title: Illegal alien admits to abandoning corpse after smuggling scheme results in death

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 24-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Edinburg has pleaded guilty to transporting other illegal aliens resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. On May 27, 2024, Victor Manuel Martinez-Gallegos picked up several aliens in Brownsville and drove them to a stash house where he harbored and shielded them from detection. The investigation revealed that an illegal alien from Guatemala was in visible distress but still alive. However, he later died at the location. As part of his plea, Martinez-Gallegos admitted leaving the body at a site near Maverick Road in Brownsville. Authorities later discovered human remains at the location and identified them as belonging to the missing victim. “Human smuggling is a depraved, dangerous business, and one where the smugglers often show no mercy or compassion to those they transport,” said Ganjei. “I implore anyone considering hiring a smuggler - either for themselves or their loved ones - to think twice. Stay home and stay safe.” U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera will impose sentencing Dec. 17. At that time, Martinez-Gallegos faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office and University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano is prosecuting the case.


title: Two plead guilty in large-scale interstate email scam scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - A Houston man and woman have pleaded guilty to their respective roles in an identity theft and business email compromise scam (BEC), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. From 2021 to 2022, Bolaji Okunnu, 31, operated an unlicensed money transmitting business that received and transmitted funds from the BEC scheme. As part of his plea, Okunnu acknowledged he moved money through bank accounts that he and others controlled. The funds originated from fraudsters involved in a BEC wire fraud scheme involving at least four victims. Okunnu admitted receiving the funds and then, for a fee, transmitting the fraud proceeds to others. The scheme also included the theft of stolen checks from various companies. Amber Bush, 30, created bank accounts to funnel money from stolen checks to Destini Godfrey, who is charged in the BEC wire fraud scheme. As part of her plea, Bush admitted to using the name and personal identifying information of a real person without their knowledge or consent to open a bank account at JP Morgan Chase bank. After receiving deposits into that account which originated from a stolen check, Bush acknowledged she then issued four checks totaling $165,000 to Godfrey. More than 45 people in multiple states, including Okunnu and eight others in the Southern District of Texas, have been charged in separate BEC schemes that affected numerous victims. U.S. District Judge George Hanks will impose sentencing Dec. 8. At that time, Okunnu faces up to five years in federal prison, while Bush faces a mandatory prison term of two years. Both could also be ordered to pay a $250,000 maximum possible fine. They were permitted to remain on bond pending those hearings. Godfrey, 31, Houston, is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000. He is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. The FBI-Bryan Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation with valuable assistance from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Edison Police Department in New Jersey and other law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.


title: Houston pimp felon sentenced to over 15 years for sexual conduct with minor and illegal possession of firearm

body_text: HOUSTON – A 42-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Brandon Dominic Porter pleaded guilty May 15. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now sentenced Porter to a total of 188 months in prison. He will also serve the rest of his life on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Porter will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. “The goal of Project Safe Childhood is to protect children from sexual abusers,” said Ganjei . “Thanks to the good work of law enforcement and our SDTX prosecutors, this dangerous predator will spend the next decade-and-a-half behind bars.” On Oct. 11, 2022, the victim’s mother reported her daughter missing. The investigation led law enforcement to Porter who had been at a local hotel. Following his departure, they conducted a traffic stop at which time they found a pink iPhone, school paperwork and documents containing the name of the victim. They also discovered another phone in the vehicle as well as a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol under the driver’s gear shaft and center console. He claimed the pink phone was his, but authorities were able to link it to the victim. They located her the following day. Forensic examination of the two phones revealed photos and videos, several of which depicted sexual activity between the minor female and Porter. The videos were taken July 20-Oct. 5, 2022. The investigation revealed he had coerced her into performing sex acts and prostituting herself for his financial gain. Porter has multiple prior felony convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition per federal law. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Stuart Tallichet and former AUSA Sherri Zack prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Reentry of Removed Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ROLANDO HUMBERTO CASTILLO-BERNARDEZ (“CASTILLO-BERNARDEZ”) , age 41, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on September 17, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). According to court documents, CASTILLO-BERNARDEZ was found in Orleans Parish on or around July 15, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on May 17, 2019. United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced CASTILLO-BERNARDEZ to time served and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. He will be transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation to Honduras. 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). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution. * * *


title: Federal grand jury indicts former FBI director for false statements and obstruction in congressional testimony

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging former FBI Director James Comey with making a false statement and obstruction relating to his oral testimony before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 30, 2020. “The charges as alleged in this case represent a breach of the public trust at an extraordinary level,” said U.S. Attorney Halligan. “The balance of power is a bedrock principle of our democracy, and it relies upon accountability and a forthright presentation of facts from executive leadership to congressional oversight. Any intent to avoid, evade, prevent, or obstruct compliance is a violation of professional responsibility and, most importantly, the law.” If convicted, Comey faces up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-272. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Attorney General Bondi, Director Patel Statements Regarding Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, a federal grand jury has charged former FBI Director James Comey with serious crimes related to the disclosure of sensitive information. The indictment alleges that Comey obstructed a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information in violation of 18 USC 1505. The indictment also alleges that Comey made a false statement in violation of 18 USC 1001. Comey stated that he did not authorize someone at the FBI to be an anonymous source. According to the indictment that statement was false. “No one is above the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.” “Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “For far too long, previous corrupt leadership and their enablers weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust. Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on. Nowhere was this politicization of law enforcement more blatant than during the Russiagate hoax, a disgraceful chapter in history we continue to investigate and expose. Everyone, especially those in positions of power, will be held to account - no matter their perch. No one is above the law.” An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mexican Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute 167 Pounds of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arizona

