title: Road Rage Killer Sentenced to Life in Prison in Fatal Shooting of Uber Driver

body_text: WASHINGTON – Rodney Baggott, 58, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to life in prison without the possibility of release in connection with the fatal 2024 road rage shooting of Uber Eats driver Rasheek Abdullah near the Dupont Circle Metro Station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Today, a Washington, D.C., judge recognized the enormous harm a career criminal poses to our community. Rodney Baggott—a previously convicted killer—took another man’s life in a senseless act of violence for nothing more than passing him on the road,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Today’s sentence ensures this violent offender, who has shown complete disregard for the lives of others, is off our streets and behind bars where he belongs. We need more sentences like this to stop violence in D.C.” A federal jury deliberated for a single day before finding Baggott guilty on July 24 of first-degree murder while armed (premeditated), possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Reggie B. Walton presided over the case. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 30, 2024, Baggott was driving a white Mitsubishi Outlander to his then-girlfriend’s office at a law firm in Dupont Circle. Shortly before 4 p.m., the girlfriend left her office and joined Baggott. The two drove to the intersection of Connecticut Ave. and Q St., NW. As Baggott made a right-hand turn, Abdullah passed him on the left-hand side. Baggott became enraged, believing that Abdullah had cut him off. Baggott drove up next to Abdullah, pulled out a gun, and shot him in the neck. Baggott fled the scene with his girlfriend sitting in the passenger seat. The girlfriend called an auto body repair shop to fix distinctive damage on the vehicle, damage that would go out on a police bulletin later that day and would ultimately be used to link Baggott to the shooting. On March 2, 2024, a Montgomery County Police officer stopped Baggott and the girlfriend while they were in the white Mitsubishi Outlander when Baggott was arrested for illegally possessing a gun in the vehicle. On March 3, 2024, law enforcement found the gun used in the shooting during the execution of a search warrant at Baggott’s girlfriend’s apartment. The firearm had DNA that linked it to both the girlfriend and Baggott. As a result of the shooting, Abdullah’s health declined until his death. He became a quadriplegic from the moment Baggott shot him. His condition deteriorated over a three-month period until he succumbed on April 29, 2024. Baggott previously was convicted and sentenced on a 2015 charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed. Joining in the announcement was ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Montgomery County Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Daniel Seidel, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer. Paralegal specialist Melissa Macechko provided valuable assistance. 24cr127 Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Former Employee Sentenced To 8 Months’ Imprisonment For Stealing Cash From Defunct Luzerne County Credit Union

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicole Hilstolsky, age 48, of Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to eight months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for one count of theft by a credit union employee. She pleaded guilty to the charge in December 2025. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Hilstolsky admitted at her guilty plea that on October 15, 2018, while she was an employee of the now-defunct WOD Federal Credit Union, she stole $16,247 from the credit union’s teller drawer and safe and blamed the theft on two unidentified armed bank robbers. Hilstolsky further admitted that she called 911 and lied to responding investigators claiming that WOD Federal Credit Union had been robbed, when in fact she had taken the money and hid the money inside the credit union until she could safely remove it days later. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Forty Fort Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Burlington Tax Return Preparer Sentenced in Connection with Million Dollar Tax Refund Scheme

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: Greensboro, N.C. – A Burlington woman was sentenced to 25 months of imprisonment, and one year of supervised release in connection with her preparation of false tax returns, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC). Tracey Hernandez, 39, pled guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return on September 5, 2025. The court also ordered Hernandez to pay restitution totaling $2,106,281. According to court documents, agents with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (“IRS-CI”) began investigating Hernandez for preparing and filing IRS false income tax returns for her clients. Hernandez acted as a “ghost preparer,” meaning she did not sign her name on the returns she prepared for clients. IRS data shows that Hernandez prepared and filed over 200 false Forms 1040, United States Individual Income Tax Returns for calendar years 2021 and 2022. The false returns reported, among other things, fraudulent education expenses and refundable education credits, as well as fraudulent Schedule Cs (Profit or Loss from Business) and credits for sick and family leave for certain self-employed individuals. IRS-CI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Waid of the Middle District of North Carolina is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Manitowoc Resident Indicted on Child Obscenity, Production of Child Pornography, and Commission of a Felony Sex Offense by a Registered Sex Offender

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 17, 2026, Brandon M. Lemerond (Age: 20) of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was indicted on two counts of Obscene Visual Depictions of the Sexual Abuse of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1466A, a count of Production of Child Pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a), and three counts of Commission of a Felony Sex Offense by an Individual Required to Register as a Sexual Offender in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2260A. The indictment alleges that the violations occurred on various dates in July 2025. If convicted of the child obscenity offense, Lemerond faces a mandatory minimum15 years’ imprisonment and up to 40 years’ imprisonment. The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum 25 years’ imprisonment and up to a maximum of 50 years in federal prison. If convicted of committing a new criminal offense against a child while on the sex offender registry, the defendant must be given a mandatory 10 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence. He may also be fined up to $250,000 and must serve from 5 years to a lifetime on supervised release. This case was investigated by the City of Manitowoc Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 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: Investment advisor pleads guilty to defrauding elderly client out of nearly $10 million

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Eijroghene Okuma, a former investment advisor, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud after defrauding an elderly client out of nearly $10 million over a three-year period. “This was the ultimate act of financial betrayal,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Instead of abiding by his fiduciary obligations, Okuma exploited an elderly man’s trust and stole millions. We will aggressively prosecute investment professionals who scheme to steal clients’ funds, rather than protect their financial interests.” “Eijroghene Okuma abused a position of trust to carry out a calculated scheme that stole millions from an elderly victim,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia. “The FBI is committed to protecting older Americans from financial exploitation and will continue working with our partners to ensure criminals who target seniors are held accountable.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between 2010 and May 2023, Okuma was a financial and investment advisor with Edward Jones. In that capacity, Okuma had complete access to the Edward Jones brokerage accounts of an elderly client (“Victim-1”), who was born in 1944. Okuma’s fraudulent scheme began in February 2022 after his appointment to administer the estate of Victim-1’s sister. Beginning in March 2022, Okuma began embezzling from Victim-1 by falsely representing that the sister’s estate needed funds. Victim-1 permitted Okuma to transfer $500,000 from one of Victim-1’s brokerage accounts to a bank account purportedly held for the estate, but Okuma ultimately transferred the money to a bank account in the name of his wife’s company without Victim-1’s knowledge. Similarly, in June 2022, Okuma stole approximately $400,000 by transferring funds he deceived Victim-1 into paying. After embezzling nearly $1 million from Victim-1, Okuma set up fraudulent accounts to steal millions more. In early February 2023, Okuma opened an unauthorized Vanguard brokerage account in the name of a revocable trust, which Okuma was involved in creating in Victim-1’s name, as well as using Victim-1’s personal identifying information and a fraudulent email account that Okuma created. Victim-1 had no knowledge of the Vanguard account until Okuma’s scheme was uncovered more than two years later. On the same day that Okuma opened the fraudulent Vanguard account, he added himself as a custodian to a bank account in Victim-1’s name, which gave him full authority to withdraw funds without Victim-1’s approval. Approximately two weeks later, Okuma began transferring funds from Victim-1’s brokerage accounts to the fraudulent Vanguard account. By the end of February 2023, Okuma had transferred approximately $9 million of Victim-1’s funds to the Vanguard account without Victim-1’s knowledge. Between August 2023 and March 2025, Okuma embezzled approximately $9 million of Victim-1’s funds from the Vanguard account by writing checks to bank accounts controlled by him or his wife and electronic transfers. Okuma used the stolen money to build a $5.2 million residence in Vinings, Georgia, join a beach club and purchase a fractional share of a beach house for approximately $1.4 million, and donate approximately $340,000 to his church. Sentencing for Eijroghene Okuma, 43, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, is scheduled for June 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty. On January 30, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a settled action against Okuma relating to the above scheme in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. On February 18, 2026, a final judgment was entered against Okuma under which he agreed to pay more than $13 million, including more than $1 million in prejudgment interest and a $3 million civil penalty. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance from the Securities and Exchange Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is prosecuting the case. For more information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to help older Americans and to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and fraud, please visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice . The Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: New Orleans Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Gun Controlled Act and Controlled Substances Act

