title: Federal Immigration Officer Charged With Soliciting a Bribe

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Amara Dukuly, 43, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, an immigration officer employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bribery of a public official, arising from his alleged solicitation of a bribe in exchange for official acts. The criminal complaint alleges that, from approximately 2015 to the present, the defendant used his status as a USCIS employee to extract payments from individuals in exchange for promises to help them obtain adjustments to their immigration status, such as a green card, work authorization documents, or visas. The complaint further alleges that, given the scope of his job duties, Dukuly did not have the authority to do any of the things he promised these individuals. After corruptly seeking, receiving, and accepting money in return for being influenced in the performance of an official act, Dukuly converted the monies he obtained from these bribes for his personal benefit. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this defendant or other government employees soliciting bribes, whether money or something else of value, is asked to call 1-866-347-2423, select prompt number two, and mention Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia. This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, HSI, and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve. The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.


title: Blue Grass Man Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Blue Grass man was sentenced on June 26, 2025, to 216 months in federal prison for producing child pornography. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTips that an account, later determined to be associated with Christian Brew Allen, 58, received, uploaded, and distributed files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Allen’s Blue Grass residence. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Allen used the devices to receive, upload, and distribute more than 2000 images and 175 videos containing child sexual abuse material. The investigation revealed that Allen produced and saved several videos of a minor victim. After completing his term of imprisonment, Allen will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Allen was also ordered to pay $97,000 in restitution. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Scott County Sheriff’s Office. 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: Corona Man Sentenced to One Year and One Day in Federal Prison for $1.2 Million Tax Fraud Involving the Sale of Stan Lee Memorabilia

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – A Riverside County man was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison for filing false income tax returns after selling Stan Lee-signed memorabilia and receiving more than $1.2 million in proceeds which he never reported to the IRS. Mac Martin Anderson, 59, of Corona, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kenly Kiya Kato, who also ordered him to pay $482,833 in restitution. Anderson pleaded guilty on March 11 to two counts of willfully subscribing to a false tax return. From 2015 to 2018, Anderson had a personal relationship with Marvel Comics publisher Stan Lee and sold Marvel-related items bearing Lee’s autograph to various dealers, brokers and fans at comic conventions. In exchange for selling these memorabilia, Anderson received payments from buyers, typically in the form of cash or checks. These payments were considered regular income by the IRS and should have been reported on Anderson’s income tax return each year that he received money. For tax years 2015 through 2018, Anderson received reportable income from memorabilia sales of at least approximately $1,236,485 for the tax years 2015 through 2018, Anderson admitted that the tax due and owing on such income was approximately $482,833. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis of the Major Frauds Section and Sarah E. Spielberger of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section prosecuted this case.


title: Iranian Man Arrested in Austin for Immigration Violations

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – An Iranian national was arrested Wednesday in Austin on criminal charges related to his alleged failure to deport. According to court documents, Jamil Bahlouli, 32, was issued a final order of removal in 2020 for being illegally present in the U.S. He self-deported to Canada in October 2021. Bahlouli was again found to be in the U.S. illegally in December 2023. He was convicted in Montana for illegal entry in January 2024 and sentenced to time served. His final order of removal from 2020 was reinstated and he was released into the U.S., scheduled to report in person to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office in San Antonio on or about Jan. 23, 2024. The criminal complaint filed on June 25, 2025, alleges that Bahlouli did not report as scheduled. A deportation officer located Bahlouli in Austin on Wednesday and identified him as a previously removed alien. The criminal complaint alleges that deportation officers went to Bahlouli’s residence, encountered him in the doorway of his residence, and attempted to arrest him. The complaint alleges Bahlouli refused to be arrested and slammed the door on the deportation officers, remaining inside his residence and refusing to exit. His alleged actions were designed to prevent or hamper his deportation and departure pursuant to the outstanding final order of removal. Bahlouli is charged with one count of failure to deport. If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. ICE is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke is 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 (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). A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Canadian National Extradited for Mailing Fraudulent Prize Notices

component: Civil Division

body_text: A Canadian national accused of operating fraudulent prize notice schemes was extradited to the United States and made his initial appearance in Las Vegas federal court on June 18, the Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today. Patrick Fraser, 44, of Alberta, Canada, will face federal charges of conspiracy and mail fraud. Fraser was arrested on June 14, 2023, by Canadian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request and was surrendered to the United States this month. A detention hearing was held on June 23, and Fraser was ordered detained pending trial. According to the indictment, the defendant conspired with others to operate fraud schemes through which he mailed fraudulent prize notifications to individuals in the United States and in other countries. The prize notifications falsely represented that the victims had been specifically chosen to receive a large cash prize, typically over $1 million, and would receive the prize upon payment of a small free. Many of the victims were elderly and vulnerable. “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting and pursuing those who perpetrate fraud schemes targeting America’s seniors,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “I thank Canada for assisting in extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States. The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement partners will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims from outside the United States.” “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Consumer Protection Branch and our law enforcement partners in the United States and the world to identify and pursue transnational criminals who prey on older Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Through our Elder Justice Initiative, Assistant U.S. Attorneys and professional staff are combating elder financial exploitation and fraud. This extradition is another example of the outstanding collaboration between federal law enforcement and international partners.” “Postal inspectors protect the vulnerable. If you use fake prize offers to scam others, we’ll find you—and you will be held accountable,” said U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Eric Shen. Fraser is charged in a nine-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Las Vegas. If convicted, Fraser faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Senior Trial Attorney Ann Entwistle and Trial Attorney Charles B. Dunn of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. USPIS investigated the case. The Justice Department is grateful to the Vancouver Police Department as well as the Department of Justice Canada's International Assistance Group, who provided assistance through official requests. The Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division accomplished the extradition of Fraser from Canada. The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Consumer complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice 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 more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch .


title: Saginaw Man Sentenced for Unlawful Imprisonment, Strangulation, Suffocation, Interstate Domestic Violence, and Witness Tampering Committed on the Isabella Reservation

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: BAY CITY – A Saginaw, Michigan man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for unlawful imprisonment, strangulation of an intimate or dating partner, suffocation of an intimate or dating partner, interstate domestic violence, and six counts of witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division. Michael Lee Johnson, 45, was sentenced by United States District Judge Linda Parker in Detroit. Johnson was convicted by a jury on November 1, 2024. The evidence presented at trial established that the victim, Johnson’s girlfriend, broke up with him prior to returning home from work. Rather than leave the home as he was ordered to do by his parole agent, Johnson stayed at the residence and moments before the victim arrived home Johnson sent a Facebook message which said “I wanna do something evil.” When the victim arrived home, Johnson approached her from behind, grabbed her and repeatedly threw her into a wall. Johnson then strangled and suffocated the victim to the point she had trouble breathing. Later, Johnson assaulted the victim again, this time in front of her children. Johnson also held the victim against her will in a bedroom the evening before the assaults. In an effort to conceal his crimes, Johnson witness tampered in various ways. These incidents occurred on the Isabella Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The victim is an Indian. The case was investigated by the Saginaw Chippewa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roy Kranz and former Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Turkelson .