number: 2025-154_Anaya-Valencia, et al

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jorge Anaya-Valencia, 48, of Guyamas, Sonora, Mexico, who was unlawfully living in Arizona, was sentenced on September 23, by United States District Judge Krissa M. Lanham to 180 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Anaya-Valencia’s co-defendants, all illegal aliens, were previously sentenced in this case. Jesus Manuel Soto Quihui was sentenced to 60 months in prison, and Diego Nunez-Aispuri and Ivan Manuel Higuera Torres both received sentences of 46 months. According to court documents, in November 2023, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identified Anaya-Valencia as a member of a drug trafficking organization operating in Phoenix, Arizona. On January 23, 2024, while conducting surveillance on Anaya-Valencia, agents watched as Higuero Torres arrived in a red Ford F-150 pickup truck to meet with Anaya-Valencia. Anaya-Valencia initially inspected the back seat of the truck, and then Nunez-Aispuro loaded two plastic containers and one cardboard box out of the back seat of the Ford F-150 into the cargo area of a Chevrolet Tahoe, which Soto Quihui was driving. After Nunez-Aispuro completed the transfer, all four defendants left in various vehicles, and were thereafter arrested by law enforcement. Agents searched the Chevrolet Tahoe and inside the plastic containers and cardboard box found and seized approximately 76 kilograms (167 pounds) of methamphetamine. Agents also seized two firearms: one inside the glove compartment of Anaya-Valencia’s vehicle, and a second in the waistband of Soto Quihui. According to records, Anaya-Valencia has twelve prior removals from the United States and nine previous criminal immigration convictions. He also has a prior felony conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale. At the time he was arrested in this case, Anaya-Valencia was on supervised release, and he was sentenced to an additional 6 months in prison as part of the disposition in that case. The DEA Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart J. Zander and Travis L. Wheeler, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 24-CR-00255-01-PHX-KML; 19-CR-01081-PHX-KML RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-154_Anaya-Valencia, et al. # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: New Jersey Man, New York Man, and Four Corporate Entities Indicted for Multi-Million Dollar Fraudulent Investment Scheme, Conspiracy to Obstruct Grand Jury Investigation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOSIAH DAVID (aka “Dennis Lee”) (“DAVID ”), age 79, a resident of Vernon, New Jersey, JAMES MICHAEL KAFES (“KAFES”) , age 57, a resident of Carmel, New York, and four corporate entities with which they are affiliated, PROVISION CORPORATION, LLC (“PROVISION”), THE PREMIER HEALTHCARE SOLUTION, LLC (“PREMIER”), OUT OF POCKET RELIEF FOR AMERICANS, LLC (“OPRA”), and THE SUPPORTERS OF OPRA, LLC (TSOPRA”) , were charged today in an eight-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 1349 (Count 1), six counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (Counts 2 through 7), and conspiracy to obstruct justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1503(a) (Count 8). All defendants are charged in Count 1, DAVID , KAFES , and PREMIER are charged in each of Counts 2 through 7, and DAVID and KAFES are charged in Count 8. According to the indictment, Total Financial Group (TTFG) was a Louisiana business incorporated in 2005 and located in, Covington, Louisiana, until its operations ceased in 2017. Denis Joachim incorporated, owned, and operated TTFG. TTFG and Joachim created and marketed a Medical Reimbursement Account program called “Classic 105,” which had three fundamental parts: monthly administration fees charged to employee-participants and employer-clients for participating in the program, a loan from a lender to employee-participants that would effectively offset the amount of an employee-participant’s monthly fee that the employee-participants never needed to repay, and an insurance policy secured on the life of the employee-participant and payable to the lender at the time of the employee-participant’s death to repay the loan amount. DAVID and PROVISION formed an association with Joachim and TTFG to market Classic 105 to prospective employer-clients and to seek, ultimately unsuccessfully, financial institutions to fund the loan component of Classic 105. Federal law enforcement authorities executed search warrants at Joachim’s residence and TTFG’s office in Covington, Louisiana in January 2017, effectively shutting down TTFG. Joachim was charged by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and thereafter pleaded guilty, based on the fraudulent development, marketing, and sale of Classic 105. Nevertheless, soon after the search warrant, DAVID and KAFES signed a “letter of intent” promising Joachim they would establish a program that would be a successor to Classic 105. DAVID and PROVISION then created PREMIER for two purported purposes: to develop and administer a program modeled on and that was a continuation of Classic 105 (the “New 105 Plan”) and to solicit investors to purchase “units” in PREMIER by representing that investor-owners would profit significantly once the New 105 Plan “launched.” PREMIER and DAVID also entered into a consulting agreement with Joachim that agreed to pay Joachim up to $20,000 per month, which they called “royalty payments,” despite PREMIER having no clients and generating no outside revenue. In fact, the New 105 Plan never even launched. KAFES was the President of PREMIER . While DAVID was advertised as merely KAFES’s assistant, in reality, he was responsible for its development, operation, and management, and was its primary representative. The New 105 Plan had the same components as Classic 105. To convince potential and current investor-owners to contribute, DAVID , KAFES , and the entities they oversaw, made numerous false statements and material omissions. Among the false representations DAVID , KAFES , and their entities made were that the New 105 Plan was close to launch, that the New 105 Plan and its underlying intellectual property were “patent protected.” Additionally, DAVID and KAFES represented that PREMIER had already solidified funding for the loan component from financial institutions, and that law firms had vetted the New 105 Plan and deemed it legal and legitimate. DAVID , KAFES , and their entities also withheld material information from current and prospective investors, including falsely characterizing their relationship with, and obligations to, Joachim. They did so by, among other things, understating DAVID’s role in the program, failing to disclose that DAVID (under his original name, “Dennis Lee”) had multiple felony convictions, suits filed against him for violations of state securities and/or consumer protection laws, public warnings about him issued by multiple state regulator entities, and a stipulated order for a permanent injunction and final judgment entered based on charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission. In total, investor-owners made purchases and contributions totaling over $4,000,000. DAVID , KAFES , and PREMIER sent over $550,000 of these funds to Joachim in more than 120 transactions. Further, DAVID and KAFES are charged with conspiring to obstruct the due administration of justice, namely a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana. DAVID and KAFES are alleged to have agreed and arranged for DAVID to withhold from production, material responsive to a federal grand jury, and discouraged an owner-investor from meeting with federal investigative authorities. Finally, on or about March 27, 2025, KAFES is alleged to have testified falsely while under oath before the Eastern District federal grand jury. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, DAVID and KAFES face up to twenty years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each of Counts 1 through 8 and, up to five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to Count 8. Each corporate defendant faces, for each count with which it is charged, up to a $500,000 fine. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Department of Labor –Employee Benefits Security Administration and Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson also recognized the contributions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Dayton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Veterans Organization