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – On March 5, 2026, ERIN ALONZO (“ALONZO”), age 28, of New Orleans, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a machinegun, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections, 922(g)(1), 922(o), 924(a)(2), 924(a)(8), and 924(c)(1)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court records, on or about December 8, 2025, ALONZO allegedly possessed, with the intent to distribute, forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine; possessed firearms including a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, multi caliber AR pistol, and an Imez Makarov Model K.B.I. nine milli-meter pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possessed a machinegun, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol with an attached conversion device. Additionally, ALONZO is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, due to a prior felony conviction for obstruction of justice related to a homicide investigation. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, ALONZO faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, ALONZO faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life imprisonment to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of illegal possession of a machinegun, ALONZO faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, ALONZO faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each charged offense. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . ***


title: MEDIA ADVISORY

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: The United States Attorney’s Office will hold a press conference to announce the successful prosecution of a three-year investigation into a cocaine distribution conspiracy in Teton County, Wyoming and Teton County, Idaho. The fifth and final defendant was recently sentenced in the case. Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, United States Postal Inspection Service, Teton County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho and the Idaho State Police investigated the crime. WHO : Darin Smith, United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming Ronnie Jones, Director of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Dave Olesky, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration WHAT : Press Conference WHERE : U.S Attorney’s Office Headquarters 2120 Capitol Avenue, 5 th Floor Cheyenne, WY 82001 WHEN : 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2025 WHY : This press conference is being held to announce the successful prosecution of five individuals involved in a large cocaine distribution conspiracy in Teton County, WY and Teton County, ID. Please let us know if you can make it by Thursday, March 19. RSVP to Lori Hogan, Public Affairs Officer: lori.hogan@usdoj.gov, 307-772-2124. A virtual option is available. Please request the link with your RSVP.


title: Planner of Seven Inside-Job Robberies of Chinatown Walgreens Sentenced to 126 Months

body_text: WASHINGTON -- Gianni Robinson, 28, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 126 months in federal prison for his role as a planner and coordinator in seven armed robberies of a Walgreens drugstore in the District's Chinatown neighborhood, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Robinson pleaded guilty on Feb. 28, 2025, before Judge Jia M. Cobb to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act, and to possessing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. In addition to the 126-month prison term, Judge Cobb ordered Robinson to serve five years of supervised release and to pay $7,245.75 in restitution. “After police posted surveillance footage of his co-conspirator robbing the Walgreens, Gianni Robinson sent the YouTube link to the gunman with a laughing emoji. He thought the crimes he conspired on were funny,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Now, after seven robberies, countless traumatized employees and one man shot in the chest, Robinson isn’t laughing anymore and will serve the next 126 months behind bars. We continue the fight to make D.C. one of the safest cities in the country.” According to court documents, from July 2023 through February 2024, Robinson conspired with his store manager uncle, Michael Robinson, store manager London Teeter, and gunman Kamanye Williams to carry out seven armed robberies of the Chinatown Walgreens at 801 7th Street NW. In all, the conspirators robbed about $28,983 from the store. Gianni Robinson was the operational hub of the conspiracy. He served as the link between the two corrupt store managers who provided inside information and Williams, the masked gunman who entered the store each time to rob it at gunpoint. Gianni Robinson helped plan the robberies from the beginning, provided Williams with the access codes to the manager's office, gave Williams the green light on the night of the first robbery, and coordinated logistics including getaway arrangements and the splitting of proceeds. Text messages show Gianni Robinson and Williams began planning the first robbery nearly three weeks before its execution. The robberies followed a consistent pattern. On each occasion, Williams entered the Chinatown Walgreens in disguise, brandished a firearm at employees and Special Police Officers assigned to guard the store, forced his way into the manager's office using codes provided by the inside conspirators, and fled through the rear exit with cash. Michael Robinson and Teeter took turns playing the role of “victim” manager on duty, knowing the robberies would be captured on surveillance footage. As the conspiracy progressed it grew more brazen. After the Walgreens hired armed Special Police Officers in response to the robberies, the conspirators continued undeterred. During the fifth robbery, on Dec. 4, 2023, Williams disarmed one of the Special Police Officers and stole his firearm along with the cash. During the seventh and final robbery, on Feb. 11, 2024, a second Special Police Officer shot Williams in the chest as he attempted to flee. Michael Robinson's first call after the shooting was to Gianni Robinson, who went to the hospital emergency room where Williams was being treated. The following day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence Gianni Robinson shared with Teeter where officers recovered a loaded Glock 45 semi-automatic pistol with 16 rounds in the bedroom. Robinson's sentencing follows that of his uncle, Michael Robinson, who received 147 months for his role as one of the store managers who enabled the scheme. Gunman Kamanye Williams was sentenced to 198 months. Sentencing for store manager London Teeter is scheduled for April 23, 2026. This case was investigated by the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Satter and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Song and Sarah Martin. 24cr96 Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Arcadia Felon Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Loaded Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Esteban Garcia-Gutierrez (31, Arcadia) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on April 17, 2025, a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Garcia-Gutierrez. During the traffic stop, the trooper observed Garcia-Gutierrez—a multi-time convicted felon—unlawfully possessing a loaded .45 caliber pistol, which was seized. Garcia-Gutierrez’s prior criminal history includes convictions and state prison sentences for aggravated battery and felony battery. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Former Fort Myers Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Role in Firearm Trafficking Scheme

body_text: Fort Myers, FL – Osnyson Desrosiers (Atlanta, Georgia), formerly of Fort Myers, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek to two years in federal prison for his role in a firearm trafficking scheme. Desrosiers pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025, to conspiring to make a false statement to a firearms dealer and making false statements to a firearms dealer. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court records, in early-to-mid 2022, Desrosiers and his co-defendant, Derick Desir, collaborated to “straw purchase” several dozen Glock handguns from licensed firearms dealers in Florida. While making these firearm purchases, they falsely represented to each firearm dealer that they were the “actual buyer or transferee” of the firearms, even though they knew that the firearms they were purchasing were being unlawfully trafficked to a third party. Evidence uncovered by investigators revealed that these firearms were later smuggled into Canada, where several have since been recovered during various Canadian law enforcement investigations. In November 2025, Desir was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Federal Charges Filed Against Carmichael Man for Interstate Threats Against a Judge