title: Michigan Doctor Sentenced to Four Years for $6.3M Medicare Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Michigan doctor was sentenced today to four years in prison for a $6.3 million Medicare fraud scheme in which elderly and disabled patients were sent thousands of orthotic braces that they did not need. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sophie Toya, M.D., 56, of Bloomfield Hills, prescribed over 7,900 orthotic braces to more than 2,600 Medicare patients during a six-month period. The patients were solicited through deceptive television commercials offering free back braces. When they called the advertised telephone number, they were persuaded to accept braces for other parts of their bodies, with the promise that Medicare would pay. Toya spoke to some of these patients briefly over the phone, and she had no contact at all with the others. Toya nonetheless signed orders prescribing more than 7,900 braces, including prescribing four or more braces to nearly 1,000 patients. Toya prescribed as many as 136 braces in a day, 12 braces for a single patient, and numerous braces for undercover agents posing as Medicare beneficiaries after speaking with them by telephone for less than a minute. The prescriptions and accompanying medical records signed by Toya falsely represented that the braces were medically necessary and that she diagnosed the beneficiaries, had a plan of care for them, and recommended that they receive certain additional treatment. In the case of one patient, to whom Toya prescribed five braces for which Medicare was billed $3,883, she falsely attested that she evaluated the patient and that the patient was mobile when, in fact, the patient had long been confined to a wheelchair, could not walk or stand, and was suffering from a dangerous spinal infection that could not be treated by braces but instead required spinal surgery. Toya’s false prescriptions were used by brace supply companies to bill Medicare more than $6.3 million. Toya was paid approximately $120,000 by purported telemedicine companies in exchange for signing the fraudulent prescriptions. On May 10, 2024, Toya was convicted following an eight-day trial on one count of health care fraud and five counts of false statements relating to health care matters. Toya was also ordered to pay $3,606,935 in restitution and $120,475 in forfeiture. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director in Charge Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Division; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. The case was charged as part of Operation Rubber Stamp, a coordinated nationwide law enforcement operation that targeted medical professionals who participated in fraudulent telemedicine schemes. Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan and Trial Attorney Chris Wenger of the National Rapid Response Strike Force of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Three Canadian Citizens Charged with Smuggling 36 Firearms into Canada

body_text: DETROIT – Akeem Richards-Crawford, 31, Dwayne Harrison, 34, and Jannai Stewart, 35, citizens of Canada, were charged today in an indictment with conspiracy to smuggle and the smuggling of firearms and firearm magazines from the United States to Canada, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations Detroit, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Chief Patrol Agent John R. Morris, U.S. Border Patrol, Special Agent in Charge James Deir, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Aaron Tambrini, Special Agent in Charge of Office of Export Enforcement’s Chicago Field Office, U.S. Department of Commerce. According to the indictment, Richards-Crawford and Harrison traveled from Canada to the United States in October 2023. Richards-Crawford and/or Harrison then rented a vehicle and a hotel room in the Detroit-Metropolitan area, traveled to Houston, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio to obtain firearms, and then returned to the Eastern District of Michigan to execute their smuggling scheme. Then, early in the morning on October 26, 2023, Richards-Crawford and Harrison drove to the Algonac, Michigan area with a backpack containing 36 firearms. Harrison then boarded a jet ski on the St. Clair river and traveled to Canada with the firearms. When Harrison arrived in Canada, he approached an unmarked police vehicle believing it was there to pick him up. After realizing his mistake, Harrison dropped the backpack and fled on foot. Canadian law enforcement officers located the backpack and recovered 36 firearms, each individually wrapped in tube socks. Officers also encountered Stewart—Harrison’s actual pickup driver—nearby after Harrison texted him: “Come get me” and “Cops came.” Based on the charges in the indictment, each defendant faces up to 10 years in prison for each smuggling count, and up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy count, if convicted. The public is reminded that an Indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Canada’s Ontario Provincial Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas Salzenstein and Erin Ramamurthy, along with Chantelle Dial, Trial Attorney, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, United States Department of Justice.


title: Former Somerset County Man Charged with Making Violent Threats, including Threats to Kill a Federal Judge

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – Abhinaba Barthakur, a dual citizen of the United States and India, was charged in a six-count Indictment today for making violent threats to a United States District Court Judge in the District of New Jersey, two New Jersey Superior Court Judges, an elected official, and a Somerset County resident, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Barthakur, 58, formerly of Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, is charged in the Indictment with five counts of transmitting a threat in interstate or foreign commerce and one count of retaliating against a federal judge by threat. “Let today’s Indictment serve as both a warning and a wake-up call. My office will act quickly and decisively against anyone who threatens a public official,” said U.S. Attorney Habba. “The conduct alleged in the Indictment is as heinous as it is troubling: threats to a federal judge, two state superior court judges, an elected official, and a private New Jersey resident. The conduct is not just reckless — it is a direct attack on our justice system. Targeting those who uphold the rule of law is an attack on every community they serve. This egregious behavior is unacceptable. And, as the charges make clear, no matter where you are, we will find you and hold you responsible.” According to the allegations in the indictment: In December 2018, Barthakur left the United States, and he has not returned. On or about July 14, 2020, Barthakur called the office of a government official in the executive branch of the State of New Jersey (“Elected Official 1”), whose office was in Somerville, New Jersey. Barthakur left a voicemail message threatening to assault Elected Official 1, including removing Elected Official 1’s fingers. On or about September 13, 2020 and September 22, 2020, Barthakur called the chambers of a New Jersey Superior Court Judge in the Somerset Vicinage Civil Division (“Judge 1”). Barthakur left voicemail messages threatening to assault Judge 1, including removing Judge 1’s fingers. During the September 13, 2020 call to Judge 1, Barthakur also threated to injure a New Jersey Superior Court Judge in the Somerset Vicinage Family Division (“Judge 2”), specifically threatening to injure Judge 2’s fingers. On or about October 16, 2023, Barthakur called a resident of Somerset County (“Victim 1”). Barthakur left voicemail messages threatening to assault and murder Victim 1, including using a .22 caliber handgun to injure and kill Victim 1. On November 26, 2024, Barthakur called the chambers of a United States District Court Judge, in the District of New Jersey (“Judge 3”), and threatened to assault and murder Judge 3, including using a .22 caliber handgun to injure and kill Judge 3. Barthakur threatened to assault and murder Judge 3 with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Judge 3 while he or she was engaged in the performance of his or her official duties, and to retaliate against Judge 3 on account of the performance of his or her official duties. Each charge of transmitting a threat in interstate or foreign commerce carries a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The charge of retaliating against a federal judge by threat carries a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of ten years. The charges each carry a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; deputy marshals of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos, Jr.; special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; detectives and Assistant Prosecutors of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John McDonald; members of the Hillsborough Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mike McMahon; and members of the Branchburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard Buck, with the investigation that lead to the charges The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### barthakur.indictment.pdf


title: Hartford Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Offense Stemming from Gang Shootout

