title: Four Mexican Nationals Unlawfully Residing in the United States Accused of Illegally Possessing Firearms and False Statements

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.— Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States made their initial appearance today after allegedly making false statements on their application to purchase firearms and for illegally possessing firearms. Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos, 27, Samuel Amador Ortega, 23, Aldo Melo Amador, 23, and Oscar Amador Ortega, 21, have been charged by criminal complaint with alien in possession of a firearm and making false statements on ATF Form 4473. According to court documents, in July 2025, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigators, as part of a compliance inspection, began reviewing ATF Form 4473, known as the Firearms Transaction Records, of a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Cave Junction, Oregon. ATF Form 4473 must be completed by the person who is purchasing a firearm. During the inspection, investigators observed repeated sales of the same make and model of firearm by a group of individuals sharing the same address in O’Brien and Medford, Oregon, indicative of firearms trafficking. As of July 22, 2025, O. Amador Ortega, has purchased 25 firearms from the FFL in Cave Junction and two other FFLs located in Southern Oregon. Since April 4, 2025, S. Amador Ortega has purchased a total of 16 firearms from this FFL. Melo Amador began purchasing firearms from the FFL in March 2024 and his last purchase was on June 14, 2025. In total, Melo Amador purchased 36 firearms from this FFL, and five other firearms from two other FFLs located in Medford. Since May 2024, Melo Santos has purchased 91 firearms from this FFL. On ATF Form 4473, defendants wrote “Mexico” for place of birth and checked the box next to the United States for country of citizenship. An immigration query into Melo Santos, S. Amador Ortega, Melo Amador, and O. Amador Ortega concluded they have no legal status in the United States and are residing unlawfully in the United States. Melo Santos, S. Amador Ortega, Melo Amador, and O. Amador Ortega made their first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were ordered detained pending further court proceedings. ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, FBI, and ATF Announce Death of the Brown University and MIT Professor Shooter SALEM, NH – The shooter is deceased and there is no longer a threat to the public. The United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley, the FBI and ATF are holding a press conference tonight at 10:30 p.m. at the U.S. Moakley Courthouse, One Courthouse Way, 9 th floor Boston.


title: West Des Moines Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minors on Snapchat and Instagram and Possessing Child Pornography

component: Defending Childhood

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – A West Des Moines man was sentenced on December 16, 2025, to 35 years in federal prison for exploiting numerous minors on social media and possessing child pornography. According to public court records, Nicklas Ray Stanley, 28, exploited multiple minors on Snapchat and Instagram over several years. Stanley falsely told the minors that he was a similar age to them. Stanley later requested and received sexually explicit images or videos from many minor victims. Stanley’s conduct included threatening to disseminate the minors’ imagery if they did not continue to send images to him. Stanley also encouraged some minor victims to sexually exploit their younger siblings and to engage in bestiality with their dogs and send him videos of the abuse. Stanley’s minor victims were located across the United States and in several foreign countries. After completing his term of imprisonment, Stanley will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Stanley was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution, $35,300 in special assessments, and a fine of $12,000. In response to the conviction and sentence, United States Attorney David C. Waterman said, “Real and serious dangers exist online. Predators—like Stanley—intentionally manipulate and exploit young people while attempting to hide behind screens and false identities. While the Internet may create the illusion of anonymity, it does not provide immunity. Those who target children online will be identified, thoroughly investigated, and held fully accountable through the coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office.” This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the Urbandale Police Department and Michigan State Police. 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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources .


title: Clarinda Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Clarinda man was sentenced today, December 18, 2025, to nine years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography. According to public court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTips that an account, later determined to be associated with Rodney Ray Biggerstaff, 54, uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Biggerstaff’s Clarinda residence. A forensic examination of a seized electronic device revealed images and videos containing child sexual abuse material depicting mostly prepubescent females. After completing his term of imprisonment, Biggerstaff will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Biggerstaff was also ordered to pay $3000 in restitution. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the Clarinda Police Department. 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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms Charge While on Federal Supervised Release

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

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced today, December 18, 2025, to 77 months in federal prison for possessing firearms as a felon. According to public court documents, Cornelius Lavaughn David, 37, possessed two loaded firearms, which were recovered during a traffic stop in April 2025. One of the firearms David possessed had an extended magazine loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition. David was also in possession of methamphetamine and Xanax. At the time of the traffic stop, David was on federal supervised release for a 2023 conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. He had been released from prison in November 2024. David was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for violating his terms of supervised release, consecutive to the 77-month sentence. After completing his term of imprisonment, David will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Yesterday, Elijah Suggs, 31 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Suggs was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, over the course of four transactions, Suggs sold a total of about two pounds of methamphetamine to another person in South Bend. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Lydia T. Lucius.


title: Hammond Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND – Yesterday, Anthony Juan McClendon, 30 years old, of Hammond, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. McClendon was sentenced to 27 months in prison, 4 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $41,426.14 in restitution to victims of the offense. According to documents in the case, throughout the summer of 2024, McClendon organized and led a scheme to defraud area financial institutions using U.S. Postal Service money orders that had been altered to reflect higher face values than the amounts for which they had been purchased. McClendon recruited additional individuals to the scheme, enabling him to expand the criminal enterprise to victimize banks and credit unions located throughout Northern Indiana. In total, the conspiracy produced and negotiated over $120,000 worth of altered money orders. Prior to this offense, McClendon had received three state convictions for fraud against a financial institution in various Indiana counties. McClendon is the third defendant to have been convicted and sentenced in this case. On October 22, 2025, co-Defendant Reginald Russell was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for his role in altering low-dollar Postal money orders to reflect higher dollar values at McClendon’s direction. On November 13, 2025, the court also sentenced co-Defendant Austin Hartman to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for his role in cashing altered money orders at a local credit union. Russell and Hartman were both ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the offense. “In this case, Anthony Juan McClendon and his associates exploited the services of community banks and the United States Postal Service in an effort to make money through fraud” said Proctor. “As the court’s sentences in this case demonstrate, serial fraudsters will be met with serious consequences for their conduct in the Northern District of Indiana.” This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Munster Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Lansing (Illinois) Police Department, and others. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater.