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Karl Czekai, 29, of Carmichael, with making interstate threats, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Czekai is separated from his wife, who moved to Oklahoma with their child to get away from him. Once in Oklahoma, Czekai’s wife filed for a protective order against Czekai, alleging that Czekai has held guns up to her and threatened to shoot her multiple times. Also, according to court documents, in February 2026, Czekai began making social media posts about his wife and the Oklahoma judge who granted the protective order and is presiding over related proceedings. These posts include: Images of Czekai’s avatar pointing a gun at a sitting judge with “FAMILY COURT” signage on the bench; Text threatening the judge that she will no longer be safe: “Hello, judge [VICTIM 1] of the Oklahoma City Courthouse remember me...the comfort of your title, the security of your robe, the certainty of your authority - all of that is about to be tested”; Text warning that time is of the essence: “tick tock, Your Honor. You will be the first to set the example. I’m going to diss you publicly. to show future judges, and lawyers I’m not f---ing around”; Text advising that he carries a gun: “Updated the gun to something more of what I would carry. I only carry a .45 and I’m definitely a 1911 guy”; and Text suggesting he is ready to follow through: “This is the breaking point. This is him saying: enough is enough.” Additionally, and as detailed in court documents, Czekai posted and shared with his wife videos threatening graphic violence against her. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation with assistance from the Midwest City Police Department and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Czekai faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: CEO And Consultant Plead Guilty To Creating False Books And Records

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that CHRISTOPHER B. FERGUSON and BRIAN MCFADDEN pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon to falsification of books, records, and accounts for causing the submission of falsified records from Edison Nation, Inc.—a publicly traded diversified consumer products business for which FERGUSON was the CEO and chairman and MCFADDEN was a consultant—in response to an inquiry from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). FERGUSON pled guilty on January 28, 2026, and MCFADDEN pled guilty on March 16, 2026. “Edison Nation claimed to have over $10 million in orders,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “When FINRA, a self-regulatory organization important to ensuring the integrity of our securities markets, requested documentation to support that, CEO Christopher Ferguson and consultant Brian McFadden caused the company to submit falsified documents. There is no place for that conduct in our markets.” According to the charging instruments, plea agreements, and statements made in court: FERGUSON and MCFADDEN caused the submission to FINRA of falsified records related to purchase orders purportedly received by Edison Nation, where FERGUSON was the CEO and MCFADDEN was a consultant. Following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Edison Nation expanded its business to include products that were in high demand such as hand sanitizer and face masks. On April 16, 2020, Edison Nation issued a press release announcing that it had “received over $10 million in orders for the purchase of personal protective equipment.” Although the defendants had discussed a $9 million hand sanitizer purchase with a potential buyer earlier that month, two days before the issuance of the above-mentioned press release, that buyer notified Edison Nation that it was unable to proceed with the transaction. As a result, when the press release was issued, Edison Nation did not, in fact, have “over $10 million in orders.” On April 23, 2020, about a week after the press release was issued, FINRA requested copies of the purchase orders supporting the “$10 million in orders” referenced in the press release. Thereafter, MCFADDEN asked a business associate at another company to create a $9 million backdated purchase order for hand sanitizer. In response, that other company provided MCFADDEN with the requested purchase order, backdated to April 12, 2020—before the press release was issued. That purchase order did not reflect a true order. On April 28, 2020, the defendants knowingly caused the submission to FINRA of the backdated purchase order, along with a spreadsheet falsely listing the backdated purchase order as having been received on April 12, 2020. Then, on May 6, 2020, the defendants knowingly caused the submission to FINRA of an email that contained false and misleading statements about the backdated purchase order. * * * FERGUSON, 57, of Fishers, Indiana, and MCFADDEN, 40, of Safety Harbor, Florida, pled guilty to one count of falsification of books, records, and accounts, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo, Maggie Lynaugh, and Samuel P. Rothschild are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Bradenton Woman Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Theft Related to Government Funds

body_text: Tampa, Florida– U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland has sentenced Jane Doe (69, Bradenton), a/k/a Rosario Alaniz, to 15 months in federal prison for passport fraud, Social Security fraud, wire fraud, and theft of government funds. The court also ordered restitution in the amount of $184,904.75. Doe pleaded guilty in December 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Doe fraudulently obtained a United States passport. Using this fraudulent identity, Doe received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the Department of Agriculture, as well as benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) through disability insurance benefits. Doe failed to disclose employment and fraudulently secured payments when either no payment was due or in a greater amount than authorized. Doe has received government benefits of approximately $184,904.75. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for 2 Gunpoint Robberies in Bridgeport

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DERRICK RIVERA, 22, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for committing two armed robberies of Bridgeport businesses in 2022. According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 11, 2022, Rivera, brandishing a firearm, entered a barbershop located on Wood Avenue in Bridgeport. Rivera then robbed an employee and two customers of cash and fled the barbershop. On November 25, 2022, Rivera robbed a restaurant located on Wade Street in Bridgeport. During the robbery, Rivera pointed a firearm at the owner, who was behind the register, and demanded cash. Rivera reached across the counter, grabbed the cash and, while fleeing, fired twice in the direction of the owner and other employees. One of the bullets passed through the digital display of the cash register. Shattered pieces of glass and plastic from the register and a shell casing caused injuries to the owner’s face, eye, hand, and stomach. In a victim impact statement, the restaurant owner stated that the trauma he suffers from the robbery and shooting forced him to sell the restaurant. Rivera has been detained since his arrest on November 25, 2023. On October 23, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery) and one count of carrying, using, and count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department, the Stratford Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.


title: Pittsburgh Defense Contractor Convicted on More Than a Dozen Counts of Wire and Tax Fraud by Federal Jury

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After approximately two hours of deliberation, a federal jury in Pittsburgh has found Donald Smith guilty of 13 counts of violating federal fraud and tax laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Smith, 75, of Pittsburgh was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, with the jury finding Smith guilty of eight counts of wire fraud and five counts of failing to file a corporate tax return. The evidence presented to the jury during the five-day trial showed that Smith engaged in a scheme to defraud the Defense Logistics Agency, which provides material to all branches of the United States military. The scheme caused the United States to make payments of over one million dollars on products that were not what Smith and those with whom he worked promised to provide. Smith did not file corporate tax returns reporting any of the more than one million dollars in payments his company received during the tax years of 2019 through 2023. For each count of wire fraud on which Smith was convicted, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of not more than the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary loss from the offense, or both. On each of the tax counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of no more than $100,000 or twice the gain from the offense, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The Court will schedule sentencing by further order. Assistant United States Attorneys William Guappone and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.


