component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice announced today the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort. The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month . “This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.” “Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.” “Working closely with our partners at the FBI, our office has brought charges against four South Dakota individuals in connection with this nationwide operation,” said United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota Ron Parsons. “We have no higher priority than keeping your children safe.” "The FBI is committed to protecting children in South Dakota and across the country," said FBI Minneapolis Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. "The arrests made during Operation Iron Pursuit are a significant step in bringing justice to child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. With our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office, we've taken some of the most dangerous child predators off the streets of our communities. They now face justice in Federal court. We continue to work each and every day to protect the innocent and support child victims through their healing process." Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include: A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes; A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography; A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun. This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice , concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice , concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders. The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tangipahoa Woman Guilty of Cares Act Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – CHELSEY POWELL (“POWELL”) , age 34, of Tangipahoa Parish, LA, pleaded guilty on April 29, 2026 before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to making false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. According to court records, POWELL made false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining a pandemic-related relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funded by the federal government, in the amount of approximately $19,950.00. She also applied for two other PPP loans that were based upon false information. In total, POWELL agreed to repay the SBA $36,123.52 as restitution for the losses to the government. POWELL is to be sentenced on August 12, 2026. At that time, she faces up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements to the SBA. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (a member of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee) and the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud . For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . * * *


title: Bakersfield Man Sentenced to over 21 years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — David Garcia, 39, of Bakersfield, was sentenced Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 21 years and 10 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on Oct. 17, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped an SUV for traffic violations. Garcia, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, had an active parole warrant for his arrest. Garcia is also a documented former member of the Varrio Fillmore Trece Sureño criminal street gang. A search of Garcia’s SUV revealed a Glock 29, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with eight rounds. This firearm was later determined to be stolen. Garcia’s criminal history dates back approximately 20 years. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a prior felony conviction in 2016 for robbery. Garcia pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2025. In a black backpack on the front passenger seat, officers found one plastic bag containing 343.5 grams of methamphetamine, one plastic bag containing 11.2 grams of cocaine, and one plastic bag containing 8.5 grams of a mixture containing cocaine and methamphetamine. Officers also discovered three digital scales and a box of sandwich bags. The Bakersfield Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Karp 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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Gallup Man Charged in Vehicular Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man was charged in federal court after allegedly striking and running over a victim with a car and causing her serious injuries. According to court documents, on Monday, April 27, 2026, Darius Kyran Eskeets , 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly struck the victim with a motor vehicle on a dirt road near a residence in Vanderwagen, New Mexico. During the incident, Eskeets allegedly drove toward the victim and others, causing them to move out of the roadway, before making a U-turn and veering off the road and up an embankment to strike the victim and run the victim over. Eskeets then drove away from the scene. As a result of the incident, the victim suffered multiple injuries, including cuts to her right leg and hand, bruising, abrasions and contusions to her right side, hematoma, and a small pneumothorax. Eskeets is charged with two felony crimes, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Eskeets was released to home detention with strict GPS monitoring pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Eskeets faces up to 10 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Three Staten Island Men Plead Guilty for Attempting to Bribe a Juror in a Criminal Trial in the Eastern District of New York

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Afrim Kupa pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo to obstruction of justice for attempting to bribe a juror (Juror-1) to vote not guilty in a criminal trial in the Eastern District of New York. Kupa is the last of three defendants to plead guilty to this crime, following the guilty pleas of Mustafa Fteja and Valmir Krasniqi on February 19, 2026 and March 4, 2026, respectively. In mid-November 2025, the defendants offered to pay a juror serving on the criminal trial of United States v. Goran Gogic (22-CR-493 JMA) up to $100,000 in exchange for the juror’s not guilty vote at the close of trial. When sentenced, Kupa, Krasniqi and Fteja each face up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty pleas. “Any attempt to interfere with the integrity of our justice system will be met with swift and serious consequences,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “These defendants admitted they obstructed a federal criminal trial in Brooklyn by attempting to bribe a juror, which strikes at the very heart of the rule of law. Our Office is committed to protecting the judicial process and ensuring that those who try to corrupt it are held fully accountable.” Mr. Nocella extended his appreciation to Homeland Security Investigations, New York, for their work on the Gogic case. “The defendants’ attempt to influence the outcome of a criminal trial threatened the integrity of our country’s justice system. May today’s plea highlight the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable any individual who tries to interfere with our judicial proceedings,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. The Gogic Trial As alleged in the indictment and set forth in other court documents, the trial of Goran Gogic was set to commence before the United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack on November 17, 2025. Gogic is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and three counts of violating the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. As alleged, between May 2018 and July 2019, Gogic conspired with others to distribute massive quantities of cocaine via commercial cargo ships. Gogic coordinated with the sources of the cocaine in Colombia, the crewmembers who transported tons of cocaine on commercial cargo ships on the high seas, and the network of port workers who transported and offloaded the cocaine in Europe via the United States. United States law enforcement seized three of these shipments, totaling nearly 20,000 kilograms of cocaine. If convicted, Gogic faces up to life in prison. The Juror Tampering Scheme On November 3, 2025 and November 5, 2025, a jury was selected in Gogic’s criminal trial. Juror-1 was selected to serve as a juror at trial. Between November 13, 2025 and November 17, 2025, Kupa, Krasniqi, and Fteja attempted to bribe Juror-1 with a cash payment in exchange for Juror-1 agreeing to vote not guilty at Gogic’s trial. On November 13, 2025, Krasniqi arranged a meeting between Kupa and Fteja in Staten Island, New York. At the meeting, Kupa explained to Fteja that he and other coconspirators wanted Fteja to offer Juror-1 money to vote not guilty at trial. In a meeting on November 15, 2025, Fteja informed Juror-1 that he/she would be paid up to $100,000 to vote not guilty at trial. On November 16, 2025, Kupa, Krasniqi and Fteja met at Krasniqi’s home in Staten Island. There, the three discussed the plan to pay Juror-1 to vote not guilty at Gogic’s trial. During the meeting, Kupa indicated that Juror-1 would receive $100,000 in cash as payment. On November 17, 2025, Kupa and Krasniqi were arrested at their homes in Staten Island. At that time, Kupa was in possession of a document containing Juror-1’s name, home address, and place of employment. Krasniqi was in possession of a digital photograph of Juror-1 that he had sent via text message to Fteja in furtherance of the criminal scheme. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily J. Dean, Tanya Hajjar, and Stephen Petraeus are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendants : VALMIR KRASNIQI Age: 35 Staten Island, New York AFRIM KUPA Age: 53 Staten Island, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-385 (JMA) MUSTAFA FTEJA Age: 54 Staten Island, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-23 (JMA)


