title: Former Senior Vice President of Private Banking Sentenced for Fraud and Ordered to Repay More than $5.3 Million

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced William Shane Garrow, 49, of Tulsa, for Bank Fraud and Willfully Making and Subscribing a False Federal Income Tax Return. Judge Frizzell ordered Garrow to serve 71 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Garrow was further ordered to pay $3,863,527.94 in restitution to the Bank of Oklahoma and $1,519,158 to the IRS. “Garrow deceived people for over 12 years, and his actions wreaked havoc on banking personnel who were tasked with correcting his wrongs,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This was not a simple banking error or an accident, but rather a criminal scheme. Garrow abused the trust given to him by the bank and its customers.” Garrow worked for a subsidiary of BOK Financial Corporation from 2007 through 2024. As the Senior Vice President of Private Banking, Garrow provided investment and other banking services to wealthy clients. Beginning in 2012 and continuing until caught in 2024, Garrow devised a scheme by lying to clients and colleagues and directing fraudulent wire transfers and cashier’s checks from at least 16 client accounts, without their knowledge. The funds were transferred to entities and bank accounts that Garrow controlled. If a client inquired about the odd transaction, Garrow continued the lie, claiming it was a banking error, and attempted to cover his tracks. He would then return the funds stolen or transfer money from another unsuspecting victim's account. While maintaining his scheme, Garrow falsified his tax returns by underreporting his increase in earnings to the IRS. He admitted to stealing over $4.2 million from at least 16 client accounts and was further ordered to forfeit more than $700,000 in previously seized currency and two real estate properties. Previously released on bond, Garrow was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on July 9, 2025. The U.S. Secret Service, the IRS Criminal Investigations, and the FDIC-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple prosecuted the case.


title: Two St. Thomian Men Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison For Illegally Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that two St. Thomian men, Romeo Walter, 42, and Kenan Thomas, 38, were both sentenced on Thursday, May 29, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 15 years imprisonment for illegally possessing four firearms on April 8, 2020. The sentences follow a 4-day jury trial after which a federal jury found both men guilty of possessing firearms as felons, in violation of federal law, and unauthorized possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of territorial law. According to court documents, on April 8, 2020, at around 2:00 p.m., Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers were patrolling the Hospital Ground neighborhood in St. Thomas due to recent shootings, including a homicide near the area earlier the same day. VIPD officers entered the Jah Yard area and pursued a group of individuals that included Walter and Thomas, after the group ran as officers approached. Surveillance video captured a group of four males, including Walter and Thomas, climbing over a railing and onto the patio of a neighborhood home with two black bags. The surveillance video showed Thomas passing a handgun from his waist to codefendant Akeem Julien, who then placed the gun into a black duffle bag. The surveillance video further showed defendant Thomas leaving the patio with two bags, heading in one direction, while Julien and Walter left in the opposite direction. A fourth co-defendant, Nijontea Walker, left shortly after the other three. VIPD officers chased Thomas to a small house in Jah Yard. Thomas was arrested and the two bags were seized. One bag contained an AK-47 firearm with an obliterated serial number; a Glock 20, 10 mm handgun; and a Glock 21, .45 caliber handgun. A black backpack contained an AR-15 firearm. VIPD officers also seized over 250 rounds of ammunition from the bags. Each firearm was loaded with numerous rounds of ammunition. Walter, Julien, and Walker were all identified by the surveillance video. Judge Malloy sentenced Romeo Walter to 71 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, on the federal conviction, and 15 years in prison on the territorial conviction, to be served concurrently. Judge Malloy sentenced Kenan Thomas to 120 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on the federal conviction, and 15 years in prison on the territorial conviction, to be served concurrently. Co-defendant Akeem Julien pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on November 21, 2024. Co-defendant Nijontea Walker pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on September 19, 2023. The investigation was conducted by the VIPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Payne and Natasha Baker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . ###


title: Illegal Alien and Prolific Drug Trafficker Convicted Following Thwarted Robbery of Rival Cocaine Supplier

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

body_text: ATLANTA - Adan Macedo-Rios, 52, of Mexico, who is an alien unlawfully present in the United States, has been convicted of charges related to trafficking in illegal drugs, money laundering, robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. “Macedo-Rios, an illegal alien, distributed large amounts of dangerous drugs and laundered his ill-gotten gains through the purchase of a Georgia horse ranch. His callous and dangerous behavior—highlighted by his involvement in a plot to rob a rival cocaine supplier—was disrupted by the tireless work of our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Through our combined efforts, we foiled the robbery plan and dismantled the drug trafficking and money laundering organization that Macedo-Rios supplied, thereby eliminating a significant threat of violent crime in our community.” “DEA strives every day to keep the American public safe from transnational criminal organizations,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This investigation demonstrates DEA’s commitment to destroying these drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.” “For all the innocent residents who are trying to raise families in safe communities, the FBI wants you to know that we are here for you through arrests like this,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Macedo-Rios repeatedly disregarded the law to enrich himself. The FBI and our partners are firmly committed to ensuring that our communities are protected from the extreme violence and lawlessness displayed by individuals like him.” “The conviction of Adan Macedo-Rios, an illegal alien from Mexico and prolific drug trafficker, highlights our unwavering commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations that threaten our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the hard work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we’ve turned his ‘stable’ of crime into a one-way ticket to accountability!” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, public record, and other information presented in court: Macedo-Rios, a large-scale drug trafficker, supplied other Atlanta-based drug distributors with at least 123 kilograms of cocaine destined for distribution throughout multiple states. In 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agents obtained federal court authorization to intercept communications over cellphones used by Macedo-Rios and others. These intercepts led to the seizure of multiple kilograms of cocaine and other narcotics, and drug proceeds, from drug transporters working for Macedo-Rios and his conspirators. Macedo-Rios remitted drug payments to his narcotics suppliers in Mexico and used proceeds of his criminal activity to fraudulently purchase an eight-acre ranch with a 24-horse stable and farmhouse in Loganville, Georgia. With his conspirators, Macedo-Rios planned the robbery of another drug supplier who was storing 65 kilograms of cocaine in his residence. Macedo-Rios and his conspirators even conducted their own surveillance of the target, including by placing a tracker on the rival’s car, and plotted to use firearms to facilitate the robbery. But their plan was timely thwarted by DEA agents, who intercepted communications about the robbery. When agents arrested Macedo-Rios at the horse ranch, they discovered a loaded Colt .38 pistol and a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun in his bedroom, even though he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his unlawful presence in the United States and status as a convicted felon. Macedo-Rios, a Mexican citizen, has a history of multiple deportations from the United States. Adan Macedo-Rios appeared before United States District Judge J. P. Boulee on May 28, 2025, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally present in the United States, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. As to his drug trafficking conviction, Macedo-Rios faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a maximum $10,000,000 fine, and a minimum of five years of supervised release. For the Hobbs Act Robbery conviction, he faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. For the firearm conviction, Macedo-Rios faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The money laundering conviction carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $500,000 fine, and forfeiture of property involved in the offense. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2025, at 1 pm before Judge Boulee. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from Georgia State Patrol and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys John T. DeGenova and Rebeca M. Ojeda are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi¬ jurisdictional operations to eliminate the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates. The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies; and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Marion County Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrel Keith McHoney, 55, of Fairmont, West Virginia was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for selling para-fluorofentanyl in Marion and Harrison Counties. According to court documents and statements made in court, McHoney sold para-fluorofentanyl and heroin. Investigators searched his home and seized more than 100 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, a loaded firearm magazine, and drug paraphernalia. McHoney has a criminal history that includes attempted robbery and drug trafficking. McHoney will be on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Burlington Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Charge