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHEVON GRANT, 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense stemming from a gang-related shootout. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2022, after an unidentified shooter who is suspected of being a member of a rival gang opened fire at individuals who were standing in a parking lot outside of a memorial gathering at a party venue on Main Street in Hartford, surveillance cameras at the location recorded at least nine individuals drawing firearms, some of whom returned fire. Shot Spotter technology recorded nearly 50 shots fired within approximately 90 seconds in and around the location, and law enforcement recovered at least 31 shell casings from the scene. Grant was present at the memorial gathering and was recorded on surveillance videos brandishing a handgun. Following the shooting, Hartford Police obtained a warrant for Grant’s arrest in relation to the April 18 shootout. At the time, Grant was also subject to two additional state arrest warrants for other alleged offenses. On May 7, 2022, officers encountered Grant in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle, retrieved a loaded Ruger P90 .45 firearm from beneath the driver’s seat, and took Grant into custody. Grant’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery and larceny offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. On October 11, 2024, Grant pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Grant is detained in state custody, and state charges against him are pending. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and John T. Pierpont, Jr. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the Hartford State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter. 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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Franklin Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening a United States Senator

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Franklin man pleaded guilty today in federal court for making a threat in violation of federal law, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Brian Landry, age 69, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled Landry’s sentencing for October 2, 2025. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on May 17, 2023, Landry left a voicemail at U.S. Senator #1’s district office stating: “Hey stupid I’m a veteran sniper. And unless you change your ways, I got my scope pointed in your direction and I’m coming to get you. You’re a dead man walking you piece of f***ing sh*t.” Investigators identified the phone call as coming from a number associated with Landry. When they interviewed Landry, he admitted to having called the Senator’s office but did not initially recall exactly what he said in the voicemail. The charge of conviction provides for a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, the Franklin Police Department, and the Manchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty; Forty-Seventh Conviction in the Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for his role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson According to court documents, from September 2020 through January 2022, Ahmed Abdullahi Ghedi, 35, claimed to be operating a child nutrition site in St. Paul, Minnesota. As part of the scheme, on or about September 4, 2020, Ghedi’s co-conspirator registered ASA Limited LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Four days later, Ghedi’s co-conspirator applied for ASA Limited to operate a purported food site in the Federal Children Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future at the Gurey Deli, a small market located in a St. Paul strip mall Within just three weeks of creating the ASA Limited site, Ghedi and his co-conspirators falsely claimed to be serving meals to 2,000 or 3,000 children each day, seven days a week. During the one-year period from September 2020 to September 2021, Ghedi and his co-conspirators fraudulently claimed to have served more than 1.6 million meals at the ASA Limited site. To accomplish his scheme, the defendant and his co-conspirators prepared and submitted inflated meal counts, fabricated invoices, and fake attendance rosters of purported children. According to court documents, rather than use fraudulently obtained money to serve meals or feed children, Ghedi and his co-conspirators fraudulently misappropriated much of it. Ghedi used a shell entity he created, AG Limited LLC, to hide and disguise the source and ownership of his portion of the fraud proceeds. Between December 2020 and November 2021, Ghedi deposited more than $2 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds into AG Limited LLC bank accounts. Ghedi used this money to purchase more than $245,000 in motor vehicles and to fund more than $200,000 in credit card spending. Ghedi also transferred approximately $560,000 in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds to Cosmopolitan Business Properties LLC—another shell he co-owned with other co-conspirators—toward the purchase of a mansion and adjoining property located at 2722 and 2742 Park Avenue South in Minneapolis, which will be now forfeited to the United States along with a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. According to court documents, Ghedi paid $5,000 in kickbacks to Abdikerm Eidleh, a Feeding Our Future employee, in exchange for sponsoring and facilitating ASA Limited’s fraudulent participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. ASA Limited, of which the defendant was a co-owner, paid Eidleh an additional $49,000 in kickbacks. Feeding Our Future received nearly $400,000 in administrative fees for sponsoring ASA Limited’s participation in the program. In total, Ghedi and his co-conspirators caused a loss of $7.2 million to Federal Child Nutrition Programs based on fraudulent claims submitted through Feeding Our Future. Ghedi pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets


title: Ninth And Tenth FCI Dublin Correctional Officers Charged With Sexual Abuse Of Female Inmates

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – Two former correctional officers at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif., Jeffrey Wilson and Lawrence Gacad, were charged yesterday by information with sexual abuse of female inmates. Wilson and Gacad are the ninth and tenth correctional officers to be charged in connection with the wide-ranging investigation into sexual abuse of inmates at the federal prison. Wilson, 34, is charged with five counts of sexual abuse of a ward related to his alleged abuse of an FCI Dublin inmate, C.S. The information alleges that Wilson engaged in sexual abuse of the victim on multiple occasions between March 14, 2022, and Aug. 16, 2022. The acts allegedly occurred in a medical room at FCI Dublin. Wilson is also charged with falsely telling federal agents that he had never had sexual contact with C.S. and that he had never given her contraband while she was an inmate at FCI Dublin. Gacad, 33, is charged with one count of abusive sexual contact related to his alleged abuse of an FCI Dublin inmate, S.L., between March 1, 2022, and June 14, 2022. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Hunt, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement. As part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation into FCI Dublin, 10 FCI Dublin correctional officers have been charged with crimes related to the sexual abuse of the female prisoners at the facility. The status of these cases is below: Defendant Case Number Status Warden Ray J. Garcia 4:21-cr-00429-YGR Convicted on all counts by jury on Dec. 8, 2022; sentenced to 70 months in prison CO John Bellhouse 4:22-cr-00066-YGR Convicted on all counts by jury on June 5, 2023; sentenced to 63 months in prison Chaplain James Highhouse 4:22-cr-00016-HSG Pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2022; sentenced to 84 months in prison CO Enrique Chavez 4:22-cr-00104-YGR Pleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2022; sentenced to 20 months in prison CO Ross Klinger 4:22-cr-00031-YGR Pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2022; sentenced to one year of home confinement CO Andrew Jones 4:23-cr-000212-YGR Pleaded guilty on Aug.17, 2023; sentenced to 96 months in prison CO Nakie Nunley 4:23-cr-000213-YGR Pleaded guilty on Sept. 5, 2023; sentenced to 72 months in prison CO Darrell Smith (a/k/a “Dirty Dick Smith”) 4:23-cr-00110-YGR Indicted on April 13, 2023; trial scheduled for Sept. 2, 2025 CO Jeffrey Wilson 4:25-cr-00180 Information filed on June 25, 2025 CO Lawrence Gacad 4:25-cr-00181 Information filed on June 25, 2025 An information merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of sexual abuse of a ward in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2243(b) and eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of false statements to a government agency in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). Gacad faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of abusive sexual contact in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4). Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Paulson, Alethea Sargent, Sailaja Paidipaty, and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting these cases with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez and Amala James. The prosecutions are the result of an investigation by the DOJ OIG and the FBI.