title: Ankeny Man Sentenced to Three Years’ Imprisonment for Bankruptcy Fraud

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ankeny man was sentenced yesterday, December 18, 2025, to three years’ imprisonment for making false declarations in a bankruptcy proceeding. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Louis Grant Peterson, also known as “Chip Peterson,” 61, was the former owner of Legacy Siding and Windows, an exterior construction company based in Ankeny. While operating that company, Peterson engaged in a pattern of taking customer deposits—hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth—and not completing work as promised. Peterson later admitted to the FBI that he spent the victims’ money on “gambling” and “irresponsible spending.” Peterson had been criminally prosecuted for similar conduct in the past, including a 2024 conviction for theft in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County in which Peterson received a more than $50,000 down payment and then failed to complete the work. After accumulating nearly $1 million in unsecured debt, Peterson filed for bankruptcy. In those bankruptcy proceedings, Peterson lied about his employment, businesses, income, bank accounts, tools, equipment, electronics, and jewelry, among other things. Peterson later admitted to the FBI that he had “no idea” where he got the numbers he claimed as income. Peterson further admitted that he had not paid taxes for several years. Even after being federally indicted, Peterson accepted a $17,000 deposit for a window installation that he never completed. He eventually paid the money back after the victims filed a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Office of the United States Trustee. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590 or file a complaint online: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint . You can also report fraud complaints to your local FBI field office by calling 1‑800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or visiting https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety .


title: Two Idaho Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Idaho

body_text: BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced the outcomes in two separate cases in which defendants were sentenced to 87 months and 78 months in federal prison, respectively, for possessing child sexual abuse material. Aaron Jacob Balcom, 28, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 87 months in prison. According to court records, the investigation began when Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) received CyberTip reports from an online messaging platform. A CyberTip is a report submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”). NCMEC gathers leads and tips regarding suspected online crimes against children and forwards them to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement determined that online accounts, later identified as belonging to Balcom, had been used to upload and distribute child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement obtained search warrants for the contents of Balcom’s online accounts and located hundreds of files of child sexual abuse material, along with chat conversations where Balcom discussed his sexual interest in children. HSI subsequently executed a search warrant at Balcom’s Caldwell residence and seized his cellphone. HSI located additional files of child sexual abuse material on the cellphone. Chief U.S. District David C. Nye also ordered Balcom to serve ten years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay $6,000 in restitution to the victims in the images that he possessed. Balcom will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of his conviction. In a separate and unrelated case, Paul Vargas Jr., 34, of Payette, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for the same crime. According to court records, this investigation also began when HSI received a CyberTip involving Vargas’ online account, which had been used to upload and distribute child sexual abuse material. Pursuant to a search warrant, HSI seized Vargas’ cellphone and located evidence that the cellphone had previously been used to store child sexual abuse material. Judge Nye ordered Vargas to be placed on supervised release for 15 years after the end of his prison term and to pay $6,000 in restitution to the victims in the images he possessed. Vargas will also be required to register as a sex offender as a result of his conviction. “The endless distribution of child sexual abuse material can impact victims for life,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “We are deeply committed to seeking justice for the victims in these images and to holding offenders accountable for their egregious conduct. Our law enforcement partners share the same goal, and I am grateful for their hard work.” “These two sentencings illustrate how a single cyber tip can result in investigative action to remove predators from our communities and protect children,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “HSI and our partners are relentless in our mission to combat the heinous crime of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. We encourage everyone to help protect children online by immediately reporting suspected crimes or potential victims so law enforcement can act.” Both cases were investigated by HSI in Boise with assistance from the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Payette Police Department and the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also assisted with the Vargas investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted these cases. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: CEO, CFO, COO Charged In Connection With Billion-Dollar Collapse Of Tricolor Auto

