title: Idabel Resident Pleads Guilty To Stealing Firearms From A Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that J’Quarius J’Vontay Austin, age 18, of Idabel, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Stealing Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer. The Indictment alleged that on December 23, 2024, Austin knowingly stole four semi-automatic pistols from a licensed firearms dealer. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Broken Bow Police Department, and the Idabel Police Department. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Austin will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Tama Man Charged with Federal Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Jacob Samuel Yang, age 36, from Tama, Iowa, has been charged with four counts related to child pornography. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on March 18, 2025, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. The Indictment alleges that Yang distributed child pornography in March 2024 and that he received child pornography between September 2019 and February 2025. The Indictment also alleges that Yang possessed child pornography on a hard drive between September 2019 and February 2025, and that he possessed child pornography on a cellular telephone between March 2024 and April 2024. If convicted on all charges, Yang faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 80 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment. Yang appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Yang’s next appearance for trial is set for May 27, 2025. As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Tama Police Department, and the Marshalltown Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-24. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Fayetteville Man Admits to Fraud Involving Checks Stolen from Macon Blue Box

component: USAO - Georgia, Middle

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A Metro Atlanta resident who orchestrated a bank fraud scheme involving checks stolen from a Macon mail collection box that he would sell online pleaded guilty to bank fraud in federal court today. Keyon Ponder, 28, of Fayetteville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on March 24. Ponder faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. The Court will determine a sentencing date. There is no parole in the federal system. “Keyon Ponder’s stolen check scheme defrauded citizens and businesses alike, a crime that will ultimately cost him years in prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “I commend the actions of U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigators who quickly responded to reports of theft from a Blue Box, ultimately preventing additional fraud and helping us hold the perpetrator accountable.” “The investigative work conducted by Postal Inspectors with the assistance of the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office led to the arrest of the defendant who would have continued to victimize countless other people,” said Jessica L. Wagner, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains vigilant to protect the nation's mail system from criminal misuse and will continue to aggressively investigate those individuals suspected of such crimes." According to court documents and statements referenced in Court, on May 29, 2024, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) started investigating mail theft and bank fraud issues occurring in the Macon area after receiving multiple reports of mail stolen from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Blue Box on Georgia Avenue near the Macon Post Office on College Street. USPIS investigators found a homemade “trap” in the Blue Box. The "trap" was made of cardboard to prevent the mail from falling completely into the Blue Box, instead keeping it held in the "trap." The “trap” allowed a person to steal the mail by placing their hand in the opening of the collection box to the mail or removing the trap and the mail. On May 31, 2024, a USPS employee reported that a suspicious vehicle was observed at that Blue Box numerous times. The USPS employee took pictures of the black Tesla with a tinted tag cover and license plate and provided them to the USPIS investigator. The USPS employee reported that the vehicle’s driver was not seen placing mail in the Blue Box but instead observed the vehicle stay longer at the collection box. Electronic surveillance also captured video of the black Tesla, as described above, pulling up to the USPS Blue Box on May 31, 2024. On that same day, at approximately 2:22 p.m., USPIS inspectors observed the black Tesla, with Ponder driving, pull up to the USPS blue box, roll down the vehicle’s window, and stick his empty hand deep in the opening of the blue box. Ponder then appeared to shove an item in the blue box but then pulled the item back towards the opening of the blue box. Ponder’s fingerprints were recovered from the “trap” in the blue box. Ponder left the location and traveled on I-75 toward Monroe County. A Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled him over for a traffic violation, plus the additional violations observed by the USPIS inspectors. Ponder had a bag of mail in plain view on the front passenger floorboard. Ponder also had outstanding arrest warrants and was placed in custody. The mail was not addressed to Ponder and contained checks. Investigators found cardboard boxes and tape inside his vehicle, which matched the homemade “trap” inside the blue box. The agents also seized two cell phones belonging to Ponder. At the time of arrest, Ponder had 52 pieces of stolen stamped mail, including 42 stolen checks totaling more than $20,000. While incarcerated at the Monroe County Jail, Ponder was observed on jail security video taking something out of his pants and stuffing it behind a screen in the booking area. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recovered the envelope containing 17 more checks and one USPS Postal Money Order, none of which listed Ponder as the payee or payor and totaled more than $75,000. In all, Ponder had 59 stolen checks written for approximately $96,000. A federal search warrant executed on Ponder’s two cell phones found evidence of a sophisticated fraud scheme in which Ponder and other individuals stole mail--specifically targeting checks--to operate a fraud ring utilizing originals and copies of checks that Ponder advertised and sold on the Telegram social media and messaging application. The phone data showed 136 individuals participated on Ponder’s stolen checks Telegram channel. Ponder’s cell phone contained more than 500 stolen check images and numerous photos of stolen checks listed for sale on his Telegram channel, along with many detailed conversations regarding various aspects of the transactions of the stolen checks. Ponder admitted that he knew the checks were stolen and that he sold them or offered them for sale to others. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) with assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Roofing Business Owner and Payroll Administrator Sentenced for Employment Tax Conspiracy

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, FL - Two Florida residents were sentenced today to three years and a year and a day in prison, respectively, for conspiring to defraud the United States by not paying employment taxes to the IRS. According to court documents and statements made in court, William Skaggs Jr. owned and operated Nastar Roofing, a roofing company that worked throughout the Ft. Myers area. Billie Adkison was the business’ main office administrator, whose duties included managing payroll. Between 2013 and 2023, Nastar employees — including Skaggs, Adkison, and others acting at their direction — withdrew over $21 million from the company’s bank accounts to pay employees predominantly in cash without withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from those wages. They did this to escape paying employment taxes they knew were legally required. At times, Nastar used a payroll provider to issue employees nominal paychecks, but Nastar did not inform the payroll company about the cash wages. As such, when the payroll company filed employment tax returns with the IRS, the forms were false because they did not report the cash wages. Similarly, when Nastar did not use a payroll provider and filed its own employment tax returns, it did not report the substantial cash wages paid to employees. Both Skaggs and Adkison signed some of these tax returns, knowing that they were false. In total, Skaggs and Adkison caused a tax loss to the IRS of nearly $2.5 million. In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell for the Middle District of Florida ordered Skaggs and Adkison to serve three years of supervised release. The court will determine restitution at a later date. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Sweeney for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Leeman and current Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Winter for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.