title: United States Attorney Announces Criminal Charges Against the Philadelphia School District Alleging Violations of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania filed criminal charges today against the School District of Philadelphia alleging violations of legal requirements to timely inspect, remediate, and report damaged asbestos in multiple city schools. The United States and the School District of Philadelphia have entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in this case, which has been filed with the court today and remains subject to judicial review and approval. This is the first time in the nation that a school district has been criminally charged with this type of environmental violation, and the first time that criminal violations under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) have been brought against a public entity. It is also the first use of a DPA in a case against a public school district in an AHERA case. These charges are the result of a five-year investigation conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID). Legal Obligations Regarding Asbestos Federal law requires school districts to safeguard their schools from airborne toxins, like asbestos, and timely inspect, remediate, and report any damaged asbestos. More specifically, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires that, every three years, school districts conduct formal inspections of all buildings containing asbestos and remediate any damaged asbestos. In addition, every six months, all such buildings must undergo surveillance inspections, to ensure that areas containing asbestos remain safe. School districts are also responsible for promptly responding to and addressing internal reports and complaints of damaged asbestos and filing timely reports of these activities. Asbestos Asbestos was used in many building materials until the 1970s. Because it is an effective fire retardant and resisted overheating, it was a popular building material for many years. When left intact and undisturbed, asbestos is safe. However, any damage or disturbance of asbestos can break and emit particles into the air that pose tremendous health hazards. Small shards of asbestos can become lodged in lung tissue, and can cause asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, and mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. The School District of Philadelphia has approximately 339 buildings, most of them quite old, almost 300 of which are known to contain asbestos. The Charges and Facts The information filed today sets forth eight criminal charges, arising from offenses allegedly committed between June 2018 and April 2023. Counts One through Seven charge the school district with failing to conduct timely three-year inspections in seven specific schools: William Meredith Elementary; Building 21 Alternative High School; Southwark Elementary; S. Weir Mitchell Elementary; Charles W. Henry Elementary; Universal Vare Charter School; and Frankford High School. Count Eight charges the school district’s failure to conduct timely six-month inspections at Building 21 Alternative High School. By entering into the DPA, the school district has agreed to waive indictment by a grand jury. The Deferred Prosecution Agreement The pending DPA contains an agreed statement of facts, which sets forth in greater detail the findings of the investigation, including 61 specific facts detailing the asbestos problems in the schools, and the school district’s failures to address those problems. The statement of facts demonstrates a longstanding and widespread problem of asbestos contamination in Philadelphia schools that endangered students and teachers, and, in some cases, foreclosed any education at all by requiring the closure of the school. The DPA lists 31 school buildings that had asbestos problems from April 2015 to November 2023. Some schools had multiple areas of damaged asbestos, which posed continuing and repeated problems and sometimes went unattended or were improperly addressed. In the worst instances, schools had to be shuttered. The investigation also uncovered some instances in which damaged asbestos was improperly addressed, including the use of duct tape to cover it up. As filed, the terms of the DPA provide that the school district’s actions will be monitored by the federal court to ensure compliance with the law. If the school district maintains compliance, the United States Attorney’s Office and DOJ can drop the criminal charges after a period of time. If the school district fails to do so, it faces criminal sanctions. The term of the DPA and its mandated monitoring is approximately five years. “This deferred prosecution agreement, if approved, affords the government the highest available level of prosecutorial and judicial oversight over the School District of Philadelphia and its efforts to comply with its legal obligations to provide safe schools,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Most importantly, the DPA provides the best possible platform for students, teachers, staff, and others who may spend time in our schools to breathe clean air free of asbestos.” “EPA is committed to pursuing the prosecution of knowing violations of our nation’s environmental laws, especially where such lawbreaking could result in harm to students and teachers on school grounds,” said Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. “This resolution requires additional accountability on the School District of Philadelphia to ensure protections are in place to prevent future asbestos exposure.” This case was investigated by the EPA-CID, Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Troyer, and Department of Justice trial attorney Ronald Sarachan. AUSA Troyer is prosecuting the case.


title: Lawyers, Law Firm, and Claims Adjuster Pay $75,000 to Resolve Allegation They Unlawfully Avoided Obligation Owed to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that federal authorities had reached a $75,000 settlement with two Milwaukee-area attorneys, Alex Eichhorn and Scott Wade, the law firm Tabak Law LLC, and workers’ compensation insurance claims adjuster Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc., all of whom were alleged to have unlawfully sought to avoid paying over money owed to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The settlement resolves the government’s claims in United States v. Eichhorn et al. , Case Number 25-cv-584, which the United States Attorney’s Office filed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin this past April. Court records reveal the following. The VA had provided substantial medical care to one of our Nation’s military veterans, treating (free of charge to the veteran) a condition the veteran sustained while employed in the private sector. According to the government’s complaint, Attorney Eichhorn represented the veteran in his workers’ compensation proceedings against the private-sector employer and its insurers. As part of that representation, Attorney Eichhorn requested medical records from the VA. Upon learning of the workers’ compensation claim, the VA promptly asserted its right to recover its medical expenses under the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2651(a) and 38 U.S.C. § 1729(a) (“FMCRA”). Attorney Eichhorn later negotiated a settlement of the workers’ compensation claim with counsel for Gallagher Bassett, Attorney Wade. Despite having received written notice of the VA’s claim, the two sides ultimately reached a deal whereby the veteran would accept the “risk” that the VA would enforce its FMCRA claim, in exchange for $90,000, of which $75,000 was earmarked for medical expenses. The government’s complaint alleges that although Attorney Eichhorn assured an administrative law judge with the state workers’ compensation board that the settlement proceeds would be used to satisfy the VA’s claim, his law firm, Tabak Law LLC, immediately disbursed the settlement funds from its client trust account to itself (as an unearned attorney’s fee) and its client. After the VA learned about the settlement months later, the defendants failed to make good-faith efforts to resolve the claim and instead took further steps to avoid their obligations under the FMCRA. As a result, the United States filed suit in April, alleging a variety of causes of action under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729(a), as well as common law theories of recovery. The United States refers members of the public, particularly members of the workers’ compensation bar, to its regulations and guidance concerning attorneys’ and veterans’ responsibilities under the FMCRA. See 28 C.F.R. § 43.2; see also Dep’t of Veterans Affairs, Notification, Cooperation and Affirmative Verification, or E-Verification, in Claims Arising Tort Liability and Third-Party Liability , 88 Fed. Reg. 8344 (Feb. 8, 2023). Individuals who are aware of evidence of persons avoiding FMCRA obligations owed to the government are encouraged to voluntarily disclose such evidence to their district’s U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Aaron R. Wegrzyn represented the government in connection with this matter, with assistance from D’Anthony Graham and the Revenue Law Group in the VA’s Office of General Counsel. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts 2nd Annual Summer Law Camp