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General (“FDIC-OIG”), Patricia Tarasca, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DANIEL CHU, the founder and former CEO of Tricolor Holdings LLC, with orchestrating a years-long financial crimes enterprise that defrauded multiple banks and other private credit providers. CHU and DAVID GOODGAME, Tricolor’s former COO, are also charged with bank fraud and wire fraud offenses in connection with schemes to fraudulently double-pledge collateral to multiple lenders and manipulate the characteristics of collateral to make ineligible, near-worthless assets appear to meet lender requirements. Both defendants were arrested today. CHU will be presented later today in the Southern District of Florida, and GOODGAME will be presented tomorrow in the Northern District of Texas. Also unsealed today are the guilty pleas of JEROME KOLLAR, Tricolor’s former CFO, and AMERYN SEIBOLD, a former finance executive at Tricolor, in connection with their participation in the conspiracy. KOLLAR and SEIBOLD pled guilty to fraud charges before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman on December 16, 2025. Both are cooperating with the Government. “As alleged in the indictment, CEO Daniel Chu was the leader of an elaborate scheme to defraud creditors of Tricolor,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “At his direction, Tricolor repeatedly lied to banks and other credit providers, including by falsifying auto-loan data and ‘double pledging’ collateral. Fraud became an integral component of Tricolor’s business strategy. The resulting billion-dollar collapse harmed banks, investors, employees and customers. It also undermines confidence in our financial system. New Yorkers and all Americans want continuing criminal enterprises shut down and their leaders brought to justice whether they are on our streets or in our markets.” “These four executives allegedly conspired to defraud lenders based on bogus collateral,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “The defendants’ alleged manipulation not only ripped off multiple banks but also violated the integrity of our credit markets. The FBI will never tolerate any company that makes fraud part of its business.” “As alleged, the defendants in this case participated in a years-long fraudulent scheme that deceived the lenders of Tricolor,” said FDIC-OIG Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca. “The FDIC-OIG stands firm in its commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate all allegations of fraud that target financial institutions, as we seek to preserve the integrity of our Nation’s financial system.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] From in or about 2018 through in or about 2025, CHU, GOODGAME, KOLLAR, and SEIBOLD conspired to defraud the lenders and asset-backed securities investors of Tricolor Holdings, LLC and its affiliates (“Tricolor”), a subprime auto retailer and financing company. CHU, Tricolor’s founder and chief executive officer; GOODGAME, Tricolor’s chief operating officer; and others operated Tricolor through systematic fraud. At CHU’s direction, multiple Tricolor executives repeatedly double-pledged collateral to multiple lenders and manipulated the characteristics of collateral to make ineligible, near-worthless assets appear to meet lender requirements. By in or about August 2025, Tricolor had pledged approximately $2.2 billion of collateral to lenders and investors, but Tricolor had only approximately $1.4 billion of real collateral. The difference—consisting of approximately $800 million in bogus collateral—resulted from the series of schemes and the conspiracy in which CHU, GOODGAME, KOLLAR, SEIBOLD, and others participated. Over time, this series of fraudulent schemes had a profound effect on Tricolor, which obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in cash advances; on CHU, who used a portion of the funds to enrich himself; and on Tricolor’s lenders, who extended billions in loans based on fabricated data and false statements. In or about the summer of 2025, lenders confronted CHU and others at Tricolor about problems with Tricolor’s collateral. In a series of secretly recorded phone calls, CHU and his conspirators concocted plans to conceal or explain away the fraud. For example, on or about August 17, 2025, CHU proposed blaming certain loan data discrepancies on fictitious deferment policies. CHU acknowledged, however, that “where we would have an issue is if, if they sent an auditor and they said, pull this up on your screen, right, that would be a problem.” KOLLAR agreed, stating, “Yes. That would be bad.” These efforts to conceal failed. Unable to explain or excuse Tricolor’s fraud, CHU turned his sights on blaming others. On another recorded phone call, CHU compared Tricolor’s circumstances to the circumstances of Enron, the energy trading firm that collapsed into bankruptcy following the discovery of accounting fraud and other misconduct. Specifically, CHU and others discussed the possibility that they could blame the banks for ignoring red flags and use that threat as leverage to extract a favorable settlement. CHU proposed using artificial intelligence tools to search for key words that GOODGAME could use in a discussion with a lender. After another participant described an Enron-related litigation, CHU stated: “Enron obviously has a nice ring to it, right? <laugh>, I mean, Enron, Enron raises the blood pressure of the lender when they see that <laugh>. It, it has to, right? I’m not— […] Cause who wants to be thrown in the category?” CHU later said, “That Enron case is fucking perfect, I think.” CHU, recognizing that Tricolor was, in his words, “basically history,” turned his attention to extracting millions of dollars from the company. As Tricolor approached collapse, and after CHU observed that the company was “definitely insolvent,” he directed KOLLAR to pay him the final installments of a $15 million bonus. On or about August 19 and 20, 2025—roughly three weeks before Tricolor placed more than 1,000 employees on unpaid leaves of absence and before the company filed for bankruptcy—CHU received two payments from Tricolor totaling $6.25 million. CHU used some of this money to purchase a multimillion-dollar property in Beverly Hills, California on or about August 27, 2025. Unable to maintain its access to loans, and unable to sustain its business without substantial cash, Tricolor filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on September 10, 2025. By that time, the company’s largest lenders had advanced and were owed more than $900 million as a result of the fraudulent double-pledging and collateral manipulation schemes that CHU had orchestrated, and in which GOODGAME had knowingly participated as the company’s chief operating officer, for years. * * * A chart containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is attached. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the FDIC-OIG. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance and cooperation in the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah F. Fergenson and Justin V. Rodriguez are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defendant, Age, and Residence Charges Maximum Potential Sentence(s) United States v. Daniel Chu and David Goodgame CHU, 62, Miami, FL Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise, 18 U.S.C. § 225 (Count One) Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count Two) Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Three) Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Four) Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison 30 years in prison 30 years in prison 30 years in prison GOODGAME, 49, Waxahachie, TX Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count Two) Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Three) Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Four) 30 years in prison 30 years in prison 30 years in prison United States v. Jerome Kollar KOLLAR, 62, Shady Shores, TX Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count One) Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Two) Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Three) False Statements to Financial Institutions, 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (Count Four) Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Count Five) Securities Fraud, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff (Count Six) Destruction of Records, 18 U.S.C. § 1519 (Count Seven) 30 years in prison 30 years in prison 30 years in prison 30 years in prison Five years in prison 20 years in prison 20 years in prison United States v. Ameryn Seibold SEIBOLD, 31, Princeton, TX Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count One) Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Count Two) Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Three) False Statements to Financial Institutions, 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (Count Four) Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Count Five) Securities Fraud, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff (Count Six) Destruction of Records, 18 U.S.C. § 1519 (Count Seven) 30 years in prison 30 years in prison 30 years in prison 30 years in prison Five years in prison 20 years in prison 20 years in prison [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: December Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments Announced

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Edyn Aguilar Lara. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Aguilar Lara, 33, a Honduran national, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, Aguilar Lara is charged with maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-464 Antonio Alfonso Chavez Dominguez. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Chavez Dominguez, 41, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. Further, he is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2009, May 2014, and Apr. 2015. Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-465 Keith Dwayne Cochran. Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Cochran, 47, a transient, is charged with attempting to receive visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children after being convicted of a felony child pornography offense. Further, he is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minor children after being convicted of a felony child pornography offense. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Scaife is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-466 Kevin Dale Coyle. Escape from Federal Custody. Coyle, 52, is charged with escaping federal custody and knowingly departing the Turley Residential Center without permission. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-470 Daniel Christopher Edwards. Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device. Edwards, 37, of Broken Arrow, is charged with possessing a destructive device that was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-471 Stephen Matthew Kite. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Kite, 53, of Broken Arrow, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-467 Garrett Lee Monroe*. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Threat and Fear in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Monroe, 37, of Vinta and a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, is charged with engaging in sexual activity by force. He is further charged with engaging in sex with the victim by threat and fear. Lastly, Monroe allegedly assaulted the victim with the intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse. The FBI and the Vinita Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-468 Ronaldo Ramos Quintero. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearm. Quintero, 21, a Mexican national is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigation, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-469 Devin Charles Staller. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Stalled, 38, of Tulsa and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is charged with assaulting the victim, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-472 *Garrett Lee Monroe was tried by a federal jury in April 2026. He was acquitted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Threat and Fear in Indian Country and Assault with Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Monroe was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country.