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— A Dayton, Oregon, woman was sentenced today for defrauding the Department of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Cheryl Elizabeth Campos, 62, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. According to court documents, between January 2022 and June 2024, Campos misused her position as Quartermaster of the VFW to access the VFW’s bank accounts and embezzled large sums of money to her personal accounts. To conceal the embezzlement, Campos falsified financial documents, bank statements, and accounting records. In total, Campos embezzled more than $1.7 million from the VFW’s accounts to her personal accounts. Campos used the funds to buy hundreds of crystals, semi-precious rocks, marbles, stones, and statues. She also used the funds for personal expenses, including making credit card payments and purchasing a vehicle for a family member. On March 24, 2025, Campos was charged by criminal information with wire fraud. On April 15, 2025, Campos pleaded guilty to wire fraud. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Portland Man Charged with Stealing Mail

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— Michael John Peters, 42, of Portland, Oregon, has been charged with stealing mail from condominium and apartment complexes in Northwest and Southwest Portland. According to court documents and information shared in court, from May to September 2025, Peters used counterfeit or modified postal keys to access mailboxes on at least 12 occasions. On September 23, 2025, U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a federal search warrant at an apartment in the Pearl District that Peters rented using a stolen identity. In the apartment, investigators found evidence of identity theft including approximately 300 pieces of U.S. mail that were not addressed to Peters, false identification documents, stolen identity documents, and counterfeit checks. Peters made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Cayuga County Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for  Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brien Fredendall, age 46, of Port Byron, New York, was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison for his convictions on two counts of possession of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. As part of his prior guilty plea, Fredendall, who has a previous New York State conviction for possession of child pornography, admitted that he possessed videos and images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) he received from a minor on his Snapchat account. He also admitted to possessing additional CSAM on his cellular phone. Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after Fredendall’s release from imprisonment. Fredendall will also be required to continue to register as a sex offender upon his release. Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone who seeks to exploit and harm children. There is no room in our society for predators like Fredendall, other than in prison. His decade-long federal prison term is a clear message: those who prey on our most vulnerable will face the full force of the law. We are unwavering in our mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli said, “Mr. Fredendall, who was already a convicted predator, continued to prey on our most vulnerable. Now, he’s headed to federal prison for a decade. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to leverage our partnerships at every level of law enforcement to stop children from being exploited and bring to justice those responsible for these despicable acts.” This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force with the assistance of the Cayuga County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Washington County Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child Pornography

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas P. Allen, Sr., age 44, of Granville, New York, pled guilty on Monday to transportation of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Allen admitted that from about February 2016 through November 2018, and in December 2019, he used the internet to upload images of child pornography to his Google Drive account. Additionally, he received images of child pornography on his cellular phone. Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thomas P. Allen’s deliberate and calculated use of the internet to transport and possess child pornography is a violation of the law and the innocence of children. My office will not allow anyone who engages in such sickening conduct to evade justice. This case should serve as a warning to all who would exploit children: we will pursue you relentlessly, and we will ensure you face the full force of the law.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “This plea ensures Mr. Allen will spend time in federal prison for his despicable actions. The FBI will continue to aggressively seek out and investigate those who prey on our most vulnerable, especially predators who possess child pornography.” Sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Allen faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Allen also will have to pay restitution to victims, forfeit property he used to commit the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Canadian Man Sentenced Following Trial Convictions for Pandemic Fraud

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Osei, a/k/a/ “Kyngjo,” age 30, a Canadian citizen formerly of Albany, was sentenced on Tuesday to 54 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), made the announcement. The trial evidence showed that from August 2020 through November 2020, Osei fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor worth more than $200,000. Additional evidence also included Osei’s schemes to defraud the state workforce agencies of California, Rhode Island, and Arizona using stolen identities to apply for and obtain pandemic unemployment insurance benefits. In May, jurors deliberated for less than two hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts, including four counts of mail fraud, one count of access device fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered a 3-year term of supervised release to follow Osei’s release from prison, as well as restitution to the State of New York and State of Arizona in the total amount of $211,360, and forfeiture of a money judgment. Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Joseph Osei’s brazen exploitation of critical relief programs during a national crisis was an affront to every individual who genuinely relied on these resources to survive. By stealing the identities of other people, Osei not only violated the law but also undermined the very purpose of programs designed to help those in need. His actions were callous and calculated, and justice was served when he was found guilty on all counts and then sentenced yesterday to 54 months in prison. I thank each law enforcement agency involved in this task force for their hard work in prosecuting this case.” USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “The relief programs that Osei stole from were created as lifelines during the COVID pandemic and Osei took funds away from those in need and victimized unsuspecting people by stealing their personal identifying information. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will relentlessly pursue those who misuse the mail for fraud and bring them to justice.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “HSI Albany is proud to have played a role in ensuring Joseph Osei faced the consequences of his fraud and identity theft. The prosecution of Osei will serve as a deterrent to anyone else who thinks about trying to steal from New Yorkers and government programs.” Jonathan R. Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, USDOL-OIG stated, “Joseph Osei used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain critical taxpayer funds intended for American workers in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains a top priority for the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensure the protection of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.” This case was investigated by USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and HSI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuted the case.


title: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Quintron Dixon, age 22, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. Dixon admitted that on September 13, 2023, he sold approximately 52 grams of pure methamphetamine to a customer in Syracuse. On July 24, 2025, during an arrest, Syracuse police officers found in Dixon’s pocket a plastic bag, which Dixon admitted as part of his plea contained approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Methamphetamine is a particularly dangerous and addictive drug, and those who peddle this deadly poison are a scourge on our communities. Together with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to rooting out drug traffickers and putting them behind bars, where they belong.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This guilty plea reflects the strength of ongoing collaboration with ATF NY Syracuse Field Office, Syracuse PD Intel Unit and the US Attorney’s Office NDNY. Those who think they can disregard laws and push dangerous drugs into our communities – fueling addiction and death – will be held accountable. ATF NY remains committed to protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring the safety of those we serve.” Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Dixon faces a prison term on each count of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt McCrobie is prosecuting the case.