title: Judge Finds Probable Cause to Charge D.C. Man for Shooting Man at Point-Blank Range

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Judge Rainey Brandt determined that probable cause exists to charge Niwatilagu Anthony Long, 45, of Washington, D.C., with second-degree murder while armed for shooting and killing 44-year-old D.C. resident Melvin Saunders in the early morning of December 19, 2025, in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Long was arrested at the D.C. Superior Court after the completion of a preliminary hearing for an assault with a deadly weapon case where Long was charged with pistol whipping another victim, Donald Cook, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. A status hearing is scheduled for October 9, 2026. According to the affidavit in support of Long’s arrest, Saunders, the victim, and several other people were present in an apartment at the North Capitol Commons, John and Jill Ker Conway residence in the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE, when Long claimed to be a member of the “Crips” and accused Saunders of being a member of the “Bloods” before shooting the victim execution-style in his left temple. Long left the scene on foot and discarded some of his clothing to alter his appearance to evade detection by law enforcement. At the preliminary hearing on March 17, 2026, Judge Brandt ordered that Long remain held and determined that there was no condition or combination of conditions of release that the Court could set to reasonably assure the safety of the community. In evaluating the evidence at the hearing, Judge Brandt described the killing of Saunders as a “close-range assassination” where the victim was “shot point-blank” in the head. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marybeth Manfreda and Rashmika Nedungadi. These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Florencia 13 Gang Member Who Pleaded Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Charge Sentenced to 14 Years’ Imprisonment

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A member of the Florencia 13 Gang, a criminal organization, who admitted to his role in “racketeering activity,” specifically attempted murder and firearm trafficking, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Angel Medina-Sahagun, aka “Tito,” 25, of West Valley City, Utah, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered by the court to pay restitution to the victim. According to court documents and statements made at Medina-Sahagun’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning on an unknown date before 2017, Medina-Sahagun associated himself with Florencia 13, a criminal street gang affiliated with the Surenos. On November 18, 2017, Medina-Sahagun was summoned by another member of Florencia 13 to go to the TRAX station where he assaulted and stabbed a victim multiple times, intending to kill him. Medina-Sahagun also admitted to pointing a gun at the victim’s brother who attempted to intervene during the assault. Additionally, prior to 2022, Medina-Sahagun, while still a member of the Florencia 13, conspired with other members to acquire firearms for the organization. Some of the other members with whom he conspired were felons and therefore restricted from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. Medina-Sahagun admitted to transferring firearms to juveniles and individuals whom he knew would use the firearms to commit violent crimes. “My office has zero-tolerance for violent crime in the District of Utah,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “It is our hope Medina-Sahagun’s sentence will deter others from committing violent crimes and bring awareness to these criminal organizations that target children to carry out their criminal behavior.” The case was investigated by the West Jordan Police Department, Sandy City Police Department, the Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: New Orleans Man Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution, Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition during Drug Trafficking Crime

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – On March 5, 2026, KENTRELL WILLIAMS (WILLIAMS), a/k/a “Fire,” age 43, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by superseding indictment on March 5, 2026 for distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections, 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 924(c)(1)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, on or about August 13, 2025, WILLIAMS allegedly distributed 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl in New Orleans. On or about February 3, 2026, WILLIAMS allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.; allegedly possessed a firearm, a Glock Model 21 GEN, .45 caliber pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior felony convictions in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. If convicted of distribution of fentanyl, WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of five (5) years, up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, WILLIAMS faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, WILLIAMS faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each charged offense, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, the Major Crimes Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit. * * *


title: Wyoming man pleads guilty to child pornography production

body_text: BILLINGS - A Sheridan, Wyoming man accused of producing child pornography admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. The defendant, Zachary Dean Schifferns, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum term of 30 years, a $250,000 fine, and five years to lifetime supervised release. Schifferns also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later time. Schifferns was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on December 25, 2024, law enforcement in Rosebud County interviewed John Doe 1, then a 14-year-old male. John Doe 1 said about two weeks earlier Schifferns added John Doe 1 on a social media application. Schifferns told John Doe 1 he had an interest in boys aged 12-15. John Doe 1 explained Schifferns asked him for nude images and sent him a picture of his (Schifferns’) penis. At Schifferns’ urging, John Doe 1 said he sent Schifferns a picture of his abs and penis but then contended he photoshopped a picture of a penis he found on the internet onto his body to send to Schifferns. Investigation into Schifferns’ electronic media led to the discovery of dozens of images and videos of child pornography. This included content depicting children 12 years of age or younger engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A review of Schifferns’ social media account contained communication between Schifferns and John Doe 1, among others. In the communications with John Doe 1, Schifferns solicitated child pornography from John Doe 1 and offered money to have sex with him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI, Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office and Big Horn County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. XXX


title: Court Revokes Citizenship of Fraudster After $3.8 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Haitian-born fraudster has been stripped of his U.S. citizenship after defrauding COVID-19 relief programs of millions of dollars and concealing his criminal conduct during the naturalization process. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith entered an order revoking the citizenship of Joff Stenn Wroy Philossaint, 25, of Fort Lauderdale, after determining that Philossaint illegally procured his citizenship by making false statements to immigration officials. “United States citizenship is one of the greatest privileges our nation can offer, and it must be earned honestly,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This defendant built his path to citizenship on false statements while stealing millions from programs meant to keep small businesses alive during the pandemic. The court’s order revoking his citizenship restores accountability and reinforces a simple principle: if you lie to obtain immigration benefits and commit federal crimes, you will lose what you unlawfully gained.” Between April 2020 and May 2021, Philossaint fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief funds through companies he owned or controlled and by preparing loan applications for others in exchange for kickbacks. The applications contained materially false representations about the applicants’ revenues and payroll. In total, Philossaint and his co-conspirators prepared and submitted 40 fraudulent loan applications, obtaining approximately $3.8 million in loan proceeds. Philossaint personally received approximately $549,000 through the scheme in the form of loan proceeds and kickbacks. Before beginning the scheme, Philossaint applied for U.S. citizenship in February 2020. During a sworn naturalization interview on Dec. 15, 2020, Philossaint concealed his involvement in the fraud scheme and falsely denied committing crimes or making misrepresentations to obtain public benefits in the U.S. These false statements allowed Philossaint to unlawfully obtain U.S. citizenship on Feb. 9, 2021. On Sept. 8, 2022, Philossaint was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of conspiracy to launder money, and unlawful procurement of citizenship. Philossaint later pleaded guilty to the three conspiracy charges, and a jury found him guilty of obtaining citizenship contrary to law. On June 26, 2023, Philossaint was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison. On Feb. 23, the court granted a motion filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and entered an order revoking Philossaint’s U.S. citizenship. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Acting Special Agent in Charge, Jason Xerri , U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Eastern Region; Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Florida Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami made the announcement. SBA OIG, Investigations Division’s Eastern Region; USSS Miami; FBI Miami; IRS-CI, Florida Field Office; and HSI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc Osborne and Shannon O’Shea Darsch prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-60161. ###


title: Kent, Washington, woman sentenced to prison for defrauding VA programs designed to help severely disabled veterans