title: Pensacola Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to New Federal Child Exploitation Crimes

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Donnschee Ricky Montrell Foster, 34, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of committing a felony involving minors while being required to register as a sex offender. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the determined investigative work of the FDLE and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, this child sexual predator now faces decades in federal prison for his continued commission of sex offenses involving child sexual abuse material. Keeping our kids safe online and in our communities is of paramount importance, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting sexual predators like this defendant to keep them out of our communities and locked away in prison where they belong.” Court documents reveal that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted routine checks on Foster as a registered sex offender in late-2025. Foster has a prior state conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material. When the Florida Department of Law Enforcement determined that Foster was not residing at the location where his sex offender registration required, law enforcement conducted follow up investigation in an attempt to locate him and obtained an arrest warrant for sex offender registration violations. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, located Foster working on Pensacola Beach in November 2025. Foster was taken into custody, and a search warrant was obtained for his cellular telephone. Located within his phone were images of real child pornography as well as computer generated child sexual abuse material. Foster remains detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Foster faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to 30 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Nashua Man Charged With Threatening the President CONCORD – A Nashua resident and federal employee was charged by criminal complaint in federal court on Friday, May 1, 2026, for interstate communication of a threat against the President, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He was arrested yesterday and appears before the court today. Dean DelleChiaie, age 35, an employee of the Federal Aviation Administration, allegedly conducted various internet searches on his government work computer in late January, like how to get a gun into a federal facility, previous assassination attempts against the President, the percentage of the population that wants the President dead, and the phrase “I am going to kill Donald John Trump.” According to the complaint, the United States Secret Service interviewed DelleChiaie in early February where he admitted to conducting those searches on his work computer and to owning three firearms, including a handgun he kept inside a safe at his home. On April 21, 2026, DelleChiaie allegedly used his personal email to transmit a threat across state lines to the White House’s public facing email address. In the email, which had as the subject “Contact the President,” DelleChiaie stated, “I, Dean DelleChiaie, am going neutralize/kill you - Donald John Trump - because you decided to kill kids - and say that it was War - when in reality - it is terrorism. God knows your actions and where you belong.” If convicted, DelleChiaie faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The United States Secret Service is leading the investigation. The Nashua Police Department has provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.


title: St. Louis Man Admits Bringing 12-Year-Old from Michigan to St. Louis for Sex

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man on Monday admitted driving a 12-year-old from Michigan to Missouri, where he engaged in illegal sex acts with her. Harold Paul White, 56, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He admitted meeting the girl on social media and driving to Michigan to pick her up. White engaged in illegal sex acts with the minor at his apartment and recorded those acts with a phone. When the victim realized that she had been reported missing, White bought her a bus ticket home. White is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31. Both sides have agreed to recommend 15 years in prison. The FBI and local police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is prosecuting the case. 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. For more information, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Madison, South Dakota, Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Madison, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on May 4, 2026. Chase May, 35, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. May was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 11, 2026. May was the target of an investigation into cocaine sales in Madison, South Dakota. Utilizing a confidential informant, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of cocaine from May during the Summer of 2024. When investigators learned that May had traveled to Omaha, which they believed was for the purpose of obtaining more narcotics, they arranged for the South Dakota Highway Patrol to conduct a traffic stop of May. After stopping May, troopers searched his vehicle and found 18 ounces of cocaine, seven pounds of marijuana, a pistol, and cash. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for May’s home and found an additional three ounces of cocaine and additional firearms. Throughout his involvement in the conspiracy, investigators believe May was responsible for trafficking approximately one kilogram of cocaine. This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. May was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Pryor Resident Sentenced For Illegally Possessing Firearm And Ammunition

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Jason Sanders, age 45, of Pryor, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office. On September 30, 2025, Sanders pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on May 5, 2025, Sanders knowingly possessed two semi-automatic pistols and 96 rounds of ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Sanders will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm And Drug Charges

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Clifford Lamont Driskell, age 45, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and one count of Simple Possession of Phencyclidine, punishable by up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on July 1, 2025, Driskell knowingly possessed one semi-automatic pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and knowing of such conviction. The Indictment further alleged that on July 1, 2025, Driskell knowingly and intentionally possessed phencyclidine, a Schedule III controlled substance, after having been previously convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Cocaine Base and Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Phencyclidine in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance—Marijuana in Oklahoma County. The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Driskell will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Jamestown woman sentenced on meth charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kelly Berenguer, 46, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession of methamphetamine, was sentenced to time served by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. On October 17, 2024, Kelly Berenguer’s vehicle was stopped by Jamestown Police. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered a quantity of methamphetamine and a digital scale. Berenguer was taken into custody at that time. This case was 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 case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. # # # #