title: Central Georgia Woman Found Guilty of Pandemic Loan Fraud Scheme

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A Milledgeville, Georgia, resident was found guilty of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with most of the funds received used for luxury cars and personal expenses. Rosalend Way, 40, of Milledgeville, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of money laundering on Sept. 24, following a three-day trial that began on Sept. 22. Way is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 2. Codefendant, James Frank Austin, 51, of Americus, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud and two counts of money laundering on Aug. 27. Austin is facing a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Austin is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 19. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system. “Our office will pursue justice against those who exploited a taxpayer funded program created to sustain citizens during a national emergency,” stated U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our federal investigative and prosecutorial team is committed to holding these offenders accountable.” “Way and Austin chose to commit fraud, further depleting funds designed to help people who struggled to survive during the pandemic,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue criminals who cheat federal health programs and profit at the expense of American taxpayers.” “Defrauding the U.S. government is a serious offense which can bring lifelong consequences to individuals who commit the crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Taxpayers expect their hard-earned dollars to fund the programs and policies enacted by the government. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners will hold those accountable who exploit and defraud government programs for their own benefit.” According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, on June 21, 2020, Way and Austin applied for a PPP loan on behalf of Propel Opportunity Fund, a business established to raise capital through investors and use the funds to conduct pre-development work in underserved neighborhoods, preparing them for future development. The PPP loan application indicated that Propel had 18 employees with an average monthly payroll of $420,558, and they needed the funds to make payroll, as well as to pay their mortgage interest and utilities. They also submitted a fraudulent W-3 that indicated Propel paid $4,999,789 in wages in 2019. Way claimed 100% ownership of Propel on the PPP loan application. IRS records from Propel’s 2019 corporate tax return showed that the company did not pay any salaries or wages, nor did Propel’s bank statements reflect payroll as suggested in the PPP application. The loan was approved and Propel received $1,051,395. Approximately $500,000 ended up in bank account’s belonging to Way and was spent on personal items including dining, retail, gas, groceries and cash withdrawals. Additionally, Austin used approximately $30,000 in funds from another fraudulently obtained PPP loan to pay off Way’s Mercedez-Benz. Austin submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application on May 9, 2020, on behalf of the Austin Smith Center for Community Development (ASCCD). As a result of this fraudulent application, ASCCD was awarded a $654,315.00 PPP loan. Austin also obtained another fraudulent PPP loan for Propel and received $372,500 on March 15, 2021. Instead of these funds being spent for authorized expenditures under the PPP program, Austin used the money for personal expenses, including $119,840 on a Bentley. Austin obtained a total of $2,078,210 in fraudulent PPP loans. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The FBI and the IRS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Howard and Hannah Couch are prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Hammond Man Sentenced to 262 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND – Michael Swiger, 41 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after a jury found him guilty of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography, following a three-day jury trial, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Swiger was sentenced to 262 months in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and ordered to pay $49,000 in restitution to the victims of the offenses. According to documents in the case, a jury found Swiger guilty of distributing videos of child sexual abuse material over a social media application on April 4, 2022, and also of possessing child sexual abuse material on April 5, 2022. “Today’s sentence stands as a warning to all those who believe distributing and collecting images and videos of the sexual abuse of children will be ignored or tolerated,” said Acting United States Attorney Proctor, “My office, in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies will aggressively investigate, prosecute, and seek restitution from anyone who victimizes the most vulnerable members of our community.” “This case demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to pursue justice for the most vulnerable members of our society—our children,” said Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Scarpino. “What began as a narcotics investigation quickly revealed the defendant’s involvement in the heinous crime of child exploitation. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of HSI Minneapolis, HSI Chicago/Hammond, and our local law enforcement partners, we were able to uncover the full scope of the defendant’s criminal activities and bring him to justice. This conviction sends a clear message: HSI will relentlessly pursue those who exploit children and will use every resource available to ensure they are held accountable for their actions.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Chicago and St. Paul) with assistance from the Hammond Police Department and the Indiana State Police Digital Forensics Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily A. Morgan, Caitlin M. Padula, and Thomas M. McGrath. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Pipe bomber sentenced to 12 years in prison for blowing up ATM

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ATLANTA – Abdurrahim Jalal has been sentenced for blowing up a bank automated teller machine and possessing illegal explosive devices at his home. “Jalal used deadly explosives to steal tens of thousands of dollars and then shamelessly gambled with the loot at a casino,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Although Jalal refused to wager his own money at the gaming tables, he will now pay the price for his crimes.” “Abdurrahim Jalal chose greed over the safety of our community when he used an explosive to steal money,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “Violence and destruction of property will never be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to work together to ensure criminals like Jalal are held accountable.” “The successful prosecution of Abdurrahim Jalal is a testament to our unwavering commitment to public safety. We will not tolerate the use of explosives in criminal activity, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our communities are brought to justice said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges and other information presented in court: At approximately 3:11 a.m. on March 29, 2023, Jalal blew up an ATM at the Bank of America branch located at the North DeKalb Mall in Decatur, Georgia. After the explosion, Jalal took approximately $90,000 from the vault of the machine. He then embarked on a multi-day gambling spree at a North Carolina casino. Investigators identified Jalal and obtained a warrant to search his home. They found eight fully assembled or nearly completed pipe bombs during that search. On September 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown sentenced Abdurrahim Jalal, 55, of Decatur, Georgia to 12 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Jalal was found guilty of bank theft, use of an explosive to commit a felony, arson, and two counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device, after a bench trial on June 25, 2025. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DeKalb County Police Department and the DeKalb County Fire Rescue. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga . This release has been corrected to accurately reflect that the defendant was sentenced for 12 years, not 14 as previously published.