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced yesterday to 17 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. According to public court documents, Larry Leroy Knotts, Jr., 61, sold approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential source between November and December 2023. At the time of the controlled purchases, Knotts was on federal supervised release for a conviction from the Central District of Illinois for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. After completing his term of imprisonment, Knotts will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force (SEINT) and the Burlington Police Department.


title: Guatemalan National Previously Convicted and Deported for Drug Trafficking Pleads Guilty to a Charge of Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national deported in 2015 after having been convicted for drug trafficking in Connecticut today pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to a charge of illegal re-entry, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. According to court records, Pedro Andony Alvarado Aguilar, 46, was convicted in federal court in Connecticut in November 2014 on charges of conspiracy to import 5,000 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to import 1,000 grams or more of heroin. He was deported on July 1, 2015. On April 10, 2025, Immigration Officers learned through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center that the defendant was arrested in Rhode Island for driving on a suspended license and on an obstruction charge. Alvarado admitted to a federal judge today that he illegally reentered the United States. Alvarado is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Immigration and Custom Enforcement. 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). ###


title: Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegally Reentering the United States Six Months After Being Deported

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national deported from the United States in November 2024, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island for allegedly illegally reentering the United States without the consent of the Attorney General of the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. According to court records, Rigoberto Cano Perez, 28, was convicted in Rhode Island state court in December 2023 on charges of simple assault and/or battery and disorderly conduct. He was removed from the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on November 20, 2024. On May 12, 2025, Immigration Officers learned through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center that Perez was arrested in Rhode Island on May 11, 2025, for allegedly violating a domestic no contact order and on a domestic disorderly conduct charge. He is currently held at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute based upon the state charges. Perez is scheduled to be arraigned on June 2, 2025. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor A. Dean and Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 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). ###