title: Fort Dodge Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who conspired to distribute fentanyl pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City. Leslie Jo Fanning, age 36, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. At the plea hearing, Fanning admitted that between about 2021 and continuing to about June 2024, in the Webster County, Iowa, she and others reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute fentanyl. On three separate occasions in May of 2024, Fanning distributed blue pills marked “M-30” which contained fentanyl to an individual cooperating with law enforcement at her residence in Fort Dodge. Fanning admitted to distributing thousands of pills containing fentanyl over the course of the conspiracy. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Fanning is in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Fanning faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any imprisonment of three years up to life. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Dodge Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-03058. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Three from Sioux City Sentenced to Federal Prison for Participation in Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Distribution

body_text: Paulette Allen, age 64, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced March 3, 2026, to more than 3 years in federal prison, after an October 9, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of distribution of controlled substances. Donald Most, age 61, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced April 29, 2026, to 4 years in federal prison, after an October 14, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Martin Godbersen, age 65, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced April 7, 2026, to 17 years in federal prison, after a jury found him guilty on October 29, 2025, of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, after having been previously convicted of a serious drug felony. Godbersen was found not guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance. Evidence in the case and at trial showed between July 2023 and June 2025, Allen, Most and Godbersen knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Most and Allen admitted that Most was providing Allen with methamphetamine on a weekly basis. In April 2025, law enforcement utilized a confidential source to purchase methamphetamine from Allen and Most on two occasions. Allen took the confidential source to Most’s home, where Godbersen later arrived and provided them with methamphetamine. On April 22, 2025, Godbersen was subject to a traffic stop where law enforcement located a baggie of over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine in Godbersen’s pocket, as well as additional methamphetamine in the center console of his vehicle. Allen, Most, and Godbersen were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Allen was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Most was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Godbersen was sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Allen, Most, and Godbersen are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4031. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Iowa Farmer Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Bankruptcy Fraud Scheme

body_text: An Iowa farmer who stole over $250,000 from his business partner and filed dozens of false documents over multiple years in bankruptcy court pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Kurt Patrick Krauskopf, age 49, from Decorah, Iowa, was convicted of one count of bankruptcy fraud. In a plea agreement, Krauskopf admitted that he is a Winneshiek County farmer. Krauskopf had a business partnership with another individual, who grew corn and soybeans on various farms in Northeast Iowa. Between 2021 and 2023, Krauskopf sold over $250,000 of the partnerships’ crops to third parties under the false and fraudulent pretense that Krauskopf personally owned the corn and soybeans. Krauskopf then used the sales proceeds from the stolen corn and soybeans for his own sole and exclusive benefit and without his business partner’s knowledge. In April 2021, Krauskopf filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 12 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Chapter 12 is a special chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that is designed to help certain farmers who are struggling financially to propose and carry out a plan to repay their debts. While the case is pending, the farmer-debtor is required to file sworn monthly operating reports that truthfully disclose the farmer’s monthly income and expenses. As part of his plea agreement, Krauskopf admitted that, between 2021 and 2023, he filed dozens of false monthly operating reports in which he failed to disclose income from the sale of his partner’s grain. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Krauskopf remains free on bond pending sentencing. Krauskopf faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Krauskopf is the third person convicted this year in the Northern District of Iowa for bankruptcy related offenses. In February, a jury convicted the former president of a defunct Eastern Iowa telecommunications infrastructure business, Dennis Clifford Bruce, age 51, from Marion, Iowa, of one count of conspiracy, two counts of bankruptcy concealment, one count of false bankruptcy declaration, two counts of false statement under oath, and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity. In April, Donita Eckrich, age 64, from Coralville, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud after she admitted she had used the bankruptcy court to defraud a nursing home out of more than $70,000. The Krauskopf case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 26-CR-2014. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Woman Convicted in Multi-State Check Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A North Carolina woman who engaged in a multi-state check fraud scheme pled guilty today, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Inspector in Charge Felicia George of the Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division, and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Detroit. Shannon Kurrie, age 61, originally from North Carolina, was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for a scheme where she was responsible for over $250,000 in losses. At the hearing, Kurrie admitted to using stolen personally identifiable information provided to her by the leaders of the conspiracy, opening bank accounts in the names of victims, and fraudulently depositing their personal and United States Department of Treasury checks on behalf of the conspiracy. Kurrie impersonated numerous individuals by presenting fictitious identification to banks around the country, including in Grosse Pointe and Dearborn, Michigan, as well as Fort Wayne, Indiana. In each instance, Kurrie presented false documents and opened accounts before depositing large checks. Sentencing before United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith will occur after a presentence report is prepared. Kurrie faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 30 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $1,000,00, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, TSA Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Dorval Norwood, K. Craig Welkener, and Jasmine Moore.


title: Fremont Company Agrees to Pay Nearly One Million Dollars to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Involving Paycheck Protection Program Loan