title: U.S. Customs And Border Protection Officer Charged With Bribery Offenses

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging KEVIN SETO, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer (“CBP”), and HIU KIT DAVID CHONG, a/k/a “Hk David,” a former administrator at a private research university, in connection with a bribery scheme that involved SETO accepting bribes and gratuities from CHONG and others in exchange for disseminating confidential law enforcement and immigration information and providing special treatment while processing the entry of foreign nationals and other individuals into the United States at JFK Airport in Queens, New York. SETO was arrested yesterday afternoon and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein. CHONG was arrested this morning and will be presented later today in the Central District of California. “New Yorkers trust and rely on the integrity of our U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers, who are tasked with the critical mission of safeguarding and protecting our borders,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, Kevin Seto breached that trust and jeopardized the safety of our borders by accepting bribes and gratuities from Hiu Kit David Chong and others in exchange for access to confidential law enforcement and immigration information and special treatment for foreign nationals and others entering the United States at JFK Airport. These charges highlight this Office’s commitment to pursuing those, including members of law enforcement, who seek to profit by abusing their positions of public trust.” “Kevin Seto, a CBP officer, allegedly accepted bribes in exchange for providing others with confidential law enforcement information and expediting the entry process for various visitors, to include foreign nationals,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “Seto’s alleged participation exposed sensitive information to unauthorized recipients and leveraged his access to bypass travel regulations. The FBI will never tolerate any individual who abuses their authority to prioritize personal financial gain over the security of our country’s borders.” According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] From at least in or about 2018 through at least in or about 2024, SETO, a CBP officer stationed at JFK International Airport, and Henry Yau, who was a Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), [2] participated in a scheme to obtain bribes and gratuities from friends and acquaintances in exchange for disseminating confidential law enforcement and immigration information and processing the entry of foreign nationals and other individuals into the United States. One of the individuals who paid bribes and gratuities to SETO and Yau in exchange for such benefits was CHONG, who was an Assistant Director in the Office of Graduate Admissions at a private research university based in Southern California (“University-1”) between in or about September 2008 and in or around March 2016. [3] For example, SETO and Yau disseminated confidential law enforcement and immigration information—from password-protected law enforcement databases to which they had access as law enforcement officers working within the United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”)—to CHONG on multiple occasions, either relating to CHONG himself or foreign nationals that CHONG was seeking to assist with entry into the United States. The information that SETO and Yau disclosed to CHONG included confidential information regarding the status of a criminal investigation into CHONG. Additionally, SETO on multiple occasions facilitated the entry into the United States of CHONG or other individuals at CHONG’s request at JFK Airport, following international travel, allowing CHONG and these other individuals to bypass long lines at passport control and take advantage of expedited screening. In exchange for these benefits from SETO and Yau, CHONG provided a subsidized hotel suite and various goods to SETO and offered to pay cash to Yau. In addition to CHONG, SETO and Yau also improperly provided confidential law enforcement and immigration information and/or assistance with entry into the United States to a variety of other foreign nationals and United States citizens. On at least two occasions, SETO provided entry assistance to individuals for the explicit purpose of bypassing secondary inspections or the payment of applicable duties on goods that the individuals purchased abroad. In exchange for providing these benefits, SETO and Yau were offered, among other things, cash payments, dinners at expensive restaurants, and top-shelf bottles of alcohol. * * * SETO, 38, of Queens, New York, and CHONG, 41, of El Monte, California, are each charged with conspiracy to receive and accept bribes and gratuities, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; conspiracy to convert government records and property and disclose agency records containing individually identifiable information, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; and identity theft conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. SETO is also charged with obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and making false statements to law enforcement, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also thanked CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the DHS Office of Inspector General for their assistance with the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit and Violent Organizations & Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, James Ligtenberg, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. [2] On December 12, 2024, Yau was charged by a grand jury sitting in the Southern District of New York with one count of identity theft conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(f); four counts of conspiracy to convert records and property of the United States and disclose agency records containing individually identifiable information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; one count of conversion of records and property of the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641; and one count of disclosure of agency records containing individually identifiable information, in violation of 5 U.S.C. § 552a(i)(1). See United States v. Henry Yau , S8 23 Cr. 572 (CM), Dkt. 50 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 12, 2024). The charges against Yau, which remain pending, are merely accusations and Yau is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty [3] On or about June 15, 2020, CHONG pleaded guilty in the United States District Court for the Central District of California to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain graduate school admission slots for unqualified Chinese nationals at University-1 in exchange for thousands of dollars in cash. On or about September 17, 2020, CHONG was sentenced to one year of probation. See United States v. Hiu Kit David Chong , 20 Cr. 171 (MWF) (C.D. Cal.).