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS – Earlier this week, 36 high school students from across the state participated in an immersive Summer Law Camp hosted by the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of South Dakota. Over the course of three days, students learned about the federal justice system from the perspective of criminal and civil attorneys who practice in federal court, paralegals, victim witness advocates, forensic examiners, members of the federal judiciary, and federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. “The USAO’s Summer Law Camp introduces high school students to various career paths associated with the criminal justice system and the practice of law,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “It is our hope that by offering a window into the work we do each and every day to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe, we can inspire the next generation of leaders to consider careers as attorneys, law enforcement officers, and vital legal support professionals.” Students traveled from across South Dakota to participate in the USAO’s Summer Law Camp. Cities and towns represented at the Camp included Sturgis, Pine Ridge, Wounded Knee, White River, Kennebec, Chamberlain, Pierre, Ft. Pierre, Timber Lake, Ipswich, Wetonka, Aberdeen, Sisseton, Castlewood, Watertown, Clear Lake, Brandt, Madison, Dell Rapids, Montrose, Armour, Tyndall, Vermillion, Dakota Dunes, Beresford, Tea, Brandon, and Sioux Falls. In addition to meeting with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, students heard from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Federal Public Defender’s Office. On the final day of Camp, students conducted a mock trial before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier. This was the second Summer Law Camp organized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota. Information about future programming will be distributed to South Dakota school districts in Spring 2026. For more information, please reach out to USASD.SummerLawCamp@usdoj.gov .


title: KC Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine, and Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm. Travis N. Black, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen R. Bough to 96 months for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to an additional 24 months for violating his conditions of federal supervision for a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Court ordered the sentences to run consecutively for a total sentence of 120 months in federal prison without parole. The Court also sentenced Black to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. On Feb. 13, 2025, Black waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm. On Nov. 7, 2023, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department officers observed a Ford Expedition that had been previously reported as stolen on Oct. 13, 2023. Black was in the driver’s seat with a female passenger. While officers were trying to confirm that the vehicle was stolen, in an apparent effort to evade the officers, Black crashed the Ford Expedition into some trees near 5519 North Cypress Avenue, Kansas City, Clay County, Missouri. When officers arrived at the scene of the crash, Black and the female were no longer present. A citizen contacted law enforcement officials and reported that two unknown individuals were in his yard and he provided the address. Officers went to the reported location and observed a male, later identified as Black, and a female run to a vehicle that was later identified as an Uber ride. Officers arrested Black and the female. While conducting an inventory search of the wrecked Ford Expedition, officers discovered a storage box on the front driver’s seat that contained approximately 70 grams of methamphetamine and a Taurus, Model 85, .38 Special caliber, revolver that was loaded with two rounds of ammunition. The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Crime Laboratory later analyzed genetic material taken from a swab of the trigger of the firearm and compared it to a known DNA sample taken from Black. The comparative analysis tended to show that Black’s DNA was on the recovered firearm. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Operation Take Back America 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: Marrero Woman Guilty of Cares Act Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, LINDA TRIGGS (“TRIGGS”) , age 73, a resident of Marrero, pleaded guilty to making a false statement related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the CARES Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. One of the primary sources of funding for small businesses was the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to the charging documents, on or about April 18, 2021, TRIGGS , on behalf of a non-profit corporation that she owned, made false statements to an approved lender to obtain approximately $59,065 for PPP loans. TRIGGS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. United States District Judge Brandon S. Long will sentence TRIGGS on September 30, 2025. For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Fraudster Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Stealing Homeless Victims’ Identities and Using Them to Apply for Unemployment Benefits

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Marc Lazarre was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to a prison term of 30 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft as part of a scheme to steal the personal identifying information of homeless individuals and to use that stolen information to fraudulently apply for unemployment insurance benefits. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the sentence. “The defendant exploited his relationship with a corrupt city employee to access vulnerable homeless victims’ personal identifying information in an attempt to defraud a state agency,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Exploiting positions of power for personal financial gain—or conspiring with public employees who abuse their positions of public trust—will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.” “With the assistance of a corrupt city employee, Marc Lazarre misused restricted information to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits using stolen identities of homeless individuals. This conspiracy not only violated and exploited a vulnerable population’s privacy, but also deprived these victims of vital financial benefits. The FBI is committed to disrupting all corrupt schemes that target our city’s financial assistance programs and profit at the expense of defenseless victims,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber stated: “This defendant participated in a fraudulent scheme to unlawfully obtain the personal information of homeless New Yorkers and steal public benefits to which he was not entitled and today he faces the consequences of his conduct. I thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI for their continued partnership in protecting public funds and holding accountable those who drain critical resources intended for New York’s most vulnerable.” In the fall of 2020, Lazarre conspired with co-defendant Olabanji Otufale, a fraud investigator with the New York City Department of Homeless Services, to steal the personal identifying information of homeless individuals and to use that stolen information to fraudulently apply for unemployment insurance benefits in the names of those homeless individuals without their knowledge or consent. Otufale used his access to a Department of Homeless Services database to commit fraud. He stole the personal identifying information—names, social security numbers, and dates of birth—of vulnerable victims who had given that personal information to the Department of Homeless Services when they applied for social services. Otufale then texted this information to Lazarre, who applied online for unemployment benefits in the names of the homeless victims. Otufale was previously sentenced by Judge Matsumoto to 27 months’ imprisonment. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik, Laura Zuckerwise, and Katherine P. Onyshko are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : Marc Lazarre Age: 40 Secaucus, New Jersey Defendant Previously Sentenced: Olabanji Otufale Age: 42 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-170 (KAM)


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Gunpoint Carjacking

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Kelly Stanton, 55, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $12,500 by United States District Judge R. Barclay Surrick for carjacking a woman at gunpoint in January of 2023. Stanton was charged by indictment in March 2023 and pleaded guilty to the carjacking in October of last year. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, around 11 p.m. on January 26, 2023, a woman had parked her car on the 1600 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue in Philadelphia to pick up a pizza. After she exited the pizza shop and was getting back in her car, Stanton approached. He put a firearm to her head and said, “give me the f[***]ing keys or I’m going to shoot you.” After struggling with Stanton, the victim was eventually able to get her keys out of her pocket, give them to him, and run away from the car. The defendant drove off in the vehicle, heading west on Cecil B. Moore. The victim’s car has still not been recovered. “The victim in this case was just going about her night when Stanton ambushed and terrorized her, putting his gun to her head and threatening to shoot,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Anyone who would violently accost a stranger like this for their car, or any other possession, is a clear threat to our community. My office will continue to work with our partners on the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force to bring these dangerous offenders to justice.” “Kelly Stanton’s victim was picking up a pizza when he stuck a gun to her head and demanded her car keys — he’s now facing a dozen years in federal prison,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “Carjacking is a violent and dangerous crime. Together with our Carjacking Task Force partners we are using ATF’s unique forensic and investigative tools to stop criminals like this from terrorizing our neighborhoods. We hope this case deters those willing to use violence in our community.” The case was investigated by the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Meagan Gordon and Assistant United States Attorney Priya De Souza.


