, 2023, in Panama, and subsequently waived his right to contest his extradition to the U.S. On July 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Judge Underhill ordered Muzzi to pay full restitution. Muzzi, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 11. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities Division. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked Interpol and Panamanian authorities for their assistance in apprehending this defendant, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for providing significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendant from Panama. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Michael S. McGarry.


title: Danville Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Carjacking and Murder

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A Danville, Illinois, man, Kevin Marshall, 35, was sentenced on September 8, 2025, to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on four charges, including two charges related to the carjacking and murder of Daniel Walter in Danville on April 25, 2020, and two charges related to drug trafficking and carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking. Marshall was also sentenced to an additional ten years for possessing a firearm as a felon. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce, the judge considered evidence from Marshall’s August 2024 jury trial showing that after he was released from custody in January 2020, Marshall used a Taurus handgun to murder Walter at a rural home in Danville. The evidence at trial showed that Marshall lured Walter out of his truck around 4 a.m., and once they were in a concealed area between the home and detached garage, Marshall shot Walter four times at close range in the head and body. After initially leaving in Walter’s truck, Marshall returned and shot Walter five more times in the head and face, even though Walter was already deceased, and took Walter’s phone and wallet. After the murder, Marshall spent the summer of 2020 selling methamphetamine before his arrest on August 18, 2020. Forensic testing on a Taurus firearm seized during Marshall’s arrest connected the gun to Walter’s murder, as well as to a series of shootings in Danville in early 2020. A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Marshall in August 2021, charging him with possessing a firearm as a felon. A superseding indictment including the same gun charge, as well as the charges related to the carjacking and murder of Walter, drug trafficking, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, was returned by the grand jury in April 2023. The case went to trial from July 31 through August 7, 2024. During the trial, the evidence showed Marshall’s extensive efforts to tamper with witnesses and obstruct the proceedings, including ordering others to delete Facebook records and forcing witnesses to draft documents falsely claiming responsibility for Marshall’s own actions. Despite the obstruction, evidence of which was presented to the jury during the trial, the jury found Marshall guilty on all counts. Marshall has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service since his federal arrest on August 3, 2021. Prior to this case, Marshall had been convicted of second-degree murder for the murder of Latifah Cross in Danville on May 21, 2013. In imposing four life sentences – one for each count of conviction – Judge Bruce noted both murders and said that the evidence from the case showed his involvement in other violence and tampering with witnesses, as well as a general lack of remorse. Judge Bruce said one of his major concerns was the need to protect the public from Marshall. “The defendant’s violent murder of Daniel Walter, along with his armed distribution of dangerous drugs in our community, show a chilling disregard for human life,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “Our office is dedicated to pursing justice for victims of violence and to protecting our communities from those, like the defendant, who seek to sow harm. We are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners for their invaluable work on this case.” “I appreciate the commitment, diligent work, and collaboration of Danville Police officers and detectives, the Illinois State Police, federal agencies, Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing closure to this case and holding the convicted, Kevin Marshall, accountable for his actions,” said Danville Chief of Police Christopher S. Yates. “We also must recognize the courage of the witnesses who stepped forward. It takes all of us to keep our community safer from predators and those who want to do others harm. Though the conviction and sentencing of Kevin Marshall does not erase the damage, pain, and suffering he caused, hopefully this can contribute further to the healing process for family and friends of Daniel Walter, as well as our community.” “This sentence holds Kevin Marshall accountable for his unforgivable crimes and the trail of violence and loss he left behind,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Springfield Field Office, Christopher J. S. Johnson. “Our office and our partners worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. We hope it brings a measure of justice.” The Danville Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Illinois State Police; the U.S. Marshals Service; Vermilion County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives all took part in investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Freres and Eugene Miller represented the government in the prosecution, in cooperation with Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy.