title: Preston County Man Sentenced for Drug Charge

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Sharps, age 45, of Kingwood, West Virginia, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Sharps worked with others to sell methamphetamine in Monongalia County. Sharps has prior convictions that include drug trafficking and domestic battery. Sharps will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: USDA Employee And Five Others Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Food Stamp Fraud And Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Perry Carbone, Attorney for the United States, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515; Charmeka Parker, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (“USDA-OIG”); and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging six individuals in connection with a sprawling fraud and bribery scheme that generated over $66 million in unauthorized transactions under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”)—colloquially known as food stamps. This is one of the largest food stamp frauds in U.S. history. The defendants—MICHAEL KEHOE, MOHAMAD NAWAFLEH, OMAR ALRAWASHDEH, GAMAL OBAID, EMAD ALRAWASHDEH, and ARLASA DAVIS—are charged with conspiracy to steal government funds and to misappropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) benefits, among other charges. DAVIS, a USDA employee, is additionally charged with bribery and honest services fraud. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff. “Michael Kehoe and his co-conspirators misappropriated tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds meant to help low-income families put food on the table,” said U.S. Attorney Perry Carbone. “This fraud was made possible when USDA employee Arlasa Davis betrayed the public trust by selling confidential government information to the very criminals she was supposed to catch. Their actions undermined a program that vulnerable New Yorkers depend on for basic nutrition. These charges should be a reminder that those who exploit anti-poverty programs for personal gain will be held accountable for their crimes.” USDA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker said: “We appreciate the collaboration with our law enforcement partners in pursuing allegations regarding government employees, who use their positions to participate in schemes that exploit taxpayer funded programs.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Arlasa Davis, a USDA employee, is alleged to have abused her position and privileged access to confidential government databases to assist her co-conspirators in exploiting the SNAP program, driving tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent transactions. This alleged scheme benefited the defendants while undermining critical safeguards designed to ensure that SNAP assistance reaches only eligible families in need. The FBI will never tolerate any individual who exploits federal financial assistance for personal reward.” According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial: [1] The SNAP program uses federal tax dollars to help low-income households purchase food. SNAP recipients use Electronic Benefit Transfer (“EBT”) cards—similar to debit cards—to buy food at participating stores. Those stores, which get license numbers from the USDA, use special EBT terminals to swipe the EBT cards. When a SNAP recipient swipes their EBT card, the system verifies the transaction and electronically deducts the purchase amount from the recipient’s account. The corresponding federal funds are then transferred to the store’s bank account. Starting in 2019, KEHOE orchestrated a network that supplied approximately 160 unauthorized EBT terminals to stores across the New York area to illegally process more than $30 million in EBT transactions. Working with his codefendants NAWAFLEH, OMAR ALRAWASHDEH, OBAID, and EMAD ALRAWASHDEH, KEHOE submitted approximately 200 fraudulent USDA applications, misappropriating USDA license numbers and, in some cases, doctoring application documents, to obtain EBT terminals for unauthorized stores—including smoke shops and other ineligible businesses. Critical to the scheme was ARLASA DAVIS, a longtime USDA employee who worked within the very division of the USDA responsible for identifying SNAP fraud. DAVIS abused her privileged access to federal systems to sell hundreds of EBT license numbers enabling over $36 million in fraudulent SNAP redemptions at unauthorized stores. DAVIS photographed handwritten lists of license numbers intended for qualifying stores with her personal cellphone and funneled them to an intermediary who sold them to co-conspirators, including NAWAFLEH, OMAR ALRAWASHDEH, EMAD ALRAWASHDEH, and OBAID, who then used those license numbers to fraudulently obtain EBT terminals for stores that were not authorized by the USDA to process SNAP transactions. In return, DAVIS received substantial bribes that were disguised in communications as, among other things, “birthday gifts” and “flowers.” * * * KEHOE, 46, of Long Island, New York; NAWAFLEH, 34, of the Bronx, New York; OMAR ALRAWASHDEH, 37, of the Bronx, New York; OBAID, 39, of the Bronx, New York; EMAD ALRAWASHDEH, 37, of the Bronx, New York; and DAVIS, 56, of Gardiner, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to steal government funds and misappropriate USDA benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of theft of government funds, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of misappropriation of USDA benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. DAVIS is additionally charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. NAWAFLEH is additionally charged with one count of failure to appear, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Carbone praised the outstanding work of the USDA and FBI, which is also assisting in the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgia V. Kostopoulos and Joe Zabel are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. kehoe_et_al_superseding_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Former Cruise Line Employee Sentenced For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on May 21, 2025, ABDUL ROUVOOF SHAIK (“SHAIK”) , age 30, a Republic of India national, was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). According to court documents, SHAIK was previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, found SHAIK in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans. United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced SHAIK to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, 5 years of probation and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Defendant in High-End Brothel Network Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Torrance, Calif. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his involvement in operating sophisticated high-end brothels in the greater Boston area and eastern Virginia. Defendant was also sentenced for his involvement in fraudulently obtaining over $580,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. James Lee, 70, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered restitution in the amount of $569,123 in connection with the fraudulently obtained COVID-19 funds and a money judgment of $63,000 related to the proceeds earned by the defendant as a result of the prostitution conspiracy. In February 2025, James Lee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution; one count of money laundering conspiracy; and one count of wire fraud. James Lee was arrested and charged in November 2023 with co-defendants Han Lee, 42, of Cambridge, Mass. and Junmyung Lee, 31, of Dedham, Mass. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024 . From at least January 2022 through November 2023, James Lee knowingly conspired with Han Lee and Junmyung Lee to operate an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia. James Lee and his co-conspirators knowingly conspired with one another, and others, to launder the proceeds of the prostitution network by concealing that the money was derived from the prostitution conspiracy. James Lee rented several high-end apartments in Boston and Eastern Virginia that were used as brothel locations and was the sole and legal tenant of at least six locations. In addition to using his own name to lease the apartments, James Lee would use fraudulent identities and, at times, stolen identities. James Lee was regularly compensated by his co-conspirators for both leasing apartments and for his travel to and from the brothel locations. Han Lee paid James Lee approximately $1,000 per month per active lease as a commission. He also served as a liaison between the females working in the units and the property managers by fielding calls and coordinating any issues that arose relating to maintenance and inspections. James Lee and his co-conspirators concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network by depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at the brothel locations. Beginning in around March 2020 and continuing through at least September 2021, James Lee submitted fraudulent information in an effort to obtain loans through the CARES Act and the Small Business Administration’s programs like the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). James Lee used personal identifying information of a third-party to submit false loan applications and open bank accounts used to accept COVID-19 relief funds. In addition, James Lee fraudulently applied for PPP Loans and EIDL funds using the names of businesses that did not exist or served as shell companies in furtherance of the scheme. In support of the loan applications, James Lee submitted fraudulent tax documents in the name of the third party and a fraudulent lease between himself and his fraudulent identity. As a result of the scheme, James Lee fraudulently obtained at least $580,000 in EIDL funds and PPP loans. In March 2025 , Han Lee was sentenced to four years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. Han Lee was also ordered pay forfeiture in the amount of $5,418,572 and restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. In April 2025 , Junmyung Lee, 32, was sentenced to one year in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. The Court also ordered a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $200,000, equal to the amount of proceeds earned by the defendant during the conspiracy. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Central District of California; Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. Postal Service; and Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Bronx Tax Preparer Sentenced To Prison For Filing Tens Of Thousands Of False Tax Returns Causing $145 Million In Fraudulent Tax Loss

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that RAFAEL ALVAREZ, a/k/a “the Magician,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken to four years in prison in connection with his orchestration of a decade-long, $145 million tax fraud scheme. As part of the scheme, ALVAREZ oversaw the filing of tens of thousands of federal individual income tax returns that included false information designed to fraudulently reduce his clients’ tax burden. ALVAREZ previously pled guilty to conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and steal government funds and aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. individual income tax return before Judge Oetken on December 17, 2024. “Rafael Alvarez was touted as ‘the Magician’ when, in reality, he was an elaborate fraudster, depriving the IRS of $145 million in tax revenue and penalizing many honest taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “All Americans bear the burden of tax fraud and want scamsters of this type brought to justice.” As alleged in the Indictment and Superseding Information and statements made in public filings and court proceedings: From at least in or about 2010, up to and including in or about 2020, ALVAREZ was the CEO, owner, and manager of ATAX New York, LLC, also doing business as ATAX New York-Marble Hill, ATAX Marble Hill, ATAX Marble Hill NY, and ATAX Corporation (together, “ATAX”). ATAX was a high-volume tax preparation company located in the Bronx, New York, which prepared approximately 90,000 federal income tax returns for its customers during this period. ALVAREZ both prepared tax returns for ATAX customers and recruited, supervised, and directed other ATAX personnel who in turn prepared tax returns for customers. During this period, ALVAREZ oversaw a sweeping fraudulent scheme, whereby he and his employees submitted false information to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in ATAX customers’ tax returns. This false information, which included, among other things, bogus itemized tax deductions, made-up capital losses, phony business expenses, and fraudulent tax credits, served to fraudulently reduce the customers’ tax liability and increase the customers’ tax refunds from the IRS. In order to further his scheme and limit scrutiny, ALVAREZ specifically recruited to ATAX and personally trained as tax preparers impressionable, easily intimidated workers. When certain ATAX employees questioned ALVAREZ about his fraudulent preparation of returns, ALVAREZ intimidated and threatened these employees to dissuade them from reporting his fraud scheme to authorities. In total, ALVAREZ oversaw ATAX’s fraudulent submission of tax returns on behalf of customers that deprived the IRS of $145 million in tax revenue. ALVAREZ was so consistent at falsifying ATAX customer tax returns that he became known to ATAX’s customers as “the Magician.” Additionally, ALVAREZ was a leader of the scheme and attempted to obstruct or impede the administration of justice with respect to the investigation of the tax fraud scheme when he and an ATAX employee made false statements to an IRS Revenue Agent. ALVAREZ’s operation of ATAX helped the company generate approximately $12 million in fraudulent proceeds over the duration of the fraud. * * * In addition to the prison term, ALVAREZ, 61, of Cortland Manor, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. ALVAREZ was also ordered to pay the IRS $145 million in restitution and forfeit over $11.84 million in fraudulent proceeds. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the IRS, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration in this case. This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney David R. Felton is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping a Toddler