title: Statement from U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert on the passing of former U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert provided the following statement regarding the passing of former U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber: “We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber. She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard. Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career. She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back. We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted.”


title: Statement of Attorney General Pamela Bondi on the Death of Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Pamela Bondi made the following statement regarding the death of former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber: “The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.”


title: Wimauma Man Sentenced To More Than 8 Years For Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington has sentenced James Falzone (56, Wimauma) to eight years and one month in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The court also ordered Falzone to pay $30,000 in restitution to victims of the offenses and to register as a sex offender. Falzone pled guilty plea on December 4, 2024. According to court documents, on October 31, 2022, Falzone attempted to enter the United States via the seaport in Port Canaveral, Florida, after arriving from an international cruise. Law enforcement conducted a border search of his cellphone and found over 1,500 images of CSAM. Also, within Falzone’s cellphone was a chat with another individual from whom he received CSAM. “Another child predator behind bars,” said ICE HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “Thanks to the unique border search authorities of our special agents, this criminal was caught red-handed.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Abigail K. King. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Local Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Sharhonda Law , 39, of Haughton, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 20 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for tax fraud. Law was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $123,455. Sharhonda Law was a federal income tax return preparer who owned and operated Law’s Tax Service in Shreveport and was the sole tax return preparer for the company. According to information presented in court, Law prepared and filed a client’s 2019 tax return with the IRS. The return she prepared included a false and fraudulent Schedule F, “Profit or Loss from Farming,” which falsely claimed that the client had farming income and incurred farming expenses, resulting in a net farming loss. As a result of Law’s actions, the tax refund falsely showed the client was due a refund when, in fact, the client actually owed taxes for that tax year. An investigation into the falsely filed tax return showed that Law’s client did not have a farm, nor did they tell Law they owned or operated a farm. In fact, the client never provided Law with any of the farming-related income or expenses that she input on the Schedule F. Law pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024, to one count of aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a false return. Law made similar misrepresentations on six other tax returns prepared for clients. In addition, she falsified her own income on two of her personal tax returns, and she failed to file tax returns for other years. The total criminal tax loss in this case was determined to be $123,455. The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robin S. McCoy. # # #


title: Essex County Man Admits To Committing Firearms Trafficking And Narcotics Offenses

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man admitted to several firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced. Carlo M. De Leon De Jesus, 28, of Newark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to an Information charging him with one count of dealing firearms without a license, one count of transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident, one count of firearms trafficking, and one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics. De Leon De Jesus’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2025. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On multiple dates between July 2023 and September 2023, De Leon De Jesus sold firearms and narcotics to law enforcement, including one pistol, one semiautomatic handgun, one short barrel rifle, one AK variant style rifle, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. The count of dealing firearms without a license and transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The count of gun trafficking carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000. U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, and Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Taj Moore of the Narcotics/OCDETF in Newark. deleondejesus.information.pdf


title: Two Eastern European Organized Crime Leaders Convicted of Murder for Hire Targeting U.S.-Based Journalist on Behalf of Iranian Government

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A federal jury returned guilty verdicts yesterday on all five counts in the superseding indictment against Rafat Amirov, also known as Farkhaddin Mirzoev, Pᴎᴍ, and Rome, 46, of Iran; and Polad Omarov, also known as Araz Aliyev, Polad Qaqa, and Haci Qaqa, 40, of Georgia. The defendants were convicted of murder-for-hire and attempted murder in aid of racketeering charges, in a trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. Amirov and Omarov are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17. “The Iranian regime’s brazen plot to silence and murder Americans will not be tolerated,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This verdict underscores the Department’s commitment to finding and holding accountable those who threaten our citizens and our freedoms. With the great work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we are now one step closer to justice.” “For years, the Government of Iran has attempted to silence an outspoken Iranian journalist, author, activist and critic of their regime through any means necessary, including harassment, violence, intimidation, and even attempted murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York. “Chillingly, the plot to murder this Iranian dissident culminated over 6,000 miles from Iran, on U.S. soil, right here in New York, when a hitman with an AK-47 camped outside her home to kill her. I commend the career prosecutors of this office, and our law enforcement partners at the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division for their tireless work in bringing these defendants to justice. This verdict should send a clear message around the world: if you target U.S. citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice.” “The defendants participated in a brazen plot to kill an Iranian American dissident in New York who criticized the regime in Iran,” said Acting Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “Thanks to the good work of the FBI and our partners their plan failed. This verdict demonstrates the FBI will not tolerate Iran’s attempts to threaten, silence, or harm American citizens.” According to court documents, Amirov and Omarov were high-ranking members of an Eastern European organized crime group (the Organization) who worked with other members of the Organization to attempt to kill Masih Alinejad on instructions from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Alinejad has previously been the target of plots by the Government of Iran to intimidate, harass, and kidnap her for her work as a journalist, author, and human rights activist who has publicized the Government of Iran’s human rights abuses around the world. As recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap Alinejad from within the U.S. for rendition to Iran in an effort to silence her criticism of the Iranian regime. After these brazen efforts to kidnap Alinejad from the U.S. failed, the IRGC turned to Amirov and Omarov to locate, surveil, and murder her. Beginning in approximately July 2022, Amirov sent targeting information—which he had received directly from IRGC officials in Iran—about Alinejad to Omarov. In turn, Omarov communicated this information to Khalid Mehdiyev, another member of the Organization who had been residing in Yonkers, New York, so that Mehdiyev could surveil Alinejad and murder her. In turn, Mehdiyev sent photographs and videos of Alinejad’s residence to Omarov, who shared these materials with Amirov and the IRGC officials who orchestrated the plot in Iran. Amirov and Omarov then arranged for a $30,000 cash payment to Mehdiyev, who used a portion of this payment to buy an AK-47 style assault rifle, two magazines, and at least 66 rounds of ammunition; as Mehdiyev boasted in electronic communications, a “war machine” he could use to kill Alinejad. In late July 2022, Mehdiyev repeatedly traveled to Alinejad’s neighborhood to surveil her. Mehdiyev sent reports of his surveillance to Omarov, who passed them to Amirov. On July 24, 2022, Mehdiyev reported to Omarov from Alinejad’s residence that he was “at the crime scene.” On July 27, 2022, Omarov told Amirov that Mehdiyev was ready to kill Alinejad, writing “this matter will be over today. I told them to make a birthday present for me. I pressured them, they will sleep there this night.” On July 28, 2022, Mehdiyev sent Omarov a video taken from inside the car that Mehdiyev was driving with the assault rifle and a message reading “we are ready.” Amirov sent an image of the interior of Alinejad’s home to Omarov to be forwarded to Mehdiyev, writing “this is the house where she stays.” As Omarov continued to update Amirov about Mehdiyev’s readiness, Amirov cautioned Omarov “let him keep the car clean.” When Mehdiyev subsequently drove from where he was surveilling the residence, he was stopped after a traffic violation and, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, police officers found the assault rifle, 66 rounds of ammunition, approximately $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask. After Mehdiyev was arrested and placed into custody, Omarov contacted Mehdiyev’s mother and threatened to kill her and her other son if she did not locate Mehdiyev. Amirov and Omarov were convicted on five counts: murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count One); conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count Two); conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison (Count Three); attempted murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count Four); and possession and use of a firearm in connection with the attempted murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison (Count Five). The FBI New York Field Office Counterintelligence-Cyber Division and the New York FBI Iran Threat Task Force are investigating the case, with assistance from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the NYPD Intelligence Bureau. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department thanked the authorities in the Czech Republic for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Jacob H. Gutwillig, and Matthew J.C. Hellman for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal specialist Owen Foley and Trial Attorneys Christopher Rigali and Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.