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Fremont-based Innodisk USA has agreed to pay a total of $950,000 to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act when it received and retained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, in violation of PPP rules. Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses. Applicants for a “second-draw” PPP loan were required to certify, among other things, that they, together with their affiliates, employed no more than 300 employees and that they had a decrease in gross receipts in excess of 25 percent compared to an earlier time period. Innodisk USA is a subsidiary of Innodisk Corporation, a multinational Taiwanese company that is a service-driven provider of industrial embedded flash and DRAM memory products and technologies. The United States alleged that Innodisk USA applied for and obtained a second-draw PPP loan on March 17, 2021, even though the company was not eligible because it exceeded the requisite size standards when including affiliated entities, including its parent company, and because it had not experienced the requisite revenue reduction. According to the United States, despite knowing that it was not eligible for the second-draw loan, Innodisk USA sought and obtained forgiveness of the loan. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis made the announcement. The settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Blockquote, Inc. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Blockquote, Inc. v. Innodisk Corp., USA, 3:24-cv-02949-WHO (N.D. Cal.). Blockquote, Inc. will receive $95,000 in connection with the settlement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith Iyengar handled this matter. The resolution resulted from a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and SBA’s Office of General Counsel. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Previously Deported Nicaraguan National Receives 15-Year Sentence for $29 Million Bank Impersonation Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A previously deported Nicaraguan national was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in a cyber-enabled international bank impersonation scheme that resulted in more than $29 million in losses to victims across the United States. U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom sentenced Ernesto Ortega Padgett, 41, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to transport stolen property. “Ortega built a sophisticated international fraud scheme on deception, stolen trust, and technology, draining more than $29 million from victims across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “He impersonated banks, exploited fear and urgency, and used an international laundering network and cryptocurrency to move and conceal the proceeds. Today’s 15-year sentence sends a clear message: if you steal from Americans through fraud and hide behind borders, technology, or shell accounts, we will find you, extradite you, and hold you accountable. And you will not keep the proceeds of your crimes.” “Ortega believed his sophistication, his use of technology, and the distance between him and his victims would allow him to operate without consequence,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Townsend of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office. “He was wrong. As criminals evolve their methods, the U.S. Secret Service is evolving faster, working alongside our law enforcement and international partners to strengthen our intelligence and investigative capabilities to identify, track, and apprehend those who exploit innocent people. This case shows that no level of deception or complexity will shield criminals from accountability. The Secret Service will continue to protect hardworking Americans and go to great lengths to bring those responsible to justice. I want to commend our agents, our partners, and our prosecutors for their exceptional work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.” Beginning in 2020, Ortega and his co-conspirators posed as bank representatives and used a combination of technology and social engineering to trick victims into disclosing sensitive financial information. Ortega then used that information to access victims’ accounts and initiate unauthorized wire transfers. To conceal and move the stolen funds, Ortega relied on an international network of money launderers who withdrew proceeds in cash and transferred funds to accounts under his control, often converting them into cryptocurrency. The scheme also involved threats and coercion to force certain individuals to participate in laundering activities. Ortega used the proceeds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including renting luxury apartments in Madrid and beach homes in Marbella, Spain, spending up to $30,000 per month, and purchasing high-end watches, jewelry, electronics, and designer goods. The scheme spanned multiple countries and continents and resulted in losses exceeding $29 million. Several co-conspirators have already been sentenced for their roles. Ortega had been charged in Spain for related criminal conduct and had pending charges in Panama. After his arrest in Spain, Ortega violated the conditions of his release and remained a fugitive for nearly a year. In December 2023, law enforcement learned he planned to travel to Paris, France. Authorities apprehended Ortega at Charles de Gaulle International Airport, and he was later extradited to the U.S. on June 13, 2024. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Special Agent in Charge Jason Scalzo of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) Electronic Crimes Unit; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Townsend of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. The FDIC-OIG Electronic Crimes Unit and the USSS Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Ortega’s arrest and extradition. Law enforcement partners in Spain and France, as well as the USSS offices in Madrid and Paris and the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Panama City, provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moore prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Raemy Charest-Turken is handling asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20049. ###


title: Illegal Alien Charged with Unlicensed Dealing of Firearms

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national, unlawfully residing in Milford, Mass., has been charged for allegedly dealing firearms without a license. Specifically, the defendant allegedly sold firearms, including a ghost gun to a confidential informant. Caua Da Silva, 21, was charged in federal court in Worcester with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. According to the charging documents, beginning in July of 2025, an investigation began into Da Silva as a potential source of illegal firearms sales in Massachusetts. As part of the investigation, it was determined that Da Silva is not lawfully present in the United States. Between November of 2025 and April 21, 2026, Da Silva sold firearms to a confidential informant on several different occasions. One of the firearms that Da Silva sold was a privately manufactured firearm, or a “ghost gun.” The charge of unlicensed dealing in firearms provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Massachusetts State Police, the Milford Police Department, Worcester Police Department, Marlborough Police Department and the Hudson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America . HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Former University Professor Convicted for Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Following a bench trial before visiting U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake, Rodger Githens, 48, of West Sacramento, was found guilty of attempted enticement of a minor and receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. “This verdict stems from overwhelming evidence of a sickening attempt by a privileged defendant to sexually abuse a 7-year-old child,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Protecting children from sexual exploitation is one of my highest priorities, and my office will continue to pursue these cases with the urgency and care they demand.” According to court documents, Githens had been employed as a professor at a local university and had worked as a consultant for other colleges and universities. In March 2023, Githens, using the profile “Tall laid back,” initiated contact with a Grindr account controlled by an undercover agent. Githens quickly encouraged the undercover agent to establish a Telegram account, which he considered more secure. Githens told the agent he had taboo thoughts every day and was into “babies.” Githens stated that he “would love to have a dad or uncle invite me” and then described in graphic detail what he would like to do with the undercover agent and the agent’s fictional 7-year-old niece. Several times Githens discussed traveling to Fresno to meet the agent and the fictional niece, but on April 19, 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant at Githens’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Agents discovered numerous Telegram chats on Githens’s phone including several in which he was exchanging and commenting on videos of young children being raped. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the West Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa and McKenzie Hightower of the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case. Githens is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20, 2026, by Judge Otake. Githens faces prison terms of between five and 20 years for the child sexual abuse material charge and from 10 years to life for the attempted enticement charge. He also faces potential fines of $250,000 for each charge, and a lifetime term of supervised release. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Buffalo man previously convicted of possessing child pornography pleads guilty to new charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamie Anderson, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to the possession of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. In January 2022, Anderson was convicted of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court. In December 2024, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Anderson’s Buffalo residence, after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that he uploaded files containing child pornography to Kik. During the search, law enforcement seized a tablet, which contained at least 10 images of child pornography. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2026, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Jamestown man sentenced for his role in drug conspiracy

