title: Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana Trafficking and Money Laundering Conspiracies

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, aka “Zay,” age 38, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to marijuana trafficking and money laundering. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf; and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This prosecution of a sophisticated marijuana trafficking and money laundering organization was made possible by the close collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies on both coasts. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and we continue to investigate and prosecute the criminal organizations profiting mightily from its illicit distribution.” Clements admitted to being a member of a marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) trafficking organization that cultivated marijuana on a commercial scale in Fresno, California, and shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region of New York. Clements also admitted to laundering marijuana and THC proceeds for the organization. Clements admitted to receiving packages of marijuana shipped by Dwight A. Singletary, II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” and McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, at his home and a restaurant in Troy. Clements also arranged shipments of marijuana to his sister, LaFay Pearson, aka “Lala,” at her apartment in Troy, and coordinated the receipt of shipments of marijuana by his aunt, Consanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” at her home in Troy. After the packages of marijuana were delivered to the defendant, Harris, and Pearson, they were picked up by or dropped off to David Singletary, aka “DB.” Clements was notified of the shipments of marijuana by Coles and Dwight Singletary and was paid between $300 and $400 for each package of marijuana received. Between June 2018 and May 2022, the defendant received and coordinated the receipt of approximately 1,102 kilograms (2,429 pounds) of marijuana. Clements also laundered marijuana and THC proceeds for the organization, including by exchanging $110,200 in cash drug proceeds consisting of small bills for large bills at a bank and credit union in the Capital Region; purchasing over $127,000 in cashier’s checks with cash drug proceeds; flying from the Capital Region to Fresno with suitcases full of cash drug proceeds; depositing cash drug proceeds into business and other accounts held by Coles and Dwight Singletary; sending over $20,000 in money transfers purchased with cash drug proceeds from the Capital Region to Fresno and Modesto, California; and paying contractors working on properties in the Capital Region owned by Dwight Singletary and his company, DAS Empire, Inc., with cash drug proceeds. Clements faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison on the two counts to which he pled guilty, conspiring to distribute marijuana and conspiring to commit money laundering; fines of up to $10.25 million; and a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Clements was charged in an indictment with Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, Coles, Pearson, Harris, and 18 other people charging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, and Coles have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations as to them. In addition to Clements, Person , and Harris , 15 other defendants – Rosemary Coles , Latrice Mumphrey , Lawrence Mumphrey, aka “L,” Sammy Olague , Victor Turner , Kristle Walker , Niara Banks, aka “Nie,” Ruby Ledesma , Lateek White , Onisha Smith , Jazell Shuler , Earnest Flood, aka “Pop,” James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” Alyssa June White , and Toquanda Ketchmore, aka “Quannie” – previously pled guilty. The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Dustin C. Segovia are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office is Looking for Additional Victims in the iCare Gifting Solutions Case

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The U.S. Attorney’s Office is looking for additional victims ahead of the sentencing, in June, of Robert Rahlre, who pled guilty earlier this year to tax evasion and wire fraud. As part of his guilty plea , Rahrle admitted that from 2017 to 2024, he ran a fraudulent online gift basket website called iCare Gifting Solutions LLC. iCare purported to cater to families of incarcerated individuals, promising to send care packages into prisons. iCare charged hundreds of customers approximately $50 per gift basket but never sent the gift packages. Sentencing is scheduled for June 11, 2025, before Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby in Syracuse. Victims of the charged offense have a right to request restitution for financial loss. If you are a victim of Rahlre’s fraud scheme who wants to complete a statement about the impact of the crime on you and/or to request the Court to order the defendant to pay you restitution, please send your statement to USANYN-VictimAssist@USDOJ.GOV by no later than June 6. Anyone claiming to be a victim of iCare Gifting Solutions must provide documentation of a purchase they made from that company. More information is available on the Victim Witness Assistance page of the U.S. Attorney’s Office web site .


title: Sin City Deciples Member Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison

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

body_text: HAMMOND- Roger Lee Ervin Burton, age 55, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to a racketeering conspiracy announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Burton was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the Sin City Deciples, originally formed in 1967 in Gary, Indiana, is an outlaw motorcycle organization in which its members and associates engaged in acts of violence, extortion, and narcotics distribution in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere. Burton served as a National Board Member of the entire club and was described by informants as one of the top three leaders in the criminal organization. The agencies involved in this prosecution were: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents, the Merrillville Police Department, the Munster Police Department, and the Schererville Police Department. Also aiding were the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of Indiana, the Western District of Kentucky, and the Western District of Pennsylvania. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Michael J. Toth, and former Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly L. Schultz. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was also 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: Waterloo Man Who Attempted to Murder Victim Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who discharged multiple rounds of ammunition in downtown Waterloo during a murder attempt was sentenced on May 12, 2025, to more than thirteen years in federal prison. Laindrell Myquail Cooper, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 21, 2024 guilty plea to possession of ammunition by a felon. Information from sentencing showed that Cooper was a member of a gang in Waterloo. On the morning of November 18, 2022, an associate of Cooper’s got into an argument with the victim at a barbershop in downtown Waterloo. Cooper’s associate called someone to bring Cooper downtown. Cooper was dressed in all black clothing, including a mask. Cooper was dropped off a few blocks from the barbershop. After briefly entering and exiting the barbershop, he located the victim across the street. Cooper walked into the middle of the street, around a city bus, and then fired at least six rounds of ammunition at the victim, pursuing him as he sought shelter in the entryway of a storefront. Cooper’s actions caused another man to discharge his firearm as three of his family members were in a car in or near the line of fire. No one was injured. Two storefronts and two cars were damaged by gunfire. Additional evidence established that Cooper previously possessed a firearm that ballistics testing showed was discharged in a shots-fired incident that occurred in Waterloo on July 5, 2021. Cooper was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. In pronouncing the sentence, Chief Judge Williams stated that Cooper represented “a clear and present danger to the public.” Cooper was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Cooper is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-2034. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Delaware Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WASHINGTON — A federal jury in the District of Delaware convicted Clifton H. Gibbs, 68, of Sussex County today on multiple counts of sex trafficking and forced labor. Specifically, the jury convicted Gibbs of seven counts of sex trafficking seven adult victims, five counts of forced labor, and one count of interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution. According to the evidence at trial, Gibbs exploited the victims’ heroin addiction and fears of withdrawal sickness to compel the victims to engage in commercial sex, panhandle, perform demanding manual labor on his property, and to steal goods for him to resell. Gibbs’ co-defendant, Brooke Waters, 46, previously pled guilty to sex trafficking, forced labor, and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution charges. “Today’s conviction vindicates the rights of multiple victims who the defendant trafficked over several years within the District of Delaware,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant preyed on individuals suffering from opiate addiction and cruelly exploited them for his own profit. The Justice Department is committed to aggressively fighting human trafficking and seeking justice for its victims.” “I hope that today’s verdict brings some measure of closure for the victims in this case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson for the District of Delaware. “I commend the victims’ bravery and willingness to testify to bring this defendant to justice. Our communities are much safer, and this verdict should serve as a warning to other individuals who exploit victims for personal gain.” “The conviction of Clifton H. Gibbs highlights the strong partnership between Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Justice in the fight against human trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of HSI Philadelphia. “Gibbs preyed on vulnerable individuals, feeding their addiction for profit through forced labor and commercial sex. HSI remains committed to working alongside our federal partners to dismantle trafficking networks, bring perpetrators to justice, and through our victim centered approach, support victims as they reclaim their lives.” “The crimes uncovered in this case are among the most egregious that Homeland Security Investigations encounters,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of HSI Maryland. “Exploiting vulnerable individuals through coercion, abuse, and manipulation is nothing short of reprehensible. This kind of predatory behavior destroys lives and undermines the fundamental values of human dignity and freedom. HSI remains unwavering in its mission to dismantle criminal networks, bring perpetrators to justice, and protect the safety and well-being of our communities, especially those who are unable to protect themselves.” The evidence presented at the seven-day trial demonstrated that Gibbs sought out individuals, often young women, who were addicted to heroin, and without any money or a stable place to live, promising to take care of them by giving them housing, food, clothing, and easy access to drugs. He then provided many of them with heroin for free to ease their withdrawal sickness. He allowed them to live in trailers or campers on his two rural properties in Sussex County. He then instructed the women to engage in commercial sex, instructing his co-defendant to take photos of them and post online advertisements for them to do “dates” with commercial sex buyers. Gibbs kept all the proceeds from the commercial sex acts and provided the women with small amounts of heroin and cocaine to avoid withdrawal sickness. Gibbs positioned himself to control the victims’ access to heroin and thereby controlled the onset of withdrawal sickness. Exploiting the victims’ fear of withdrawal sickness, Gibbs profited from the commercial sex acts in which he compelled the women to engage. Gibbs and his co-defendant also recruited heroin-addicted individuals to “boost” or steal goods for him to re-sell, panhandle, and do manual labor on his properties. In the same way he did with the young women he compelled to engage in commercial sex, Gibbs exploited the victims’ fear of withdrawal sickness to coerce this labor for his profit. Gibbs also used physical force with some of his victims by hitting, kicking, or threatening to shoot those who disobeyed his orders or talked back. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Gibbs faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Briana Knox for the District of Delaware and Trial Attorneys Christina Randall-James and Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Wewoka Resident Sentenced To 27 Years For Second Degree Murder And Federal Firearm Crime

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joseph Celdon Mullins, age 22, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for one count of Murder in Indian Country - Second Degree. Mullins was also sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The terms are set to be served consecutively. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. On November 6, 2024, Mullins pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators on June 20, 2023, Mullins pulled a 9mm pistol during an argument with a neighbor and fired twice. One bullet struck the victim, who died on the scene. The crimes occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Mullins will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Broken Arrow Resident Pleads Guilty To Felony Assault And Federal Firearm Charge

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rafael Martin Sangines, age 29, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.00, and one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. The Indictment alleged that on September 29, 2024, Sangines assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, intending to do bodily harm. The Indictment further alleged that on September 29, 2024, Sangines possessed a rifle, a pistol, and multiple rounds of ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The crimes occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Broken Arrow Police Department. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sangines will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Soverly and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.


title: Richmond Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Create and Distribute Animal Crush Videos

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, Kendall Hacker, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves to 30 months in prison, for conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos. Animal crushing is defined under federal criminal law as “actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians, is purposely crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury.” According to his plea agreement, on November 4, 2021, through June 21, 2022, Hacker sent money through online payment applications to online group chats in which Hacker and other co-conspirators were members, for the purpose of creating, funding, and receiving animal crush videos. Co-conspirators outside the United States received this funding and used it create animal crush videos. Hacker possessed animal crush videos on his phone, including one that depicted a juvenile monkey being tortured with a jar of ants and sexually assaulted with an object that caused the juvenile monkey’s death. Under federal law, Hacker must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 2 in the Southern District of Georgia

body_text: May 12, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. Two individuals were arrested in the Southern District of Georgia. To date, both have been charged federally. Michael Alexander James , 44, of Waynesboro, GA and Martin Lindner, 52, of Augusta, GA were both charged in newly unsealed federal indictments with one count of Possession of Child Pornography, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “Possessing child pornography perpetuates the victimization of child sexual abuse survivors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “As exemplified in Operation Restore Justice, we will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to protect our most vulnerable citizens.” Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Manhattan Gang Member Sentenced To 25 Years For 2019 Murder Of Innocent Bystander