title: Ten Accused of RICO Conspiracy Involving Car Thefts, Shootings and Violent Crime

body_text: ST. LOUIS – The Eastern District of Missouri, in partnership with the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, has indicted ten people for their role in a racketeering conspiracy to steal dozens of cars from dealers throughout eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. The group dubbed themselves “the Strikers” and targeted high-end cars, such as Dodge SRT Scat models, Dodge Hellcats and Trackhawks, BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benzes, a superseding indictment says. Between roughly the summer of 2023 and the spring of 2024, the Strikers targeted dealerships as far afield as Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois. In all, the Strikers burglarized about 20 dealerships and stole approximately 50 cars worth about $3 million, detention motions say. The Strikers also stole license plates and key fobs and caused other losses, including extensive property damage. Using social media, the Strikers often sold the cars for $500 to $10,000, a fraction of their actual value. The Strikers also used the stolen cars to commit other crimes, the superseding indictment says. The indictment alleges that at least two Strikers shot at a hotel employee who pursued the group after a series of early morning car break-ins at a downtown St. Louis hotel in November of 2023. The indictment further alleges that two Strikers, Montez Moore and Duane Benson, robbed and carjacked a lottery game technician at gunpoint outside a Cool Valley, Missouri gas station in January of 2024. As alleged, the Strikers used one of the stolen cars to break into vehicles in St. Louis, Florissant, Webster Groves and Des Peres in early January of 2024. “Thanks to the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, we were able to expand an existing indictment to hold more members of the Strikers responsible for a litany of violent crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Drake. “As we said when we announced St. Louis’ inclusion in the VCI last year, we are targeting and dismantling the criminal organizations that are disproportionately driving violent crime in St. Louis.” “As alleged, the Strikers stole approximately 50 vehicles and caused nearly $3 million in loss while engaging in violent and dangerous mayhem across Missouri and Illinois,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This lawless behavior will not be tolerated. The Department of Justice is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure the public’s safety.” “This case demonstrates the power of the RICO statute to dismantle interstate criminal enterprises and reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who use violence and intimidation to profit from crime,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Jose A. Perez. "The repercussions of vehicle theft extend well beyond property loss. In the St. Louis area, stolen vehicles are routinely employed by criminals to commit violent offenses and avoid identification," explained Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Investigating these theft rings allows the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force to effectively prevent further violent crimes." Montez Moore, now 20, of Florissant, Duane Benson, 20, of St. Louis, and Aniya Sheperd, 20, of St. Louis County, were originally indicted in 2024. Seven others were added last week in a superseding indictment: Brandon Irons, 19, Allen Brown, 23, Markaveon Jackson, 19, Raynell Moore, 22, Lavatrice McCully-Collins, 24, Peontay Roddy, 21, and Noah Hornburg, 23. They now face crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, carjacking, robbery and various firearm charges. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI and police departments throughout the area investigated the case, including the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj and Trial Attorney Jared A. Hernandez of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in St. Louis, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in St. Louis.


title: Nine Members of 36th and Penn “Big Sip” Drug Trafficking Organization Indicted on Fentanyl Conspiracy and Firearms Charges

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Nine defendants have been indicted on federal fentanyl and firearms charges for their involvement in the “Big Sip Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO)” — a violent drug trafficking organization that that sold out of at least five apartment buildings near the intersection of 36 th Avenue North and North Penn Avenue in Minneapolis, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Today marks the federal takedown of yet another dangerous criminal organization. And we will not stop,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “The Big Sip drug trafficking organization wreaked havoc at 36 th and Penn, bringing guns, violence, and deadly fentanyl to neighborhood apartment buildings. The law abiding people of Minneapolis deserve better. I am proud of the federal, state, and local team that came together to protect the neighborhood from this fentanyl trafficking organization.” According to court documents, Larry McGee, 42, Danielle Robberstad, 35, Maurice Montgomery, 31, Dameon Collins, 24, Marcus Lucious, 53, Romell Vann, 22, Bobby Nolan, 43, and Jeremy Lucious, 35, all are members of a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) known as the “Big Sip DTO,” a high-volume fentanyl sales operation that sold out of at least five apartment buildings near the intersection of 36 th Avenue North and North Penn Avenue in Minneapolis. The Big Sip DTO’s operation contributed to crime in the area, including shootings, homicides, and drug use, from August 2023 through June 2025. The defendants were indicted for a Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Three defendants, Montgomery, Collins, and Vann , were also indicted for Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). Seven defendants made their initial appearnces today and are all detained pending further proceedings. An eighth defendant will make his initial appearance tomorrow. A ninth defendant remains under seal. The defendants all face up to life in prison. According to court documents, the Big Sip DTO originated in the summer of 2023, led and operated by defendants McGee and Robberstad, who are husband and wife. The Big Sip DTO was an efficient sales operation with defined roles. At the top, McGee led the organization. He obtained and stored the fentanyl product, collected proceeds, and managed other members of the organization. Robberstad was a co-leader of the organization. Robberstad maintained the apartments used for fentanyl storage and sales, interacted with customers, provided vehicles for use by the organization members, and managed other members’ sales. Defendants Montgomery, Collins, M. Lucious, Vann, Nolan, and J. Lucious were also members of the Big Sip DTO. These defendants all sold fentanyl on behalf of the organization to users at the apartments controlled by the Big Sip DTO. Montgomery was responsible for collecting and transporting the profits of the fentanyl sales to McGee. Montgomery, as well as Collins and Vann, all possessed firearms to protect their product and sale activities. “Time and again, violent drug trafficking rings try to take root in our communities, bringing with them illegal guns, violence, and fear,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle, of the St. Paul Field Division. “As soon as these organizations surface, ATF, along with our law enforcement partners, will be there to dismantle their operations and hold them accountable. We will not allow armed criminal groups to threaten the safety and future of the Twin Cities.” “This operation disrupted a violent drug trafficking network that was funneling narcotics, including deadly fentanyl, to the streets,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “These drugs and the criminals who traffic them, bring death, sorrow, and fear to our communities. As this coordinated operation demonstrates, those who poison and terrorize the public will face justice. The FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to pursue and apprehend these dangerous offenders and protect our communities." “For too long, 36th and Penn has been a hotspot for violent crime,” said Chief O’Hara. “In 2024, there were four times as many shooting victims within a one block radius of 36th and Penn than the previous three-year average. Overall violent crime more than doubled within a one-block radius of 36th and Penn. We’ve seen the spike in violent crime and heard the concerns loud and clear from the community. Inspector Charlie Adams and the officers of the Fourth Precinct have been working closely with residents to address those concerns, while our investigators have pursued long-term strategies to bring relief. I’m incredibly grateful to the dedicated MPD personnel and to our local and federal partners who supported this investigation. I’m hopeful these arrests and charges will deliver an immediate impact and help restore a sense of safety for everyone who lives and works near 36th and Penn.” “These defendants are suspected of some of the worst crimes wreaking havoc on our community. I want to thank all law enforcement agencies for their work on this case including the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Intelligence Division and Violent Offender Task Force. These units provided intelligence throughout the case, carried out search warrants, targeted traffic stops, K9 operations, and much more to bring down these defendants and damage the criminal organization. We must stop those harming our neighbors, friends, and family and part of that work includes stopping the source,” said Dawanna Witt, Sheriff of Hennepin County. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jury Convicts Little Rock Man for Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A federal jury convicted a Little Rock man who illegally possessed with intent to distribute approximately a quarter pound of fentanyl and five guns. Following a two-day trial and after just over an hour of deliberation, the jury convicted Montrell Austin, 41, of multiple federal drug and firearm crimes. On November 6, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Austin that charged him with the three counts he took to trial. The jury returned the verdict Tuesday evening to Chief United States District Court Judge Kristine G. Baker, who will sentence Austin at a later date. Austin was taken into federal custody at the conclusion of the trial. The statutory penalty for possession with intent to deliver over 40 grams but less than 400 grams of fentanyl is not less than 5 years but not more than 40 years’ imprisonment. Since Austin was also convicted of committing the fentanyl offense after a previous conviction for a serious drug offense, he is subject to an enhanced penalty of not less than 10 years, but not more than life imprisonment. Austin faces not more than 10 years’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and not less than five years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which must be served consecutive to any other sentence. The evidence presented at trial showed that in October of 2021, Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) narcotics detectives began investigating information about narcotics sales from a shop on Geyer Springs Road in Southwest Little Rock. Detectives identified Austin as one of the individuals who frequented, and possibly ran, the location. The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on November 9, 2021, during which detectives located six guns—three of which were AR-style pistols, nearly a quarter pound of fentanyl, a brick press, scales, mixing equipment, and over $10,000 in U.S. currency. Austin, who was at the building during the search, was arrested at the scene and later questioned. In a written statement, Austin claimed that everything in the shop was his, including the guns and drugs. Previously, a co-defendant, Tarik Slater, 26, who is also a felon, claimed ownership of one of the guns and pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before Chief Judge Baker. On January 11, 2025, Chief Judge Baker sentenced Slater to 30 months in federal prison. The drug offense carries additional penalties of up to a $5,000,000 fine and at least four years of supervised release. The firearm offenses include penalties of up to a $250,000 fine and up to five years of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by LRPD, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Eldridge and Julie Peters prosecuted the case. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Physician Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Operating a Pill Mill from His Northwest D.C. Medical Practice