title: Digital Health Company and Medical Practice Indicted in $100M Adderall Distribution Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in San Francisco returned an indictment yesterday charging a California company for its participation in a years-long scheme to illegally distribute Adderall over the internet, conspire to commit health care fraud in connection with the submission of false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement for Adderall and other stimulants, and conspire to obstruct justice. A Florida medical practice was also charged in connection with its alleged participation in the scheme to illegally distribute Adderall. “As alleged, Done Global used lies and deceit to carry out a sophisticated and wide-ranging telehealth fraud scheme, obtaining over $100 million in the process,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “From feeding addiction to stealing public funds, rampant health care fraud victimizes our citizens and must be stopped. The Criminal Division will not hesitate to hold health care companies that defraud Americans accountable for their crimes.” “Done Global betrayed the public trust by allegedly exploiting a subscription-based program to flood the country with Adderall, a powerful and highly regulated controlled substance,” said Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division. “By distributing over 40 million Adderall pills for non-legitimate medical purposes, they prioritized profit over patient safety and public health. Controlled substances are not commodities to be marketed through memberships — they are medications that require careful oversight to prevent misuse and diversion. DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to hold registrants accountable.” “Yesterday, we charged defendants with exploiting telehealth to provide unfettered access to over 40 million Adderall pills. Instead of leveraging technology to improve patient access to care and enhance communications, Done Global saw it as a way to boost profit. We will vigorously pursue companies that engage in this kind of fraud and put patients at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “Prescribing controlled substances without proper medical oversight, as alleged, endangers patients and erodes trust in our health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Running a sham operation to exploit federal programs and funnel taxpayer dollars into unlawful stimulant distribution is a blatant abuse. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to expose and dismantle schemes that threaten public safety and defraud the American people.” “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for crimes committed,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis of IRS Criminal Investigation New York. “This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions while also putting individual lives at risk. Yesterday’s indictment sends a clear message that we remain vigilant and will vigorously pursue those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means.” According to court documents, Done Global Inc., a California company, allegedly identified itself as a “digital health company,” which operated on a subscription-based model where individuals paid a monthly fee. Done Global advertised that it provided online diagnosis, treatment, and refills of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As alleged, Done Global and Mindful Mental Wellness P.A. (MMW), a Florida company, allegedly conspired with others to provide easy access to over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants in exchange for payment of the monthly subscription fee. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy’s purpose was for the defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves by, among other things, instructing Done prescribers to prescribe Adderall and other stimulants without any legitimate medical purpose, thereby increasing monthly subscription revenue and increasing the value of Done Global. Done Global allegedly arranged for the prescription of over 40 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants and obtained over $100 million in revenue. The founder and CEO of Done Global, Ruthia He, and Done Global’s former clinical president, David Brody, were previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Ruthia He was also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice. According to court documents, Done Global identified itself as a “digital health company,” which operated on a subscription-based model where individuals paid a monthly fee. Done Global advertised that it provided online diagnosis, treatment and refills of medication for ADHD. Done Global and MMW allegedly conspired to provide Done members with prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Done Global and MMW allegedly ordered Adderall and other stimulants for Done members, including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and commercial insurers members, with whom they lacked a pre-existing practitioner-patient relationship, without an examination, and sometimes based solely on a short video or audio communication and limited patient intake documents, or without any video or audio communication at all. Done Global, MMW, and others, allegedly agreed to provide few, if any, medical treatment options besides prescribing Adderall and other stimulants. In some cases, Done members: (a) did not meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-V criteria for diagnosing ADHD; (b) posed a risk of diversion; and (c) in the event such medications were necessary, were provided dosages, directions, combinations or quantities of medications beyond any legitimate medical purpose, and without following the usual course of professional practice for prescribing them. Done Global and MMW also allegedly enabled Done members to obtain Adderall and other stimulants from pharmacies by defrauding pharmacies and Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers, concealing and disguising the unlawful prescription of Adderall and other stimulants. Done Global also allegedly conspired to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial insurers. By 2023, certain pharmacies allegedly refused to fill prescriptions written by prescribers retained by Done Health, a California Company that was affiliated with Done Global and purportedly owned by Brody. According to the indictment, Done Global incorporated MMW to circumvent the pharmacies that had blocked the filling of Done Global-affiliated prescriptions. Done Global also allegedly conspired to alter, destroy, and conceal records after receiving a grand jury subpoena. Done Global is charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute Adderall, four counts of illegal distribution of Adderall, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. If convicted, Done Global faces a maximum penalty for conspiracy and illegal distribution of Adderall of twice the gross profits or other proceeds; and twice the gain or twice the gross loss for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and obstruction. If convicted, MMW faces a maximum penalty for conspiracy to illegally distribute Adderall of twice the gross profits or other proceeds. Acting Deputy Chief Jacob Foster, Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis and Trial Attorney Jil Simon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Finding a New Provider Patients receiving treatment at this practice may contact their insurance carrier for assistance in identifying a new provider for continued care. Individuals seeking access to a new primary care provider or other services can also find a provider through https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ . Crisis Support Patients experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support. Trained counselors provide confidential, judgment-free assistance. Additional Information The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners are working with public health and behavioral health partners to communicate where patients can find appropriate care and to alert them of potential risks associated with obtaining medications outside legal channels. Patients seeking further information on where to obtain care can refer to the CDC Health Advisory on a related action from June 13, 2024. Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00510 | Disrupted Access to Prescription Stimulant Medications Could Increase Risk of Injury and Overdose .


title: 12 Members Of East Harlem Narcotics Crew Charged With Narcotics And Firearms Offenses

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of an Indictment today charging 12 members of an East Harlem-based narcotics trafficking organization with conspiring to distribute narcotics and with possessing firearms in furtherance of the narcotics trafficking conspiracy stemming from their conduct in and around the “Johnson Houses”—a colloquial name for the James Weldon Johnson Residential Community, a public housing development under the control of the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”). BRIAN GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Bmakk,” BRIAN NIN, a/k/a “BDot,” IRA BOYCE, a/k/a “Zaza,” JOSE HERNANDEZ, JAHDEEN WILLIAMS, PERCY CARRION, CAESAR HERNANDEZ, and QUADIR DAVONISH, a/k/a “Skii Dotty” were arrested today and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein. BRYAN COWAN, a/k/a “Chapo,” was previously in custody. JAFFARI HOPWAH, a/k/a “Baby Wuu,” DANIEL JONES, a/k/a “D Cash,” and RICHARD FARQUHARSON, a/k/a “Smooth” remain at large. This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Sideny H. Stein. “As alleged in the Indictment, these defendants distributed substantial quantities of narcotics into the community, putting lives in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “These defendants degraded the quality of life for Johnson Houses residents and the surrounding community by selling drugs in common areas including lobbies, courtyards, and a children’s playground. New York City residents should be able to live in NYCHA complexes, free from the dangers of drugs and guns. Thanks to the extraordinary work of our partners at the FBI and NYPD, the defendants now face federal charges for their crimes and the Johnson Houses are safer.” “For years, these 12 defendants allegedly utilized the Johnson Houses to facilitate their open-air drug market and generate an illicit revenue stream,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “This joint investigation with NYPD Manhattan North Narcotics dismantled an alleged trafficking conspiracy disrupting the safety of a public housing development with a continual revolving door of drugs and firearms. During the nationwide initiative, Coast to Coast, our local Operation Empire Heat takedown reflects the FBI’s steadfast commitment to coordinating with our local law enforcement partners to protect innocent New Yorkers from the unlawful activities of any criminal organization.” As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and other court papers and proceedings: [1] From at least in or about 2022 up to and including December 2025 in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, GONZALEZ, NIN, COWAN, HOPWAH, BOYCE, JOSE HERNANDEZ, JONES, WILLIAMS, FARQUHARSON, CARRION, CAESAR HERNANDEZ, and DAVONISH, used a building within the Johnson Houses—and that building’s adjoining courtyard—as an open drug market in which they sold a variety of controlled substances, including crack cocaine and fentanyl, to customers who streamed into the building to buy the drugs. They did this by occupying the building’s lobby at all hours of the day and night, often holding cross-body bags or fanny packs where drug products would be stored. At times, the drug products were also kept in a building mailbox. Members of the conspiracy also exploited other parts of the building to facilitate their business. They used specific apartments to package and store drugs, and they used utility boxes throughout the building stairwells to stash their drug products, drug paraphernalia (such as syringes), and firearms. In addition to possessing and storing firearms in communal locations, such as building utility boxes, some members of the conspiracy also carried firearms at and around the building, and on several occasions, a member of the conspiracy brandished and discharged a firearm within, or in the vicinity of, the Johnson Houses. Several members of the conspiracy have been arrested at least once in recent years on state charges based on their possession of narcotics that were packaged for sale and/or possession of a firearm. The drug business in and around the building nevertheless continued unabated. During simultaneous arrests and searches conducted today law enforcement agents seized the following items, among other things: a Building “stash” apartment: five firearms, two of which were “long” guns, capsules, bags, and baggies of suspected narcotics, and various drug paraphernalia and mixing material. NIN’s apartment: one firearm, one magazine, and two boxes of ammunition. CAESAR HERNANDEZ’s apartment: a large bag of suspected cocaine, a gun-cleaning kit, and a .40-caliber shell casing. Below is a picture of the “long” guns that were seized. * * * All defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendants are also charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of the narcotics trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A chart containing the names of the defendants, their ages, and places of residence is set forth below. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank J. Balsamello and Diarra Guthrie are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Name Age Place of Residence BRIAN GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Bmakk” 33 years old New York, NY BRIAN NIN, a/k/a “BDot” 33 years old Bronx, NY JAFFARI HOPWAH, a/k/a “Baby Wuu” 19 years old New York, NY IRA BOYCE, a/k/a “Zaza” 20 years old New York, NY JOSE HERNANDEZ 31 years old New York, NY DANIEL JONES, a/k/a “D Cash” 31 years old New York, NY JAHDEEN WILLIAMS 34 years old New York, NY RICHARD FARQUHARSON, a/k/a “Smooth” 35 years old New York, NY PERCY CARRION 26 years old New York, NY CAESAR HERNANDEZ 34 years old New York, NY QUADIR DAVONISH, a/k/a “Skii Dotty” 23 years old New York, NY BRYAN COWAN, a/k/a “Chapo” 31 years old New York, NY [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Two Indicted for $20 Million Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