title: Previously Deported Illegal Alien Charged With Cocaine Trafficking, Unlawful Gun Possession, And Illegal Reentry Appears In Federal Court

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Raul Bello Rojas, 43, a previously convicted illegal alien from Mexico, appeared in court today to face federal charges for kilogram-level cocaine trafficking, unlawful gun possession, and illegal reentry, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement. 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. According to allegations in charging documents, court filings, and court proceedings, Rojas knowingly and intentionally possessed and intended to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. It is also alleged that Rojas illegally possessed a 9mm handgun and a .380 caliber handgun, in furtherance of his drug trafficking. It is further alleged that Rojas is an illegal alien previously removed from the United States on multiple occasions. In addition to the criminal charges, the indictment notifies Rojas that the United States intends to forfeit more than $64,000 in United States currency seized during the execution of a search warrant. Rojas is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which, based on the bulk quantities Rojas possessed, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, up to a sentence of life in prison; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence and a statutory penalty of life in prison; possession of a firearm by an illegal alien which carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years; and illegal reentry, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Upon conviction, a federal district court judge will determine the defendant’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rojas had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler. He has been in federal custody since he was arrested on February 28, 2025. The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. HSI and CMPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Bozin with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Gadyaces “Gady” Serralta Nominated to Key Post at United States Marshals Service

body_text: The Department of Justice congratulates Gadyaces “Gady” Serralta on his nomination to be the next Director of the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Gady Serralta (USMS Director Nominee) Beginning his career as a Miami Patrol Officer in 1990, Mr. Serralta has dedicated over 34 years of his life to serving in law enforcement. Mr. Serralta has spent the last six years as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida after being confirmed in 2018. As the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida, Mr. Serralta faithfully served millions of residents by managing operations across several counties and in multiple courthouses. Prior to becoming a U.S. Marshal, Mr. Serralta was a Major in the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Police Chief for Palmetto Bay, Florida. Mr. Serralta has extensive experience in handling criminal investigations and tackling organized crime. Mr. Serralta received a B.S. in Criminal Justice Studies from Florida International University and a M.S. in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.


title: District of South Carolina to Prosecute 1 of 14 Major Drug Smuggling Operations

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security announced yesterday the seizure of 45,600 pounds of illicit narcotics from smugglers in the Eastern Pacific Ocean worth more than $517 million. One of 14 mentioned interdictions will be prosecuted in the District of South Carolina. On March 10, the USCGC Stone , utilizing their Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) aircrew, detected a suspect vessel in international waters approximately 234 miles southeast of the Galapagos Islands. The HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to stop the vessel, and Stone’s boarding team interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehended two suspected smugglers and seized approximately 4,000 pounds of cocaine. The two smugglers aboard the vessel, Carlos Armando Cedeno, 29, and Jorge Augusto Mero Figueroa, 60, both of Ecuador, were arrested. Their case has been transferred to the District of South Carolina for prosecution due to an ongoing international drug trafficking investigation by federal law enforcement in Charleston. "We’re proud to partner with the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard to combat transnational criminal organizations bringing dangerous narcotics into the U.S,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “The coordinated effort, culminating in arrests and the transfer of this case to the District of South Carolina, demonstrates the effectiveness of our interagency collaboration in disrupting the flow of illicit narcotics. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our borders and keep our communities safe." Cedeno and Figueroa are charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine while on board a vessel subject to United States’ jurisdiction; and jettisoning (dumping into ocean) property that is subject to forfeiture under federal drug laws. Both defendants face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard with operational leads generated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service’s (CGIS) Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Division and Southeast Field Office in Miami, Florida who all cooperatively spearheaded efforts against foreign cartel threats along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case for the District of South Carolina. All charges in the complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Turtle Creek Resident Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking and Unlawful Possession of Firearm

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Timothy Mollett, 34, pleaded guilty to Counts One, Six, Thirteen, and Fourteen of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on March 19, 2025. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mollett conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, 28 grams or more of a mixture of crack, and quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Mollett was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Further, in and around July 2021, Mollett unlawfully possessed a firearm as a convicted felon, and did so in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mollett. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Johnstown Woman Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Heroin and Crack

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Sandra Box, 59, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on March 19, 2025. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Box conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and crack. Box was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Box. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Charleston Man Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Illegal “Ghost Guns” and 3D Printed Gun Parts