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that LUIS FILPO was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for murdering 24-year-old Roberto Vasquez, an innocent bystander who was mistaken for a gang rival. FILPO previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer imposed today’s sentence which was imposed to run consecutively to a state sentence the defendant is serving. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “Luis Filpo walked up to a car and opened fire, killing Vasquez and wounding another occupant. What makes this brazen and senseless crime even more tragic is that Filpo wrongly believed Vasquez was a gang rival. Thanks to the hard work of the women and men of the Office and our law enforcement partners, Filpo will be held accountable for his crimes, and gang members are on notice that combatting gang-related crime is a priority of Federal law enforcement.” As detailed in public filings and public court proceedings: From at least 2016 through March 2020, FILPO was a member of “the 200s,” a street gang based in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan. In order to fund the gang, protect its territory, and promote its standing, members of the 200s engaged in, among other things, narcotics trafficking and other acts of violence, including murder. Members of the 200s sold narcotics in the gang’s territory and engaged in shootings as part of their gang membership. On January 31, 2019, FILPO saw Vasquez and believed he was a gang rival, even though Vasquez was not. FILPO and other 200s gang members followed a car in which Vasquez was a passenger. When Vasquez’s vehicle parked, FILPO walked up to the car and opened fire, killing Vasquez and wounding another occupant in the car. Vasquez was 24 years old. In imposing the sentence, Judge Engelmayer remarked that FILPO’s crime was “as serious as it gets,” adding that FILPO made himself “judge, jury, and executioner.” * * * In addition to his prison term, FILPO, 25, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew S. Andrews, Frank J. Balsamello, Patrick R. Moroney, and Thomas J. Wright are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Northern District of Georgia Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. Recognizes National Police Week

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 11, 2025, through Saturday, May 17, 2025. “Law enforcement officers faithfully and selflessly help to protect our families, friends, and neighbors while risking their own lives to safeguard the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “We owe these men and women our gratitude and support for the dedication and bravery they display each day, often through unpublicized altruistic acts of service to the community.” In 1962, former U.S. President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. During National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund’s report indicates that 148 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2024 (https://nleomf.org/memorial/facts-figures/roll-call-of-heroes/). Here, in the Northern District of Georgia, we solemnly commemorate the seven officers who tragically died in the line of duty within the past year and solemnly extend our regards to their families, for especially whom the impact of the loss is ongoing: Deputy Sheriff Brandon Tyler Cunningham , Paulding County, GA, Sheriff's Office, End of Watch: Saturday, August 17, 2024. Investigator Taylor Jaimeson Bristow , Carroll County, GA, Sheriff's Office, End of Watch: Friday, August 23, 2024. Deputy Sheriff Eric Anthony Minix , Coweta County, GA, Sheriff's Office, End of Watch: Thursday, January 4, 2024. Trooper Jimmy Cenescar . Georgia State Patrol, End of Watch: Sunday, January 28, 2024. Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte , Roswell, GA, Police Department, End of Watch: Friday, February 7, 2025. Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner , Georgia State Patrol, End of Watch: Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III , South Fulton, GA, Police Department, End of Watch: Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Also each year, the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C. hosts an Annual Candlelight Vigil to memorialize those who sacrificed their lives. The names of hundreds of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the walls of the Memorial and their names will be read aloud during this year’s 37th annual vigil scheduled for tomorrow, on Tuesday, May 13, 2024, at 8 PM (https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2025/candlelight-vigil/). The vigil will livestream on YouTube: YouTube.com/NLEOMF and F acebook: Facebook.com/NLEOMF . 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: Honoring National Police Week

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND— This year, National Police Week is observed Sunday, May 11 through Saturday, May 17, 2025. In honor of National Police Week, the federal employees of the Northern District of Indiana wish to honor and salute the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week . Every year, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C. to participate in planned events which honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Based on preliminary data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 147 federal, state, county, municipal, military, tribal, and campus officers have died in the line of duty in 2024, representing a 25% increase, compared to the 118 officers who died in the line of duty in 2023. Firearms-related fatalities have claimed the lives of 52 officers in 2024, which represents a 13% increase from the 46 officers killed by gunfire in 2023 and was the leading cause of death. Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay said, “We should not take for granted the many ways law enforcement protect the citizens of their communities. The reality is that many dangers confront law enforcement officers even when they are performing routine duties. Their bravery is unmatched and their commitment to upholding the law is commendable. The federal employees of the Northern District of Indiana join me in honoring those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives protecting others, as well as recognizing the sacrifices of their families. The names of the fallen officers have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and will be read on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. There are currently 24,412 names engraved on the Memorial. ###


title: Prince George’s County Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Distribution of Fentanyl Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – Roddrick Navara Shelby, 48, of Laurel, Maryland, has pleaded guilty in federal court to the distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Washington Division, and Chief Marc R. Yamada , Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD). In November 2024, the DEA and MCPD began investigating Shelby in connection with suspected fentanyl trafficking. During their investigation, law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases where Shelby sold a confidential source approximately 500 pills. The pills were blue in color and imprinted with “M30” – mimicking the markings on legitimate pills that one would receive from a manufacturer containing oxycodone hydrochloride. As confirmed by laboratory analysis, the blue “M30” pills contained fentanyl. In total, Shelby sold approximately 1,471 fentanyl pills, or more than 150 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, to the confidential source. On the morning of March 20, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Shelby’s residence and vehicle in Laurel, Maryland. In a kitchen drawer, and other places in the residence, law enforcement identified assorted ammunition, one loaded magazine, two empty .357 caliber Glock magazines, and one empty .45 caliber Glock magazine. Law enforcement found approximately 63 rounds of ammunition. Due to a prior conviction, Shelby was prohibited from legally owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Additionally, in a kitchen drawer, law enforcement found three digital scales with white residue and three small - knotted baggies containing what seizing officers suspected was cocaine. Shelby faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 40 years. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, July 15, at 10 a.m. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and MCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan S. McKoy and Elizabeth Wright who are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Landover Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Series of Armed Robberies