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Texas man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to kidnap a toddler, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco adjudged Steven Andrew Holguin, 42, of El Paso, Texas, guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. According to the plea agreement, on November 4, 2021, a police officer with the Birmingham Police Department responded to a call at a residence in Birmingham regarding the kidnapping of a three-year-old female from the residence. Holguin and his co-conspirator, Elis Salgado-Galindo, kidnapped the toddler with the intent of taking her to her father, who lives in Mexico. With Holguin’s assistance, Salgado-Galindo grabbed the toddler and fled the residence. An Amber Alert was issued and law enforcement along the Alabama/Mississippi state line were provided the description of the vehicle, toddler, and suspects. That same evening, deputies with the Rankin County, Mississippi Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description of Holguin’s vehicle. Deputies instructed Holguin, who was the driver of the vehicle, to exit the vehicle and walk back to the officer’s vehicle. Deputies then removed the other individuals from the vehicle, including the toddler. A deputy recognized the toddler from the Amber Alert and sent a picture of her to a detective with the Birmingham Police Department. The detective showed the picture to the toddler’s mother, who confirmed that it was her daughter. Both men were taken into custody. Holguin was convicted in 2020 in the United States District Court in the Western District of Texas for conspiracy to transport aliens. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Salgado-Galindo, a citizen of Mexico, was unlawfully present in the United States. On December 14, 2021, Salgado-Galindo was turned over to ICE custody. Homeland Security Investigations, Birmingham, investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Pearl Mississippi Police Department, and the Rankin County Mississippi Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.


title: Former NYPD Officer And Accident Victim Call Center Owner Both Plead Guilty To Bribery Scheme

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Michael Alfonso, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that SUZETTE TRIMMINGHAM, a former New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) traffic safety officer, and MERVIN RHYMES, the owner and operator of an accident victim call center, both pled guilty to participating in a bribery scheme. Specifically, TRIMMINGHAM and RHYMES admitted to participating in a scheme in which TRIMMINGHAM provided information of automobile accident victims contained in a non-public NYPD database to RHYMES in exchange for bribes of money and other things of value. TRIMMINGHAM pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl, and RHYMES pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams. “Suzette Trimmingham abused her position as an NYPD traffic safety officer and, in exchange for bribes, sent Mervin Rhymes information about automobile accident victims so that Rhymes’s call center could profit by referring those victims to lawyers and doctors,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Trimmingham and Rhymes made hundreds of thousands of dollars from their scheme. Their pleas highlight this Office’s commitment to pursuing those, including members of law enforcement, who seek to profit by abusing their positions of public trust.” HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said: “Suzette Trimmingham exploited her position of public trust and in turn profited handsomely, alongside her domestic partner Mervin Rhymes, by targeting victims of recent vehicle accidents. Whether at work, off-duty and even on vacation, she took steps to access individuals’ personal details from non-public government databases, and then shared with Rhymes that private, sensitive information so they could further enrich their lifestyle. HSI New York, alongside the FBI and the NYPD, will always place the public’s wellbeing above all else, and will relentlessly pursue bad actors willing to shamelessly betray their sworn duties for their own selfish gains.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Suzette Trimmingham, a former NYPD traffic safety officer, abused her position by providing Mervin Rhymes with non-public personal details of automobile accident victims. The defendants prioritized personal greed over safeguarding sensitive victim data. The FBI will never permit any individual, especially a public servant, to share confidential information in exchange for financial incentives.” According to the allegations contained in the Informations, court records, and statements made in Court: From at least in or about January 2020 through at least in or about June 2024, while at work as an NYPD traffic safety officer, TRIMMINGHAM reviewed police accident reports (“PARs”), which contained the personally identifiable information of automobile accident victims, for NYPD precincts that were not part of her law enforcement duties. At times, TRIMMINGHAM also reviewed PARs while she was off duty and while on vacation. TRIMMINGHAM then provided the personally identifiable information of accident victims to RHYMES. For example, in or about April 2024, while at work, TRIMMINGHAM reviewed PARs and copied and pasted into a Word document the names and phone numbers of automobile accident victims mentioned in the PARs. That same month, TRIMMINGHAM sent RHYMES dozens of images of documents, each containing dozens of names and phone numbers of automobile accident victims. RHYMES paid bribes to TRIMMINGHAM in exchange for her providing the personally identifiable information of automobile accident victims to him. For example, on or about January 18, 2021, TRIMMINGHAM told RHYMES, in sum and substance, that she had sent him PARs and that RHYMES was supposed to pay TRIMMINGHAM for the PARs. In response, RHYMES told TRIMMINGHAM that he had paid TRIMMINGHAM for the PARs a few days earlier. TRIMMINGHAM and RHYMES made at least $900,000 from the scheme. * * * TRIMMINGHAM, 54, and RHYMES, 61, both of Queens, New York, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. TRIMMINGHAM is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Koeltl on October 8, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., and RHYMES is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Abrams on October 8, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judges. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Mr. Clayton also thanked the NYPD for its assistance. The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connie L. Dang and Rebecca T. Dell are in charge of the prosecution. u.s._v._trimmingham_information.pdf u.s._v._rhymes_information.pdf


title: Marrero Man Sentenced For Firearms Offense

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RASHEED SMITH (“SMITH”) , age 34, of Marrero, Louisiana, was sentenced on May 22, 2025 by United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to seventy (70) months imprisonment followed by three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, in January 2023, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies encountered SMITH during a routine traffic stop. SMITH abandoned the vehicle in an attempt to flee. After a brief struggle, SMITH was apprehended. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a firearm in the driver’s side door compartment. Due to previous felony convictions, SMITH is prohibited from possessing a firearm. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Serial Fraudster “Dr. Cash” Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Running Ponzi Scheme