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A Kent, Washington, woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 17 months in prison for her long-lasting fraud scheme that stole more than $1 million in benefits from the Veterans Administration, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Kelly M. Lee-Carroll, 58, recruited her sister and her son to the scheme to defraud Veterans Administration health care and disability benefits. Lee-Carroll claimed she was unable to walk or care for herself and needed round-the-clock care. In fact, Lee-Carrol was able to walk. She traveled on exotic vacations and purchased a second home in Las Vegas all while collecting benefits intended for the most disabled veterans. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said, “Ms. Lee-Carroll broke the trust she had with her fellow veterans. It was intentional and it went on for an extended period of time.” “As a veteran, I find this type of fraud against our programs despicable,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “These benefits to pay for care, and for caregivers, need to be carefully utilized so that they serve veterans as intended. They should not go for second homes, cars, exotic trips, or casino gambling as they did in this case. This defendant not only pays the price for her conduct, she roped in her family members who now have felony convictions.” “This sentence sends a clear message that individuals who steal VA benefits will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to identify and eliminate fraud by seeking prosecution of those who swindle VA benefit programs that are intended to help veterans, their families, and caregivers. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this investigation.” According to records filed in the case, between July 2012 and October 2024, Lee-Carroll claimed to be disabled to such a degree that she needed full time care for daily living. She claimed to be bedridden with paralysis in one leg and arm. She repeatedly represented that she needed a wheelchair to leave home. The investigation revealed that Lee-Carroll did not require the use of a wheelchair outside her home and that she had use of both hands. Lee-Carroll designated her sister and son as her caregivers so that the VA would pay them for the hours they claimed they cared for Lee-Carroll. Her sister and son claimed to be caring for Lee-Carroll while they were clocked in at other jobs such as driving a truck or working as an administrative assistant. On some of the occasions that they claimed to be caring for Lee-Carroll, she was traveling to Las Vegas, Tennessee, or internationally to Mexico or Jamaica, without any caregivers. The scheme stole more than $1.1 million in VA funds. Lee-Carroll was ordered to pay $932,142 in restitution. Her son, Robert H. Nelson III, 28, was sentenced last November to 14 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $282,698 in restitution. Her sister, Katoya F. Grant, 41, was sentenced earlier this month to a ‘time-served’ sentence with six months of supervised release and was ordered to pay $293,787 in restitution. Lee-Carroll served in the Army for three months in 1986 and then joined the Army Reserves from 1986-1994. Lee-Carroll claimed a service-related disability in 2012 and received caregiver funding in 2013. Prosecutors acknowledged that Lee-Carroll did qualify for some disability payments but not the more than $11,000 per month that she was receiving. In asking for an 18-month sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “For years, Lee-Carroll falsely claimed that she was wheelchair-bound and bedridden to secure over $1 million in VA benefits that are earmarked for severely disabled veterans. She recruited her sister and son into her scheme to defraud the VA and taxpayers out of funds that should have gone to veterans who are, in fact, bedridden and who require round-the-clock care. The VA benefits that she secured through lies funded a lifestyle that included two homes, one in Kent that is worth over $1 million and one in Las Vegas worth $772,000, multiple vehicles, gambling, and frequent international trips.” All three defendants pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to commit theft of government property and a count of health care fraud. The case was investigated by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yunah Chung.


title: Member of Chilean ATM Robbery Crew Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Commit Bank Robbery

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A member of an ATM robbery crew, Francisco Antonio Marin Ilbaca, 46, of Chile, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to commit bank robbery arising from a string of robberies of banks and ATMs throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Marin Ilbaca and his co-defendants were part of a South American theft group that conspired to break into and steal money from financial institutions between May and October of 2024. Conspirators rented cars on the black market to transport themselves to and from the robberies and to scout potential robbery locations in advance of each crime. Once they identified ATMs in vulnerable locations, they used construction-crew disguises, blowtorches, and cellphone jammers, among other sophisticated tactics, to break into the banks and ATMs and steal cash. Marin Ilbaca and nine other coven-conspirators are currently charged for their roles in the conspiracy. During the entire period of the conspiracy, the total loss amount caused in furtherance of the conspiracy exceeded $5.5 million. Marin Ilbaca is set for sentencing on June 8, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank robbery. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the police departments of the cities of Fresno, Citrus Heights, Clovis, Elk Grove, Fresno, Modesto, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sacramento; and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance was provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office, and the Seattle Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert L. Veneman-Hughes and Justin J. Gilio are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Five more defendants sentenced in large, multi-state, fentanyl distribution case

body_text: MISSOULA – Five more defendants in a 13-defendant case were sentenced yesterday and today for trafficking fentanyl from Arizona to Montana and other states, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. On Monday, March 16, Sadie Cheryl Sawyer, 37, was sentenced to 48 months in prison and Zane Nicholas Schafer, 35, was sentenced to 30 months. Today, Carrie Jean Bishop, 52, Spring Marie Davis, 50, and Diana Michelle Karnes, 43, were also ordered to federal prison. Bishop received a term of 108 months, Davis 30, and Karnes 96. All five defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in November 2025 and Karnes also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. They will each be on supervised release for five years after they serve their custodial sentences. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over all five hearings. The government alleged in court documents that between February 2023 and March 2025, the members of this drug trafficking organization (DTO), headed by Gerad Nigel Punch, transported fentanyl into Montana for distribution. Punch and the coconspirators mailed and transported fentanyl from Phoenix, Arizona, for distribution to local dealers in Texas, Washington, and Montana. When the fentanyl arrived in Montana, Punch either directly distributed the drugs to local traffickers or arranged for other coconspirators to sell them. Sawyer worked as a local distributor in Montana, buying large quantities of fentanyl from Punch and suppliers in Arizona and delivering the drugs to local dealers. Schafer received at least four packages of fentanyl at his residence in Anaconda for distribution in the surrounding area. Bishop worked with Gerad Punch and others to transport fentanyl into Montana and distributed the drugs to other sellers and local users. Davis connected co-conspirators in Arizona and Montana and directly assisted Gerad Punch in selling over 2,000 grams of fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer in Butte in October 2024. Karnes distributed fentanyl in Montana and connected Gerad Punch to purchasers in Montana, in part for forgiveness of drug debts she owed the DTO. During the investigation of this DTO, law enforcement seized over 10 kilograms of fentanyl. Gerad Punch was previously sentenced on February 23, 2026, to 240 months in prison, and Brooke Cardonia was sentenced on January 28, 2026, to 108 months. Co-defendants Shawn Michael Scholler and Adam Joseph Sarvis are scheduled to plead guilty this week and the remaining defendants, D’Andre Dontae Glass, Dwayne Nyron Punch, Freddie Lee Carter, and Bernard Cowley Glass, Jr. will be sentenced in June and July. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Zeno Baucus are prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, which includes agents from the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Montana comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.