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brian Cessna, 66, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to time served by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. During the course of the conspiracy, Cessna bought and sold heroin and fentanyl, for profit and his own use. He also assisted co-conspirator Holly Berenguer in selling heroin and fentanyl, for profit and her own use, delivering on her behalf and collecting payments. An individual known as “Joey Cracks” (co-defendant Joseph Zaso) was Berenguer’s source of supply. Cessna utilized his Fairview Avenue residence for drug trafficking purposes and also allowed Berenguer to utilize the residence to sell drugs. Holly Berenguer and Joseph Zaso were previously convicted. The 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 case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. # # # #


title: Roxbury Man Sentenced for Role in Fraudulent CDL Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A Roxbury man was sentenced on May 1, 2026 in federal court in Boston for surreptitiously providing an individual with the answers to exam questions for a Commercial Learners’ Permit. In the state of Massachusetts, you must have a CLP before obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Frank Castro, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to time served (approximately 23 months in prison). In January 2025, Castro was convicted of unlawful production of an identification document. Castro was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024. On or about Oct. 18, 2021, Castro told an undercover agent that he could help him obtain a CLP in Massachusetts for $3,000. On or about Dec. 10, 2021, Castro explained to the undercover agent that the agent would need to sneak a Bluetooth device into the testing area at a Massachusetts RMV, surreptitiously place the device into his ear, then cover it with headphones used during the exam. Castro said that he would be connected with the undercover agent via the Bluetooth device such that he could hear the audio questions and provide the undercover agent with the correct answers. On or about Dec. 22, 2021, the undercover agent deposited $3,000 into Castro’s bank account before proceeding to the Danvers RMV to take the CLP exam. The undercover agent connected with Castro using the Bluetooth device, and Castro provided the exam answers to the undercover agent in real time during the exam. The undercover agent passed the exam with Castro’s unlawful assistance and received a Massachusetts CLP. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and David G. Tobin of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Jamestown man charged with possession and distribution of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Connor J. Higgs, 20, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession and distribution of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and a maximum of 20 years. In August 2025, the New York State Police (NYSP) received a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), regarding a Discord account, which contained suspected child pornography. Subsequent investigation traced the account to Higgs. In October 2025, the NYSP executed a search warrant at Higgs’ Jamestown residence, seizing eight electronic devices. Higgs was taken into custody at the scene. A review of the devices recovered child pornography from two of the devices, including images of a minor victim known to investigators. The images also include prepubescent minors and depictions of violence against children. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for a Series of Frauds

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Monday sentenced a man who committed identity theft, check fraud and pandemic fraud to 42 months in prison and ordered him to repay $77,360 to his victims. For over three years, Darryon M. Sutherlin, now 29, engaged in a series of frauds and financial crimes, including filing a fraudulent application for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, check fraud and the use of stolen identities to obtain loans and credit. His crimes continued even after he was indicted. On May 26, 2022, Sutherlin used the stolen identity of a New Jersey resident to finance a $25,850 loan for a 2016 BMW. Sutherlin also used the New Jersey man’s name, Social Security number and a fake ID to obtain a personal loan of $8,500 and two credit cards. On Dec. 7, 2022, Sutherlin deposited two stolen and altered U.S. Treasury checks, totaling $10,436, into his personal bank account. On Jan. 31, 2023, Sutherlin’s property manager contacted the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department after seeing pounds of marijuana and driver’s licenses in different names but with Sutherlin’s photo in his apartment. Officers caught Sutherlin with stolen personal and U.S. Treasury checks and unauthorized bank cards and false driver’s licenses, including the New Jersey victim’s license. They found more bank cards, false driver’s licenses, bank paperwork and a large trash bag containing stolen, opened U.S. mail in his apartment. In total, officers recovered roughly 23 unauthorized debit and credit cards, 13 false driver’s licenses and 2 false Social Security cards, all of which bore the information of more than 10 different identity theft victims. Sutherlin sought a Paycheck Protection Program loan on March 23, 2021, by falsely claiming that he ran a construction business and by submitting a false Form 1040 Schedule C showing bogus gross earnings. After receiving a $20,833 PPP loan, Sutherlin immediately withdrew a large portion of the loan funds in cash and spent the remainder on personal expenses. After he was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on May 15, 2024, Sutherlin obtained a loan of $8,500 from a credit union branch in Collinsville, Ill. by using the identity of a Massachusetts man whose name appeared on one of the licenses found in his apartment in 2023. Sutherlin’s bond was revoked, and he has been in jail since the new offense was discovered. Sutherlin pleaded guilty in September in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of identity theft. “The sentencing in this case illustrates that individuals who engage in mail theft will be held accountable for their actions,” stated Acting Inspector in Charge, Nicholas Bucciarelli, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Domicile. “The Postal Inspection Service is proud to work with our local, state, and federal partners to bring mail theft perpetrators to justice and prevent financial crimes targeting local citizens, postal customers, and financial institutions.” “This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Glen Carbon Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.


title: Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and J. Buck Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that TULIO NUNEZ, 25, of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to offenses related to the theft of U.S. Mail. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 2, 2023, Nunez drove to Campbell Avenue in West Haven and parked in front of a postal collection box. Nunez’s associate then exited the vehicle, opened the service door of the collection box using a counterfeit postal arrow key, removed a basket filled with mail, and placed it in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Law enforcement officers who were conducting surveillance of the postal collection box then converged on the vehicle. Nunez unsuccessfully attempted to flee by reversing his vehicle and striking a law enforcement vehicle before he and his associates were apprehended and charged with state offenses. On September 23, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Nunez with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, possession of a key adopted by the post office, and theft of mail. Nunez pleaded guilty to all three counts of the indictment. At sentencing, which is scheduled for July 27, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Nunez has been released on a $10,000 bond since his federal arrest on September 25, 2025. This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Shan Patel.