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced James Kareen Day, 43, of Landover, Maryland, to 16 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a series of armed and attempted armed robberies of businesses located in Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentences with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Gregory Der, Howard County Police Department (HCPD); Chief Marc Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). According to the guilty plea, between December 2022 and February 2023, Day committed three armed robberies and four attempted armed robberies of several businesses located within Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Day fled with money and other property of the businesses and victims. During some of the robberies, Day brandished a short-barrel shotgun while demanding cash and valuables. 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. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, HCPD, MCPD, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dawn Williams and Timothy Hagan who are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Pittsburgh Resident and Darknet Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison on Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Convictions

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions of distribution of LSD, MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine and two federal firearms violations, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on George Sotiris Vlastos, 38, on May 8, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, in and around May 2020, Vlastos acquired controlled substances—including LSD, MDMA, ketamine, and cocaine—from an international MDMA/Ecstasy vendor via the Darknet and distributed those substances to members of the Western Pennsylvania public. Vlastos, who himself was an unlawful user of controlled substances, was also found to be in possession of a firearm in violation of federal law. In November 2023, while on bond for these offenses, Vlastos made several false statements on an application to acquire a firearm, in further violation of federal firearms law. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Crafton Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Vlastos.


title: Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into U.S.

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Guatemalan resident pleaded guilty in federal court on May 9, 2025, to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Juan Manuel Secaida, 35. According to information presented to the Court, Secaida was arrested by the Coraopolis Police Department and charged with harassment, stalking, and criminal trespass, charges which remain pending. Following this encounter, immigration officials determined that Secaida was illegally present in the United States and arrested him on April 1, 2025. Secaida was previously removed from the United States in January 2020 after pleading guilty in Maryland state court to two separate instances of driving under the influence of alcohol, and had not received the required permission to be in the United States. Secaida has been in federal custody since his April arrest on the illegal reentry charge, and will be returned to immigration custody. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Coraopolis Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Secaida. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Immigration Enforcement Actions

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) has announced that federal grand juries in the Northern District of Ohio have returned indictments for multiple individuals on charges of illegal reentry offenses. Additionally, one defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry. These are separate cases and are not related. Oscar Arcos-Carvajal, 40, a citizen of Mexico, has been charged with illegal reentry. He was previously removed from the United States on at least one occasion with the last being Oct. 22, 2009. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Sandusky Bay Station. Erick Cordova Rodriguez, 37, a citizen of Mexico, has been charged with illegal reentry. He was previously removed from the United States on at least one occasion with the last being June 13, 2018. He was also previously convicted of attempted illegal reentry on June 7, 2018. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Antonio G. Nicolas-Pedro, 31, a citizen of Guatemala, has been charged with illegal reentry. He was previously removed from the United States on three occasions: Jan. 24, 2018, April 3, 2018, and June 7, 2018. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ICE-HSI. Dino De Laurentis Rivera-Lopez, aka Jorge Palmero Rivera Lopez, 44, a citizen of Honduras, has been charged with illegal reentry. He was previously removed from the United States on three occasions with the last being Jan. 20, 2020. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ICE-HSI and the Campbell Police Department. Additionally, Veronica Rios-Ruiz, 47, a citizen of Mexico, has been sentenced to time served by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent after pleading guilty in federal court to illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to information presented in court, Rios-Ruiz was previously removed from the United States three times with the most recent being Dec. 15, 2007. She was also previously convicted of identity fraud in 2007. Rios-Ruiz has been in custody since her arrest on Feb. 25, 2025 and will remain detained pending deportation from the United States. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ICE-HSI. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Luzerne County Man Convicted Of Being A Felon In Possession Of A Stolen Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Raymond Alberto, age 36, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was convicted on May 7, 2025, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and being in possession of a stolen firearm following a three-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on August 12, 2021, Alberto was found asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle stopped at a stop sign, with his foot on the brake, and a line of cars stopped behind him. Law enforcement searched the vehicle, and ultimately discovered a stolen firearm in the glove compartment. During the trial, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony of multiple law enforcement witnesses, as well as expert witnesses in the fields of forensic chemistry, serology, DNA science, and criminal drug investigation. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah R. Lloyd and James M. Buchanan. 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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Woodbridge Man Admits $2.3 Million Pandemic Relief Program Scheme