title: Jury Convicts Hensley Mother and Daughter of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl That Caused Death, Face Minimum 20 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A drug-filled evening that ended with four overdoses, including one death, at a Saline County home has now resulted in a mother and daughter spending decades in federal prison. On Wednesday, a federal jury convicted the two women of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl that caused a death. The jury also convicted the mother, April Adams, of distribution of methamphetamine, and the daughter, Amber Church, of distribution of fentanyl. Following a three-day trial and after just over four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted both Church and Adams on all charges. On April 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Adams, 62, and Church, 38, both of Hensley. Both women were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. Church was also charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and Adams was also charged with distribution of methamphetamine. The jury returned the verdict to United States District Court Judge James M. Moody, Jr., who will sentence Adams and Church at a later date. Adams and Church will remain in federal custody while they await sentencing. They both face a statutory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the fentanyl charges related to the death. Adams also faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years on the methamphetamine charge. The evidence presented at trial showed that on April 16, 2023, law enforcement officers from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Crab Apple Circle in reference to multiple overdoses. Once law enforcement officers arrived, they located four individuals who overdosed. After medical personnel administered Narcan, three individuals survived, but one individual died at the scene. During the trial, two witnesses who survived overdoses testified that after arriving at the residence on Crab Apple Circle, Adams offered them methamphetamine, along with Church and the victim who died. After smoking the methamphetamine, Church asked Adams if she could provide to the group what Church said was the “cocaine” that Adams had in her room. Church then got the substance from Adams’ room and provided it to the group, using some herself. The substance was in fact fentanyl. Nearly immediately after ingesting the fentanyl the four individuals who used the drug began passing out, including Church. Adams, who did not use the substance that caused the other four individuals to overdose, waited approximately 45 minutes before notifying anyone about the overdoses, and then called a friend rather than emergency services. The drug offenses carry additional penalties of up to a $1,000,000.00 fine and at least three years of supervised release. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The investigation was conducted by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Walker and Jordan Crews prosecuted the case. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Andrew Gross, 42, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty September 11, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City. Gross was convicted of possessing child pornography. At the plea hearing, Gross admitted that between April 1, 2024, and May 14, 2024, he engaged in the receipt and possession of child pornography. Sioux City Police received a report from the parents of a 15-year-old regarding conversations Gross was having with their child that were sexual in nature. Further investigation revealed that Gross and the minor victim discussed sexually explicit messages which also contained photographs of the minor victim. Gross also admitted to possessing other images and videos of child pornography. In 2021, Gross had been convicted of offenses relating to aggravated sexual abuse involving a minor in Minnesota. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gross remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Gross faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was investigated by Sioux City Police Department and the South Sioux City Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4021. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cherokee, Iowa, Man to Federal Prison for  Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Roger Strickland, age 62, from Cherokee, Iowa, was sentenced September 9, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa, to over 5 years in prison. Strickland pled guilty on April 25, 2025, to two counts of possessing child pornography. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from June 2022, through May 2023, Strickland received and possessed child pornography. Agents searched Strickland’s home on May 25, 2023, and seized several pieces of evidence. Agents asked to speak to whomever at the home was downloading child pornography and Strickland replied, “It’s me.” Then, while agents were awaiting results of the forensic analysis of Strickland’s electronic devices, law enforcement was again notified Strickland was receiving and possessing child pornography. Strickland admitted that between August 2023, through February 2024, Strickland received and possessed more child pornography even while knowing he was actively being investigated. In total, over 225 videos and 8,000 images of child pornography were discovered on his electronic devices. Strickland further admitted that the images and videos involved material portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Strickland was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Strickland was also ordered to pay $39,000 in restitution to the child victims in the case. Strickland remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Cherokee Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is CR24-4067. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: United States Seeks Civil Forfeiture of Cryptocurrency Associated with Iranian National Mohammad Abedini