title: Santa Clarita Valley Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing  False Returns and Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Benefits

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Santa Clarita Valley tax preparer pleaded guilty today to fraudulently including false information on federal income tax returns to get substantial refunds for his clients – and cause large tax losses to the U.S. Treasury – and COVID-19 business-relief loan applications to obtain money he used for unauthorized purposes. Kerwin Aldric Jordan, 71, of Castaic and formerly of Pebble Beach, pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding in the preparation of false federal income tax returns and one count of wire fraud. According to his plea agreement, Jordan was the president of The Jordan Corporation, a tax preparation business, and also owned and operated a business called Jordan and Jordan A Financial Conquest. Jordan held himself out as a tax attorney and certified public accountant, neither of which he was. Jordan prepared federal tax returns for his clients which fraudulently reduced his taxpayer-clients’ taxable income. Jordan falsely reported that the taxpayer-clients had one or more businesses, even though he knew the businesses did not exist. He also reported losses for these non-existent businesses and used those losses to reduce the taxpayer-clients’ taxable income. For example, Jordan reduced a married couple’s $2 million income with fraudulent expenses of more than $1 million for non-existent businesses, eliminating additional taxes the couple would have owed and generating a tax refund of almost $25,000. The couple paid Jordan nearly $28,000 for the preparation of their return. From 2018 to 2023, Jordan filed more than 1,370 federal tax returns for clients, which reported total business losses over $73 million. Prosecutors contend that the tax returns Jordan prepared resulted in more than $25 million in losses to the United States Treasury. Jordan also lied on loan applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), two programs Congress created in March 2020 to help businesses weather the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jordan applied for PPP loans for his companies and received a total of $188,667. He also applied for EIDL loans for Jordan and Jordan; Euphrates Wealth Asset Management, of which he was the owner; and Lifestyles of the Rich in Faith Church, a non-profit organization of which he was the principal, receiving a total of $276,600. To obtain these loans, Jordan falsely reported that the companies had employees when, in fact, they had none. United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson scheduled an October 5 sentencing hearing, at which time Jordan will face a statutory maximum sentence of 32 years in federal prison. The IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ranee A. Katzenstein, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Matthew R. Hoffman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Tax Section, are prosecuting this case.


title: Man Selling Counterfeit Pills Containing Fentanyl on Social Media  Receives 21-Year Sentence

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jayden Isaiah Stephon Gill, 22, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 260 months in prison for selling fentanyl-laced pills online, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Officers in Frederick, Maryland, responded to a suspected overdose of two juvenile females and located blue pills imprinted to mimic Oxycodone prescription medication. The pills were analyzed and were found to contain fentanyl. The investigation led to Gill who traveled from Martinsburg, West Virginia to Frederick, Maryland, to sell the pills which the females believed to be Percocet and ordered from Gill’s social media accounts. Gill, along with others, operated a sophisticated drug trafficking business in the tristate area. Gill utilized Telegram, Instagram, Snapchat, Signal, and Linktree to mass market fentanyl disguised as Oxycodone, along with other drugs. Orders could be placed online through these platforms, and Gill and his associates would travel to distribute the orders. Investigators searched Gill’s home and seized more than 20 grams of fentanyl, nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine, 146 grams of cocaine, two firearms, and nearly $50,000 in cash. “Americans are too often being killed by counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “We will not allow dealers to prey upon our youth by selling these dangerous drugs on social media. If you try to make a quick dollar this way, you will face severe consequences.” Christion Sayyid Gill, 27, also of Hagerstown, pled guilty to his role in the scheme in January 2026. He will be sentenced in August 2026. A third defendant, Jamil Nicholas Gardner, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, has also been charged and will stand trial after his release from custody in Maryland. Gardner is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. Investigative agencies include the United States Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Brunswick Police Department, Maryland; Frederick City Police, Maryland; Maryland State Police; Hagerstown Police Department, Maryland; the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland; and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Keene, New Hampshire Man Caught in FBI Sting, Charged with Traveling to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Michael Healey, Jr., 49, of Keene, New Hampshire, has been charged by criminal complaint with traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct. On May 1, 2026, Healey appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle for an initial appearance. On May 4, 2026, Healey appeared for a detention hearing, and the Court ordered Healey released on conditions pending trial. According to court records, Healey allegedly messaged an undercover law enforcement officer, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Healey later agreed to pay the fictitious 14-year-old girl $200 for sex at a hotel in Brattleboro, Vermont. He arrived at the hotel on the evening of April 30, 2026. Law enforcement took Healy into custody after he approached the room where he was expecting to meet the fictitious 14-year-old girl. Law enforcement found $200 in cash on Healey’s person during Healey’s arrest. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the criminal complaint contains allegations only and that Healey is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Healey faces up to 30 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the FBI and thanked the Vermont Drug Task Force for their assistance during the law enforcement sting operation. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Healey is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison  for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 4, 2026. Omot Musa Karlo, 25, was sentenced to one year and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Karlo was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026. According to court documents, on August 6, 2024, Karlo was a passenger in a vehicle that fled from law enforcement in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The pursuit ended when a tire on the vehicle went flat, causing the vehicle to travel into a ditch near South Southeastern Avenue. As the vehicle was going into the ditch, Karlo exited the passenger door and fled on foot. While fleeing on foot and before being apprehended, Karlo discarded a firearm in the tall grass along the path from which he left the vehicle. Karlo was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of prior felony convictions, including offenses involving firearms. He was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction at the time of this offense. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case. Karlo was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Felon Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Prison for Possessing Ammunition

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Tyrone Kenneth Smith, Jr., age 29 of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. In imposing sentence, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker noted that it was “miraculous that no one was seriously hurt . . . [or] killed” when Smith fired off a semiautomatic weapon with a high-capacity magazine in a crowded venue. U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “We chose Smith for federal prosecution on this firearms charge because he has repeatedly refused to abide by laws that say he cannot have a firearm. After being convicted no fewer than four times for felony firearms offenses in the State of Michigan, he went out and got himself yet another gun, then took it to a crowded public gathering and fired it off. Through his actions, Smith has told us all that he is a menace to the rest of us, and he cannot be rehabilitated. He deserves the sentence he got today, and we will be watching him when he is eventually allowed out of prison.” On June 22, 2025, a large group of young people gathered on the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids. Smith was there and pulled a gun from his waistband and fired four rounds, causing everyone to flee the bridge. Surveillance video at the bridge captured the incident; Smith is circled in the image below and a muzzle flash is also visible. The firearm was recovered and was a Polymer P80 pistol with an extended magazine, these privately made firearms are called “ghost guns” because they do not have serial numbers and are therefore difficult to track. [1] Four shots were fired on the bridge and the extended magazine was loaded with an additional 22 live rounds when it was recovered by police later that night. “When a convicted felon chooses to unlawfully possess ammunition and a firearm in an attempt to spread fear and cause panic, they should expect swift justice and the full weight of federal law,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The defendant’s actions endangered lives and threatened public safety in a place where visitors deserve peace. I commend the excellent investigative work of our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, alongside the Grand Rapids Police Department, whose partnership uncovered critical evidence leading to the defendant’s arrest.” “Grand Rapids Police Department appreciates the partnership between local law enforcement, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address violent crime, and especially gun violence, in our community,” said Interim GRPD Chief Joe Trigg. “Every offender that faces accountability means a safer community for us all.” The FBI and the Grand Rapids Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis M. Sanford prosecuted it. 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 . [1] https://www.atf.gov/firearms/privately-made-firearms


title: Seventh Defendant Charged as Part of Federal Investigation Into Violent Home Invasion in Winnetka, Ill.

body_text: CHICAGO — A seventh defendant has been charged in federal court with robbery and kidnapping offenses for allegedly participating in a violent home invasion in Winnetka, Ill. The defendant, TYRESE FENTON-WATSON, 23, of Chicago, was arrested on April 28, 2026, and has been ordered to remain detained in federal custody without bond. Fenton-Watson is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and kidnapping in connection with the alleged home invasion, which occurred on the afternoon of March 8, 2026, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court. Six other defendants were previously arrested and charged with the same offenses in a superseding indictment unsealed last week in U.S. District Court. Those defendants have also been ordered to remain detained in federal custody without bond. For one of those defendants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office successfully appealed a U.S. Magistrate judge’s order of release on bond to a U.S. District judge, who ordered the defendant to remain detained without bond. According to the charges, DASHUN BROWN posed as a food delivery driver to cause an individual in the residence to open the front door. Armed with loaded firearms, Brown, Fenton-Watson, DAVID FRANKLIN, JALEN CHAMBERS, and another co-conspirator then forcibly entered the residence. Brown, Fenton-Watson, Franklin, Chambers, and the co-conspirator kept an individual in the residence captive for approximately an hour and used firearms to physically restrain the victim, the charges alleged. The perpetrators also restrained a child who arrived home while the violent home invasion was in progress, the charges alleged. The captors allegedly demanded access to a safe, computer, and online accounts holding cryptocurrency. The conspirators fled the residence after about an hour, later meeting up with ISAIAH DUKES, KHIELL DUKES, ANTHONY RAMSEY, and other co-conspirators who were waiting nearby and had been communicating with the captors while they were inside the residence, the charges alleged. Fenton-Watson’s complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Brian O’Connell, Chief of the Winnetka Police Department. Valuable assistance has been provided by the Chicago Police Department, Northbrook, Ill. Police Department, Glencoe, Ill. Police Department, and Orland Park, Ill. Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Merin and Jessica Ecker. The officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing. Brown, 24, of Chicago, Franklin, 24, of Chicago, Ramsey, 22, of Chicago, Isaiah Dukes, 28, of Los Angeles, Calif., Khiell Dukes, 30, of Elgin, Ill., and Chambers, 24, of Bourbonnais, Ill., have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them in the superseding indictment. Kidnapping conspiracy is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while robbery conspiracy is punishable by up to 20 years. The public is reminded that indictments and complaints are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. fenton-watson_complaint.pdf


title: South Carolina Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill the President

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – The United States Secret Service arrested Daniel R. Swain, 41, of Summerville, South Carolina, on a Federal warrant in Apex. The Secret Service obtained the warrant pursuant to a Federal criminal complaint signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge which accuses Swain of threatening to take the life of the President of the United States. According to the complaint, concerned citizens contacted the Apex Police Department when they observed the message “HEADED TO WSH TO KILL THE PRES” written in white marker on the driver side window of Swain’s car. Swain is charged with making Threats Against the President in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 871(a) and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison if convicted. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The USSS and Apex Police Department are investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:26-MJ-1682-JG. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Dominican Republic National Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Ammunition By An Illegal Alien In Connection With Shooting Of Off-Duty Federal Customs And Border Protection Officer

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Michael Alfonso, and Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), Frank Russo, announced today that MIGUEL FRANCISCO MORA NUNEZ pled guilty to possessing ammunition as an illegal alien in connection with the July 19, 2025, shooting of an off-duty CBP Officer in Manhattan. MORA NUNEZ pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2026. “Miguel Mora Nunez shot a federal officer in the face,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Gun-toting criminals threaten our families, our communities, and our law enforcement professionals, who strive every day to keep us safe. New Yorkers want criminals who use guns off the streets, and we are committed to delivering that result.” “Last year's shooting of an off-duty CBP officer was an attack on the greater law enforcement community and on the rule of law itself, and this guilty plea is a significant step toward holding the defendant accountable and making clear that such violence will not be tolerated,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “Together with our vital partners, HSI New York will continue to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, ensuring our city, and our country, remain safe.” “This guilty plea is an important step toward accountability for a brazen act of violence against one of our officers,” said CBP’s Director of New York Field Operations Frank Russo. “Our focus remains on the well-being and recovery of our colleague, and on safeguarding the men and women who serve our communities every day. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the NYPD for their exceptional work. Their continued partnership helps keep New York City safer and ensures that those who commit violent acts are brought to justice.” As alleged in the charging instruments and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: On or about July 19, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m., MORA NUNEZ shot an off-duty CBP Officer in Fort Washington Park in Manhattan. A bullet MORA NUNEZ fired struck the CBP Officer in the face and right arm. The CBP Officer appeared to return fire, hitting MORA NUNEZ twice, before MORA NUNEZ fled on a motorbike driven by his co-defendant. MORA NUNEZ entered the U.S. illegally, is in the U.S. unlawfully, and is subject to an order of removal from the U.S. * * * MORA NUNEZ, 22, of the Dominican Republic, pled guilty to one count of possession of ammunition as an illegal alien, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton thanked Homeland Security Investigations, CBP, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance in this case. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mostafa Khairy, Samantha Fry, and Christy Slavik are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Two Sentenced to Prison for $522M Genetic Testing Fraud and Illegal Kickback Scheme Targeting Medicare and Medicaid

body_text: Two men were sentenced today for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance companies by submitting over $522 million in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary genetic tests that were obtained through the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes. Reyad Salahaldeen, 57, of Buford, Georgia, was sentenced to 151 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Mohamad Mustafa, 28, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to paying health care kickbacks. “Under the guise of health care, these two fraudsters attempted to steal more than half a billion dollars from taxpayers through a web of sham contracts, lies, and bribes,” said Colin M. McDonald, Assistant Attorney for the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “These schemes deplete America’s pocketbook and destroy the trust in medicine that patients deserve and demand. The Department of Justice will remain vigilant in our efforts to deter those defrauding the American people in the name of health care. I thank the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners at FBI and HHS-OIG who worked tirelessly for this just outcome.” According to court documents, Salahaldeen controlled four laboratories, Express Diagnostics, LLC, in New Jersey (Express); BioConfirm Laboratory USA, LLC and BioConfirm Laboratories, LLC, in Georgia (BioConfirm); and Tox Management, LLC and Tri-State Toxicology, LLC, both in Texas. From 2018 through August 2020, Salahaldeen and co-conspirators paid kickbacks and bribes to a network of purported “marketers” who targeted individuals covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance and induced them to provide their health insurance information and DNA samples in order to obtain costly genetic tests designed to predict the risk of cancer, adverse drug reactions, and other conditions. The marketers obtained DNA samples through telemarketing, door-to-door solicitation, appearances at health fairs, and other methods of in-person solicitation. Further, the marketers, at the direction of Salahaldeen and co-conspirators and in exchange for kickbacks and bribes, obtained fraudulent laboratory requisition forms for the tests from medical providers who had not treated or consulted with the beneficiaries, and did not use the test results in treatment. As part of the scheme, Salahaldeen falsified laboratory requisition forms, letters of medical necessity, and other medical records to make the tests appear legitimate. After the indictment was returned and he learned of the warrant for his arrest, Salahaldeen sought to evade law enforcement by traveling from North Carolina to Texas, where he attempted to enter Mexico. Salahaldeen was apprehended at the border when he falsely presented another person’s identification in a further attempt to evade arrest and prosecution. Mustafa, who controlled Express and BioConfirm with Salahaldeen, participated in the scheme by paying kickbacks and bribes to various marketers to induce them to obtain DNA samples and fraudulent test requisition forms from medical providers. To conceal the scheme, Mustafa and Salahaldeen created sham contracts, invoices, and other documentation that disguised the illegal kickbacks and bribes as payments for purported marketing services. The four laboratories billed approximately $522 million in false and fraudulent claims, of which Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers paid approximately $84 million. In addition to the prison sentences, Salahaldeen was ordered to pay $84,594,165 in restitution and to forfeit $3,044,866 from two bank accounts, a 2019 GMC Yukon, and properties in Texas and Georgia. Mustafa was ordered to pay $64,301,569 in restitution. Eleven of Salahaldeen and Mustafa’s co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty in connection with this fraud scheme and were sentenced as follows: Travores Wills, a marketer, was sentenced to 46 months in prison Elijua Watson, a marketer, was sentenced to 27 months in prison Diego Pancha Valencia, a marketer, was sentenced to 26 months in prison Shauntae Walker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 24 months in prison Cassandra Latham, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 21 months in prison LaTosha McCune, a marketer, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Vinit Patel, a medical doctor, was sentenced to 12 months in prison Jose Rodriguez Ospina, a medical doctor, was sentenced to 12 months in prison Edward Giles, a marketer, was sentenced to 12 months in prison Derek McCune, a marketer, was sentenced to 12 months in prison Nelson Giraldo, a medical doctor, was sentenced to 6 months of house arrest and 3 years of probation Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office made the announcement. HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case. Acting Principal Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan and Acting Assistant Chief Gary A. Winters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. 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 .