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on May 9, 2025, YASIR G. HAMED, 60, of Woodbridge, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to offenses stemming from a scheme to defraud a COVID-19 pandemic relief program of more than $2.3 million. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). The PPP was overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and individual PPP loans were issued by private lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA. According to court documents and statements made in court, Hamed, an accountant, had an ownership interest or representative relationship with several New Haven-based businesses, including Access Consulting and Professional Services Inc.; Connecticut Medical Transportation Inc.; Arabic Language Learning Program Inc.; Institute for Global Educational Exchange Inc.; Access Medical Transport Inc.; Ikea Car & Limo Inc.; Center of the World Tours, North America LLC.; and Sudanese American Friendship Association Inc. Between June 2020 and September 2021, Hamed submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of these companies, overstating employee numbers and average monthly payroll, and making other fraudulent representations. As part of the applications, he submitted false tax filings that had never been filed with the IRS. Hamed also submitted PPP loan applications on behalf of companies owned by his clients. In at least one instance, Hamed convinced the owner of a business, which he knew was not active and had no employees, to seek PPP funding. Hamed prepared the paperwork for the PPP application and then took a significant portion of the loan proceeds. Through this scheme, Hamed obtained than $2.3 million in PPP loans for his businesses and for his clients, receiving more than $1 million in loan proceeds for himself and his family, and significant kickbacks from his clients. Hamed used the funds for personal expenses, including education expenses for a family member, and for a downpayment on a $880,000 house in Woodbridge that he purchased in October 2020. Hamed has agreed to pay $2,384,772 in restitution. Hamed pleaded guilty to bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and engaging in illegal monetary transactions, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 8. Hamed was arrested on November 13, 2024. He is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: New York Man Sentenced To 41 Months’ Imprisonment For Wire Fraud And Money Laundering In Connection With Embezzling More Than $883,000 In Federal Feeding Program Funds

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Darrell Devonish, age 53, of New York City, New York, was sentenced on May 8, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for wire fraud and money laundering, arising from Devonish’s diversion of federal funds meant to feed qualifying children and adults to fuel his lavish lifestyle between 2017 and 2019. According Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between February 2017 and August 2019, Devonish’s non-profit company, Rebuilding Better Communities, sought and received $1,074,328.45 in federal feeding program funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, of which Devonish converted nearly $900,000 for his personal use, including more than $175,000 in jewelry purchases; more than $45,000 in payments toward the purchase and financing of a 2015 Mercedes S550 and 2018 Jeep Wrangler; more than $75,000 in clothing and cosmetics purchases; more than $12,000 in liquor purchases; more than $100,000 in entertainment, travel, and dining purchases, including international travel; and more than $220,000 in cash withdraws from ATMs. “The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) were created to provide food and nutrition to those who truly need this assistance. Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of USDA feeding programs will be investigated by our office to protect the integrity of these programs,” said USDA Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Charmeka Parker. Judge Wilson further ordered Devonish to pay restitution in the amount of $883,518.33. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David C. Williams and Samuel S. Dalke. # # #


title: Former State Employee Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - A Southfield woman pleaded guilty to stealing over $250,000 as part of an extensive unemployment fraud and identity theft conspiracy while working for the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Joining in the announcement were Joseph Cuffari, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security—Office of Inspector General; Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Jason Palmer, Director of the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Timeka Johnson, 43, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephen J. Murphy, III. Johnson was an employee for the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (MUIA). Her duties included reviewing, processing, and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims. According to court records, Johnson used her insider access to fraudulently process claims in the names of third parties. As part of the scheme, Johnson personally: accessed third-party unemployment insurance assistance claim information without authorization; dismissed and improperly closed fraud prevention triggers and information requests relating to third-party unemployment insurance assistance; uploaded false and fraudulent documentation to support illegitimate unemployment insurance assistance claims, including false and fraudulent personal identifying information in the names of third parties; falsely and fraudulently certified the entitlement of third-party claims as being eligible to receive unemployment insurance assistance funds; caused at least one other Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency employee to fraudulently access and alter third-party unemployment insurance assistance claim information for Johnson’s benefit in exchange for financial compensation from Johnson; caused unauthorized debit cards to be issued in the names of third-party unemployment insurance assistance claimants; caused improper payments to be issued in connection with unemployment insurance assistance claims; and conducted unauthorized cash withdrawals of unemployment insurance assistance issued in the name of a third party. As a result of the conspiracy, over $250,000 in fraudulent unemployment assistance payments were made by the State of Michigan. Sentencing is set for August 19, 2025 before Judge Murphy. Johnson faces a mandatory two-year sentence of imprisonment for having engaged in aggravated identity theft. She also faces up to 20 years in prison for having conspired to engage in wire fraud. “Timeka Johnson abused her position of trust to steal from hard-working American taxpayers. In doing so, she also made it more difficult for legitimate claimants to receive unemployment insurance assistance to which they are entitled. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting government employees who use their positions to illicitly enrich themselves rather than serve the public,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “Former Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency employee Timeka Johnson engaged in an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme by facilitating the approval of UI claims filed in the names of identity theft victims who were not entitled to such benefits. Johnson abused her position by misusing her access to sensitive employment information and state data systems for her own personal financial gain. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program, particularly when an insider threat is involved,” said Megan Howell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. "The guilty plea of Timeka Johnson, a former employee of the State of Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency, represents a serious betrayal of public trust," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. "By abusing her position, she exploited a critical safety net relied upon by countless residents of Michigan. Let this serve as a warning: those who attempt to defraud public assistance programs will face a determined and coordinated response from law enforcement. I want to thank the FBI Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force, our partners at the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. The FBI is committed to protecting public resources and holding accountable those who undermine them." “It is unacceptable when the person stealing taxpayer money is someone within UIA who is entrusted to faithfully safeguard taxpayer money meant for those who find themselves out of a job,” said Jason Palmer, Director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. “UIA will aggressively pursue every fraudster, including insiders, who saw an opportunity to steal for their own financial gain. We work closely with our legal partners to make sure every fraudster faces the consequences of their shameful schemes.” The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Department of Homeland Security—Office of Inspector General, Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity


title: North Carolina Sex Offender Indicted For Attempting To Entice 11-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Geoffrey Lee Dudding (39, Concord, NC) with attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Dudding faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Dudding is a registered child sex offender who was twice previously convicted in North Carolina – once of indecent liberty with a minor (2007) and of solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act (2024). According to court documents, on January 13, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation to identify individuals seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted several short messages in a public chatroom on an online social messaging platform (app). An individual using the name “metalh34d321,” who was subsequently identified as Dudding, contacted the UC by private text message on the app and expressed interest in the UC’s “daughter.” Dudding told the UC, “Let me know if ya ever down to let me do her.” Despite being advised several times that the “child” was 11 years old and lived in Florida, Dudding stated that he wanted to meet the “child” to “[h]ave a good time and sex.” Dudding described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child” and sent the UC an explicit video of himself to show to the “child.” Dudding and the UC also communicated by cellphone text messaging. They discussed plans for Dudding to travel to Jacksonville so that he could engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Dudding told the UC that he would book a hotel room in Jacksonville. On May 8, 2025, Dudding was arrested by FBI agents in Concord, North Carolina. He was detained and will be transported by the United States Marshals Service to Jacksonville for prosecution in this case. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cabarrus County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Johnstown Woman Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 100 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on her convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin, crack, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jessica Wilson, 39, on May 8, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around January 2021 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Wilson conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, crack, and methamphetamine. Wilson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others. During a separately charged offense, from in and around April 2024 to June 2024, Wilson conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures containing fentanyl and crack. Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Wilson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: New Orleans Woman Guilty Of Cares Act Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: Correction: NEW ORLEANS RESIDENT GUILTY OF CARES ACT FRAUD. JARROW also faces up to ten years in prison for the theft of government funds count. NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that BRANDON JARROW (“JARROW”) (aka Brandi Jarrow) , age 33, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to theft of government funds and to making false statements, related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the CARES Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The two primary sources of funding for small businesses were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program. According to the charging documents, on or about June 20, 2020, JARROW , on behalf of a business, submitted a false application for a EIDL to the SBA. This resulted in a theft of government funds in the amount of $95,000. On or about February 4, 2021, JARROW made false statements to an approved lender for another sham business to obtain a $20,833 PPP loan. Sentencing will be on August 13, 2025. At sentencing, JARROW faces up to five years in prison for the false statement counts. She also faces up to ten years in prison for the theft of government funds count. All of the counts carry a penalty of up to $250,000 in fines, up to three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration - Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Unlicensed Gun Dealer Receives Four Years in Federal Prison for Reselling Over 1,300 Firearms, Many Bound for Mexico

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— David Joseph Mull, 52, of North Vernon, Indiana, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to unlicensed dealing in firearms. According to court documents, David Joseph Mull sold hundreds of firearms illegally, without obtaining a proper dealing license. In 2016, Mull was served with a cease-and-desist letter from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), putting him on notice that he needed to obtain a federal firearms license (FFL) in order to engage in the business of selling firearms. Mull ignored the cease-and-desist letter and instead continued running his unlicensed gun business. He evaded detection by federal law enforcement by primarily purchasing firearms from other private sellers at gun shows across the country for resale, instead of purchasing from FFLs. FFLs are required to generate multiple sales reports when individuals purchase more than one handgun within a five-day period. And if a firearm is later recovered in a crime, the ATF can determine who originally purchased the firearm from an FFL. Private sellers have no such obligation to keep or maintain records. Mull’s main customer was involved in illegal firearms trafficking across state lines. Firearms the customer purchased from Mull were eventually transported to Mexico. Between 2019 and 2023, Mull sold over 500 firearms, including semiautomatic handguns and AR and AK style rifles, to this main customer, in exchange for approximately $350,000 in cash. According to court documents, Mull knew or had reason to believe that the firearms would be transported from Indianapolis to New York City, and then to Mexico, at the time of sale. Additionally, Mull ran a lucrative online firearms business during the same time period, in which he sold approximately 800 firearms to different buyers throughout the United States for a total of $174,142. “Illegal firearms dealers deliberately bypass background checks and record-keeping laws intended to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. We know that diverting firearms from legal markets in the U.S. to illegal markets in Mexico fuels cartel violence and the drug trade—crimes that cross borders and devastate communities,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence underscores our commitment to prosecuting all those involved in gun trafficking networks.” “Anyone who engages in the business of selling firearms is required to have a license and follow regulations ensuring those firearms are not going to individuals who are prohibited from possessing them,” stated Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “In this case, the defendant clearly profited from the firearms business without the required license and responsibility to keep our community safe.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Observes National Police Week

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In observance of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement and pays tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. National Police Week is observed Sunday, May 11, through Saturday, May 17, 2025. “During National Police Week, we honor and remember the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage, dedication, and selfless service in the face of danger will never be forgotten,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Law enforcement is too often criticized and does not receive enough credit for their work and sacrifice. We stand with the entire law enforcement community and express our deep gratitude for all of our officers’ commitment to justice and their tireless efforts to protect us with courage, honor, and distinction.” In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. In observance of National Police Week and in remembrance of North Carolina’s fallen law enforcement officers, U.S. Attorney Ferguson delivered the keynote address at the 40 th Annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Ceremony in Concord and participated in Mecklenburg County’s Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in Charlotte. The names of more than 345 officers killed in the line of duty who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will be read on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the 37 th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. To view a livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2025/candlelight-vigil/ . To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org .