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON -- Ndubuisi Joseph Okafor, M.D., 65, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 18 years in prison for illegally distributing prescriptions for narcotics in exchange for cash from his Northwest Washington D.C. medical clinic. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. A jury found Okafor guilty on Mar. 21, 2025, of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (outside the course of professional practice), maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 22 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances (oxycodone and promethazine with codeine). In addition to the 18-year prison term, U.S. District Judge John D. Bates ordered Okafor to serve three years of supervised release to pay a special assessment, and to forfeit $213,173.97. According to court documents and evidence at trial, between May 2021 and April of 2023, Okafor was the sole practitioner and owner of Okafor Medical Associates, an internal medicine clinic in Northwest, Washington, D.C. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the HHS-OIG, and FBI began investigating Okafor for illegal distribution of controlled substances after it received information from law enforcement agencies nationwide regarding prescriptions from Okafor being connected to local drug trafficking networks. Between Feb. 18, 2022, and Nov. 30, 2022, the FBI sent confidential sources and undercover agents into Okafor’s medical practice for walk-in appointments. Each individual was prescribed opioids by Okafor after minimal examination. Further investigation revealed that Okafor was operating a nationwide drug distribution scheme, whereby he would prescribe opioids to numerous individuals using false identities, whom Okafor knew to be diverting the medication. Okafor’s conduct spanned at least 45 states and resulted in hundreds of thousands of units of oxycodone and promethazine with codeine liquid prescribed nationwide. Okafor was convicted of distribution of opioids to undercover sources, numerous uncharged co-conspirators, and to a civilian patient J.V. Okafor was also convicted of conspiracy and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Evidence at trial further established that, after Okafor was notified by the D.C. Board of Health that J.V.’s family member filed a complaint against him, he created backdated medical records for J.V. to justify his prescribing. The investigation also resulted in the suspension of Okafor’s DEA registration number in September 2023 as he was deemed to be a threat to public health and safety. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Justice Department gratefully acknowledge the Apex, North Carolina Police Department, the Warsaw, New York, Police Department, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and the Noble County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office for their efforts, support, and cooperation during the investigation and trial. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Mayer-Dempsey, Trial Attorney Kathryn Furtado and paralegals Rebecca Walton, Dillon Clark, and Matthew McClarnon of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section. The team also extends its deep appreciation to Michael Goodrich, Lead Travel Analyst of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section. 23cr116


title: Woman Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material Using Infant

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography. According to court documents, Ashley Nicole Smith, 41, sexually assaulted a minor child on multiple occasions, from the time he was just days old in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until he was 18 months old, beginning in November 2019 and continuing through March 2021. Smith produced videos of the sexual assaults on the child victim and distributed the files via text messages to her boyfriend. Smith was arrested on March 4, 2021, and charged in a 10-count indictment on March 17, 2021. She pleaded guilty on Aug. 28, 2024. In addition to the 30-year imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered Smith to serve 30 years of supervised release and ordered that Smith never have contact with the victim. Smith was also ordered to pay $50,000 to the AVAA fund for victims of child exploitation trafficking offenses and to forfeit the devices used to produce the child exploitation material. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI and San Antonio Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: Iowa City Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm and Ammunition Charges

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

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on June 26, 2025, to 120 in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, O’Sean Dentale Horton, 29, possessed two loaded pistols, a distribution quantity of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in December 2020, within two backpacks found at Horton’s sister’s residence. In May 2023, Horton was witnessed on surveillance video shooting at another person multiple times in an apartment complex parking lot in Coralville and left behind .40 caliber shell casings. Horton was on probation in the Iowa District Court for Johnson County for failure to affix a drug tax stamp at the time he committed these offenses. After completing his term of imprisonment, Horton will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department, University of Iowa Police Department, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Johnson County Special Emergency Response Team, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Machine Guns