title: Greensboro Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO – A Greensboro, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to over 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC). TRISTAN DYLAN GRAY, age 38, was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment plus 3 years of supervised release by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. According to court records, on January 1, 2024, officers with the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) responded to a shooting into an occupied apartment on Merritt Drive. On January 4, 2024, officers with GPD conducted a traffic stop on GRAY during which he was found in possession of Taurus handgun. GPD officers arrested GRAY as a felon in possession. Subsequently, a Firearms and Toolmark Examiner with GPD determined that the cartridge cases collected from the shooting at the apartment on January 1, 2024 were fired by the same Taurus handgun that GRAY possessed on January 4, 2024. After an evidentiary hearing today, the Court found that GRAY shot multiple rounds into the occupied apartment. At the time of his arrest, GRAY had been previously convicted of felony hit and run inflicting serious injury (Rockingham County, 2022) and sentenced to an active term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, GRAY was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. GRAY pleaded guilty on June 10, 2025, to one count of felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). The case was investigated by the Greensboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney. ###


title: Missouri Woman Sentenced in Scheme to Fraudulently Foreclose on Graceland

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Lisa Jeannie Findley, 54 , of Kimberling City, Missouri, was sentenced to serve 57 months in federal prison related to her unsuccessful scheme to defraud Elvis Presley’s family of millions of dollars and steal the family’s ownership interest in Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home located in Memphis, Tennessee. Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today. According to the indictment returned by a federal grand jury in September 2024, Findley orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland, falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, had pledged the historic landmark as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death. Findley pled guilty in February 2025 to a charge of mail fraud arising from this scheme. In addition to the prison term, Senior United States District Court Judge, John T. Fowlkes, Jr., also ordered Findley to serve a three-year period of supervision following her release from custody. “Fame and money are magnets for criminals who look to capitalize on another person’s celebrity status. In this case, Ms. Findley took advantage of the very public and tragic occurrences in the Presley family as an opportunity to prey on the name and financial status of the heirs to the Graceland estate; attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to the Presley family for her personal gain. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners put an end to her scheme, protecting the Presley family from continued harm and stress. Today’s sentencing marks the culmination of our relentless investigative work in this case and is another example of our commitment in bringing criminals to justice for their illegal activity,” said Eric Shen, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “Orchestrating a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland is a crime against both the Presley family and the public,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Nashville Field Office. “This sentence serves as a reminder that the FBI is committed to vigorously pursue cases against individuals, in the United States and abroad, who would steal an identity and use fraud to benefit themselves personally. It is thanks to the dedication of the FBI and our partners that justice was served.” This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the FBI – Memphis Field Office. Assistant Chief Cory E. Jacobs and Trial Attorneys Christopher Fenton and Aaron Henricks of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorney Carroll L. Andre III for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Massachusetts Couple Convicted of Sex Trafficking

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester, Mass. husband and wife were convicted on Sept. 22, 2025, of sex trafficking following a six-day jury trial. Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion- both counts relating to the interfamilial trafficking of a younger relative. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2025. The defendants were arrested and indicted in December 2022 . Evidence presented at trial proved that from February through May 2022, the Sotos used force, fraud and coercion to traffic the victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. A website was used to advertise the victim to sex buyers all over New England. Kiersten Soto regularly threatened the victim with violence, abandonment and involuntary commitment to a facility. Moises Soto used extreme physical violence including – beatings, assaults with wooden dowel rods and choking if he victim failed to make enough money. Videos from the defendants’ cell phones show the defendants cornering the victim in their home, threatening her, berating her, calling her a snitch, all while the victim suffered through agonizing drug withdrawals. “Kiersten and Moises Soto built their so-called livelihood off of brutality and control. The Sotos compounded their cruelty by recording the abuse – immortalizing the victim’s trauma for their own depraved purposes,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s convictions send the unmistakable message that this office will relentlessly pursue those who traffic in human suffering, and we will not stop until they are exposed, prosecuted, and brought to justice.” “HSI has no tolerance for those who exploit and traffic vulnerable individuals,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “With these two traffickers brought to justice, a victim is now free from exploitation and on the path to healing. HSI is grateful for the partnership and support of our local and state partners from the Marlborough Police Department, the Worcester Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police.” The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution to the victim. The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution to the victim. The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, provides for a sentence oof up to five years in prison, a maximum of three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. U.S. Attorney Foley and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Marlborough and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Southfield Doctor Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Illegally Prescribing More Than 200,000 Opioid pills worth more than $5.2 million

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT –Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, of Southfield, was sentenced today to six years in prison based on her conviction following a jury trial on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription opioids, including Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, and 10 counts of illegal distribution of Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office. Valentine was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terrence G. Berg, who presided over the trial. The charges on which she was convicted and sentenced stemmed from her role as one of two doctors at Orthopedic Medical Building who issued illegal opioid prescriptions. From November 2016 to July 2018, Valentine issued more than 3,000 prescriptions for more than 200,000 pills to supposed “patients” who did not have a legitimate medical need for the drugs. Her co-defendant, Dr. Michele Ritter, also illegally issued thousands of opioid prescriptions. Most “patients” were brought to the clinic by “patient recruiters/marketers.” Orthopedic Medical Building, a sham clinic that operated out of a warehouse in Oak Park, Michigan, was a cash-only “clinic,” and charged patients $200-500 per prescription, but did not charge anything if the patient didn’t receive an opioid prescription. As is common in illegal cash-only clinics, the prices were not based on the supposed service provided, but instead based on the quantity, type, and dosage of prescription opioids that the “patient” received, usually Oxycodone 30mg or Oxymorphone 40mg, two of the most addictive prescription opioids. These prescription drugs are also among the most highly diverted prescription opioids due to their high street value. The clinic also charged cash for the creation of fraudulent medical records for the supposed “patients.” Dr. Valentine was paid about 50% of the clinic’s proceeds – more than $500,000 in cash over about 19 months – and she was paid only if she wrote an opioid prescription to a patient, not based on any supposed “medical care.” She received an envelope of thousands in cash each day she worked. The other defendants charged in the case, including clinic operator Iris Winchester, Dr. Michele Ritter, and recruiter Joyce Robinson previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison. “Doctors take an oath to heal, not poison. As a doctor, this defendant knew better than anyone the devastating harm that opioid addiction causes to people. There is no place in our community for corrupt doctors,” said Gorgon. “Dr. Valentine’s sentencing sends a clear message that the FBI will not tolerate any medical professional who stands to gain personally from abusing their position and endangering the public by illegally prescribing opioids,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “We are grateful for our strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General throughout the entire investigation, and we remain in lockstep with our partners on pursuing these fraudulent medical schemes to save countless lives.” “As today’s sentencing demonstrates, physicians who endanger patients and engage in the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency will continue to work in concert with our law enforcement partners to protect patients and the integrity of our federal health care programs.” This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Lievense and Wayne F. Pratt. The Eastern District of Michigan is one of the twelve districts included in the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to target and prosecute individuals that are contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis. The case was investigated by special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General.