title: GAINESVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO 121 MONTHS FOR RECEIPT OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Stephen Christopher Young, 58, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment for receipt/attempted receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Crimes against children are unacceptable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. “Those who seek to view and maintain child pornography facilitate the abuse of children by those who produce and profit from this illegal content. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that we aggressively prosecute these offenders.” In March 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Young’s residence and discovered Young had been exchanging child pornography with others using various applications intended to avoid detection by using end-to-end encryption. Young’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $20,500 in restitution. Young will also be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to all sex offender conditions. “It’s crucial to prioritize the protection of children from sexual abuse,” said Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott. The case was investigated by Internet Crime Against Children Task Force Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Steer and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case. “This case is another example of the FBI's relentless commitment to protecting children by removing predators from our community,” said Jason Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville. “Let this be a lesson to others who prey on vulnerable kids; the FBI and our partners will never stop working to identify, pursue, and hold child predators accountable.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: INTERPOL Washington boosts border security capabilities in Malaysia through Project TERMINUS

component: Interpol Washington

body_text: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, INTERPOL Washington delivered equipment to Malaysia through Project TERMINUS, which will significantly enhance the country’s ability to detect and interdict transnational criminals, terrorists, and other threat actors at its borders. “Malaysia has been a valued Project TERMINUS partner since 2016 and a critical ally in combating terrorism and violent extremism,” said INTERPOL Washington Acting Director Sean Tolbert. “These upgraded systems will empower Malaysian authorities to strengthen border security and protect the region and beyond by identifying and stopping criminals and terrorists before they reach other countries or cross into our country.” These enhancements, when implemented, will significantly improve traveler screening. By leveraging INTERPOL's extensive resources, this initiative ultimately aids in the identification and prevention of potentially harmful travel to the United States, through a more profound understanding of global travel patterns. During the visit, the TERMINUS team refreshed previously deployed border security solutions in the country. The team held talks with senior officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Immigration Malaysia, INTERPOL Malaysia, and the Royal Malaysia Police to identify any gaps and vulnerabilities they can address as partners. They discussed significant near-term improvements to strengthen Malaysia’s border security and law enforcement investigative systems, such as enhanced database integration. Malaysian airports handle nearly 100 million travelers per year, and it sits in a strategically vital chokepoint along the Strait of Malacca. By strengthening Malaysia’s border security infrastructure, Project TERMINUS not only enhances regional stability but also contributes to global security by disrupting the movement of illicit actors. INTERPOL Washington remains committed to deepening its partnership with Malaysia to ensure a safer, more secure Indo-Pacific region, America, and world at large. Learn more about Project TERMINUS .


title: D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin Honors Law Enforcement During National Police Week Ceremonies

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. joined leaders from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in commemorating National Police Week by attending events honoring the sacrifice and service of law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C., and across the nation. “The health and well-being of our law enforcement officers directly impacts the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “Few vocations are as important in our society as policing. All members of our local, state, and federal public safety community deserve our thanks and respect.” The week honors the law enforcement community with special recognition of those who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. In 1962, Congress created National Police Week and designated May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. On May 13, 2025, U.S. Attorney Martin will attend the Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall in honor of fallen officers. On May 15, he will attend the annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol and later the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Last week, U.S. Attorney Martin attended a memorial service on May 5, 2025, at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. On May 6, 2025, he attended the annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a service at the U.S. Capitol honoring U.S. Capitol Police officers who died in the line of duty. This year, National Police Week is observed from Sunday, May 11, to Saturday, May 17, 2025. According to statistics collected by the FBI, 64 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2024 — a 6.6% increase from 2023. For comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the newly released 2024 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted. To access the FBI's 2024 report, visit www.fbi.gov . The names of all fallen officers nationwide were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., during the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2025. For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org .


title: Tustin Man Sentenced to 17½ Years in Federal Prison for Leading  Ring that Trafficked Hundreds of Pounds of Meth to Other Nations

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison for leading a transnational drug trafficking organization that exported wholesale amounts of methamphetamine – concealed within commercial products such as food storage buckets and customized metal boxes – to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Hoang Xuan Le, 43, a.k.a. “Big Bro,” of Tustin, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also ordered him to pay a fine of $50,000. Le pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of conspiracy to export controlled substances. From no later than July 2020 to October 2021, Le and co-defendant Tri Buinguyen, 40, a.k.a. “Bro,” of Garden Grove, communicated with members of the drug trafficking organization in Australia and Papua New Guinea. They then arranged for the export of bulk quantities of drugs from the United States to these nations via air cargo and ocean freight, concealing the drugs in a variety of commercial products and falsifying their true nature on the manifests and customs documents. The defendants used phones equipped with military-grade encryption software and encrypted messaging applications, particularly “Signal,” to coordinate the export of drugs from the United States. They also used fictitious names, businesses, and email accounts to communicate with intermediaries, including vendors, freight forwarders, shipping companies, customs brokers, and customs officials in the United States and foreign countries, to fraudulently disguise the drugs as legitimate commercial products. In his plea agreement, Le admitted to participating in and overseeing at least two shipments of narcotics from the United States to the Indo-Pacific region. In August 2020, Le directed the shipment of approximately 30 kilograms (66.1 pounds) of methamphetamine concealed in metal boxes to Australia. From April 2021 to September 2021, Le directed the shipment to Papua New Guinea of approximately 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds) of methamphetamine concealed in food storage buckets. Law enforcement intercepted both shipments. “On top of the sophistication and reach of this drug trafficking organization, [Le] played a critical leadership role in it,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Le] oversaw international drug shipments, asked for updates on the shipments’ status and location, communicated with co-conspirators abroad, and arranged for drug shipments through air cargo and ocean freight. This was a wide-ranging, lucrative, and sophisticated international narcotics conspiracy, and [Le] was its leader in the United States.” On February 24, Buinguyen was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and fined $50,000 for his role in the conspiracy. He pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of conspiracy to export controlled substances. Buinguyen admitted to his role in the two drug shipments, plus additional shipments in August and September of 2022 of 32 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in ready-to-eat meal packets that were delivered to New Zealand and were intercepted by law enforcement there. Co-defendants Trung Buinguyen, 41, of Lakewood, and Narongsak Champy, 29, of Long Beach, are charged with one count of conspiracy to export controlled substances and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Law enforcement is seeking both defendants. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this matter. The following agencies provided substantial assistance to this investigation: United States Postal Inspection Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; United States Customs and Border Protection; the Australian Federal Police; the Australian Border Force; the Australian Department of Homeland Affairs – Intelligence Division; the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary; the Papua New Guinea Customs Service; and the New Zealand Customs Service. This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and HSI. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 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). Assistant United States Attorney Gregg E. Marmaro of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.