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that TERRENCE CHALK, a/k/a “Dr. Cash,” was sentenced to three years for committing investment adviser fraud. CHALK previously pled guilty on May 7, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr., who imposed today’s sentence. “Defrauding retirees, using the common bond of faith to build trust, is a horrible crime, one that disturbs all New Yorkers,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing to justice fraudsters who exploit shared ethnic or religious backgrounds to build false trust. If you suspect ‘affinity fraud’ in or around your place of worship, please contact law enforcement.” According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings: In 2017, CHALK began marketing an investment fund using the alias “Terrence Cash” or “Doctor Cash.” He avoided using his real name because an Internet search for “Terrence Chalk” would have revealed that in 2006, he had been convicted in federal court of multiple fraud offenses. CHALK’s website advertised him as “the nation’s No. 1 business, money, and wealth coach,” and offered money management and “coaching” sessions in which CHALK promised to share the “hidden secrets of the wealthy” that would change his clients’ “mindset, perspective, and relationship with money.” After engaging his victims in these courses, he would then press them to invest in what he called the “Chairman’s Fund,” which he claimed was invested in a number of pooled investments that would be consistent, quarterly cash payments and high returns. CHALK targeted elderly investors and sometimes marketed his services through wealth seminars that he held primarily at Black churches. He used this setting to his advantage, holding himself out as a man of faith who was seeking to help other Christians like himself. At first, CHALK’s victims received their promised quarterly payments and assumed all was as advertised at the Chairman’s Fund. Some of the victims even recruited friends and family members into the fund. But by the end of 2019, many of the victims had stopped receiving payments. When they complained to CHALK, he stonewalled them and even told them—falsely—that they had agreed not to withdraw their funds for 10 years. In total, CHALK convinced approximately 26 individuals to invest approximately $4.8 million in his fund. None of that money appears to have been used to invest in funds, as CHALK had represented to his investors. Most of the money was paid to other corporate entities controlled by CHALK, to pay off earlier investors, or to cover CHALK’s lavish lifestyle. For example, CHALK spent approximately $1.7 million to pay personal credit card bills, spent $17,000 on NBA season tickets, and spent $74,000 on a BMW. After deducting the Ponzi payments that some investors received, the total group of investors still lost a combined $3,210,469 when CHALK’s scheme collapsed. * * * In addition to the prison term, CHALK, 62, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which previously filed a parallel civil action. The case is being overseen by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam S. Hobson is in charge of the prosecution.


title: McKeesport Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 42 months of imprisonment on his conviction of possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Edward Joseph Mitchell, 31, on May 15, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, on August 28, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Mitchell’s McKeesport residence. During the search, agents recovered a 9-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 34 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition and with an aftermarket extended magazine attached. Agents also recovered hundreds of additional live rounds of ammunition of various calibers from inside the residence. Mitchell had multiple prior felony state drug trafficking convictions. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mitchell.


title: Whitestown Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Federal Prison for Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— Kyle Vincent Rogers, 32, of Whitestown, Indiana, has been sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of child sexual abuse material. Rogers has also been ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution. According to court documents, between March 2023 and October 2023, Rogers knowingly distributed and received child sexual abuse material using uTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing software that he had downloaded to his laptop. On November 9, 2023, investigators located at least 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse on Rogers’ laptop. The images involved sadistic or masochistic conduct and sexual abuse of prepubescent minors, including toddlers and infants. Rogers’ collection included not only images of children being sexually abused, but graphic videos of very young children forced to engage in sex acts with adults, including intercourse, bondage and bestiality. “The children in these images and videos will be revictimized for years to come because the defendant possessed and recirculated the material, allowing an unknown number of additional predators to gain unrestricted access,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our office is committed to leveraging law enforcement partnerships and tools to secure justice for the most vulnerable. Today’s sentence should send a clear message that there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “This sentence sends a clear message that those who trade in the exploitation of children will face serious consequences. Behind every image and video is a real child who has endured unimaginable harm that will haunt them the rest of their lives,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “The FBI will continue to relentlessly work to identify and track down those who commit such heinous crimes and ensure they can never victimize another innocent child.” The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. Rogers must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Haney and Meredith Wood, who prosecuted this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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. If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood ###


title: New Orleans Man Guilty Of Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on May 27, 2025, BRANDON TURNER (“TURNER”) , age 39, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to Counts One, Two, and Three of the indictment pending against him. Count One charged TURNER with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). Count Two charged TURNER with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count Three charged TURNER with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on January 30, 2024, TURNER was arrested for suspected narcotics trafficking. Law enforcement officers searched TURNER’s apartment and found a detectable amount of fentanyl. Law enforcement officers also found ammunition and a Glock, Model 43, nine-millimeter caliber pistol. TURNER knew he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition. At sentencing, TURNER faces a minimum 5-year term of imprisonment up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to 4 years of supervised release for Count One; a minimum 5-year term of imprisonment up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release for Count Two; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count Three. TURNER also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all three counts. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: St. Bernard Parish Man Sentenced on Federal Gun and Drug Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ABE JYLES (“JYLES”) , age 44, a resident of St. Bernard Parish, pled guilty on February 4, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c); possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, in violation of Title 21 USC § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). On May 27, 2025, Judge Vitter sentenced JYLES to a total of 130 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and payment of a $300 mandatory special assessment fee. Additionally, since JYLES was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2006 federal drug trafficking conviction when he committed the above-described crimes, his term of federal supervised release was revoked by United States District Judge Jay Zainey. Judge Zainey then sentenced JYLES on May 27, 2025, to serve 27 months of imprisonment to run consecutive to the sentence imposed by Judge Vitter. The facts of this case revealed that on February 29, 2024, JYLES was involved in a traffic stop by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. During the stop, JYLES was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Law enforcement personnel detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. JYLES was then detained, and following a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered multiple illegal narcotics, a scale, drug paraphernalia, and four firearms inside the vehicle. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Jamaal Antwan Pimms Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Role in the Murder of Rosenda Strong