body_text: BOISE –United States Attorney Bart M. Davis announced that Tochukwu Nwaneri, 51, of Nigeria, made his initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Raymond E. Patricco. Co-defendant Vickie Smith, 66, of Peoria, Arizona, previously made her initial appearance on October 22, 2025. Nwaneri and Smith face prosecution in an indictment for their role in an advance-fee loan scheme in which they fraudulently obtained more than $20 million from an Idaho business owner (Victim-1). Vickie Smith and Tochukwu Nwaneri are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. As alleged in the indictment, Smith, using the alias Nina Cheliyan, and Nwaneri, using the alias Dr. Simon Godwin, enriched themselves by falsely promising to provide Victim-1 with a financing opportunity of a $140 million business loan through a purported Singapore-based lender in exchange for significant advance fees. The indictment alleges that Smith and Nwaneri used the fees paid by Victim-1 for various personal expenses and wired the funds to family members and offshore bank accounts. If convicted, Smith and Nwaneri each face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy and wire fraud counts and up to 10 years for each count of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The United States Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney Campbell and Darci Crane for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law . ###


title: Springfield Business Owner Indicted for Covid Fraud and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield business owner was indicted by a federal grand jury for fraudulently obtaining $316,062 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and for laundering over $35,000 of PPP funds. Jason L. Hemingway, 47, was charged with two counts each of bank fraud and making a false statement on a loan application, and three counts of money laundering. According to the indictment, Hemingway applied for a PPP loan for his business, Principal Transfer Group, LLC on Feb. 9, 2021. The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. On his electronically submitted loan application Hemingway claimed that another individual was the owner of his business, Principal Transfer Group, LLC, and stated that the business had an average monthly payroll of $63,212 and employed 25 people, all of which were false statements. Hemingway signed the application in the name of the individual he claimed was the president and owner. Hemingway received $158,031 in PPP proceeds. On April 8, 2021, Hemingway applied for a second PPP loan on behalf of Principal Transfer Group, LLC. On that application, again submitted under another individual’s name, Hemingway certified that he had received a previous PPP loan and that he had used the full loan amount for eligible expenses only, which was a false statement. He again claimed that another individual was the president and owner, that the business had an average monthly payroll of $63,212 and employed eight people, all of which were false statements. Hemingway signed the application in the name of the individual he claimed was the president and owner and received another $158,031 in PPP loan proceeds. The indictment alleges that Hemingway used the PPP proceeds for non-approved purposes, including for his personal benefit. According to the indictment, Hemingway transferred $11,000 of the PPP funds into the bank account for another business he owned, 417 Print Shop, LLC, an additional $11,000 in PPP funds into his personal bank account, and $13,851.16 of PPP funds to his Robinhood account. Robinhood is a financial services company that allows users to invest and trade in stocks and cryptocurrencies. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Hemingway to forfeit to the government any property derived from the alleged fraud scheme, including a money judgment of at least $316,062, and an additional $35,851.16 money judgment for proceeds derived from the alleged money laundering scheme. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Three Honduran Nationals Sentenced to Prison for Their Roles in a Bank Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: HAMMOND – Three Honduran nationals are the latest co-conspirators to be sentenced to prison for their roles in an expansive bank fraud conspiracy resulting in significant losses to small businesses and community banks in more than a dozen states, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. The sentences were imposed by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon at hearings held on December 12 and 15, 2025. Carlos Aquino Sosa, 26 years old, of Honduras, was sentenced to 41 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution. Edwin Palacios Sosa, 27 years old, of Honduras, was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of illegal re-entry. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution. Delvin Velasquez Romero, 33 years old, of Honduras, received a time-served sentence dating back to July 8, 2024 (approximately 17 months in custody) followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of illegal re-entry. He was also ordered to pay $233,569 in restitution. These defendants have no legal status within the United States and will each be subject to a separate and immediate removal process upon release from prison. According to documents in each case, on January 11, 2023, Aquino Sosa, Palacios Sosa, Velasquez Romero, and their co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana. Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Aquino Sosa, Palacios Sosa, Velasquez Romero, and their co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “Aquino Sosa, Palacios Sosa, and Velasquez Romero participated in a far-reaching conspiracy that caused major financial harm to small businesses and community banks across the United States. Due to the unwavering efforts and collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions, these defendants were brought to justice for their respective roles in this scheme,” said Proctor. “The sentences imposed by the court send a message that there are real consequences for engaging in fraud, particularly in northwest Indiana.” “The illicit actions of co-conspirators to commit bank fraud as they travel throughout the United States will not be tolerated,” said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Chicago. “HSI will continue to partner with our fellow law enforcement agencies to disrupt these types of offenders and hold them accountable for their crimes.” “Sophisticated fraud operations like this require investigative teamwork that spans state lines,” said Sergeant Jeremy Piers, Public Information Officer for the Indiana State Police. “From the first lead to the final arrest, our detectives, troopers, and support staff worked relentlessly alongside federal, state, and local partners to track the suspects’ movements, gather critical evidence, and bring this scheme to an end. This outcome reflects countless hours of coordination and determination, and it sends a clear message: when criminal activity crosses into Indiana, we will work tirelessly with our partners to protect our communities, our businesses, and our financial institutions.” Co-conspirators Luis Banegas Rodriguez and Ricardo Castro Murillo were previously sentenced to 27 and 37 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in this scheme. These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.