title: Australian National Arrested on Criminal Complaint Charging Him with Assaulting Federal Officer at Los Angeles International Airport

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An Australian national has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with assaulting a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Justice Department announced today. Thomas Jesse Bingham, 35, of Melbourne, Australia, is charged with assault on a federal officer. He was arrested Monday at LAX and is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. According to the complaint and affidavit, on March 15, the victim – an on-duty, uniformed TSA officer – was leaving a restroom located in the sterile area connector between Terminals 6 and 7 at LAX. Upon exiting, Bingham – who was then booked on a flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas – approached the victim and accused him of taking his backpack and passport. Bingham then forcibly assaulted the victim by grabbing the victim’s uniform, pulling the victim’s TSA identification lanyard off his neck, grabbing and pulling the victim’s hair, and pushing him into a glass wall. The victim later reported experiencing pain in his hand and back and sought medical evaluation. Airport police arrested Bingham, whose carry-on bag and passport were later located at a restaurant in Terminal 7 that he previously visited. Bingham later was released from custody and on Monday was arrested at LAX prior to boarding a flight to the United Kingdom. A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Bingham would face up to eight years in federal prison. TSA Office of Law Enforcement / Investigations is investigating this matter with assistance from the Los Angeles Airport Police. Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Mackie of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Federal Investigation into Crypto ‘Mogul’ Threats Against Party Planner

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputy pleaded guilty today to obstructing a federal investigation into a now-jailed, self-styled cryptocurrency businessman by lying that he never witnessed the wannabe crypto mogul threaten and extort $25,000 from a party planner at his Bel Air mansion. Scott Allen Simpkins, 34, of Brea, pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. Prior to today’s hearing, Simpkins had been relieved of duty and placed on leave by LASD, but he has not yet left the department. According to his plea agreement, Simpkins was a deputy assigned to LASD’s Lakewood Station and worked for LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau and SWAT team. He also worked approximately six to eight shifts as a private security guard for Saavedra & Associates and received cash payments for his services. Saavedra & Associates was a private company owned and operated by then-LASD Deputy and one-time federal task force officer Eric Chase Saavedra, 43, of Chino, that employed active LASD deputies and law enforcement officers and provided private security services for clients. One of those clients was Adam Iza, 25, who resided in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, was a self-styled cryptocurrency businessman who called himself “The Godfather,” and who has been in federal custody since September 2024. Iza pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of conspiracy against rights, one count of wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion, and awaits sentencing. In August 2021, Iza hired Simpkins, fellow then-LASD Deputy Christopher Michael Cadman, 34, of Fullerton, and other law enforcement officers to provide private security at a party at his Bel Air mansion. At the time, Simpkins knew Iza possessed at least one firearm. After the party ended, at around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. on August 15, 2021, Simpkins learned the party planner – identified in court documents as “R.C.” – had been kicked out of the party for erratic behavior. The next day, Simpkins worked another shift at Iza’s Bel Air mansion and – along with Cadman – escorted R.C. to Iza’s office and closed the door behind them. Iza – seated behind his office desk – then took steps to intimidate R.C. to obtain $25,000 by placing four or five rounds of live 9mm ammunition on his desk across from R.C. While speaking to the victim, Iza picked up the live ammunition and twirled a bullet in his hand as he spoke threateningly to R.C. During this meeting, Iza accessed R.C.’s phone after demanding that $25,000 be transferred from R.C.’s bank account to an Iza-controlled bank account. After the transfer occurred, Simpkins and Cadman escorted R.C. out of Iza’s mansion. After this incident, Iza hired Saavedra & Associates as his private security provider and made substantial payments to Saavedra and his employees. Simpkins and Cadman each earned $1,400 for their shifts during the August 2021 party and the August 16 incident with R.C. In response to Simpkins and Cadman helping to secure a long-term contract with Iza, Saavedra & Associate paid them approximately 10% of the company’s total profits for the contract’s first month. After Iza’s arrest in September 2024 and the R.C.-related conduct being charged – along with other crimes – in a federal criminal complaint and an indictment against Iza, the FBI executed a search warrant on Simpkins’ person and seized his phone. In a November 2024 meeting with federal law enforcement concerning Iza and corrupt LASD deputies and in which Simpkins was warned that lying would result in criminal prosecution, Simpkins lied repeatedly to FBI agents and federal prosecutors that he saw no ammunition or shell casings inside Iza’s office during the incident with victim R.C. Simpkins further lied when he said he saw no financial transactions occur. Simpkins admitted in his plea agreement that he knew his lies had the natural and probable effect of interfering with the criminal investigation and legal proceedings against Iza and were material to the investigation. United States District Judge Percy Anderson scheduled a July 13 sentencing hearing, at which time Simpkins will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Iza, Saavedra and Cadman, among others, have pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges and await sentencing. On Monday, Judge Anderson sentenced former LASD Deputy Michael David Coberg, 44, of Eastvale, to 63 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $127,000 in restitution for helping Iza extort a rival and arrange the sham illegal drug possession arrest of another adversary in Paramount in 2021. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell K. Coll of the National Security Division is prosecuting this case.


title: Felon Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Distribution of Drugs and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who has prior felony convictions was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware to 132 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and unlawful possession of firearms including a 9mm handgun without a serial number. The government recommended a sentence of 151 months incarceration. According to court documents, between September 13, 2022, and October 5, 2022, Jason Roon conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. On October 5, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Roon’s residence and found about 606.5 grams of methamphetamine, as well as “owe” sheets reflecting Roon’s distribution of the drugs. During the search, law enforcement located two AR-15 .223 caliber rifles; a .22 caliber rifle; a 9mm handgun with no serial number; a 9mm handgun; a .380 ACP caliber handgun; and a 9mm handgun, and various amounts of ammunition. He has prior felony convictions in Los Angeles, including possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession/purchase for sale narcotics/controlled substance; transport/sell narcotics/controlled substance; and possession of a controlled substance for sale; and in Ventura County, Calif., receive known stolen property and transport a controlled substance. Roon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis for the Los Angeles Division, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement. This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. If you have any information about individuals or groups involved in a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations to include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances, you are urged to make a report to the DEA online at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip . You can remain anonymous, and all tips are handled with strict confidentiality. ###


title: Box Elder man pleads guilty to manslaughter charges

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man accused of stabbing another man on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. The defendant, Trent Justin Taylor, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a penalty of eight years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for July 16, 2026. Taylor was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on the evening of December 27, 2025, John Doe and his family planned to leave their house while Taylor and others stayed behind. While Doe was in the process of departing, an altercation ensued between Taylor and his girlfriend. Taylor became agitated and punched a hole in the wall, then declared he was going to kill himself. Doe told Taylor he would not allow Taylor to do that and followed Taylor into the kitchen. Taylor grabbed a kitchen knife and pointed it at his chest. Doe tried unsuccessfully to wrestle the knife away from him. While Doe and Taylor fought for control over the knife, Doe suffered a stab wound to his chest. According to a witness, both Doe’s hands and Taylor’s hands were on the handle of the knife when the stabbing occurred. Witnesses at the scene immediately attempted to perform life-saving measures, but Doe was pronounced dead at the Northern Montana Hospital. An autopsy confirmed Doe died as a result of the stab wound to his chest. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Northern Nevada Man Indicted for Arsons in Spring Valley Area