title: David X. Sullivan Appointed Interim United States Attorney

body_text: Attorney General Pamela Bondi has signed an order appointing David X. Sullivan, 65, of New Fairfield, as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Mr. Sullivan was sworn in today by Chief U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford. “I am deeply honored that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me by appointing me to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan. “It is especially gratifying to return to the U.S. Attorney’s Office where I spent the vast majority of my career practicing law as a public servant. I look forward to working again with the hard-working men and women of the office, and federal, state, and local law enforcement. Through our collaborative efforts, we can accomplish great things and, most importantly, ensure the safety of our citizens.” Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Sullivan was a partner at the law firm of McCarter and English, LLP, with a practice focusing on complex civil litigation, advising financial institutions on compliance with federal laws and regulations, and representing individuals and businesses in government investigations and regulatory enforcement actions. From 1989 to 2019, Mr. Sullivan served in the District of Connecticut as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, handling a wide range of civil and criminal matters with a focus on asset forfeiture, money laundering, tax evasion, and narcotics trafficking. Mr. Sullivan also led the District of Connecticut’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, where he oversaw criminal and civil forfeiture matters for the Office. In 2003 and 2004, Mr. Sullivan served as the Money Laundering/Asset Forfeiture Coordinator for the Department of Justice, acting as the national representative and legal advisor for the 94 United States Attorney’s offices across the country. Mr. Sullivan graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1982, the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in 1988, and the Quinnipiac University School of Law, with an LLM in Taxation, in 1991. Mr. Sullivan is the 56th U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, an office that was established in 1789. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 54 staff members at offices in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit www.justice.gov/ct .


title: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison  for Receiving Child Pornography

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2025. Mason Benoist, age 24, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Benoist was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025. The conviction stems from Benoist receiving and possessing child pornography using his mobile phone in April 2022. Law enforcement subsequently began investigating Benoist based on CyberTips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In May 2023, law enforcement made contact with Benoist at his residence in Eagle Butte. Benoist admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography, and a search of his electronic devices revealed child pornography. Benoist will forfeit ownership of these electronic devices to the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the FBI, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case. Benoist was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to Thirty Years in Prison on Attempted Enticement, Child Pornography Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A recidivist sex offender has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor and attempting to transfer obscene material to two minor boys, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Nicholas Sannicandro, 35, of Warwick, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, to 360 months of incarceration to be followed by a term of 15 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on May 8. 2024, to two counts of attempted inducement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, two counts of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, one count of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, and one count of commission of an offense by a registered sex offender. “The lengthy sentenced imposed today ensures that this defendant will not be able to continue his abhorrent conduct of victimizing children,” commented Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. “This office and our law enforcement partners are committed to working together so that individuals who victimize children are held to account and that resources are available to those they harm.” “Simply put, Nicholas Sannicandro is a predator,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This repeat sex offender admitted to devising a twisted scheme to lure children into his clutches so he could sexually abuse and exploit them. Today’s sentence ensures he’ll stay locked up where he can’t victimize anyone else for a good long time. The FBI is committed to finding predators like him and bringing them to justice while also ensuring those they’ve victimized are safe and well-supported.” Sannicandro previously admitted to a federal judge that beginning in January 2021, he began separate communications with the two minor boys in Florida whom he met through an Instagram account. The communications turned sexually explicit, and Sannicandro requested that the boys send him sexually explicit videos of themselves. Sannicandro attempted to arrange a meeting with someone whom he believed to be one of the boys, proposing that they engage in illicit sexual activity. The communications were, in fact, with an undercover law enforcement officer who had taken over the boy’s account. In those communications, Sannicandro invited the boy to visit him in Rhode Island, discussed sexual acts that Sannicandro wanted to engage in with the boy, and sent videos of himself engaged in sexual activity. Sannicandro was arrested in Warwick on June 22, 2021, where he was expecting to meet with the boy. A cell phone seized from Sannicandro was found to contain images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Court records document that Sannicandro was convicted on three previous occasions in matters involving child sexual abuse material and attempted dissemination of obscene material to minors. He was a registered sex offender at the time of his arrest in June 2021. This most recent case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Denise M. Barton and John P. McAdams. The matter was investigated by the FBI and North Port, FL, Police Department, with significant assistance from members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Warwick Police Department for their assistance in the arrest of Sannicandro. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc ###


title: Oologah Man Sentenced to More than 16 Years for Child Enticement

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – An Oologah man was sentenced today for coercing and enticing a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Bradley Andrew Friend, a/k/a Bradley Andrew Schutt, 40, for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Judge Kern ordered Friend to serve 200 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Friend will also be required to register as a sex offender. In December 2024, Friend was engaging with an undercover agent online. Court records show that Friend discussed extremely graphic conversations about family incest with the agent, believing the undercover agent was an adult man with minor children. Homeland Security Agents found that Friend lived in Oologah. After agreeing to talk with agents, Friend confessed to possessing child pornography and allowed agents to search his cellphone. Agents found the messages and images sent to the undercover agent. They further discovered that from September 2023 through July 2024, Friend knowingly engaged in messaging with a 16-year-old and enticed the minor victim to produce and share sexually explicit photos. Friend then sent the 16-year-old sexually explicit pictures of himself. Additionally, Friend admitted to possessing, receiving, and distributing more than 600 images of minor children, some younger than 12, who were engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Friend will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd prosecuted it. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .