title: U.S. Attorney's Office Highlights Federal Prosecutions During Lapse In Appropriations

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson today released a summary of notable prosecutions and enforcement actions pursued during the recent lapse in federal appropriations. During that time, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continued uninterrupted its core mission to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and ensure justice for the people of the Western North Carolina. “Our work never stops,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “During the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the majority of the Office’s prosecutors and staff continued to perform their duties without pay and despite personal challenges. The safety of our communities and our mission to uphold justice were never compromised, which speaks to the dedication of the public servants working at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” Below are select cases federal prosecutors handled during the lapse in appropriations, where defendants were charged, pleaded guilty, or were sentenced to prison. This work was carried out under Operation Take Back America , a nationwide Department of Justice 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 Office also remained focused on protecting vulnerable populations and safeguarding public dollars that fund federal programs and institutions. The following cases reflect the Office’s continued focus on its mission during the shutdown: U.S. v. Decarlos Brown : A federal grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment , charging Decarlos Dejuan Brown, Jr., 34, with committing an act of violence causing death on a railroad carrier and mass transportation system, for the fatal attack of Iryna Zarutska on the city’s light rail system. U.S. v. Kelvin Simmons : Kelvin Wayne Simmons, 49, is charged with first-degree murder of an officer for killing Cherokee County Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes II. A grand jury sitting in Asheville returned the indictment on October 7, 2025, also charging Simmons with attempted carjacking resulting in death; escape; attempted carjacking; carjacking; use of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence; assaulting, resisting and impeding an officer; and possession of a firearm by a felon. U.S. v. Derick Cucumber : A federal grand jury in Asheville indicted Derrick Alan Cucumber, 45, of Cherokee, N.C., charging first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for killing Mario Sanchez Nino. U.S. v. Wyatt Salus : Wyatt Austin Salus, 26, of Cullowee, N.C., pleaded guilty to making interstate threats to kill and injure United States Senator Thom Tillis. Sauls called Senator Tillis’s office and left a message threatening to injure and kill Senator Tillis. Salus said in his message that Senator Tillis “should not feel safe in North Carolina,” adding, “I will kill you if I see you.” U.S. v. Vance Lewis : Vance Deangelo Lewis, 33, of Charlotte, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a felon. It is alleged that on or about October 2, 2025, Lewis knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute nearly half a kilogram of fentanyl and half a kilogram of methamphetamine. The indictment also contains a forfeiture notice that gives notice the defendant must forfeit to the United States 14 firearms and ammunition recovered during the investigation. U.S. v. Eunorio Cortez-Cortez : Eunorio Cortez Cortez, 52, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 64 months in prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien and violating the terms of his federal supervised release. At the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge granted the government’s motion for an increased sentence based on Cortez’s extensive criminal history, including a conviction for Indecency with a Child by Exposure and multiple convictions for Assault Causing Bodily Injury to Family Member. U.S. v. Madison Winslow : Madison Dare Winslow, 26, of Lincolnton, N.C., was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for selling fentanyl that caused a teenage victim to fatally overdose. Winslow, who was trafficking fentanyl in and around Catawba County, sold fentanyl-laced pills to a 17-year-old victim that were pressed to appear as prescription pills containing oxycodone hydrochloride. Later the minor ingested one or more of the pills causing the victim to fatally overdose. U.S. v. Xana Dove : On October 8, 2025, Xana Dayanae Dove, a 28-year-old former Gastonia police officer pleaded guilty to straw purchasing a firearm. According to filed plea documents and the court hearing, on May 25, 2023, Dove purchased a Springfield Hellcat Pro, 9mm pistol from a licensed firearms dealer located in Belmont, North Carolina. In completing the purchase, Dove made a false and fictitious written statement when she falsely stated on ATF’s Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 that she was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm when the defendant knew this statement was false and fictitious. U.S. v. Marian Dumitru, et al .: Two Romanian nationals residing unlawfully in the United States are facing federal charges for a multistate fraud scheme involving over $760,000 in stolen SNAP benefits funds. Marian Ovidiu Dumitru, 38, and Catalin Dumitru, 36, are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States; possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices; illegal possession of device-making equipment; two counts of wire fraud; and four counts of aggravated identity theft. U.S. v. Shubh Patel : On October 22, 2025, a federal grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal indictment charging Shubh Ketankumar Patel, 23, an Indian citizen residing in Waxhaw, N.C., with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and false impersonation of an employee or officer of the United States, for his role in a scheme to steal millions from elderly victims, by posing as a federal law enforcement officer. U.S. v. Jason Speier : Jason Nathaniel Speier, 42, of Arden, N.C., pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025, to wire fraud for a scheme to defraud customers who purchased log cabin kits. Speier admitted to receiving more than $2.5 million in customer payments and defrauding at least 24 customers located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. U.S. v. Shabazz McCarthan : On October 6, 2025, Shabazz Emmanuel McCarthan, 38, of Indian Trail, N.C., was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for committing fraud using the stolen identities of military service members, some of whom were deployed overseas. In addition to the prison term imposed, McCarthan was ordered to pay $175,544.45 in restitution to the victims. “Our message is simple,” U.S. Attorney Ferguson added. “Those who threaten public safety, pollute our neighborhoods with deadly drugs, exploit the vulnerable, or steal taxpayer dollars will face the consequences. No matter the circumstances, we will always work hard to protect the people of Western North Carolina.” For additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office and to view additional details for each case please visit our website .


title: Nageezi Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man was sentenced to 13 years prison for engaging in non-consensual sexual acts with a minor. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024, Patrick Wayne Platero , 47, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in a sexual act with the minor victim without their consent. Platero pled guilty to one count of sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Platero will be subject to three years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson prosecuted the case 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. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


body_text: Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests for Child Exploitation Offenses SWAINSBORO, GA: United States Attorney Meg Heap announced today that after a multi-agency investigation, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the District Attorney’s Office for the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia (MJC), the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, the Swainsboro Police Department, the Savannah Police Department, and the Sandy Springs Police Department, four individuals were arrested and charged by federal complaint with various offenses against children, including sex trafficking of a child, the production of child sexual abuse images, and enticement of a minor. The complaints name the following defendants: Jhirmichael Williams , a 34-year-old male, charged with sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography. Bryon Willis , a 53-year-old male, charged with sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of a minor, enticement and attempted enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography. Samantha Reese , a 35-year-old female, charged with the production of child pornography, and aiding and abetting. Samantha Bradford , a 30-year-old female, charged with the production and attempted production of child pornography, and aiding and abetting. “This investigation is a great example of multi-agency cooperation leading to the identification and arrest of those who sexually exploit children and to ensuring no continued harm came to their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We will continue to partner with our federal, state, and local counterparts to ensure perpetrators are identified and children saved from further unspeakable sexual acts.” “Few crimes are more disturbing than those that target children,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The exploitation these victims endured is heartbreaking, but these arrests show what can be accomplished when dedicated law enforcement partners come together to protect the most vulnerable among us. The FBI will continue to stand with our partners and our communities to ensure those who harm children are held accountable.” “There is no greater purpose as District Attorney than protecting children from abuse,” said MCJ District Attorney Tripp Fitzner. “This case was a textbook example of multi-agency cooperation and demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together. My sincere thanks to United States Attorney Heap and her Assistant United States Attorneys and the FBI for their dedication to assisting us in protecting children in Emanuel County and beyond.” “When MJC DA Fitzner and I were briefed by our staff, we realized this investigation would span several jurisdictions. Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Meg Heap and the FBI were contacted. They immediately responded with all their resources, uncovered a tremendous amount of evidence, and arrested four individuals quickly. I appreciate their willingness to respond and their speed in resolving this case,” said Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Brewer. “These are horrendous acts against innocent children who have absolutely no control over their circumstances. These acts carry a lifetime of devastating consequences for these children. There will be no tolerance for this!” Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation continues. The FBI urges anyone with information about this case, or similar activities, to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.


title: Brazilian National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Obtain Driver's Licenses for Illegal Aliens

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Danbury, Conn. was sentenced on Oct. 2, 2025 for conspiring to obtain driver’s licenses for ineligible applicants, principally illegal aliens. Helbert Costa Generoso, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to nine months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025 , Helbert Costa Generoso pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully produce and possess with intent to transfer identification documents and one count of furnishing a false passport to another for use. In December 2024 , Costa Generoso was charged along with four co-conspirators. From in or about November 2020 through in or about September 2024, Costa Generoso and his alleged co-conspirators fraudulently procured driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who resided in states that prohibited illegal aliens from obtaining driver’s licenses. Prior to July 2023, illegal aliens residing in Massachusetts were not permitted to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses. Beginning in 2019, illegal aliens residing in New York became eligible to obtain New York driver’s licenses. Costa Generoso and his alleged co-conspirators conspired to fraudulently obtain New York driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in New York, including Massachusetts residents, and after July 2023 to fraudulently obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in Massachusetts. In exchange for fraudulently obtaining the driver’s licenses, the co-conspirators allegedly typically charged approximately $1,400 per customer. Costa Generoso also charged $1,400 to obtain fraudulent foreign passports in the customers’ names, to be used as identification in the driver’s license applications. In New York, before obtaining a driver’s license, applicants were required to pass a written permit test and complete driver’s education coursework from a New York driving school. Online permit test-takers were required by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) to take a picture of themselves with a web camera during the test. This was to ensure that the test-taker was indeed the applicant and that there was not a person sitting with and helping the applicant with the test. To avoid the customers having to take the permit tests, the co-conspirators allegedly conspired to obtain several pictures of the customers sitting down, making it look as if the customers were taking the tests. They also allegedly conspired to complete the permit tests for the customers online and, when prompted by the NY DMV to take pictures during the tests, they uploaded the pictures that the customers previously provided – purporting to show that it was the customers who were taking the tests, not the defendants. Costa Generoso and his alleged co-defendants also conspired to create fraudulent driver’s education certificates of completion, purportedly from New York driving schools, and conspired to forge the signatures of driving school staff on the fake certificates. The NY DMV also required that applicants appear at a NY DMV location and provide documents to prove their identity and residence in New York. The co-conspirators allegedly conspired to meet Massachusetts-based customers at locations in Massachusetts – typically several customers at a time – and drive them to NY DMV branch locations. When they arrived at the NY DMV locations, the defendants allegedly gave the customers fraudulent documents falsely purporting to demonstrate that the customers resided in New York. The customers provided these fake records to the NY DMV staff, and the NY DMV relied on the misrepresentations to issue New York driving permits to the customers. The co-conspirators allegedly conspired to arrange for the NY DMV to mail the permits to locations in New York that were controlled by the defendants and provided the permits to the customers in-person. The defendants then allegedly conspired to schedule road driving license tests for the customers with the NY DMV and, again, drive the customers to New York for them to take the road tests. If the customers passed the tests, the NY DMV sent the driver’s licenses to mailing addresses in New York that the defendants allegedly controlled, and the defendants then provided the licenses to the customers. The defendants allegedly conspired to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for out-of-state residents, in generally the same manner as they obtained the New York licenses for Massachusetts residents. Collectively, the co-conspirators allegedly fraudulently applied for licenses for more than 1,000 customers, obtained licenses for more than 600 of the customers and collected at least hundreds of thousands of dollars. Costa Generoso is the second defendant to plead guilty in the case. I n September 2025 , defendant Cesar Agusto Martin Reis was sentenced to time served (290 days in prison), for his role in the conspiracy. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Kelly Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the NY DMV Division of Field Investigation; the Boston, Danbury (Conn.) and Waterbury (Conn.) Police Departments; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut; and the New York State Inspector General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Zuni Man Pleads Guilty to Assault for Unprovoked Stabbing

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man admitted to stabbing another man without provocation, causing serious injuries According to court documents, on June 16, 2025, Adrian Cheama , 37, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, stabbed John Doe in the abdomen with a sharp metal object, causing serious bodily injury to Doe. Cheama pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Cheama faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Cheama will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Shiprock Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of Minor

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been indicted on federal charges for sexually abusing a minor over a five-year period. According to court documents, between December 2014 and December 2019, Brian Begay , 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in or attempted to engage in sexual act with a minor. Begay is charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces up no less than 30 years and up to life in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: NASHVILLE – Philip Taylor Sobash, 35, of Austin, Texas, has pled guilty to one charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, while also admitting to sexually exploiting six other minors. “Protecting children from sexual predators is among the highest priorities of our office and the Department of Justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Holding Sobash accountable for all of his offenses against all his victims is vitally important to the safety of children in our community and across the country.” According to court documents, between October 2018 and May 2019, Sobash, then a practicing physician, engaged in an online sexually explicit relationship with Minor Victim 1, who resided in the Middle District of Tennessee. This online relationship began after they connected on a dating website that facilitates “sugar daddy” relationships. After their communications moved to text message, Minor Victim 1 informed Sobash that she was 17 years old and sent him a photo of her driver’s license, which confirmed her age. Sobash requested that Minor Victim 1 produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself and provided her thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to entice her to do so. Over the course of more than seven months, Minor Victim 1 sent hundreds of sexually explicit photos and videos to Sobash, most of which constituted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In addition to sexually exploiting Minor Victim 1, Sobash admitted to sexually exploiting six other minors, aged 16-17, between 2017 and 2020. At Sobash’s direction, Minor Victims 2 through 7 created CSAM and sent it to Sobash. Sobash distributed CSAM depicting Minor Victims 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, resulting in those victims’ images being sold online under their names. Sobash faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced. He also is subject to forfeiture of property as alleged in the indictment. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison and Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . # # # # #


title: Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling 11 Firearms Without a License

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Milford was sentenced on Oct. 7, 2025 for selling firearms and ammunition without a license. Vanderson Rocha Oliveira, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to three years in prison followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2025, Rocha Oliveira pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. Between March 2024 and September 2024, Rocha Oliveira sold 11 firearms to cooperating witnesses without the required license. In addition, three more firearms shipped from Florida were intercepted by law enforcement. Rocha Oliveira conspired with others to deliver the firearms and to obtained them from Florida. In addition to firearms, Rocha Oliveira also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Milford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.


title: La Jara Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of Minors

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A La Jara man was sentenced to 180 months in prison for a decades-long pattern of sexually abusing minors. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between 1992 and 2016, Ronald Mescal , 62, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, sexually assaulted three minors. The crimes occurred during three separate time periods: from July 1992 to August 1996, from May 1995 to August 1995, and from September 2009 to September 2016. Mescal pled guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Mescal will be subject to twenty years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Multiple Convenience Stores and Coercing a Woman to Travel Across State Lines for Prostitution

body_text: BOSTON – A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty on Oct.1, 2025 in federal court in Boston to coercing a woman to travel across state lines to engage in commercial sex and robbing multiple Massachusetts convenience stores, some at gunpoint. David Walker, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution and five counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2026. Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024 . Walker met the victim on social media and initiated a romantic relationship. When they struggled financially, Walker coerced and pushed the victim to engage in commercial sex, requiring the victim to make $800 per day. Walker threatened to kill the victim and her family members if she disobeyed him. Walker coerced and forced the victim to travel from Massachusetts to Maine for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. Additionally, on different dates in October 2023, Walker robbed four separate 7-Eleven convenience stores in West Roxbury, Cambridge, Watertown and Pepperell and attempted to rob a fifth location in Everett. In some of the robberies, Walker brandished a firearm. If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . The charge of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, Everett and Pepperell Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to 18-months for Distribution of Unprocessed Poppyseeds Used to Manufacture Controlled Substance

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 2, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced Antony Graziano to 18-months imprisonment for his role in selling unprocessed poppyseeds through his internet-based business, Fireseed Bakery. Graziano was sentenced after pleading guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute a material or chemical that may be used to manufacture a controlled substance, and a substantive count of distributing such a material or chemical in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 843(a)(7). According to court records, starting in September 2020, and for a period of approximately two years, Graziano marketed and sold unprocessed (or “unwashed”) poppyseeds over the internet with the intent that his customers soak the product in liquids intended to extract opium alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine from the seeds. As part of his business, Graziano compared the strength of the “poppyseed tea” that resulted from soaking his product with opiates such as Oxycodone, and he acknowledged that consuming the product carried a significant risk of overdose and death. At his sentencing hearing, Judge Pepper focused on the serious nature of the offense and the tremendous risk and harm created by Graziano’s conduct. Graziano will serve his 18-month sentence consecutive to a 50-month sentence imposed by the Eastern District of Missouri in a separate case. Graziano was also sentenced to 1-year of supervised release to follow his sentence and ordered to forfeit his home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as well as approximately $20,000 in cash seized from his bank accounts. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Farmington Couple Sentenced for Violent Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man was sentenced to 46 months in prison, while his wife received probation for aiding and abetting in connection with a violent assault in 2023. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on July 28, 2023, during an argument, Renauldo Sandoval , 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, slammed Jane Doe into a wall and strangled her, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. Lisa Sandoval , 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, then pinned Jane Doe to the ground. Upon his release from prison, Renauldo Sandoval will be subject to three years of supervised release. Lisa Sandoval received a sentence of five years of probation at sentencing. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Brazilian National Sentenced to Prison for Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national, residing in Lynn, Mass., was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2025 in federal court in Boston for receiving and possessing over 100 files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Wernher Heideriqui, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearn to 66 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, during which time Heideriqui will be required to register as a sex offender. The defendant will be subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In April 2025, Heideriqui pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Heideriqui was arrested on June 9, 2023 after being smuggled across the U.S. border into Canada. In August 2021, an investigation began following a CyberTip regarding the trafficking of CSAM. During a search of Heideriqui’s residence and person in May 2023, multiple electronic devices, including phones and computers, were located and seized. Forensic examination of the devices revealed that two devices had over 100 files depicting adult men raping children as young as four years old. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .


title: Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Offense

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon admitted to stealing and attempting to sell a loaded firearm. According to court documents, on August 10, 2022, Crandall Craig Martin , 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stole a loaded firearm with the intention of trading it for alcohol or money to buy alcohol. As both a previously convicted felon and person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Martin pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Martin faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martin will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Dominican National Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national, who unlawfully resided in Lawrence under a false name, was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2025 in federal court in Boston for conspiring to possess and distribute controlled substances. Eduardo Morales-Perez, a/k/a “Yenni Rafael Guerrero Aybar,” 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In September 2025 , Morales-Perez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances. In March 2018, law enforcement arranged an undercover cash pickup as part of a money laundering investigation. An individual arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location for the controlled purchase and provided $275,090 in cash to undercover law enforcement. That individual was driving a white Volvo registered to Morales-Perez’s girlfriend. Following the transaction, the white Volvo was observed at a property in Peabody. Morales-Perez was observed exiting a truck with a can of acetone – a chemical commonly used in the illicit manufacturing process of fentanyl analogues – and carrying it into the Peabody residence. A subsequent search of the Peabody property in May 2018 resulted in the recovery of one kilo pill press; drug distribution paraphernalia; over 2.8 kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues; over five kilograms of ANPP (a controlled substance that is frequently used in the manufacturing process of fentanyl); and $130,000. The drugs and cash were located in a hidden compartment above a light fixture. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Medford, Peabody and Ipswich Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Brian J. Sullivan of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Prison Sentence for Menominee Woman Convicted of  Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 14, 2025, Dianna L. Chevalier (age: 41), formerly of Keshena, received a 60-month sentence for a drug related crime on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The sentence, imposed by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, came after Chevalier entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 29, 2025. After her prison sentence Chevalier will be on supervised release for an additional 60 months. According to court documents, Chevalier was the passenger in a car that fled from Shawano County law enforcement on September 10, 2024. The vehicle entered the Menominee Indian Reservation and tribal and county law enforcement continued the chase. The vehicle drove north through Keshena and ultimately stopped at a residence near Crow Settlement Road and Wisconsin State Highway 47. Chevalier and others jumped out of the car and began to run toward the residence but were apprehended outside the home. Chevalier had multiple plastic bags on her person, containing a total of 43.11 grams of methamphetamine. At his sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted Chevalier’s lengthy criminal history and the seriousness of the offense. Judge Griesbach also considered the damage done to the Menominee Indian Reservation and other communities through abuse of controlled substances, and the danger those substances represent to the people who buy them. The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in U.S. District Court in Green Bay. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Westfield Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Narcotics and Firearm Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Westfield man was sentenced on Oct. 17, 2025 in federal court in Worcester for his role in a conspiracy to traffic drugs from California to Massachusetts and launder the proceeds. David Cruz, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to nine years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. On Sept. 6, 2017, Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon. Between approximately 2015 and his arrest on Sept. 12, 2016, Cruz conspired to – and did – import cocaine, heroin and fentanyl from Mexico into California, and then transport it across the United States and distribute it to local dealers in western Massachusetts and southern Vermont. According to court records, Cruz distributed approximately 32 kilos of cocaine and approximately 1 kilo of fentanyl. Cruz also used various methods to launder the proceeds to his organization in California and Mexico, including through wire transfers and cash money drops. Lastly, Cruz possessed a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol to protect his drugs and drug proceeds. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. DEA’s Carlsbad Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the Westfield Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven H. Breslow and Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.


title: Casamero Lake Woman Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Fatal Hit-and-Run

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Casamero Lake woman pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after striking and killing a pedestrian on a dirt road while driving drunk. According to court documents, on or about August 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack , 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, hit and killed John Doe on a dirt road after drinking a 6-pack of beer the day of the incident. John Doe’s body was found on the side of the road four days later. The cause of death is listed as blunt force trauma. Investigators located car parts in the area of John Doe’s body which later came back to a vehicle owned by Rojack . On October 4, 2024, Special Agents spoke to Rojack again, who stated that she had heard that someone was killed in the same canyon where her accident had occurred and confirmed that she was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Rojack pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. At sentencing, Rojack faces up to eight years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Rojack will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Attleboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $400,000

body_text: BOSTON – The former office manager for a Franklin environmental services business pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2025 in federal court in Boston to embezzling more than $400,000 from her employer. Marie Hobson, 54, of Attleboro, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2026. Hobson was charged on Oct. 1, 2025. Between December 2019 and March 2025, Hobson inflated her own payroll by adding approximately $268,046 in phony expense reimbursements, such as uniform costs even though Hobson did not wear a uniform in her position. To conceal the thefts, Hobson manipulated her employer’s accounting software to make it appear she was only receiving her weekly salary. Hobson also misused her company-issued credit card to pay for country club memberships, vacations, cruises, timeshares and personal residence costs totaling more than $105,000. To further conceal her scheme, Hobson failed to report the funds that she embezzled on her federal income tax filings for tax years 2021 through 2024, resulting in a tax loss to the government of approximately $81,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas E. Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The Franklin Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rilwan Adeduntan of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Man Charged with Assaulting BIA Officer on Mescalero Apache Reservation

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A man was charged with assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer who responded to a report of property damage on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. According to court documents, on May 29, 2025, Dominic James Isaac Sandoval Peralta , 23, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted and resisted an officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services when the officer arrived at a residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in response to reports of a male breaking windows. When the officer approached Peralta , he was acting erratic and yelling. Peralta then advanced on the officer, leading to a physical confrontation during which Peralta punched the officer in the head several times, forcing the officer to stun Peralta with a taser in order to place him under arrest. Peralta is charged with assault, resistance and opposition of an officer of the U.S. resulting in physical contact and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Peralta faces eight years in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens 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. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Tewksbury Man Indicted for Child Pornography Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Tewksbury man has been arrested and charged on Oct. 7, 2025 with distribution, possession, and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) allegedly containing images of children between five and seven years old. Brian McCarthy, 52, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 4, 2025 on one count of distribution of child pornography; one count of possession of child pornography; and one count of receipt of child pornography. McCarthy was arrested at home on Oct. 7, 2025 on a criminal complaint and was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. According to the charging documents, on or about Oct. 6, 2025, McCarthy allegedly exchanged messages with another user on Telegram and knowingly distributed to that user 10 files appearing to depict CSAM. The children in at least two of these videos appeared to be between approximately five and seven years old. On Oct. 7, 2025, McCarthy was allegedly found to knowingly possess files appearing to depict child pornography. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by HSI Columbus, Massachusetts State Police and Tewksbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit 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. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Laguna Man Sentenced for Assault

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for violent assault. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on August 18, 2023, Kenzie Alonzo , 26, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, physically assaulted Jane Doe during a verbal altercation. As a result, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injury, including a concussion, severe bruising, and bite marks, requiring emergency medical transport and hospitalization. Alonzo pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Alonzo will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Zia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Dorchester pleaded guilty on Oct. 17, 2025 to trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills. Waner Bernabel Presinal, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2026. In September 2024 , Bernabel Presinal was charged with three co-conspirators. On April 12, 2024, an undercover agent allegedly ordered 2,000 pressed fentanyl pills and a sample of methamphetamine from Andujar Echavarria for $4,000. It is alleged that Bernabel Presinal delivered the fentanyl pills and methamphetamine to Andujar Echavarria at his home in Dorchester. Andujar Echavarria then proceeded to Medford where he delivered the fentanyl pills and sample of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. It was later confirmed that the bags Andujar Echavarria handed the undercover allegedly contained 222 grams of fentanyl and 1.8 grams of methamphetamine. In May 2025, Guerro Soto was sentenced to 30 months in prison and six years of supervised release. Andujar Echavarria has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl carry a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison; at least four years of supervised release; and a fine of up to $5 million. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of an imposed sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Artesia Drug Dealer Gets 20-Year Federal Sentence

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Artesia man was sentenced to 240 months in prison for selling pure methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to an undercover agent. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on April 3, 2024, Sammie Joe Peralta , 49, sold 859 grams of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent at a gas station in Artesia, New Mexico. When Peralta was arrested, he was found with three handguns and an additional 126 grams of pure methamphetamine. Peralta pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Upon his release from prison, Peralta will be subject to five years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, made the announcement today. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, and the Eddy County Sherrif’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Hobbs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Hobbs man was sentenced to 180 months in prison following the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and weapons during two traffic stops in July 2023. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, during a traffic stop on July 4, 2023, Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Mark Liges , 34, on an outstanding warrant. A police canine alerted deputies to narcotics in the vehicle which was then towed pending a search warrant. The following day, the LCSO and Lea County Drug Task Force executed the warrant on the vehicle. Inside, officers found 679.4 net grams of fentanyl and 199 net grams of pure methamphetamine. Authorities also found loaded two handguns, along with a digital scale and empty baggies. Further investigation using a search warrant for Liges ' cellphone revealed text messages corroborating his drug distribution activities. Just eight days after his initial arrest on July 12, 2023, Liges was arrested again in Hobbs, NM, this time for driving with a suspended license. During this arrest, Liges informed officers he was carrying another firearm, stating he knew it was illegal but claimed he needed it for protection. Liges has a history of felony offenses, including distribution of marijuana in 2010 and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2013, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms. Liges subsequently pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon his release from prison, Liges will be subject to five years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today. The DEA’s El Paso Division investigated this case with assistance from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, 5 th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the Lea County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Knowingly Concealing the Source of Material Support or Resources to ISIS

body_text: BOSTON – A Wakefield, Mass. man has pleaded guilty to knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources intended for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Mateo Ventura, 20, pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2025 to one count of concealment of financing of terrorism. U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper set sentencing for Jan. 8, 2026. Ventura was charged by complaint in June 2023 and was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2023. According to the charging documents, Ventura provided multiple gift cards to an individual he believed was an ISIS supporter, with the intention that they be sold on the dark web for a little less than face value, and with the profits being used to support ISIS. Ventura stated that he wanted the proceeds to go to ISIS “for war on kuffar,” (disbelievers). In total between January and May 2023, Ventura made donations totaling $705. The charge of attempting knowingly concealing the source of material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Assistant Attorney John A. Eisenberg for the Justice Department’s National Security Division; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.


title: Lexington Attorney Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Embezzling More Than $3.5 Million

body_text: BOSTON – A Lexington, Mass. attorney was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2025 in federal court in Boston for defrauding multiple Massachusetts victims, including two relatives. David Smerling, 75, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to nine years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution of $3,534,316 and forfeiture. In June 2025 , Smerling pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft. Smerling was sentenced in connection with three separate schemes. Between January 2016 and May 2020, Smerling worked as a bookkeeper for three Massachusetts companies and embezzled more than $2.8 million from the companies and their owners. He did so by transferring funds first to a bank account owned by one of the victims that Smerling controlled before moving the money to bank accounts in his own name, or directly from the companies’ accounts to bank accounts in his own name. Smerling concealed his scheme by changing the mailing address on victims’ bank statements to his home address and refusing to share the online banking password for the victims’ accounts. In April 2020, a victim discovered Smerling had transferred $350,000 from one of the companies to himself without authorization. After these funds were returned, Smerling changed the banking passwords and again transferred $350,000 from the company to himself. Between May 2020 and August 2021, Smerling embezzled more than $475,000 from a trust established for the benefit of a relative with special needs for which Smerling served as the trustee. Smerling transferred trust funds to bank accounts he controlled before sending the funds to bank accounts in his wife’s name or using the funds to pay for personal expenses. He concealed his scheme by making lulling payments to the beneficiary so he would not discover the trust had been depleted. Between May 2023 and April 2025, Smerling embezzled more than $175,000 from a relative with dementia for whom Smerling served as the financial power of attorney, including while he was on pretrial release after his January 2025 arrest in this matter. Smerling transferred funds from the victim’s accounts to accounts he controlled, used a credit card in the victim’s name for personal purchases and took out a loan in the victim’s name. To conceal this scheme, Smerling misrepresented the purpose of the transfers to the financial institutions in which the victim’s accounts were held. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Sex Offender Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 1, 2025, David E. Dejanovich (age: 52) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 336 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. According to court records, Dejanovich is a lifetime registrant on the Wisconsin Sexual Offender Registry based on prior convictions in Dodge County, specifically two convictions for second degree sexual assault of a child and also for first degree sexual assault of a child conviction. In addition, Dejanovich was previously convicted in federal court in 2015 for possession of child pornography, for which he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release. While serving that term of supervised release, Dejanovich again was found to be in possession of child pornography after downloading it from the internet. At his sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach said his crime was very serious and there was a strong need for deterrence. The judge cited Dejanovich’s disturbing history of abusing children as a factor that contributed to the need for a significant punishment. Upon completion of his federal prison sentence, the defendant will spend the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will continue to have to register as a sex offender under state and federal law. This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Green Bay Office of United States Probation and Parole. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Belen Man Pleads Guilty to $50,000 Unemployment Fraud Scheme

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Belen man pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges after submitting 21 fraudulent unemployment insurance applications using stolen identities during the pandemic. According to court documents, between June 18, 2020, to October 15, 2021, Joseph Anthony Martinez , 44, submitted 21 fraudulent unemployment insurance claim applications through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions using his own name, variations of his name, and the stolen identities of others. To that end, Martinez provided false employment information and opened bank accounts in other individuals' names without authorization to receive the fraudulent payments totaling more than $50,000. Martinez pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government property. At sentencing, Martinez faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martinez will be subject to one year of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case with assistance from NM Workforce Solutions and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. Deputy U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: BOISE – William Charles Jones, 34, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his involvement in the distribution of cocaine in Idaho, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. According to court records, Jones was a high-volume cocaine distributor in the treasure valley. He would travel to Missouri to purchase kilos of cocaine, ship the cocaine to himself at a residence in Idaho, and then distribute the cocaine into the community through several mid-level distributors. On one occasion, Jones traveled to Canada, purchased two kilos of cocaine, and shipped it to himself in Idaho. Through the efforts of Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration, that shipment was seized at the U.S./Canadian border. After his indictment, investigators executed a federal search warrant at his residence and located a workstation in his garage consisting of a scale, packaging material, and a heat sealer. Investigators also found one and a half kilos of cocaine in brick form, an additional five one-ounce bundles of cocaine, several psilocybin mushrooms bars, and sixteen unlawfully possessed firearms strategically placed throughout the residence to afford him quick access to a firearm in the event he needed to protect his drugs or illicit proceeds. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Jones to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, which led to the charges and arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case. ###


title: Chroma Systems Solutions Agrees to Pay Over $1.9 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – Chroma Systems Solutions, Inc. (Chroma Systems) has agreed to pay over $1.9 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that the company falsely certified its eligibility for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. As detailed in the settlement agreement , Chroma Systems admitted that in January 2021 it applied for a second draw PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan under the PPP rules. When it applied, Chroma Systems, together with its foreign affiliate, had over 1,800 employees. Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP. On May 5, 2020, the SBA issued guidance that explained that, for purposes of meeting size eligibility requirements (i.e. whether the applicant is a “small business concern” or otherwise falls below the cap on employee headcount) an applicant must count all of its employees and the employees of its U.S. and foreign affiliates, absent a waiver of or an exception to the affiliation rules. SBA’s guidance also made clear that it would only enforce this rule prospectively, i.e. for applications made on or after May 5, 2020. On Jan. 8, 2021, SBA announced the availability of a second round of PPP loans, known as the “second draw” PPP loans. Businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans. The settlement credits Chroma Systems for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case.


title: Jacksonville Woman Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Credit Scheme And COVID Relief Fraud Involving The Paycheck Protection Program

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Carnisha Maurica Rogers (31, Jacksonville) to 36 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, false representation of a Social Security number involving a line of credit scheme, and wire fraud involving COVID relief fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The court also ordered Rogers to pay $108,867.63 in restitution to the victims she defrauded and to forfeit $20,832, which is traceable to proceeds of the wire fraud offense involving COVID relief fraud. Rogers pleaded guilty in June 2025. According to court documents, Rogers and her co-conspirators fraudulently obtained the Social Security numbers (SSNs) of others. From November 2017 through September 2019, Rogers and others recruited individuals to obtain lines of credit at various businesses using the SSNs. After fraudulently obtaining the lines of credit, they obtained jewelry and other merchandise. Rogers and her co-conspirators resold some of the merchandise and lines of credit on social media platforms. In May 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Rogers operated her own business. Throughout the loan application Rogers made multiple false statements regarding her purported gross income and expenses associated with operating her business. In support of her PPP loan application, she submitted a false IRS Form 1040 - Profit or Loss From Business containing false statements about operating expenses, gross income, and wage expenditures for her purported business. In truth, Rogers’s business did not exist. In reliance on the false statements in her loan application, her application was approved and she received a PPP loan totaling $20,832. After receiving the PPP loan proceeds in her bank account, Rogers began making withdrawals and spending the funds on personal expenses. In October 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan forgiveness application to the SBA that included multiple false representations. In the application, she falsely claimed that she spent more than $18,000 on payroll costs and that the PPP loan proceeds were only used for eligible purposes. In reliance on her false statements, the SBA forgave the entire loan, plus accrued interest. In March 2025, a related defendant, Crystal Denean Harvell (37, Jacksonville), was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving the line of credit scheme and wire fraud involving COVID Relief Fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program. The court also ordered Harvell to pay $131,782.63 in restitution to the victims she defrauded and to the United States government. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington. 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 www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Former State Employee Pleads Guilty to Providing K2-Laced Papers to a Federal Prison Inmate

body_text: BOSTON – A Bridgewater, Mass. woman pleaded guilty on Oct. 7, 2025 to providing a controlled substance in the form of a synthetic cannabinoid, also known as “K2,” to a federal inmate at the federal prison FMC Devens. The inmate was granted clemency on Jan. 17, 2025, reducing his 2022 federal prison sentence for drug distribution. Tasha Hammock, 43, a former employee with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, pleaded guilty to providing contraband to a prison inmate. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Jan. 16, 2026. In March 2025 , Hammock and her co-conspirator Raymond Gaines were charged by criminal complaint. Gaines, a federal inmate at FMC Devens, was indicted by a federal grand jury with possessing contraband by a prison inmate, and his case remains pending. In February 2022 , Gaines was sentenced to more than seven years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court in Boston to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. At the time Gaines committed the alleged offenses charged, he was on federal supervised release after serving a prison sentence resulting from a 2017 conviction for distributing cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school. In both prior cases Gaines was alleged to be an associate of the Orchard Park Trailblazers, a street gang in Boston. On Jan. 17, 2025, Gaines received an Executive Grant of Clemency, reducing his current federal sentence to five years in prison. Hammock admitted that on Aug. 18, 2024, while visiting Gaines in prison, she surreptitiously passed K2-laced papers to Gaines, which he allegedly pocketed. At the time, Hammock was employed with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. As described in court documents, K2 presents a health problem at FMC Devens, where inmates have become sick from smoking paper believed to contain K2, as well as prison staff who have been exposed to the secondary smoke. The charges of providing a prohibited object to a prison inmate, and receiving a prohibited object by a prison inmate, each carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston; and Ryan Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Regional Office of DOJ-OIG, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Special Investigative Services Unit at FMC Devens. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Stabbing a Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the Face Gets Man Six Years in Prison

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced November 10 in Superior Court for an April 15, 2025, attack on a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Schleehauf was found guilty following a jury trial on July 31, 2025, in Superior Court, of assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury. At the sentencing hearing on November 10, 2025, the Honorable Robert Salerno sentenced Schleehauf to serve 72 months in prison and to be placed on three years of supervised release. At around 2:26 p.m., on April 15, 2025, at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf evade his fare by jumping over the glass gates on his way out of the Metro Transit System. The MTPD Sergeant followed the defendant as he tried to leave the station using the escalator. After Schleehauf refused to provide his identification and refused to stop, the MTPD Sergeant deployed OC spray. Schleehauf pulled out a sharpened metal bolt and stabbed the MTPD Sergeant in the face, causing puncture wounds in his cheek and lower jaw, which resulted in nerve damage. Schleehauf was arrested at the scene and has been detained since his arrest. Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro, Chief Anzallo and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metro Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck, who prosecuted the case. Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Miami Man Indicted for Murdering Ex-Wife and Boyfriend in Frederick County, Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted David Turner, 35, of Miami, Florida, charging him with interstate travel to commit domestic violence resulting in death and use of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; J. Charles Smith, State’s Attorney for Frederick County; and Sheriff Charles A. Jenkins, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. As alleged in the indictment, Turner traveled to Maryland from another state to kill his former spouse, Crimea Baker. During and in relation to that offense, Turner shot and killed both Ms. Baker and a second victim, Sean Lange. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Miami Dade Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, Hialeah Gardens Police Department, Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, and Bartow County (Georgia) Police Department for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Hagan and James G. O’Donohue III who are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Brazilian National Convicted of Role in Large-Scale Human Smuggling Ring

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Worcester, Mass., pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 20025 to his involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle aliens into the United States, money laundering conspiracy and illegal reentry. Case is part of significant international law enforcement operation targeting alien smugglers in United States and Brazil. Flavio Alexandre Alves, a/k/a “Ronaldo,” 41, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to and transport aliens within the United States, one count of conspiracy to launder money and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2025. The defendant was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint with human smuggling in March 2025 and remains in federal custody. According to the charging documents , Alves was previously convicted of human smuggling offenses in the Central District of California in 2004 and subsequently deported to Brazil in February 2005. Sometime after his removal, Alves illegally re-entered the United States and has been residing in the United States without immigration status. In April 2022, an investigation began into a human smuggling organization (HSO) operating in the United States, Brazil and Mexico, that smuggles Brazilian nationals through Mexico, across the U.S.-Mexico border and into the United States for financial gain and laundering the proceeds. The investigation identified Alves as domestic-based smuggler for the HSO who joined the organization in 2021. Alves coordinated with co-conspirators in Brazil and Mexico to facilitate the transportation of aliens from Brazil into the United States, launder funds to Mexico to support the HSO and collect smuggling fees paid by or on behalf of the Brazilian nationals being smuggled. Specifically, Alves was responsible for purchasing airline tickets for aliens – including families and groups – to various places within the United States. This included purchasing airline tickets for Brazilian nationals to travel from border cities to other locations across the United States shortly after the aliens were encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and released from detention. Between May 2021 and August 2022, Alves purchased more than 100 individual airline tickets from Tucson or Phoenix shortly after CBP encounters, to destination cities throughout the United States. Alves sent money to aliens and smugglers located in Mexico to pay for expenses associated with transit into the United States. Bank and financial records obtained during the investigation revealed that Alves sent hundreds of thousands of dollars in money transfers to facilitate the travel of aliens who were later encountered by immigration authorities illegally crossing into the United States, and paid smugglers in Mexico for their role in the HSO. Additionally, Alves utilized different methods to conceal the nature and frequency of the transfers, including using in-person money transfer services at various locations throughout Massachusetts; providing different variations of his name and home address; and having other close associates conduct the transactions on his behalf. Alves also collected payments from aliens as the fee for being smuggled into the United States – taking a percentage of the fee as his “cut” and transferring the remainder of the money to other members of the HSO based in Mexico. The investigation and arrest of Alves was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security , has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 315 U.S. convictions; more than 260 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities. 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The charge of conspiracy to bring aliens to, or transport an alien within, the United States in violation of law provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to launder money provides for sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and up to $250,000 fine. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings 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; Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brasília, Brazil Attaché Troy Clausen for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement today. Substantial assistance was provided by HSI Offices in Brasilia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia; HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C; U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force; and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion and Acting Deputy Chief Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section.


title: Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty To Forcibly Impeding Federal Agent During Immigration Arrest

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Luz Mary Vasquez Cruz (45, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, or interfering with a federal officer engaged in official duties. Vasquez Cruz faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court records, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were conducting an immigration arrest of a Honduran national at a residence in Tampa when Vasquez Cruz and her co-defendant, Alfredo Javier Fuentes, exited the residence and placed themselves between agents and the subject of the arrest. Vasquez Cruz and Fuentes shoved an agent backwards, which allowed the subject of the arrest to flee into the residence and escape through a back window. The case against Javier Fuentes is pending trial. This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Roswell Woman Sentenced for Multi-Year Fraud Schemes Targeting COVID Relief and Tax Refunds

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Roswell woman was sentenced to 60 months in prison for orchestrating multiple fraud schemes involving COVID-19 unemployment benefits and federal tax returns that defrauded federal and state agencies and individual taxpayers of more than $312,000. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between June 2020 and April 2021, Melanie Willis, aka Melanie Vallejos , 50, submitted fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) in her own name, assisted others in submitting fraudulent claims, and filed applications in others' names without their knowledge. Willis obtained $29,788 through fraudulent unemployment claims in her own name and caused losses of at least $183,420 from NMDWS, much of which she kept for herself. Investigators linked Willis to over 150 NMDWS accounts through internet activity. Further, between at least 2017 and 2022, Willis also filed at least 34 false tax returns in the names of at least 15 victim taxpayers in the Roswell area while posing as a community tax return preparer or accountant. All returns contained false information designed to fraudulently inflate tax refunds and were filed without the victims' knowledge or consent. The tax fraud scheme resulted in losses of at least $137,062 in tax credits and refunds issued to the victim taxpayers, but most of which Willis redirected to addresses and bank accounts that she controlled. Finally, between April 15, 2020, and June 30, 2021, Willis diverted and stole at least $27,200 in COVID-19 economic relief and impact payments from taxpayers by similarly using addresses she controlled and forging victim taxpayers’ signatures to deposit checks into her personal bank account. The case originated in February 2022 following a referral from the Roswell Police Department, which had been investigating Willis for a separate state tax refund fraud scheme. In September 2021, search warrants executed at addresses used by Willis uncovered individual tax returns in others' names, notebooks full of personally identifying information, numerous debit cards and identification documents in victim taxpayers' names, and letters from NMDWS and the IRS addressed to identity theft victims. In December 2024, Willis pled guilty to four counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, three counts of filing false, fictitious or fraudulent claims and eleven counts of theft of public money. Upon her release from prison, Willis will be subject to three years of supervised release. Willis was also ordered to pay $312,468.66 in restitution to individual victim taxpayers, the State of New Mexico, and the United States. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Unit investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tavo Hall prosecuted the case with assistance from Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney Matthew Hicks. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Massachusetts Couple Sentenced for Multi-Million-Dollar Ponzi Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A couple from Randolph, Mass. was sentenced on Oct. 14, 2025 in federal court in Boston for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded dozens of individual investors out of millions of dollars. Milendophe Duperier, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to five years in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Judge Joun sentenced Vanessa Joseph, 27, to time served (one day), to be followed by two years of supervised release. Restitution for both defendants will be determined at a later date. In July 2025 , both Duperier and Joseph pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Duperier and Joseph were charged in May 2025 . Duperier acted as an investment advisor, soliciting investments from individuals and advising them that their funds would be invested in the securities markets. Joseph was Duperier’s girlfriend and business partner. Between early 2018 and December 2022, Duperier and Joseph defrauded dozens of individual investors by falsely representing that Duperier would use the entirety of their investments to purchase securities. However, instead of investing the funds in the securities markets as promised, Duperier and Joseph used the funds to pay prior investors and for personal purchases and expenses – including payments for luxury vehicles and mortgage and credit card debt. Duperier and Joseph defrauded individual investors, many of whom had invested their life savings, of more than $3.2 million. As part of the scheme, Duperier and Joseph applied for and received small business loans for various entities and used the loan proceeds to pay purported investment returns to victim investors. In addition, Duperier made false statements and excuses to investors as to why he had not made promised interest payments and/or could not return the investors’ principal. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie A. Queenin and Leslie A. Wright of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Darius Lavon Williams (40, Hudson) to 25 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, deputies with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Williams. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located two firearms, two ounces of cocaine, an ounce of fentanyl, over two ounces of cocaine base, marijuana, THC wax, psylocibin gummies, and a digital scale. Williams has an extensive criminal history, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felon in possession of a firearm, and eight prior convictions for sale of cocaine. This case was investigated by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. 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. NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.