body_text: RENO – A grand jury indictment was unsealed today charging a White Pine County, Nevada man for allegedly setting two wildfires on public lands in northern Nevada. According to allegations contained in the indictment, on or about June 17, 2022, Henry Conrad Vogler set a wildland fire designated as the Lookout Springs Fire in the Spring Valley area of Nevada. Later, on July 7, 2024, he allegedly set a wildland fire designated as the North Creek Fire, in the Spring Valley area. Both fires occurred on publicly owned land. Vogler does not have the authority to set fire upon public lands. Vogler is charged with two-counts of timber set afire. The maximum statutory penalty is 5 years’ imprisonment. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Trevis Guy, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Land Management, made the announcement. The Bureau of Land Management investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. St. Clair is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Anchorage doctor sentenced to prison in multi-million-dollar health care, tax fraud schemes

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage doctor was sentenced today to six and a half years in prison for executing a $12.5 million health care fraud scheme and evading over $4 million in taxes on the profits of their 15-year scheme. Her husband and co-defendant was sentenced to three years’ probation, with two years to be served in home confinement for his role in the fraudulent scheme. According to court documents, since 2005, Dr. Claribel Tan, 61, and her husband, Daniel Tan, 70, operated a rheumatology medical clinic in Anchorage. Dr. Tan specialized in the treatment of autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, and prescribed injectable medications to treat those conditions. These conditions are often chronic, degenerative and irreversible, but certain medicines can slow or arrest the progression of such diseases. Mr. Tan performed office and management work for the clinic. As part of their scheme, the Tans deceived their patients about the kinds and doses of medications Dr. Tan administered through injections in the office, and fraudulently billed health insurance plans for reimbursement of medications that the Tans did not purchase or administer to patients. Beginning in 2009 and continuing through 2024, Dr. Tan routinely and surreptitiously underdosed patients, injected them with free samples or a different medication than prescribed, injected them with expired medication, and injected them with medications purchased by other patients. Covert video recordings of Dr. Tan treating two of her patients confirmed her deceit. The Tans then knowingly billed insurance plans as if Dr. Tan had provided a proper injection to each patient. Specifically, the Tans claimed to have administered 4,829 units of the medications to patients, and billed the insurance plans for that amount, despite only purchasing 369 units of medication. Mr. Tan helped execute the scheme in part by creating and submitting fraudulent insurance claims and ordering insufficient medication for the clinic. The Tans also made false statements about the length of Dr. Tan’s office visits with her patients and submitted fraudulent claims to insurance plans for services that Dr. Tan never provided. The Tans’ fraud scheme created significant health risks to the patients and caused a loss of over $12.5 to more than 10 insurance plans. In July 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the clinic, uncovering stockpiles of expired medications prescribed to patients for at-home use, free samples clearly marked as not for sale, and improperly stored and reconstituted syringes of medications. Some of the expired medications, pictured below, were intermingled with other medication stored at the clinic. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. vs Tan et al, Case #: 3:24-cr-00072 Following the search warrant execution, the Tans appeared to temporarily begin purchasing all the medications they billed insurance companies for. In 2021, they reverted to fraudulent billing practices, continuing the scheme until they were indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024. The Tans also created false tax records to conceal the health care fraud scheme. The Tans knew that the clinic had not purchased the quantity of medications that they billed insurance plans for, and they fraudulently overstated the clinic’s expenses on the clinic’s tax returns for 2014, 2015, and 2017, allowing them to falsely underreport the clinic’s income. From 2018 to 2021, the Tans willfully failed to file tax returns for the clinic. The Tans’ tax fraud scheme caused a loss of over $4.2 million to the IRS. In November 2025, the Tans both pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of tax evasion. In 2024 and 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seized approximately $10.4 million in health care fraud proceeds from the Tans. At sentencing, the Court ordered Dr. Tan to serve three years on supervised release following the completion of her custodial sentence, as well as the scheduling of a separate hearing to determine restitution. As part of their plea agreements, the Tans agreed to forfeit the seized funds to the U.S. The Tans also submitted today a $6.3 million payment towards their future restitution judgment. The Tans further paid the U.S. an additional $1.8 million to settle civil claims under the False Claims Act arising from the health care fraud scheme. Dr. Tan has also surrendered her medical license. More information about the case is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/united-states-v-tan-et-al . Victims who believe they may be entitled to restitution can email usaak.victim.witness@usdoj.gov for more information. “For well over a decade, Dr. Tan and her husband operated a fraud scheme and squirreled away millions of dollars at the expense of their patients, callously disregarding the medical needs of those suffering from debilitating diseases so they could become rich,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Finally, their dangerous deceit is over. Law enforcement seized their fraudulent retirement plan, and Dr. Tan will be spending years in federal prison. I want to thank our attorneys and incredible law enforcement partners for diligently seeking justice in this case.” “For over 15 years, the Tans deceived unsuspecting patients seeking treatment for debilitating diseases while exploiting the TRICARE program for personal gain,” said John Helsing, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Western Field Office. “As the investigative arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, DCIS remains fully committed to holding accountable those who defraud TRICARE and endanger our nation’s warfighters, retirees, and their family members who rely on this program for care.” “Mr. and Mrs. Tan didn’t just steal from the government or the healthcare system; they let their patients suffer from treatable diseases for financial gain,” said Carrie Nordyke, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “This ruling speaks to the human cost of fraud and our duty to hold criminals accountable for it.” The DCIS Western Field Office and IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Division led the investigation, with assistance from the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division, Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General and State of Alaska Division of Insurance Investigation Unit. Trial Attorney Dominick Giovanniello of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Beausang and Bill Reed of the District of Alaska prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackie Traini of the District of Alaska led the civil fraud investigation. UPDATE: This release has been updated to include OPM OIG as an investigating agency. ###


title: Iowa City Man Sentenced to Over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced March 17, 2026, to 110 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip that accounts, later determined to be associated with Nong Chatchanok Press, 23, received and uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. In December 2023, law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Press’s Iowa City residence. Law enforcement also seized a phone from Press when he was arrested in February 2025. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Press used the devices to receive, view, and possess more than 117,000 images and 300 videos containing child sexual abuse material. After completing his term of imprisonment, Press will be required to serve a 15-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Press was also ordered to pay $123,000 in restitution. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The University of Iowa Police Department investigated 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Bettendorf Man Sent Back to Federal Prison for over 18 Years for Second Child Pornography Offense