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

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jimmy Franklin King, Jr., 35 of Charleston, has been sentenced to 115 months in federal prison for possessing seven firearms as a convicted felon, several of which were unregistered and untraceable “ghost guns.” Evidence obtained during the investigation established that King imported firearms parts and components to his North Charleston residence from China, including an illegal silencer. A search warrant was executed on his home and agents discovered illegal firearms, ammunition, and 3D printed firearm components, including a machine gun conversion device, which is commonly used to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Also located in King’s residence were two 3D printers and a computer that contained software programs for 3D printing machine gun conversion devices. As a result of these discoveries, King was arrested in September 2023. During his arrest, agents found two more unregistered firearms on his person. United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced King to a sentence of 115 months in prison—the maximum sentence called for by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. King’s term of incarceration will be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole Shannon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 130 Months For Drug Trafficking And Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Eshawn Harrell, age 31, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 130 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on June 29, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant on Harrell’s residence and seized approximately 195 grams of fentanyl, 24 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia including sandwich bags, digital scales, glassine bags, vacuum sealer, $1,000 in U.S. currency, seven iPhones, 50 rounds of ammunition, and two loaded handguns. Harrell had previously been convicted of drug trafficking and was not legally permitted to possess firearms or ammunition. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Armed Franklin County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 19 Years

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Youngsville man was sentenced Thursday to 19 years in prison for armed drug trafficking of cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana. On June 10, 2024, Samuel McCoy Oakley, Jr., age 47, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of marijuana, distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents and other information presented in court, in September 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, initiated an investigation into a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC). Investigation through digital and physical surveillance, cooperating sources, and wire intercepts determined that Oakley and his co-conspirators were responsible for distributing various narcotics sourced from New York and New Jersey. On multiple occasions during the investigation, law enforcement observed unidentified males, with bags, arrive at Oakley’s residence, stay for a brief period, and leave. Vehicles stopped after leaving Oakley’s residence were found with marijuana and cash. Wiretap interceptions included calls where Oakley was discussing the sale of cocaine and fentanyl with his co-conspirators. In one instance, in May of 2023, he discussed purchasing “knowledge,” which referred to fentanyl branded with that name. The next day, a man used by Oakley as a courier drove from Charlotte to Oakley’s house and stayed only a couple of hours before returning to Charlotte. The following day, the courier took a flight to New York. Geo-location data show that the courier was in New York and New Jersey for a couple of days before driving back to North Carolina where he was stopped by law enforcement. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a “trap” that contained 5,012 grams of cocaine and 600 grams of fentanyl. The packages of fentanyl were stamped with the word “Knowledge.” On July 19, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Oakley’s residence and more than 2,000 grams of cocaine were seized from the attic insulation. In addition, two 9mm handguns, including one that was loaded, a semiautomatic rifle, several rounds of ammunition and more than $35,000 in cash were recovered. Based on the investigation, between July 2022 and July 2023, law enforcement determined that Oakley was responsible for a total of over 168 kilograms of cocaine, over 7 kilograms of fentanyl, and approximately 4 kilograms of marijuana. This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The DEA, the Henderson Police Department, Franklin County Sherriff’s Office, and the State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-00247-BO-RN. ###


title: Former Culpeper Sheriff Sentenced to 10 Years on Federal Bribery Charges

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The former sheriff of Culpeper County, Virginia was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for accepting over $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing numerous Northern Virginia businessmen as auxiliary deputy sheriffs within his department. In December 2024, a jury convicted Scott Howard Jenkins, 53, of Culpeper, Virginia, of one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. “Scott Jenkins violated his oath of office and the faith the citizens of Culpeper County placed in him when he engaged in a cash-for-badges scheme,” Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. “We hold our elected law enforcement officials to a higher standard of conduct and this case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable. I am grateful to the FBI for their tireless work on this investigation.” “Every law enforcement officer takes an oath to serve and protect the community-- that includes following the law they’ve sworn to uphold. I am proud of the diligent work our investigative team did on this case to bring Jenkins to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, Stanley M. Meador. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jenkins accepted cash bribes and bribes in the form of campaign contributions from co-defendants Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, and James Metcalf, as well as at least five others, including two FBI undercover agents. Rahim, Gumbinner, and Metcalf have all pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. In return for the bribes, Jenkins appointed each of the bribe payors as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, a sworn law-enforcement position, and issued them official Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office badges and credentials. The bribe payors were not trained or vetted and did not render any legitimate services to the Sheriff’s Office or the citizens of Culpeper County. In addition, Jenkins pressured other local officials to approve a petition filed in Culpeper County Circuit Court by Rahim, a convicted felon, to restore his right to possess a firearm and which falsely stated that Rahim resided in Culpeper County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith for the Western District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys Celia Choy and Lina Peng of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Law Enforcement in Chicago Seizes $214 Million in Alleged “Pump and Dump” Investment Fraud Investigation; Seven Defendants Indicted

body_text: CHICAGO — Seven individuals have been indicted on criminal charges as part of a federal investigation that disrupted an alleged “pump-and-dump” investment fraud scheme and resulted in government seizures of approximately $214 million. From November 2024 to February 2025, the defendants engaged in misleading promotion and coordinated trading of shares of China Liberal Education Holdings, Ltd., a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands that purported to provide educational services in China, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The scheme, known as a “pump-and-dump,” allegedly involved individuals in China posing as U.S.-based investment advisors on social media and messaging platforms and falsely promising significant returns from investments in the company. The misleading promotion and coordinated trading caused the stock price to artificially rise, at which point the defendants sold thousands of shares and made millions of dollars in profits, the indictment states. The stock price ultimately decreased significantly, at the expense of other investors, some of whom lost almost the entirety of their investment. Charged with wire fraud and securities fraud are LIM XIANG JIE CEDRIC, 50, of Malaysia, MING-SHEN CHENG, 36, of Taiwan, KO SEN CHAI, 57, of Malaysia, KING SUNG WONG, 39, of Malaysia, SIONG WEE VUN, 37, of Malaysia, CHIEN LUNG MA, 54, of Taiwan, and KOK WAH WONG, 56, of Malaysia. The defendants are not in custody and warrants have been issued for their arrests. During the investigation, federal law enforcement seized approximately $214 million in alleged proceeds from the fraud scheme. The funds are currently in U.S. custody. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago on Thursday filed a civil complaint seeking to have the money permanently forfeited to the United States, which would allow the government to return the money to victim investors. The indictment and forfeiture complaint were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the SEC’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten represents the government. Each count of securities fraud is punishable by up to 25 years in federal prison, while the maximum sentence for each count of wire fraud is 20 years. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and 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. If you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by the fraud scheme charged in the indictment, you are encouraged to notify the FBI by completing this online form or calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). cedric_et_al_forfeiture_complaint.pdf cedric_et_al_indictment.pdf


title: Honduran National Sentenced To 2 Years’ Imprisonment After Illegally Reentering The United States