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Jamaal Antwan Pimms, age 44, to 26 months in prison for Misprision of a Felony related to his role in the 2018 murder of Rosenda Strong. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 1 year of supervised release. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Jedidah Iesha Moreno shot and killed Rosenda Strong on or about October 5, 2018, following an argument at a residence, known as the House of Souls in Wapato, Washington. Following the murder, Moreno asked for help disposing of Strong’s body. Pimms and Andrew Norris Zack assisted Moreno by rolling Strong’s body into a freezer. The freezer, and other appliances, were loaded onto the back of a truck. The body, still inside the freezer, was then dumped near M&R Towing, which is off Highway 97 in Toppenish, Washington. On July 4, 2019, approximately nine months after Strong’s tragic death, a citizen discovered human remains, which later were identified through dental records as belonging to Strong. Pimms did not report the crime to Federal law enforcement, even when interviewed by FBI Special Agents in July, 2019. “Jamaal Pimms had the opportunity – and even the obligation – to come forward with the truth about Rosenda Strong’s death when the FBI interviewed him in 2019,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker. “Instead, Mr. Pimms chose silence, compounding the harm to Ms. Strong’s family and delaying justice for years. His failure to speak denied a grieving family and community the answers they deserved, and allowed uncertainty and anguish to linger far too long.” "Coping with the loss of a loved one is always a painful process. It can be even more so when, as in this instance, she is the victim of a crime about which so much remained unknown for so long,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Not only did Mr. Pimms help dispose of the victim’s body, but he also actively concealed vital information that unfairly deprived a grieving community of answers for nearly six years. I commend the investigators and our partners from Yakama Nation for their steadfast work in seeking justice in this case, as we are committed to do for all others like it on our state's reservations." This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Yakama Nation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy. Defendant Andrew Norris Zack, pleaded guilty to charges in this case. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 21, 2025. 23-CR-02037-SAB


title: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To 15 Years For Illegally Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger has sentenced Otis Shivers (51, Jacksonville) to 15 years in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Shivers pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024. According to court records, on October 29, 2021, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) were on patrol and observed Shivers talking loudly to himself. Officers approached Shivers and immediately observed that he had a firearm in his waistband. The officers secured the firearm, a loaded revolver, and conducted a records search on Shivers. Officers discovered that Shivers had multiple prior felony convictions, including sale of heroin in 2009, sale of cocaine in 2007, sale of cocaine in 2003, and sale of cocaine in 1991. Shivers had been sentenced to Florida state prison on three prior occasions, including a 10-year sentence for selling heroin, thus qualifying him for an enhanced penalty as an Armed Career Criminal. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Honduran National Guilty Of Firearm Possession

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JHOSMY JOSUE PEREZ-ALVAREZ (“PEREZ-ALVAREZ”) , age 32, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on January 8, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, an armed robbery occurred on the evening of February 8, 2022, in the parking lot of a church located on the 400 block of N. Dorgenois Street in New Orleans. New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded and began canvassing the area for potential suspects. During their search, NOPD officers discovered PEREZ-ALVAREZ crouching in a patch of overgrown grass near the 2500 block of St. Louis Street. PEREZ-ALVAREZ was found in possession of a Kel-Tec Model PF-9, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. At sentencing, PEREZ-ALVAREZ faces a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 10, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General - Social Security Administration and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Two Men Sentenced for their Involvement in the April 2023 Fentanyl Mass Poisoning in Kalamazoo

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: LANSING – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Byerly Birge today announced that James Smith, 42, and Patrick Donald Martin, 27, both of Kalamazoo County, were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the distribution of controlled substances in April 2023 that resulted in numerous fentanyl poisonings in Kalamazoo County, at least seven fatal, and numerous others non-fatal. Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death, and Martin was sentenced to 4 years in prison for use of a communication facility to commit conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death. “The distribution of fentanyl continues to take lives and destroy our communities and families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge . “The sentences imposed on the defendants in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes. Our office will continue to support these investigations and prosecute these cases to seek accountability and justice for the victims.” According to court records, on April 12 and continuing into April 13, 2023, law enforcement responded to numerous drug poisonings in the Kalamazoo area, which resulted in multiple hospital admissions and fatalities. Investigators traced the deadly substance back to Martin, and ultimately, to Smith, both of whom thought they were selling cocaine, when they were in fact selling a substance that contained fentanyl. During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou remarked that drug dealing is inherently dangerous regardless of what the dealer thinks he is selling, especially today, when most drugs “have fentanyl in it—it’s just that prevalent.” In sentencing Smith, Judge Jarbou found it “inexplicable” that Smith continued to sell drugs months after he became aware of the mass poisoning in April 2023 that was caused, at least in part, by his drug dealing. “That tells me the consequences of your actions did not deter you,” said Judge Jarbou before imposing the 20-year sentence on Smith. “April 13, 2023, was a sad day in Kalamazoo County,” said Captain Mike Ferguson, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team/Crime Reduction Team . “We extend our condolences to the families who were deeply affected by this tragedy. Hopefully, these sentences will allow some closure to those involved. Additionally, this should send a message to drug dealers who continue to peddle deadly drugs in our community.” “While these sentences cannot undo the tragic loss of life we witnessed in Kalamazoo in 2023, it sends a message that we will employ every resource to make sure those responsible for drug-related deaths face the consequences for their actions,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division Andrew Lawton . The following services are available for people experiencing substance use disorder, or for their friends or loved ones: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis Cope Network (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties), 269-580-8290, www.copenetwork.org The Grand Rapid Red Project (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Kent and Muskegon Counties), 616-456-9063 (Kent County), 231-563-6865 (Muskegon County), www.redproject.org The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a webpage that identifies county-by-county services. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Portage Department of Public Safety, and the Michigan State Police.