title: Chantilly man convicted of sexually exploiting minors he targeted online

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal judge convicted a Chantilly man today on charges of sexual exploitation of children and coercion and enticement of minors to engage in illegal sexual activity. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, between Feb. 9, 2022, and April 18, 2023, Michael Logan Bourne, 55, sexually exploited and enticed four minor girls between the ages of 13 and 17, as well as two other unidentified individuals who purported to be 14 and 16 years old, online. Bourne engaged in graphic sexual chats with the victims and enticed them to participate in sexual activity during live video calls that he conducted from his home. He also sent sexually explicit images and videos of himself to his victims and received child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a 13-year-old victim. “Michael Bourne knowingly targeted children, exploiting their vulnerability for his own gratification,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Crimes like these inflict lasting harm, and this office is unwavering in its commitment to bringing child predators to justice. We will always prioritize cases involving the abuse of minors and pursue offenders like Bourne with the full force of federal law.” “Bourne sexually exploited his victims online, knowing full well that they were vulnerable minors,” said Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division. “His conviction is a testament to the work that our Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and our law enforcement partners do day in and day out to apprehend child predators and secure justice for victims of online child sexual exploitation.” Bourne faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on March 18, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Halper and Vanessa Strobbe are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-218.


title: Engineer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Bombings of PG&E Transformers, Causing Property Damage and Widespread Power Outages

body_text: Peter Karasev, 39, of San Jose, California, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison for two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility related to two separate bombings of PG&E electrical transformers in late 2022 and early 2023. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman handed down the sentence. “Karasev’s specialized knowledge in explosives, the vast quantity of bombmaking materials discovered in his home, and his readiness to deploy both against our Nation’s energy infrastructure made him a very dangerous individual who posed a significant risk to public safety,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The National Security Division is committed to prosecuting attacks on critical infrastructure to the fullest extent of the law.” “Karasev’s attacks on critical infrastructure were direct threats to public safety and national security,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “He aimed to inflict widespread disruption and harm, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who threaten the safety and well-being of the residents of San Jose. We and our law enforcement partners will leverage every available resource to ensure that violent extremists like the defendant face the full force of justice.” “This defendant admitted to attacking critical infrastructure which could have harmed people in the San Jose, California community and he will now face the consequences of his actions,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This individual conducted research and prepared homemade explosives which knocked out power to multiple homes and caused more than $200,000 in property damage to local businesses. The FBI will work with our partners to identify and hold accountable those who engage in such dangerous and illegal acts.” Karasev pleaded guilty on April 29 to two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility. Karasev admitted that on Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, he willfully damaged energy facilities involved in the production, storage, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The Jan. 5, 2023, explosion was captured on nearby surveillance footage: Case 5:23-cr-00364-BLF, N.D. Calif. Document 46; Filed 12/10/25. Explosion of transformer located near Plaza Del Ray shopping center on Snell Avenue captured by nearby surveillance footage. In both attacks, Karasev used homemade explosive devices to cause significant destruction and widespread power outages in the San Jose area. According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, the bombings caused over $200,000 in damages to affected businesses and disrupted service to over 1,500 households in the San Jose area. Of those affected included 15 households enrolled in PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program that required continued electrical service for life-sustaining medical needs. Karasev admitted that the attacks were premeditated and deliberate, and that he had conducted extensive internet searches regarding explosive materials, infrastructure attacks, and geopolitical conflicts. In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered $214,880.67 in restitution and $200 special assessment. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody to begin serving his sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case with the assistance the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and San Jose Police Department.


title: Houston Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling Meth through Eagle Pass

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Houston man was sentenced in a federal court to 168 months in prison for importing and trafficking methamphetamine. According to court documents, Alfonso Avellaneda Chavarrieta, 25, drove into the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on Nov. 17, 2021, and was referred to secondary inspection, where a canine alerted U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to 64 bundles of methamphetamine in the vehicle’s rear tires. The methamphetamine inside the bundles tested positive for 31.4 kilograms with a purity level of 97%. Chavarrieta was indicted for four counts on Dec. 8, 2021. He pleaded guilty to all four charges on Aug. 22, 2022. He was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Fleming and Amy Greenbaum prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). ###


title: Duncan Man Sentenced to Serve 20 Years in Federal Prison Following Fatal Shooting in Indian Country

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JESSE WAYNE JAMES KEENAN , 19, of Duncan, has been sentenced to serve a total of 240 months in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on July 19, 2024, officers with the Duncan Police Department (DPD) responded to an apartment complex on a reported shooting. At the apartment, DPD located a male victim who had been shot. DPD attempted to provide medical care, but the victim died at the scene. Witnesses at the complex identified Keenan as the person who fired the weapon. Law enforcement located and arrested him a short time later. After speaking with Keenan, FBI agents learned Keenan went to the apartment complex after an argument between him and his girlfriend. Following his arrival, a fight ensued between him and the victim. During the altercation, Keenan shot the victim with a pistol and fled from the scene. The pistol was later recovered by the FBI. On April 7, 2025, Keenan was charged by Superseding Information with one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Keenan pleaded guilty on May 1, 2025, and admitted that during a quarrel, he intentionally and unlawfully shot the victim, while intending to cause serious bodily injury, which resulted in the victim’s death. At a sentencing hearing on December 12, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Keenan to serve 120 months in federal prison for each count, to run consecutively, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered Keenan to pay $7,500 in restitution. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the nature and circumstances of the offense and the need to protect the public from future crimes of Keenan. This case is in federal court because Keenan is a member of the Choctaw Nation, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Duncan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Gallup Man Sentenced for Beating and Choking His Dating Partner