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Omar Joel Rivera Olivo (26, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing and transferring machine guns. Rivera Olivofaces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, Rivera Olivo engaged in eight sales of drugs and guns, including automatic weapons, to an undercover law enforcement officer – initially selling cocaine and marijuana before selling firearms. On March 13 and March 28, 2025, Rivera Olivo sold four firearms, some of which had been modified to be fully automatic weapons, along with multiple devices to convert firearms into fully automatic weapons. Rivera Olivo subsequently posted images of himself online with guns, drugs, and the proceeds of his illegal activities. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. 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: Parker Man Sentenced to  51 Months in Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Arizona


title: Convenience Store Robber Sentenced to 57 Months’ Imprisonment

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Andrew Armani Deionte Rowe, 29, of Salt Lake City, was sentenced today to 57 months’ imprisonment, and a term of three years’ supervised release after he robbed multiple 7-Eleven stores across the Salt Lake Valley in 2023. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parish, comes after Rowe pleaded guilty in September 2024 to four counts of interference with commerce by robbery. According to court documents and statements made at Rowe’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Rowe admitted that from September 12, 2023, through September 27, 2023, he robbed multiple 7-Eleven stores and threatened the clerk at each location. First, on Sept. 12, 2023, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Salt Lake City and locked the doors behind him. Rowe handed the clerk a note that stated, “Do as I say, or you will lose your life.” The clerk complied and gave Rowe the money from the register. On the same day, in a separate robbery, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Millcreek, Utah, with a gun and ordered the clerk to give him all the cash in the register. On Sept. 14, 2023, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Salt Lake City. Rowe pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded all the cash from the register. On Sept. 27, 2023, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Millcreek, threatened the clerk and demanded money from the register. See former press release here. On October 11, 2023, Rowe was arrested. During the investigation, law enforcement seized clothing that matched the clothing worn by Rowe during the robberies. Law enforcement also seized a black firearm with an extended firearm that matched the description of the firearm used in the robberies. It was later determined the firearm was a BB gun designed to look like a Glock. “No individual should feel unsafe while at work,” said Acting U.S Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah. “Mr. Rowe threatened and intimidated others for his personal gain and then repeated his criminal behavior three more times. Community safety is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners and we will continue to prosecute and seek justice against those who harm our communities.” “It’s fortunate Mr. Rowe didn’t physically hurt or kill anyone during his crime spree, although the emotional toll on the victims will be long-lasting,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed with the Salt Lake City FBI. “Opportunistic crimes don’t pay. The FBI and our partners are committed to keeping our communities safe from violent offenders.” The case was investigated jointly by the Salt Lake City Police Department, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. 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 gun violence and other violent crime, 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: KC Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Fentanyl Conspiracy

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Jose Amparan, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 10 years in federal prison without parole. On Nov. 20, 2024, Amparan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Amparan was a source of supply of fentanyl pills for co-defendant Tiger Draggoo. Based upon text messages from seized cell phones and Cash App records, it was determined that Tiger Draggoo purchased at least 22,364 pills from co-defendants, including Amparan. Tiger Draggoo paid $34,363 through Cash App and an unknown amount via cash. Of this amount, Amparan sold at least 3,000 pills to Tiger Draggoo over 15 separate transactions, between approximately Dec. 10, 2022, through approximately Jan. 14, 2023. Amparan was paid approximately $4,835 through Cash App and an additional amount via cash for these transactions. Amparan and Tiger Draggoo conspired to conceal and disguise the nature of the transfer of funds through Cash App by referring to the payments being for items such as “groceries,” “reimbursement,” and “car work.” On Jan. 10, 2023, a confidential informant purchased 500 counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl for $1,750 from Amparan and another. Amparan and his co-defendants have all pleaded guilty in this case, with only, Tiger Draggoo, left to be sentenced at a later date. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Raymore, Mo., Police Department, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.


title: Twelve Defendants Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Offenses Related to Springfield, Vermont Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that twelves defendants have been sentenced in connection with drug and firearm charges related to a conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl between March and November 2022 in Springfield, Vermont. The last sentencing occurred June 16, 2025. All twelve defendants previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl, and unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents, the drug conspiracy involved distribution of controlled substances on Valley Street in Springfield, Vermont and elsewhere. The conspirators armed themselves with firearms in furtherance of the conspiracy. At certain times, firearms were discharged in Springfield in connection with the drug trafficking activity. Several of the conspirators were arrested on November 30, 2022 following the execution of federal search warrants on several addresses on Valley Street. Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss imposed the following sentences, each followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release: Anibal Castro, Sr. – 108 months Jonathan Castro – 98 months Alex Barnes – 47 months James Hines – 38 months Jessica Auclair – 8 months Jennifer Armstrong – Time Served United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford imposed the following sentences, each followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release: Anibal Castro, Jr. – 72 months Martine Protas – Time Served United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. imposed the following sentence, followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release: Kerri Yaqoob – 75 months United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier imposed the following sentence, followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release: Todd Amell – Time Served United States District Judge William K. Sessions, III imposed the following sentences: Michael Cotter – Time Served to be followed by 2 years of supervised release Derek Arie – Time Served to be followed by 1 year of supervised release Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory and collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Massachusetts State Police, the Springfield Police Department, and the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office. The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Gilman and Joe Perella offered valuable assistance. Anibal Castro, Sr. is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq.; Jonathan Castro is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.; Anibal Castro, Jr. is represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.; Derek Arie is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.; Martine Protas is represented by Michael Shklar, Esq.; Michael Cotter is represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq.; Jessica Auclair is represented by Peter Langrock, Esq.; Kerri Yaqoob is represented by Richard Bothfeld, Esq.; Alex Barnes is represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq.; James Hines is represented by Stephanie Greenlees, Esq.; Todd Amell is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.; Jennifer Armstrong is represented by Jason Sawyer, Esq.


title: St. Louis County Woman Admits Aiding $1 Million Romance Fraud

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman on Thursday admitted aiding an online Nigerian fraud conspiracy that cost victims an estimated $1 million. Shirley Waller, 43, of St. Louis County, Missouri, also admitted committing two other frauds. Waller pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and use of an assumed name to commit mail fraud. Waller admitted aiding scammers who tricked their victims out of what the government estimates is $1,068,834. Investigators were initially alerted by a 71-year-old St. Louis County woman who mailed $35,000 to Waller’s home as part of a romance scam. The shipment of cash was tracked on its journey 164 times in less than 24 hours by several IP addresses in Nigeria. Investigators then determined that more than 70 Express Mail packages had been delivered to Waller’s home during a 60-day period ending Nov. 1, 2023. In a court-approved search of Waller’s home on Jan. 12, 2024, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service found two guns and a series of Express Mail packages sent to variations of Waller’s name. The packages of cash had been sent by older adults targeted in online fraud schemes. Waller would then forward a portion of the money to Nigeria via cryptocurrency transactions and other electronic means. Postal authorities seized parcels containing $41,650 that were being delivered to Waller’s home and packages containing $17,500 in her safe. Waller admitted fraudulently applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $19,235 on April 10, 2021, by falsely claiming she ran a business in Michigan. She received the loan but used the money to travel to Ghana, Germany and Jamaica. Waller also submitted another fraudulent loan application for a St. Louis resale shop, concealing the existence of the first loan and falsifying her business income. She did not receive that loan. Waller also admitted fraudulently obtaining a $196,000 mortgage loan by lying about her marital status, income and job and by submitting counterfeit tax documents and bank statements. Waller is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29. Each count carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine. In March, she was sentenced to 15 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Town and Country Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.