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Bettendorf man was sentenced on March 17, 2026, to 200 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography and 24 months in federal prison for revocation of his supervised release. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jacob Lawson Bertrand, 35, was on federal supervised release for a 2016 conviction for possession of child pornography. In October 2024, Bertrand was found to have an unauthorized cell phone while residing at a Davenport residential reentry center. A forensic examination of Bertrand’s phone showed that he used the device to receive, view, and possess more than 3000 images and 600 videos containing child sexual abuse material. Bertrand also had social media accounts which he used to talk to minors and had not reported to the Iowa Sex Offender Registry as required. At sentencing, the Court also found Bertrand violated the terms of his federal supervised release. In 2016, Bertrand was sentenced to a 78-month term of imprisonment for possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. He was released from prison in April 2021. In April 2022 and January 2024, Bertrand’s supervised release was revoked. Bertrand’s most recent term of supervised release began in June 2024. After completing his term of imprisonment, Bertrand will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Bertrand was also ordered to pay $72,000 in restitution. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Scott County Sheriff's Office investigated 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: London Woman Sentenced for   Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy Involving COVID Relief Loans

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A London woman, Nicole Pennington, 50, was sentenced on Tuesday to 44 months by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, arising out of a scheme to fraudulently obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program loans. In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provided forgivable loans to small businesses as an incentive to keep their workers on the payroll, and expanded funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which provided low-interest loans to small businesses to cover operational expenses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) administered both programs. According to her plea agreement, from March 2020 to May 2022, Nicole Pennington devised a scheme to defraud the government by making materially false statements on PPP and EIDL applications. In total, Pennington submitted about 30 PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of actual and fabricated businesses associated with herself and her husband, Joshua Pennington. All of these applications contained material falsehoods, and Nicole Pennington supported them with fraudulent tax returns, financial statements, and other records. Six of the loan applications were approved for a total of $1,090,398.35 in fraudulently obtained SBA loan proceeds. After receiving the loan proceeds, Nicole Pennington and her co-defendant, Joshua Pennington, laundered more than $1,000,000 in criminally derived funds by engaging in a series of transactions in amounts of $10,000 or more. Specifically, they used the money to renovate their kitchen, pay for plastic surgery, purchase a Viking River Cruise trip, withdraw cash, purchase vehicles, and pay off loans and mortgages. Joshua Pennington was previously sentenced to 22 months in prison for his role in the money laundering conspiracy. Under federal law, Nicole Pennington must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for two years. Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Kelly K. Moening, Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Great Lakes Field Division; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Detroit Field Division, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith prosecuted the sentencing on behalf of the United States. The Fraud Section leads the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the enactment of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. – END –


title: Waterloo Man Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Preparing and Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who prepared fraudulent tax returns for himself and others was sentenced on March 13, 2026, to three years in federal prison. Tresor Mugogo Ngoy, age 41, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 25, 2025, guilty plea to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. Mugogo Ngoy admitted that he signed and filed a false tax return in his own name for the 2020 tax year. Evidence at sentencing showed that he also filed false tax returns in his own name for every tax year between 2017 and 2022. Evidence also showed that Mugogo Ngoy, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was being paid by other people in the Congolese community in Waterloo to prepare tax returns. Mugogo Ngoy falsified tax returns by claiming deductions and credits to which the taxpayers were not entitled. Mugogo Ngoy prepared more than 50 false returns that claimed more than $250,000 in fraudulent refunds. He was generally paid between $100 and $300 in cash to prepare a tax return. Mugogo Ngoy has been in the United States since 2012. His lengthy criminal record includes five convictions for operating while intoxicated and convictions for other driving-related offenses. Mugogo Ngoy is currently serving a five-year prison term in the State of Iowa after an April 2025 conviction for operating while intoxicated in Black Hawk County. Mugogo Ngoy was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and ordered to make more than $250,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “As the tax filing deadline looms, most taxpayers are filing timely, accurate tax returns. But those looking to cheat the government should know IRS—Criminal Investigation exists to track cheaters down and hold them accountable,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “That not only applies to individual filers, but also to those who prepare and submit fraudulent tax returns for others.” “The American income-tax system relies on trust and honesty,” said United States Attorney Leif Olson. “Not just the federal government’s trust that we’ll pay our taxes honestly, but each taxpayer’s trust in every other taxpayer that we’ll all play by the rules. When a cheat like Mugogo Ngoy drains money from the federal treasury, he isn’t taking advantage of a system; he’s taking advantage of every one of us who has paid taxes honestly. Now he’ll pay the price.” Mugogo Ngoy is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-cr-2031. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Six Sentenced in Healthcare Fraud Conspiracy that Stole $10 Million  from Medicaid Over Six-Year Period

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: LYNCHBURG, Va. – Six defendants, who stole upwards of $10 million from the Virginia Medicaid system over a six-year period by submitting false claims on behalf of 1 st Adult N Pediatric Healthcare Services for services that were never provided, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg. The three owners of 1 st Adult N Pediatric, Carolyn Bryant-Taylor, 61, of Clinton, Md., Kafomdi Josephine Okocha, 50, of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Samuel Okocha, 52, of Upper Marlboro, Md., were sentenced today. Bryant Taylor was sentenced to 120 months, Josephine Okocha was sentenced to 96 months, and Samuel Okocha was sentenced to 72 months. Three additional defendants in the healthcare fraud conspiracy were also sentenced. Eno Utuk, 49, of Fredericksburg, Md., Elizabeth Ilome, 43, of Fredericksburg, Md., and Shekita Gore, 41, of Clinton, Md., were each sentenced to probation. The district court also directed the defendants to pay restitution totaling $10 million to Virginia Medicaid. “This United States Attorney’s Office will hold accountable those who commit healthcare fraud and steal from hardworking Americans,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I commend the FBI and the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their diligent work in bringing these individuals to justice and protecting hardworking Virginians.” “These sentences make clear that fraud against federally funded programs is theft from the American people. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who steal taxpayer funds are held accountable,” said Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division. According to court documents, Bryant-Taylor, Josephine Okocha, and Samuel Okocha were owners and operators of 1st Adult N Pediatric Healthcare Service, a Medicaid-enrolled home health agency providing private duty nursing, personal care, and respite care services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, including in the Western District of Virginia. Gore was the director of nursing, while Utuk and Ilome were employed by 1st Adult to provide nursing and personal care. The defendants conspired to submit false claims to Medicaid for services that were not provided to patients, including falsifying records and documentation in support of the fraudulent claims submitted for reimbursement. As part of this scheme, between 2017 and 2023, Bryant-Taylor and her co-defendant, Josephine Okocha, planned arrangements to pay the parents or guardians of patients in exchange for blank, signed nursing notes which would be filled out and used to support billing to Medicaid. In these arrangements, the amount billed to Medicaid either reflected nursing services that were not provided at all, or an amount of nursing services that was in excess of what was provided. The conspirators have acknowledged the actual loss to the Medicaid program from 1 st Adult’s improved billing was $10,000,000. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit are investigating the case, with assistance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Jones and Laura Taylor, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Terry, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case.