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture action to recover approximately $584,741 in cryptocurrency alleged to be the property of Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, a/k/a Mohammad Abedini (Abedini), 39, of Tehran, Iran and/or his company San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA). The government seized USDT (Tether) from an un-hosted cryptocurrency wallet alleged to be controlled by Abedini. USDT (Tether) is a stablecoin, meaning its value is tied to the U.S. dollar. Abedini was detained by Italian authorities on Dec. 16, 2024 but was later released in January 2025. He is believed to be in Iran. According to court documents, Abedini is the founder and managing director of SDRA, an Iranian company that manufactures navigation modules used in the IRGC’s military drone program. SDRA’s main business is the sale of a proprietary navigation system—known as the Sepehr Navigation System—to the IRGC, which the United States designated as an FTO on April 15, 2019. The primary application of SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System is for use in UAVs, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. In December 2024 , Abedini was charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the IRGC, specifically, the IRGC Aerospace Force, which is the strategic missile, air and space force within the IRGC. Since at least in or about 2014, SDRA has had multiple projects with the IRGC Aerospace Force, including projects for guided rockets and integrated navigation systems. As alleged, between 2021 and 2022, approximately 99% of SDRA’s sales of the Sepehr Navigation System, which are used in IRGC one-way attack drones, were to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force. In January 2024, three U.S. service members were killed, and more than 40 others were injured, in a drone attack by IRGC-backed militants on a military base located in northern Jordan, known as Tower 22. According to court documents, analysis of the drone that was recovered from the site of the attack showed that the drone was an Iranian Shahed UAV and that the navigation system used in the drone was the Sepehr Navigation System, which was manufactured by SDRA. U.S. law authorizes the forfeiture of all assets of individuals or entities engaged in planning or perpetrating a federal crime of terrorism against the United States, citizens or residents of the United States, or their property and all assets, foreign or domestic, affording any person a source of influence over any such entity. U.S. law further authorizes the forfeiture of all assets acquired or maintained by any person with the intent and for the purpose of supporting, planning, conducting, or concealing any federal crime of terrorism against the United States, citizens or residents of the United States, or their property. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the District of Massachusetts’ Asset Recovery Unit is prosecuting the civil forfeiture action. Assistant United States Jared Dolan, Alathea Porter and Christopher Looney of the District of Massachusetts’ Criminal Division; Trial Attorney Christina Clark of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section; and Trial Attorneys Jessica Joyce and John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the criminal case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is providing assistance. The details contained in the civil forfeiture complaint and criminal charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Quant At Investment Management Firm Charged With Securities And Wire Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced today an Indictment charging JIAN WU with engaging in a scheme to defraud his employer, a New York-based investment management firm (the “Firm”), by secretly manipulating computer-based algorithmic investment models that were used to execute securities trading strategies at the Firm. WU is currently a fugitive, and the case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe. “As alleged, Jian Wu deceived his employer, a quantitative trading firm, into paying him millions of dollars of unearned compensation,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Wu’s employer trusted him to act with integrity when creating models for the firm’s use. Instead, Wu used his technical abilities to cheat his employer out of millions. This Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate, detect, and prosecute fraud in the securities markets wherever we find it.” “Jian Wu allegedly abused his position to manipulate data models, which resulted in an undeserved multimillion-dollar award for his unlawful actions,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “In doing so, Wu betrayed the trust of his employer who relied on his expertise. The FBI continues its steadfast promise to hold accountable those who seek to exploit their positions to generate illicit compensation.” As alleged in the Indictment: [1] WU was employed as a modeler at the Firm, a quantitative investment management firm in Manhattan. In his role, WU designed models for the Firm’s investment vehicles and related funds, using data to build price forecasting models that generated forecasts on stocks and other financial instruments. Between 2021 and 2023, WU deceived the Firm by manipulating trading models he created in order to increase his own compensation. Specifically, WU designed models, which were approved and released for use, and then covertly made post-release changes to the models’ parameters, which significantly altered the models’ behavior. WU also secretly tested his models on data sets that misrepresented how the models would perform once approved and released. As a result of these changes and misrepresentations, the Firm rewarded WU with an inflated year-end compensation of approximately $23 million. WU then used a portion of his compensation to purchase a multimillion-dollar apartment in Manhattan. When the Firm uncovered WU’s scheme, WU made additional unauthorized changes to the models’ parameters in an attempt to conceal his prior tampering. The Firm fired WU in 2024. * * * WU, 34, of China, is charged with one count each of wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which separately initiated civil proceedings against the defendant today. The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Li and Alexandra Rothman are in charge of the prosecution. U.S. v. Wu Indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Jemez Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Jemez man was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for sexually abusing two minors. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, in 2012, Tyler Chinana , 35, an enrolled member of the Jemez Pueblo, engaged in unlawful sexual contact with a minor victim who was under the age of 12 at the time. In a separate incident in November 2022, Chinana engaged in similar unlawful sexual contact with a second minor victim who was also under the age of 12. Chinana pled guilty to two counts of abusive sexual contact. Upon his release from prison, Chinana will be subject to ten years of supervised release and must register as a sexual offender. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jemez Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meg Tomlinson prosecuted the case.