title: Five Charged with Falsifying MBTA Track Inspection Records

body_text: BOSTON – Four former Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA”) employees and one current MBTA employee were charged today with allegedly falsifying Red Line track inspection reports. Brian Pfaffinger, 47, of Marshfield; Ronald Gamble, 62, of Dorchester; Jensen Vatel, 42, of Brockton; Nathalie Mendes, 53, of New Bedford; and Andy Vicente, 36, of Bridgewater have been indicted for falsification of records, aiding and abetting; and false statements, aiding and abetting. Pfaffinger, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later today. According to the charging documents, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente were former MBTA track inspectors. Rather than complete inspections, during the period between Sept. 3, 2024, to Oct. 15, 2024, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente allegedly falsified track inspection reports, which stated that they completed track inspections for Red Line tracks when they did not perform the inspections. Instead, it is alleged that at the time of the inspections, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente were inside Cabot Yard, an MBTA location that contained a coffee and breakroom for Red Line inspection employees. Cabot Yard also contained a large garage (“Cabot Garage”) where Gamble, Vatel and Vicente allegedly worked on private vehicles during work hours. On Sept. 19, 2024, during the time that Vicente allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Vicente (circled in red below) sitting inside of Cabot Garage holding his cellular phone. On Sept. 23, 2024, during the time that Mendes allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Mendes (circled in red below) sitting inside her vehicle. Mendes allegedly did not leave her vehicle until well after her inspection ended. On Sept. 24, 2024, during the time that Vatel allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Vatel (circled in red below) chatting with other MBTA employees in the parking lot outside of Cabot Garage. On Oct. 8, 2024, during the time that Gamble allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Gamble (circled in red below) performing detail work on a private vehicle inside of Cabot Garage. Pfaffinger, the former supervisor for Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente, allegedly not only knew that his subordinates worked on private vehicles during work hours, but had his subordinates work on his own vehicle. On Oct. 14, 2024, Gamble created an inspection report alleging he conducted an inspection; however, according to surveillance video, Gamble was inside of Cabot Garage with Pfaffinger. Despite knowing that the inspection report was false, and that Gamble was at Cabot Garage on Oct. 14, 2024, the following day, Pfaffinger allegedly created supporting documentation for Gamble’s Oct. 14, 2024, inspection, which he knew to be false. The charges of falsification of records and aiding and abetting the falsification of records provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of false statements and aiding and abetting false statements provides a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Elise Chawaga, Principal Inspector General of the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of the Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Two People Sentenced for Stealing Nearly $300,000 in COVID-19 Relief Money

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R Barker announced that David Kurt Schneider, of Kennewick, Washington and Kelly Jo Driver, of South Carolina, were sentenced after pleading guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Schneider to 12 months in prison and Driver to 5 years of probation. Chief Judge Bastian also ordered restitution of $121,762. Co-defendant, Leif Gerald Larsen, of Pasco, Washington, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and will be sentenced July 30, 2025, in Yakima. On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided government-backed funding to small businesses which could be forgiven so long as the proceeds were used for payroll and other eligible expenses. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which have not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Schneider, Driver, and Larsen submitted funding applications in the name of Larsen Firearms, owned by Larsen, and Solar Mobility LLC, RealNZ Water LLC, and Tempest Tactical Solutions, LLC, all owned by Schneider. Driver created fraudulent payroll and tax forms that were submitted in support of the applications, and that, for her part in the scheme, Driver received 10% of the funds disbursed by the SBA and participating lenders. In total, Schneider, Driver, and Larsen fraudulently obtained at least $292,000 in CARES Act funding through the PPP and EIDL programs and submitted fraudulent applications seeking at least an additional $560,000 in CARES Act funding that were ultimately not approved. “Pandemic relief programs were created to support workers, small businesses, and communities struggling through an unprecedented crisis – not to enrich fraudsters,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. “By stealing nearly $300,000 intended for legitimate businesses, these defendants diverted critical resources at a time when many businesses were fighting to survive. The SBA, FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to hold accountable those who exploit government aid for personal gain.” “Those who exploited SBA’s pandemic relief programs for personal gain will be held accountable,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Tim Larson. “SBA OIG continues to prioritize fraud investigations involving pandemic-era programs, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to protect taxpayer funds and uphold the integrity of federal relief efforts.” This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by FBI and SBA OIG. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy J. Kelley and Frieda K. Zimmerman. 4:24-cr-06004-SAB


title: Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Medicare Fraud Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to orchestrating a scheme to defraud Medicare by unlawfully billing millions of dollars in claims for cancer genetic testing and cardiovascular genetic testing. According to court documents, Jamie P. McNamara, 49, of Kansas City, operated several laboratories in Louisiana and Texas, which obtained doctors’ orders for genetic testing from telemarketers and call centers that used aggressive telemarketing campaigns to induce Medicare beneficiaries to agree to receive genetic testing. Orders for genetic testing were signed by purported telemedicine doctors who were not the beneficiaries’ treating physicians, did not perform consultations with the beneficiaries, and did not follow up with the beneficiaries after the testing was performed. To obtain the orders, McNamara paid illegal kickbacks and bribes, which he disguised through sham contracts. In furtherance of the scheme, he also shifted the billing between his laboratories to evade scrutiny from Medicare and law enforcement and concealed his ownership and control of the laboratories by falsely listing the names of his family members as owners and company representatives on Medicare and other documents. In approximately one and a half years, the laboratories operated by McNamara submitted over $174 million in claims to Medicare for genetic testing and received over $55 million in reimbursements. The government previously seized several luxury vehicles and over $7 million in bank accounts. “The defendant used illegal payments and lies to fraudulently bill Medicare over $174 million,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Health care fraud harms patients, drains government resources, and violates the public trust. The Criminal Division is fully committed to uncovering and aggressively prosecuting these schemes.” “This guilty plea marks the conclusion of a meticulous and complicated prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Medicare fraud schemes profoundly erode taxpayer confidence and faith in our medical institutions. Schemes such as these must be rooted out, investigated and prosecuted, not only for the monetary loss triggered by the fraud, but also to preserve the public’s trust. Our office, along with our investigative partners, will continue to work diligently to maintain taxpayer confidence in our federal institutions and seek justice for all victims of fraud.” “McNamara lined his pockets by preying on vulnerable Americans concerned about their health. The genetic tests Medicare patients were lured into receiving did not provide them with any answers on their predisposition to life threatening illnesses and cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today's plea is the culmination of thorough investigative work and partnership between the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) to protect the public and ensure that justice is served.” “Misleading patients with fraudulent genetic testing schemes to exploit the Medicare program is not just unethical — it’s criminal,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of HHS-OIG. “Today’s plea reflects HHS-OIG’s steadfast commitment to holding those who deceive patients and seek to cripple the integrity of our nation’s federal health care programs accountable. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to investigate such schemes and bring those responsible to justice.” While on pretrial release, McNamara violated his bond conditions by, among other things, fleeing from a DUI arrest and cutting off an ankle monitor. He was subsequently detained. McNamara pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HHS-OIG and the FBI are investigating the case. Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Labor Organizations to Pay $5.1 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Paycheck Protection Program Loans