title: MEXICAN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL FIREARM POSSESSION

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez , 34, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal alien has brazenly and repeatedly violated our laws while illegally present in our country. I deeply appreciate the work of our local law enforcement partners and Homeland Security Investigations to stop his flagrant criminal behavior. My office remains committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminal aliens who violate our federal laws by prosecuting those offenders to the fullest extent.” On July 15, 2025, a Gulf Breeze Police Department officer responded to the Pensacola Bay Bridge in reference to a pickup truck stopped in the emergency lane. The officer arrived at the scene and identified the sole vehicle occupant as Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez by his Mexican passport. After speaking with the defendant, law enforcement arrested him for multiple driving offenses. A vehicle inventory was conducted before the truck was towed. During the inventory, a pistol was found in a bag near the driver’s seat. The defendant is a citizen of Mexico and was illegally in the United States. Mr. Rodriguez-Alvarez faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. The case involved an investigation by the Gulf Breeze Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: PENSACOLA MAN CHARGED WITH FEDERAL DRUG AND FIREARMS OFFENSES

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Tre’Veonce Ezekiel Sanders, 19, of Pensacola, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with possession of a machinegun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Sanders appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 3, 2025, before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. If convicted, Sanders faces up to ten years’ imprisonment for each of the firearms offenses and up to five years’ imprisonment for the drug crime. The case was joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 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: Former gym owner sentenced to more than 27 years in federal prison for producing and possessing images and videos of child sexual exploitation

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: Defendant made videos of minors using tanning bed STATESBORO, GA: On September 18, 2025, the former owner of a Toombs County fitness and tanning business was sentenced to federal prison for the sexual exploitation of teenagers ranging from 13 to 17 years old. Walter Joey Drew , 43, of Kite, Ga., was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randall Hall also ordered Drew to register as a sex offender, pay a $1,500 fine, pay $800 in special assessments, and serve 20 years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term. “Drew used his behind-the-scenes access to surreptitiously capture sexually exploitive images and videos of minor children innocently using his gym and visiting his home,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, Defendant Drew is being held responsible for his reprehensible actions.” As described in court documents and at sentencing, the Defendant used his smartphone to produce images and videos of minor children. This included recording a 13-year-old girl identified in the indictment as Minor Victim 5, while drying off nude with a towel in a bathroom of his home in Toombs County, Georgia. He then captured a screenshot from the video depicting the victim’s breasts and genitals and uploaded it to his Apple iCloud account. Minor Victim 5 was a friend of the Defendant’s teenage children. The Defendant also recorded a video of Minor Victim 5 in various stages of undress in a private tanning-bed room at the now-closed Legacy Performance Center in Lyons, Georgia, where Drew was an owner. He saved multiple sexually exploitive screen captures from the video and uploaded them to his iCloud account. The Defendant was accused of recording at least 6 other teenage children in the federal case and faces related state charges in Toombs County. He also faces additional charges for separate conduct at a previous residence in White County, Georgia. “This case is a disturbing reminder of the lengths predators will go to exploit children,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The GBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that those who commit these crimes are held fully accountable.” The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. Blanchard. Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/ .


title: Toombs County Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Filing a False Tax-Related Document

body_text: Business Owner Failed to Report $266,048 in Income STATESBORO, GA: Jonathan Mann (39) of Vidalia, Georgia, pled guilty in April 2025 to filing a false tax-related document for the 2018 tax year. On September 18, 2025, the Honorable J. Randal Hall, United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Georgia, sentenced Mann to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Mann was also ordered to pay $84,638 in restitution representing the amount of tax he owed on the unreported income. As described in court documents and at sentencing, Mann failed to inform his tax preparer of $266,048 in income received by his construction business between 2017 and 2019. Instead, Mann deposited these checks in his bank account or cashed them at the bank upon which the check was drawn. Mann’s conduct resulted in him paying $84,638 less in federal income tax over that 3-year period. “My office is committed to pursuing individuals that knowingly seek to avoid contributing their share of federal taxes and instead shifting to their fellow citizens the burden of keeping our government functioning,” said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant United States Attorney John P. Harper III.


title: Allston Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking "Date Rape" Drug and Methamphetamine

body_text: BOSTON – An Allston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to trafficking methamphetamine and 1,4-Butanediol (BDO), an analogue of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) – more commonly known as the “date rape drug” – out of his Allston home. Peter Schiepers, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine; two counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute Butanediol (an analogue of GHB); and two counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2026. In April 2025 , Schiepers was indicted by a federal grand jury. In November 2024, law enforcement received information that Schiepers was supplying methamphetamine in and around the Boston area. Between November 2024 and February 2025, a cooperating source conducted multiple controlled purchases from Schiepers. Specifically, in January 2025, Schiepers conducted a transaction for one ounce of methamphetamine. In February 2025 he sold four ounces of methamphetamine and a liter of BDO. The charge of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney John O. Wray of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison  for Child Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Eagle Butte, South Dakota, convicted of Child Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on September 22, 2025. Richard Hale, Jr., age 36, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release on each count. The sentences are to run concurrently. Hale was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Hale was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 26, 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in October 2024 in Eagle Butte, which is within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. On October 5, 2024, Hale assaulted his intimate partner, repeatedly striking her head with a cell phone while she was holding their infant child. At one point, Hale grabbed the child by the arm. Hale’s intimate partner suffered a laceration to her head. The child suffered multiple injuries, including skull and arm fractures. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Detective Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case. Hale was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Two Zuni Men Sentenced for Armed Assault

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Two Zuni men were sentenced to 33 months in prison each for a violent armed assault involving four victims. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on April 8, 2023, Kamron Kallestewa , 25, and Kaden Panteah , 20, both enrolled members of the Zuni Pueblo, assaulted four individuals at a residence on the Pueblo using firearms. Kallestewa hit two victims in the head and face with his weapon and pointed it at two of the victims. Panteah , meanwhile, aimed and fired his weapon toward the victims. Upon their release from prison, Kallestewa will be subject to two years of supervised release and Panteah will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.