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for strangling his dating partner and leaving her with life-threatening injuries. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of March 6, 2024, Victor Badonie , 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted and strangled Jane Doe. During this attack, Badonie menaced Doe in various ways—he punched Doe in her face multiple times, he choked her by pinning her down using his forearm against her neck, he ripped her hair out, and he broke her phone as she tried to phone for help. Doe ultimately drove herself to a Zuni-area hospital, where she was then taken by helicopter to UNMH in Albuquerque due to the severity of her injuries, which included bleeding in Doe’s brain. Badonie pleaded guilty to the felony crimes of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault by strangulation. Upon his release from prison, Badonie will be subject to three years of supervised release. Badonie must also pay $27,801 in criminal restitution, an amount attributable to Doe’s medical bills caused by Badonie ’s criminality. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Pueblo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.


title: Mountain Home Man Sentenced To 27 Months For Embezzlement

body_text: BOISE – Javier D. Ruiz, 35, of Mountain Home, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for Wire Fraud, U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced today. According to court records, Ruiz stole $685,376 from his employer, a franchisee of national restaurant chains. As a district manager, Ruiz supervised a number of restaurants in Idaho, including overseeing payroll. From at least April 2021 through April 2024, Ruiz devised a scheme wherein he manipulated his employer’s payroll system, changing the names and other information associated with employee numbers of former employees. After manipulating the employee numbers, Ruiz entered hours using the numbers that were never worked, causing fraudulent payroll payments to issue. To access and take the fraudulent payroll money, Ruiz used at least three different methods – cashing checks, depositing earnings on fraudulent Rapid Paycards, and direct deposit. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Ruiz to serve two years of supervised release following his prison sentence and $685,376 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane prosecuted the case. ###


title: Taos Pueblo Man Charged for Hatchet Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Taos Pueblo man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly attacking another man with hatchets. According to court documents, on August 6, 2025, Joe Daniel Gomez , 49, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, allegedly assaulted John Doe with two hatchets, which caused Doe to suffer serious bodily injury. Gomez is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He will remain in a halfway house pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Gomez faces up to 10 years in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Scheme in New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Texas man pleaded guilty to federal charges after admitting he fraudulently filed unemployment insurance claims in New Mexico using stolen identities to obtain federally funded COVID-19 relief benefits. According to court documents, from July 2020 through February 2021, Marc Long , 46, devised and carried out a scheme to defraud the United States and financial institutions by submitting fraudulent unemployment insurance claims funded by federal COVID 19 relief programs. While residing in Texas, Long used the names and personally identifiable information of multiple individuals to file false unemployment insurance applications and weekly certifications with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS), even though neither he nor the individuals whose identities he used were eligible to receive benefits. As a result of the fraudulent claims, federally funded unemployment benefits were distributed through interstate wire transfers, mailed debit cards, and direct deposits to accounts accessible by Long . In total, Long stole more than $160,000 in federal unemployment relief funds issued through the NMDWS. Long pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud and two counts of theft of government property. At sentencing, he faces up to 30 years imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case, with assistance from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.


title: Keene, New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 28 Months in Drug Distribution Case

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 16, 2025, William Bostwick, 43, of Keene, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 28 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Bostwick previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 30 grams of cocaine in January 2025. Charges related to his possession of additional cocaine and fentanyl and a firearm in December 2024 were dismissed following his plea and sentencing. Bostwick’s sentence will run concurrently with sentences to be imposed in related cases in New Hampshire and Vermont, along with violations of release conditions from prior offenses in Massachusetts. According to court records, Bostwick was encountered by law enforcement on December 27, 2024 while unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle in Brattleboro, Vermont. Bostwick was found to be in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, $5,700 in cash, and a 9mm handgun. Approximately two weeks later, on January 9, 2025, law enforcement observed Bostwick at a hotel in Putney, where he was arrested and found to be in possession of over $1,000 cash, drug paraphernalia, and approximately 38.5 grams of cocaine. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the law enforcement efforts of the Brattleboro Police Department and the Vermont State Police and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its assistance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles. Bostwick was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Emily Kenyon and Cameron Brooks.


title: TALLAHASSEE MAN SENTENCED TO TWENTY YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR CHILD EXPLOITATION CRIME

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Ryan Isbell, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to producing child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The sexual exploitation and abuse of children is one of the most heinous crimes that deserves severe punishment, and this successful prosecution and lengthy prison sentence ensures this disgusting offender will not be able to victimize another child for decades. I applaud the outstanding investigative work by the Tallahassee Police Department, in close collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners, to help bring this offender to justice.” Court documents reflect that in 2020 the Tallahassee Police Department received reports that the defendant’s social media account contained child pornography. During the execution of a November 2020 arrest warrant, law enforcement encountered a minor victim who had been exploited by the defendant. A search of the defendant’s computer and cellular telephone confirmed the exploitation had been recorded. “The production of child sexual abuse material is a horrific crime that inflicts lasting trauma and violates the very innocence of our children,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “The devastating effects of this depraved criminal activity can follow victims throughout their lives, impacting their sense of safety, trust, and overall well-being. HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to aggressively prosecute offenders and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.” The defendant’s imprisonment will be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay restitution, and he will be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven. 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: PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR UNREGISTERED MACHINEGUN CONVERSION DEVICE

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Prashant M. Jenkins Jr., 24, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after having previously pled guilty to possession of an unregistered machinegun conversion device. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our outstanding state and federal law enforcement partners are on the front lines keeping our communities safe from violent criminals, like this defendant, and my office stands ready to back up their hard work with successful prosecutions to send those offenders to federal prison.” Court documents reflect that on October 30, 2024, law enforcement officers found and seized from Jenkins’ residence an AR-style machinegun conversion device, a Glock pistol with a loaded magazine, a loaded AR-15 magazine, approximately 500 grams of marijuana, and other suspected drug trafficking paraphernalia. The conversion device, which itself is considered a machinegun under federal law, was not marked with a serial number and was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required. The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The 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 .