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Four labor organizations have agreed to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by applying for and obtaining loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for which they knew or should have known they were ineligible. The United States contended that these organization caused the Small Business Administration (SBA) to pay loan forgiveness, in addition to interest and processing fees, to financial institutions that processed the loans. In March 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the CARES Act, Congress authorized forgivable loans to eligible small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. To obtain a PPP loan, a qualifying business submitted a PPP loan application, which required the business to acknowledge the program rules and make certain affirmative certifications including eligibility. These loan applications were then processed by participating lenders, and, if approved, the participating lender funded the loan. PPP loans were 100% guaranteed by the SBA. Under the rules applicable at the time of the loans covered by today’s settlements, certain organizations were not eligible to receive a PPP loan. Certain ineligible organizations certified they were eligible and, in fact, received loans which were ultimately forgiven. The labor organizations and the amounts they have agreed to pay are as follows: Local Union No. 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 3) is a labor organization with its principal place of business in Flushing, New York. IBEW Local 3 has agreed to pay $2,697,929.88 to resolve the allegations. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 596 (IBEW Local 596) is a labor organization with its principal place of business in Clarksburg, West Virginia. IBEW Local 596 has agreed to pay $269,995.83 to resolve the allegations. United Association of Journeymen 598 (UA Local 598) is a labor organization with its principal place of business in Pasco, Washington. UA Local 598 has agreed to pay $835,508.00 to resolve the allegations. International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 986 (Teamsters Local 986) is a labor organization with its principal place of business in Covina, California. IBEW Local 3 has agreed to pay $1,356,832.50 to resolve the allegations. “By obtaining PPP loans for which they were ineligible, these organizations took advantage of the taxpayers and millions of American citizens who were hurting and suffering from the economic effects of the pandemic,” said Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard. “They placed their own self-interest over compassion for others. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue all persons and organizations who wrongfully enriched themselves at the expense of those entitled to such aid.” This matter was litigated by Assistant United States Attorneys Maximillian F. Nogay and Jordan V. Palmer of the United States Attorneys’ Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Re-Entry of Deported Alien

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael Simpson announced the May 27, 2025 sentencing of JOEL BECERRA-CESARIO (“BECERRA-CESARIO”) , age 38, a Mexican national, by U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion to 27 months of imprisonment for re-entry of a removed alien, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b)(2). After serving his sentence, BECERRA-CESARIO will be deported to his home country of Mexico. According to court documents, BECERRA-CESARIO , who had a previous felony conviction for cocaine distribution, was apprehended in Kenner around October 20, 2023. He had been previously deported to Mexico on May 15, 2014. U.S. Attorney Simpson expressed appreciation for the investigative work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is overseeing the prosecution.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – Jose Tiscareno-Rangel, 35, a citizen of Mexico, has been sentenced to 14 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Jack Zouhary after pleading guilty to illegally reentering the United States. He will be deported to Mexico upon completion of his prison sentence. Tiscareno-Rangel admitted to illegally re-entering the country without the consent of the United States Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security. He was previously removed from the U.S. on Sept.10, 2018. The defendant also had a previous conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1.5 kilograms of heroin. In July 2024, immigration officials learned that Tiscareno-Rangel was once again illegally in the United States and was found during an encounter with law enforcement at a gas station in Toledo. This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol-Sandusky Bay Station and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dexter L. Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio. 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, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Honduran national, residing in Lynn, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Douglas Mejia-Romero, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2025. Mejia-Romero was previously deported on May 15, 2020. Sometime after this removal, Mejia-Romero unlawfully reentered the United States. Additionally, between 2008 and 2020, Mejia-Romero was removed from the United States on five separate occasions. After each removal, he unlawfully reentered the United States. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Guilty Verdict in Trial of Recidivist Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – A Georgia resident with prior criminal convictions, including for domestic violence, was found guilty this week at trial of illegally possessing a firearm. Devon Marquell Rambo, 28, is guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Rambo faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The trial began on May 27 and concluded on May 28. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner is presiding over the case. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Convicted felons caught illegally possessing firearms will face federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “I want to thank the Albany Police Department and ATF for their ongoing collaboration to help us uphold the law.” “When convicted felons repeatedly ignore the law and continue to carry guns, they leave us no choice but to bring the full force of federal prosecution,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, ATF Atlanta Field Division. “This verdict sends a clear message: We are watching, we are acting and we are not backing down.” “We are grateful for the assistance that we have been receiving from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold offenders accountable,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley. “I hope this case serves as a warning that the illegal possession of weapons is not tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Albany Police Department (APD) officers responded to a report of shooting and disorderly conduct on Sept. 20, 2024, at around 10:30 a.m. at a residence on Avalon Avenue. Based on this, the officers obtained a search warrant and lawfully executed that search warrant on the residence. Officers found Rambo alone at the house. After Rambo was apprehended, officers commenced the search of the residence. Inside Rambo’s house, officers found he had covered his wife’s dog, furniture and several areas of the home with oil, which would make it difficult for officers to arrest him. During the search, they also found a black safe in one of the rooms, which contained a pistol and a semi-automatic rifle, two 9mm pistol magazines, one rifle magazine and ammunition along with Rambo’s social security card, credit card and Texas inmate identification card. Rambo has prior felony convictions in Texas for domestic violence and burglary. There was also an active arrest warrant out of Texas for aggravated assault at the time of this incident in Georgia. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. 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). The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Albany Police Department with assistance from the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Attorneys Sara Lim and Matthew Redavid are prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Convicted Felon Admits to Illegally Possessing of a Firearm

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man previously convicted and sentenced on firearm, drug trafficking, domestic violence, and assault charges today pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Court documents reflect that on February 6, 2022, a Warwick Police Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Miguel E. Pavao, 52. Based on Pavao’s nervous conduct and an admission to the officer that he was in possession of marijuana, some of which the officer observed on the floor of the vehicle, Pavao was ordered to exit the vehicle. During a pat-down by an officer, a fully loaded .40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun was discovered in the waistband of Pavao’s pants. According to information presented to the court, Pavao was prohibited from possessing a firearm, having previously been convicted in Rhode Island state court multiple times on domestic violence charges, drug trafficking charges, and for assault with a dangerous weapon, and in federal court on drug trafficking and firearm charges. Pavao is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron. The matter was investigated by the Warwick Police Department, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. ###