title: Houston man faces federal charges for violent carjackings

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 22-year-old Houston man is set to make his initial appearance in federal court in connection with two carjackings, one of which resulted in the victim being shot, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jose Antonio Infante was in custody on related charges and expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett at 10 a.m. The five-count indictment, returned Sept. 16, alleges Infante used a firearm to carjack one victim June 8. Approximately a week later, he allegedly used a firearm to carjack a second victim. During that crime, the charges allege he discharged the weapon and struck the victim, causing serious bodily injury. If convicted, Infante faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the first carjacking and up to 25 years for the second. If convicted of the related firearms charges, he could also receive another seven and 10 years, respectively, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. He also faces a maximum of 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges all carry possible fines of up to $250,000. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Former Alabama Department of Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Bribery

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A former Alabama Department of Corrections Officer has been sentenced for bribery, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced John Paul Ketteman, 28, of Huntsville, to 15 months in prison for receipt of a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. According to the plea agreement, Ketteman was employed as a corrections officer at the Alabama Department of Correction’s Limestone Correctional Facility in Harvest, Alabama. Ketteman’s job duties included inspecting prison cells for contraband and supervising inmates. In the Fall of 2022, ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division began an investigation into contraband being smuggled into the Limestone Facility by corrections officers. As part of the investigation, Cash App records were obtained for Ketteman’s account. These records revealed that in less than three months in 2022, Ketteman was paid more than $10,000 to smuggle contraband into the Limestone Facility and to act as a lookout. The FBI and the United States Secret Service investigated the case. ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division provided valuable assistance during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Hundscheid prosecuted the case.


title: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to More Than Five and a Half Years in Prison for Possession of Multiple Firearms and Ammunition

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment for violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Morisee Williams, 41, of the Knoxville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. According to information presented to the Court, in May 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence and recovered four firearms (two of which were stolen), approximately seven ammunition magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a firearm mount and rifle grip. As a previously convicted felon, Williams is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Former District of Columbia Public Schools Vendor Found Guilty in Bribery and Kickback Scheme

body_text: WASHINGTON — Yelake Meseretu, 41, a former vendor whose company supplied goods to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury for his role in a conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud that involved illegal kickbacks that Meseretu paid to two DCPS officials, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Following a four-and-a-half-day trial, the jury deliberated eight hours before finding Meseretu guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate federal law, one count of bribery, and one count of honest services wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta scheduled sentencing for Feb. 6, 2026. Meseretu faces up to 15 years in prison. Joining in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and Inspector General for the District of Columbia Daniel W. Lucas. According to evidence presented at trial, Meseretu, owned U.S. Office Solutions, a local office goods and janitorial supply company that did millions of dollars per year in business with DCPS. Over the course of at least five years, Meseretu paid bribes and kickbacks to two DCPS procurement officials. In exchange, the two DCPS officials steered lucrative business and contracts to Meseretu’s company. As part of the scheme, Meseretu also agreed to defraud DCPS by delivering significantly fewer quantities of supplies on certain orders submitted by DCPS. In coordination with his two DCPS insiders, Meseretu generated falsified paperwork for supply orders that inflated the number of goods on certain orders. Meseretu’s business shorted the orders by delivering a lesser amount of goods than the amount listed on these orders. Based on false certifications made by or with the knowledge of the DCPS officials, DCPS paid Meseretu the full amount of the orders as if the deliveries had been completed in full. Meseretu split the overpayment with the DCPS officials by paying them cash kickbacks. In addition to Garnett’s conviction following a jury trial, Patricia Bailey, a former administrative officer for DCPS’s Cardozo Education Campus, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, 2023, to one count of bribery for her participation in the scheme. Sentencing is pending for each of the three defendants who have pleaded guilty. This case was investigated by FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Howland and John Borchert of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section. Garnett and Meseretu: 24cr281 Bailey: 23cr336


title: Five Men Indicted in Nationwide Refund and Payment Processing “Glitch” Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has returned a 22-count indictment charging five men in connection with a novel nationwide fraud and money laundering scheme that exploited payment processors and financial technology systems to generate millions of dollars in bogus refunds. Michael Jerry Phanor, 35; John Ngotho, 33; William Lopes, 35; Armani Amado, 28; and Henry Nunez, 27, are charged with wire fraud and money laundering offenses. According to the indictment, an earlier-filed criminal complaint affidavit, and statements made during initial court hearings, the defendants conspired with others to manipulate refund transactions at retail chains across the United States. It is alleged that the defendants used a “split-tender” method to purchase merchandise with two debit cards. They then returned the merchandise, securing a refund to the first card while intentionally stalling the process for the second refund by presenting the wrong card, entering incorrect pin numbers, or feigning calls to financial institutions. By holding the refund transaction open, the defendants triggered repeat refund signals, causing multiple credits to be issued to the first debit card. While one conspirator conducted the staged return in-store, others monitored the account associated with the first card, quickly withdrawing and transferring funds. After receiving multiple refund credits, the defendants terminated the return and brought the merchandise to other store locations to repeat the process. This scheme allowed the conspirators to generate tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent credits from a single purchase. The charged scheme was carried out at dozens of stores nationwide, including Miami, Tampa, New York City, Chicago, Phoenix, and Southern California. Law enforcement has traced $1.5 million in fraudulent refund credits and continues to identify additional accounts and transactions. The defendants flaunted their proceeds on social media, showcasing private jet travel, luxury vehicles, and bottle service at exclusive clubs, and referring to themselves as the “Money Grows On Trees” collective. On Aug. 26, Phanor, Ngotho, Lopes, and Nunez were arrested during the execution of search warrants at two luxury penthouse apartments in downtown Miami. Ngotho, a citizen of Kenya, and Phanor, a citizen of Haiti, are subject to deportation if convicted. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami announced the charges. HSI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sterling M. Paulson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Roca Shaw are prosecuting the case. An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-CR-20396. ###


title: Six Non-Profits Agree to Pay Over $3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Involving Paycheck Protection Program Loans

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia announced on September 23, 2025, that it has reached civil settlement agreements with six different non-profit organizations to resolve allegations that the organizations violated the False Claims Act when they applied for and received loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES Act”) was created to provide emergency financial support to Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses and other entities struggling to pay employees and other business expenses during the pandemic, but the Act also contained important limitations on loan eligibility. For example, the CARES Act permitted certain nonprofit organizations to obtain PPP loans, but organizations organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code were never eligible for such loans. Similarly, Congress prohibited from “second draw” PPP loans those entities primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities, including those entities organized for research or for engaging in public policy advocacy or political strategy or publicly referring to themselves as “think tanks.” The non-profit organizations that entered settled agreements with our Office were alleged to have falsely certified their eligibility for the PPP loans. “You don’t steal money from the federal government, especially when that money should be going to more deserving individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “The favorable settlements are the product of enhanced efforts by the Small Business Administration’s Office of General Counsel, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other Federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and recover monies improperly obtained from the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as penalties,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis. Our Office has entered into settlement agreements with the following organizations. Armenian National Committee of America Inc. (the “Committee”) is a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that represents the views of Armenian-Americans on various public policy matters. In April 2020, the Committee applied for and received a PPP loan in the amount of $92,340.91, and the Committee later sought and received forgiveness of that loan. The Committee has agreed to pay $184,681.82 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a PPP loan for which it was not eligible. Center for Immigration Studies (the “Center”) is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that describes itself as a think tank devoted to the research of U.S. immigration policy. In April 2021, the Center applied for a “second draw” PPP loan in the amount of $366,160 and subsequently received forgiveness of that loan. The Center has agreed to pay $401,299.15 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a PPP loan for which it was not eligible. Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired, Inc. (“DACOR”) is a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization of foreign affairs professionals that describes itself as fostering a public understanding of international affairs and diplomacy. In April 2020, DACOR applied for and received a PPP loan in the amount of $203,032, and the organization later sought and received forgiveness of that loan. DACOR has agreed to pay $355,306. to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining this loan for which it was not eligible. National Organization for Women (“NOW”) is a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that calls itself the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States. In April 2020, NOW applied for and received a PPP loan in the amount of $90,339, and the organization later sought and received forgiveness of that loan. NOW has agreed to pay $180,678 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining this loan for which it was not eligible. National Women’s Political Caucus Inc. (“NWPC”) is a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that represents itself as dedicated to recruiting and supporting women candidates for elected and appointed office. NWPC applied for two PPP loans, one for $9,582 in April 2020, and one for $7,895 around January 2021. NWPC subsequently applied for and received forgiveness of those loans. NWPC has agreed to pay $34,954 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining loans for which it was not eligible. Third Way is a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that calls itself a national think tank and advocacy organization for certain public policies. In April 2020, Third Way applied for and received a PPP loan in the amount of $974,771, and the organization later sought and received forgiveness of that loan. Third Way has agreed to pay $1,949,542 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining this loan for which it was not eligible. The civil settlements resulted from investigations by Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Tepe and Auditor Timothy C. Hurley. The United States Attorney further wishes to commend Attorney Caitlin J. Kelly of the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of the General Counsel for her assistance in the investigations. Tips and complaint regarding potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by submitting a NCDF Web Complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The claims resolved by the civil settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: 27-Year-Old Humacao Man Arrested for Child Exploitation Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Jan Robert Ayala De Jesús, a 27-year-old man from Humacao, Puerto Rico, with criminal charges related to child exploitation, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Today, FBI special agents arrested Ayala De Jesús. According to court documents, on or about December 18, 2024, defendant Jan Robert Ayala De Jesús knowingly transported a 13-year-old female minor with the intent that the minor engage in sexual activity, for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense under the laws of the United States of America and Puerto Rico, in violation of Title 18, United States Code , Section 2423(a). “Our dedicated team of prosecutors, victim witness specialists, and support personnel will continue to work with our equally-dedicated law enforcement partners to combat child exploitation and to bring these offenders to justice,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “This type of exploitation of children has no place in civilized society.” “Protecting children from exploitation is one of the FBI’s most urgent priorities,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Our work does not end with this arrest. We remain focused on identifying every victim and making sure every predator faces the full weight of the justice system.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. If convicted for the charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity the defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison, 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. Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute crimes. Citizens with information about child exploitation crimes or any other federal crime are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-987-6500, or to submit tips through the FBI’s internet complaint portal at Tips.FBI.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: Identical Twins Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Quincey Oneil Jackson and Quinton Oneil Jackson, both 41, of Columbia, were each sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more. Evidence presented to the court showed that beginning in 2020 through July 2024, the brothers engaged in a large-scale drug trafficking operation to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. On April 12, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at the home that the Jackson brothers shared and seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and a firearm. United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced both brothers to 188 months' imprisonment each to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Columbia Police Department, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Adult masquerading as minor to illegally enter the country found guilty

body_text: HOUSTON – A 21-year-old Guatemalan national has been convicted for making false statements in a juvenile immigration case, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The jury deliberated for just under one hour before convicting Tadeo Pedro-Torres following a three-day trial. On Oct. 26, 2024, Pedro-Torres claimed he was a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor as he attempted to enter the country near El Paso. The Department of Health and Human Services provides care for each unaccompanied alien child who has no lawful immigration status in the United States for whom there is no parent or legal guardian in the country with the ability to do so. As such, Pedro-Torres was placed in a facility charged with the housing and care for unaccompanied alien children. At trial, the jury heard that Pedro-Torres identified himself to law enforcement as a minor with a November 2007 birthdate. Later investigation revealed that Pedro-Torres was actually born in 2003. The jury additionally heard that while at the facility, Pedro-Torres received services and attended school alongside minors, with whom he also resided. The defense attempted to convince the jury Pedro-Torres was confused and never lied. The jury did not believe these arguments and found Pedro-Torres guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 19. At that time, Torres faces up to five years federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. Immigration Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Law and Celia Moyer are prosecuting the case.


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Honduran national unlawfully residing in Waltham, Mass. was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Samuel Cruz Alvarado, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time served (three and a half months). The defendant is now subject to deportation proceedings. In August 2025 , Cruz Alvarado pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Cruz Alvarado was arrested on May 5, 2025 and indicted by a federal grand in June 2025 . Cruz Alvarado was previously deported from the United States two times, the last time on Nov. 26, 2012. Sometime after his November 2012 removal, Cruz Alvarado illegally reentered the United States without permission. 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 Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.