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara today sentenced Jose del Carmen Sanchez-Garcia (42), a Honduras national, to two years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States without authorization by federal immigration officials. Sanchez-Garcia pled guilty on December 27, 2024. According to court documents, federal law enforcement learned that Sanchez-Garcia was in the United States on February 1, 2023, after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested him on state criminal charges. Sanchez-Garcia had no permission to be in the United States and had previously been removed from the United States four times before. He had previously been convicted for illegal reentry to the United States after deportation once before, in 2017. This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.


title: Baltimore Man Sentenced to More Than 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Multiple Minors

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Delroy James Scott, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 32 years in federal prison, followed by 50 years of supervised release, for the coercion and enticement of a minor and sexually exploiting six minors. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; Chief Charles H. Hinnant, Cumberland Police Department; and Allegany County State’s Attorney James Elliott. According to his guilty plea, between November 2021 and May 2022, Scott exploited six minor females between the ages of 9 and 14. Scott, who used an alias and pretended to be 16, utilized mobile phones and online applications to meet and communicate with the minor victims. He then persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the minor victims to meet him to engage in sex acts and/or to produce sexually explicit images and videos. Scott also had victims send him explicit images and videos and threatened to expose some of the victims to coerce them to produce explicit videos and engage in additional sex acts. Scott traveled to the apartment of Minor Victim 1, age 9, on two separate occasions and coerced the victim to engage in sex acts. He pressured Minor Victim 2, age 11, to send explicit videos and images, and then threatened to expose her to her parents if she didn’t meet Scott in person to engage in sex acts. Scott convinced Minor Victim 3, age 13, to provide the address to her Alleghany County residence where he climbed into her bedroom window and sexually assaulted her. The defendant traveled to the middle school of Minor Victim 4, age 12, on three separate mornings, and coerced the victim to engage in sex acts by threatening to expose her with videos he claimed he made of them. He coerced Minor Victim 5, age 10, to produce and send him explicit videos and then coerced her to send additional explicit videos by threatening to tell her mother. Scott recorded he and Minor Victim 6, age 15, engaging in sexually explicit conduct on multiple occasions. Additionally, according to facts presented at sentencing, between 2017 and 2022, Scott engaged in similar unlawful conduct with multiple minor victims between the ages of 12 and 16. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . Learn more about Internet safety education by clicking on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office, Cumberland Police Department, and Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Four Chinese Nationals for Possessing Counterfeit Access Devices

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned two indictments on March 19, 2025, charging a total of four Chinese nationals with possessing more than fifteen counterfeit and unauthorized access devices as part of gift card tampering schemes. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Barry S. Wilkerson of the St. Matthews Police Department made the announcement. According to the first indictment, Zhiqiang Huang and Chaoming Lin were charged with possessing more than fifteen counterfeit and unauthorized access devices following their arrest on October 19, 2024. That day, Kroger security personnel observed Lin placing gift cards on the rack at a Kroger store in Louisville. Later, following a stop by St. Matthews police, Huang and Lin were found to be in possession of approximately 5,000 gifts cards. A subsequent analysis of those gift cards indicated 2,000 were likely altered. According to the second indictment, Huixing Yu and Tianlong Chen were charged with possessing more than fifteen counterfeit and unauthorized access devices following their arrest on October 19, 2024. That day, Kroger security personnel observed Chen placing gift cards on the rack at a Kroger store in Louisville. Later, following a stop by St. Matthews police, Yu and Chen were found to be in possession of approximately 650 gifts cards. A subsequent analysis of those gift cards indicated 250 were likely altered. Gift card tampering is a form of organized retail crime. Gift card tampering involves stealing gift cards from retail stores, tampering the gift card to steal sensitive information, and then placing the gift card back into commerce at a retailer to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. When a consumer purchases the tampered gift card and loads funds onto the gift card at the point of sale, the funds are diverted and stolen. Individuals and organizations engaged in gift card tampering often target brands that can be redeemed for goods, or items that can be easily liquidated on digital marketplaces. Large retailers are primary targets due to the high levels of consumer traffic and quick inventory turnover. If convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by HSI, FBI, and St. Matthews Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weiser is prosecuting this case. These cases are 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). An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Fresno-Based Bank Fraud Scheme Recruited Participants on Facebook

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Abreiana Rogers, 29, of Los Angeles, made an initial appearance in federal court in Fresno Thursday for charges stemming from her participation in a year-long bank fraud scheme that sought to defraud credit unions of nearly $1 million, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. Five co-defendants in the scheme made their initial appearances in November 2024: Fresno residents Nyric Hinton, 26; Zion Brewer, 39; Zorian Temple, 23; Davonntae Barfield, 30; and Harry Cooper Neal, 29. All six defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Rogers was also charged with four counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Hinton was charged with one count of bank fraud. Temple and Barfield were also each charged with two counts of bank fraud. According to court documents, between April 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023, the defendants used Facebook and Facebook Messenger to recruit bank account holders, promising these account holders a cut of any fraudulent funds deposited into their accounts. The defendants then used those individuals’ bank accounts to deposit stolen and fraudulent checks. Brewer, a U.S. Postal Service employee, assisted by stealing mail containing checks and other financial information, and by providing that information to his co-conspirators. The defendants and others would then rapidly deplete the fraudulently deposited funds from the account holders’ accounts using electronic transfers and cash withdrawals. The defendants then shared the proceeds among themselves and other co-conspirators. To circumvent financial institutions’ fraud protection systems, the defendants shared information about known weaknesses in the financial institutions’ fraud protection systems. To conceal the fraud, the defendants instructed account holders to claim that their accounts had been compromised if contacted by the financial institutions about the fraudulent deposits. The defendants are alleged to have attempted at least $1 million in fraudulent transactions with financial institutions, fraudulently used over 100 bank accounts, and obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars from the financial institutions. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case. The case is set for a status conference on June 4, 2025. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and for any count of bank fraud. Rogers also faces a two-year mandatory consecutive prison sentence for aggravated identity theft if convicted. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Two Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in Northern Kentucky

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – Two men, John Christopher Davis, 54, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Douglas DeAngelo Wade, 45, of Covington, Kentucky, were sentenced on Friday, to 188 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning. Each was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In addition, Davis was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and Wade was convicted of distribution of cocaine. According to their plea agreements and other court filings, from approximately January 1, 2023, through January 26, 2024, Davis and Wade conspired with co-defendants, Terry Mitchell, Michael Labordeaux, Stephen Russ, Gregory Soard and others to knowingly distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine in Kenton County, Ky., and elsewhere. Wade was the head of the conspiracy and regularly supplied cocaine and cocaine base to Davis and others to distribute it. Both Davis and Wade had prior drug trafficking convictions. Davis was previously convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine, in 2003 and 2006 in Kenton County Circuit Court. He was additionally convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base in 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Similarly, Wade was previously convicted of distribution of over 50 grams of cocaine base in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Soard was previously sentenced to 96 months in prison in January 2025. Russ was sentenced to 105 months in prison in December 2024. Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, and Labordeaux is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9. Under federal law, Davis and Wade must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon Davis’ release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years, and Wade will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Birmingham Heroin Supplier Sentenced To 365 Months

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: Court documents showed that Harding was a heroin supplier in Birmingham who was introduced to a conspirator from Baldwin County, Alabama, by another conspirator in Birmingham. As a result of the introduction, ounces of heroin were transported from Birmingham to Daphne, Alabama, where they were distributed to local heroin dealers. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) obtained a court-authorized wiretap on two of the local conspirators and identified Harding as the primary supplier for heroin. One of the drug shipments being discussed by the conspirators in the monitored phone calls was intercepted on I-65 in Baldwin County by Baldwin County sheriff’s deputies. The deputies seized approximately 205 grams of heroin hidden in the trunk of a rental car. The driver of the car, identified as Quantis Clark, was arrested and indicted separately. Clark pled guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances during June of 2019. He was sentenced on August 30, 2022, to five years imprisonment. When FBI agents involved in the Baldwin County investigation were preparing to arrest Harding in Birmingham, they discovered that Homeland Security agents and Alabama Law Enforcement agents were also investigating Harding on drug charges. In September of 2019, a search warrant was executed on Harding’s Birmingham residence and agents seized eight firearms, two kilograms of heroin, and additional amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine. In October of 2019, Harding was arrested on the indictment returned in the Southern District of Alabama. Court documents also showed that Harding occupied a leadership role in the drug conspiracy. Court documents further showed that Harding had a long and significant criminal history with prior felony convictions spanning four decades. United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed the 365-month sentence at the sentencing hearing on March 19. The judge ordered that the prison sentence will be followed by a four-year term of supervised release. Harding will undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse. The judge also imposed a special condition that the probation office may search Harding’s person or property upon a showing of reasonable suspicion that he is in violation of any of the conditions of his supervision. No fine was imposed but the judge ordered that Harding pay $100 in special mandatory assessments. The FBI, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, the Foley Police Department, the Daphne Police Department, Gulf Shores Police Department and the Bay Minette Police Department, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office all participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organization that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Queens Man Charged With Perpetrating Visa Fraud Scheme By Pretending to Be a Federal Agent

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Tommy Aijie Da Silva Weng, also known as “Tommy Weng Da Silva” and “Jacky,” with wire fraud, mail fraud and impersonating a federal law enforcement officer in connection with a scheme to defraud an individual by claiming that he could assist her in obtaining a green card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program (the EB-5 Program). Weng was arrested this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi. John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Leslie Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges. “As alleged, Weng falsely represented himself as a member of federal law enforcement to gain the trust of an unsuspecting victim,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “The defendant preyed on the victim’s desire to become a United States citizen and pursue the American dream, then stole not only that dream, but also hundreds of thousands of dollars. Today, real law enforcement agents put the handcuffs on this fraudster and he will now have to answer for his crimes.” “For nearly eight years, Tommy Weng allegedly curated a false persona of a federal law enforcement officer with flashy props and empty assurances of guaranteed lawful status to swindle a vulnerable victim of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies. “This alleged imposter twisted a respected profession into an elaborate scheme while violating the public’s trust in law enforcement. The FBI will continue to apprehend any individual who exploits an authoritative position to garner illicit profits.” According to court filings, the fraud scheme began in April 2016, shortly thereafter Weng falsely claimed to the victim (Jane Doe) that he was a federal law enforcement agent, explaining that he was able to use his law enforcement connections to assist her with obtaining a green card through the EB-5 Program on an expedited basis if she invested $500,000 with him. Weng showed Jane Doe a law enforcement badge and gave her a business card from the “Federal Officers Police Association” bearing his name. On another occasion, Weng told Jane Doe that he worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security and that he was transferring to a new law enforcement position with INTERPOL in Italy. Weng drove a red Hummer vehicle with the vanity license plate that included the acronym “ICE,” an apparent reference to the federal law enforcement agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Based on Weng’s representations, Jane Doe provided Weng with $500,000 for a visa. Instead of investing the money that Jane Doe provided him, or submitting a visa application on her behalf, Weng pocketed the money and strung the victim along with a series of lies about why the process was delayed for approximately eight years. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 43 years’ imprisonment. Anyone with information about crimes committed by Weng should contact the FBI at NY_WengTips@fbi.gov The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nadia E. Moore and Daniel J. Marcus. The Defendant : TOMMY AIJIE DA SILVA WENG Age: 49 Queens, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-94 (NGG) weng_indictment.pdf


title: 皇后區男子被指控冒充聯邦特工實施簽證欺詐

body_text: 今天早些時候，在布魯克林聯邦法院,一份已公佈的起訴書指控湯米·艾傑·達·席爾瓦·翁（Tommy Aijie Da Silva Weng，又名“湯米·翁·達席爾瓦”或“Jacky”）犯有電信欺詐、郵件欺詐以及冒充聯邦執法人員，併計謀詐騙一名個人，他聲稱可以協助她通過 EB-5 移民投資者簽證計劃（EB-5 計劃）獲得綠卡。 翁先生 於今天上午被捕以及 定於今天下午接受美國地方法院法官 Lara Eshkenazi 的審訊。 美國紐約東區檢察官約翰 J.達勒姆 (John J. Durham) 和聯邦調查局紐約地區辦事處（FBI）代理助理主任萊斯利·巴克希斯 (Leslie Backschies) 宣布了逮捕和指控。 美國檢察官達勒姆表示： “據稱，翁某謊稱自己是聯邦執法人員，以獲取毫無戒心的受害者的信任。” 「被告利用受害者想要成為美國公民並追求美國夢的願望，不僅竊取了這一夢想，還竊取了數十萬美元。今天，真正的執法人員給這名詐騙犯戴上了手銬，他將為自己的罪行付出代價。” 美國聯邦調查局代理助理局長巴克斯奇斯稱： “據稱，八年多來，湯米·翁偽造了一名聯邦執法人員的身份，用華麗的道具和保證合法身份的空洞保證，從弱勢受害者手中騙取了數十萬美元。” 「這名涉嫌冒名頂替者將一個受人尊敬的職業變成了一場精心策劃的陰謀，同時違背了公眾對執法部門的信任。聯邦調查局將繼續逮捕任何利用權力牟取不法利益的個人。 根據法庭文件，該詐騙案始於 2016 年 4 月，當時翁某向受害者 (Jane Doe) 謊稱自己是聯邦執法人員，並解釋說，如果受害者向他投資 50 萬美元，他就可以動用其執法關係，幫助她透過 EB-5 移民投資者計劃快速獲得綠卡。 翁先生向 Jane Doe 展示了一枚執法徽章，並給了她一張印有他名字的「聯邦警官協會」名片。 還有一次，翁先生告訴 Jane Doe，他曾在美國國土安全部工作，現在將調往義大利國際刑警組織擔任新的執法職務。 翁先生駕駛著一輛紅色悍馬車，車牌上印有「ICE」的縮寫，這顯然是指聯邦執法機構移民和海關執法局。 根據翁的陳述，Jane Doe 向翁提供了 50 萬美元作為簽證費用。 翁先生沒有將 Jane Doe 提供的錢用於投資，也沒有代表她提交簽證申請，而是將錢據為己有，並用一系列謊言欺騙受害者，解釋為何簽證申請過程被拖延了大約八年。 起訴書中的控告均為指控，除非被證明有罪，否則被告將先被假定無罪。 一旦罪名成立，被告將面臨最高23年監禁。 任何知曉翁某犯罪行為的人，請聯絡聯邦調查局，信箱為：NY_WengTips@fbi.gov 該政府案件由該辦公室的普通犯罪科處理。該政府案件由美國助理檢察官納迪亞·E·摩爾 (Nadia E. Moore) 和丹尼爾·J·馬庫斯 (Daniel J. Marcus) 起訴。 被告： 湯米·艾傑·達·席爾瓦·翁 TOMMY AIJIE DA SILVA WENG 年齡：49歲 紐約皇后區 紐約東區卷宗編號 25-CR-94 (NGG) weng_indictment.pdf


title: Christopher Reese Convicted Of  Fraud And Unauthorized Practice Of Law

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that a jury convicted CHRISTOPHER REESE, a/k/a “Christopher Eugene Thomas,” yesterday for his participation in a scheme to defraud criminal defendants and their family members out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees paid to REESE, who is not a lawyer, to perform unlicensed legal services in federal court. REESE, who is already in federal custody in connection with a separate case, will be sentenced on June 26, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Christopher Reese committed fraud through his bogus legal practice. He promised his victims that he would get their family members out of prison when he knew he had no way to guarantee that outcome, and induced them into paying him for legal services he knew he wasn’t authorized to provide. As a unanimous jury has now found, Reese’s promises were lies designed to enrich Reese at the expense of his victims. Running an unlicensed law business is a crime, and Reese now faces serious federal prison time for his fraudulent conduct.” According to the Indictment and the evidence at trial: For years, REESE ran a scam targeting federal inmates, their family members, and friends. To carry out his fraud scheme, REESE promised favorable results in criminal cases that he could not actually obtain, rendering legal services he was not authorized to provide in exchange for hefty fees. REESE styled himself as a “legal assistant” or “paralegal,” but worked without the supervision of a licensed lawyer and offers services that only a lawyer is authorized to provide, including drafting and submitting legal filings in federal courts. REESE brought in business by promising beneficial outcomes to prisoners and their family members that he cannot guarantee, while knowing—but failing to disclose—that his unlicensed legal practice was illegal. REESE induced victims—criminal defendants and their family members—to pay him thousands of dollars per legal filing. He did this, for example, by promising that defendants would be “immediately released” based on motions REESE would file in exchange for fees in the thousands of dollars. Sometimes REESE also offered to provide a refund if his motions were unsuccessful; but when they failed, REESE kept the money. And when his fraud succeeded, and inmates or their family members paid REESE his fees, REESE engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, by making a business of drafting and filing legal motions and briefs in federal cases, including cases heard by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit at 40 Foley Square in Manhattan, a federal enclave where New York State’s prohibition on the unauthorized practice of law applies via the Assimilative Crimes Act. REESE earned hundreds of thousands of dollars from this scheme. And REESE committed additional crimes in connection with these fraud proceeds. First, REESE was on supervised release in connection with a separate federal criminal case in this District during most of the scheme. And in connection with his supervision, and in order to avoid paying criminal restitution that he owed, REESE made false statements to the U.S. Probation Office. Second, REESE laundered the proceeds of his scheme by using a co-conspirator to engage in financial transactions designed to conceal the source and movement of the fees REESE collected from his victims. * * * REESE, 57, of East Meadow, New York, was convicted of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; unauthorized practice of law in a federal enclave, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison; making false statements to the U.S. Probation Office, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. REESE was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josiah Pertz, Kingdar Prussien and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Files 200 New Immigration Cases This Week in the Western District of Texas

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 210 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from March 14 through March 20. Among the new cases, Mexican national Carlos Alberto Santoyo Holguin and Guatemalan national Bielman Alexander PU-Ruiz were arrested on March 16 and March 18, respectively, during Greyhound bus inspections at the Sierra Blanca Border Patrol checkpoint. Both defendants allegedly did not have any immigration documents that would allow them to be or remain in the United States legally. Records checks revealed prior removal orders by immigration judges. Criminal complaints allege that agents found fraudulent Social Security cards and fraudulent Lawful Permanent Resident Alien cards in the belongings of both Holguin and PU-Ruiz. The defendants are alleged to have purchased the fraudulent documents in California. A convicted felon who is a citizen and national of Guatemala was arrested by Marfa Border Patrol Agents. A criminal complaint alleges that Marvin Miguel US-Mendoza was not in possession of immigration documents allowing him to legally be or remain in the U.S. and he had been previously removed from the U.S. four times—the first being Feb. 19, 2016 through Brownsville/Gateway, and the most recent deportation through Laredo on Dec. 9, 2024. Manuel Andres-Miguel was also arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents and charged with transporting illegal aliens after he was allegedly guiding a group of illegal aliens through the desert to a pick-up location in Marfa. Records revealed that Andres-Miguel had been apprehended three times before for illegal entry and was last charged with illegal reentry after removal in March 2023. For that offense, he was sentenced to 90 days in federal prison. In Del Rio, Ashley Nicole Dronenberg and Zachery Lee Justus were arrested for allegedly trafficking two illegal aliens further into the U.S. A criminal complaint alleges that Dronenberg was the driver of a vehicle, and was discovered at a Border Patrol checkpoint to have concealed a mother and child in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Jose Manuel Medellin-Guerrero was arrested in San Antonio March 20 and charged with one count of illegal re-entry. A Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office deputy dispatched Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) during a traffic stop after Medellin-Guerrero allegedly revealed he was a Mexican national with no legal status to enter, pass through, or remain in the country. Medellin-Guerrero has been previously convicted three times for illegal re-entry into the U.S. Mexican national Reymundo Criado-Cruz was transferred to federal custody in Austin, where he had been convicted in state court for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was serving a 700-day sentence. Criado-Cruz had been previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico twice, most recently in December 2007, and has an extensive record of criminal convictions, including burglary of a vehicle, theft of property, possession of a controlled substance, and evading arrest. Also in Austin, Ezequiel Borja-Jaimes was arrested March 19 when he was encountered by the ICE Austin Fugitive Operations team. Borja-Jaimes had been previously removed from the U.S. in January 2021. He has been convicted of driving while intoxicated on three separate occasions between 2013 and 2021. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are 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). Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Pedro Solano-Azamar, age 27, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for his role in an alien smuggling conspiracy. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement. As part of his prior guilty plea, Solano-Azamar – an illegal alien himself who entered the United States in 2020 – admitted that on May 15, 2023, he traveled from North Carolina to Northern New York, along with four co-conspirators, and smuggled 16 citizens of Mexico who had illegally entered the United States from Canada. Following Solano Azamar’s service of his term of imprisonment, he faces deportation to Mexico. The United States Border Patrol investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt prosecuted this case.


title: Jury Finds South Carolina Fisherman Guilty of Making False Statements

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. —A federal jury has convicted Don Michael Rynn, 61, of Augustine, Florida, following a three-day trial. Rynn was found guilty of making false statements on trip reports about the amount and quality of the fish he caught, as well as lying to federal agents. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Don Michael Rynn managed several commercial fishing vessels in the McClellanville area, which included the Maximum Retriever and Crystal C. The vessels docked at Carolina Seafood, a federally licensed dealer. On March 21, 2023, the Maximum Retriever embarked on a commercial fishing trip captained by the defendant’s son, who was told by Rynn to catch as many fish as he could – ignoring federally imposed quotas – which would be taken care of when he got back. The Maximum Retriever returned to McClellanville shortly after midnight on March 27 with almost three times the limit of Snowy Grouper on board, and one and a half times the allowable number of Grey Tilefish. Rynn was waiting for the boat to arrive. Once the Maximum Retriever was in place, the Crystal C was maneuvered so that the two boats were side by side. Shortly afterwards, and under the direction of Rynn, the deckhands moved fish from the ice hold of the Maximum Retriever to the Crystal C. Additional fish were carried from the Maximum Retriever to Rynn’s truck and were transported to another seafood dealer in Georgetown. In a mandatory trip report filed shortly thereafter, Rynn reported his catch only up to the limit, hiding the fact that the Maximum Retriever had vastly overfished, and attributing a substantial number to the Crystal C, which hadn’t caught any. On March 27, 2023, SCDNR received a tip of a suspected commercial fish overage, which led to the subsequent investigation. The fish transported by Rynn to Georgetown were disposed of in order to evade law enforcement by disguising their source. On Oct. 30, 2023, Rynn was interviewed by NOAA agents and lied to them, telling them the Snowy Grouper and Tilefish had been contaminated by a fuel spill while at sea, and that he had disposed of them in a dumpster. Rynn further implied that a U.S. Coast Guard report addressing an unlawful discharge into Jeremy Creek was inaccurate and should have been attributed to the Crystal C, which would have bolstered his fuel spill story. In total, the Maximum Retriever caught approximately 560 pounds of Snowy Grouper and 450 pounds of Tilefish. "Those who attempt to circumvent federal fishing regulations and deceive law enforcement will be held accountable. Our marine resources are vital, and we will not tolerate those who prioritize personal gain over sustainable practices and the rule of law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This conviction underscores the collaborative efforts of NOAA and SCDNR in protecting our fisheries and ensuring fair competition for all." “The prosecution of this case and the jury’s verdict emphasizes the importance of holding violators accountable for the harm caused by lying to law enforcement officers and undermining federal fishery regulations. We work closely with our state joint enforcement partners and other federal agencies to detect and identify potential illegal activity related to federal fisheries regulations,” NOAA Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division Acting Assistant Director Paige Casey said in a statement. “Through our partnerships, we are able to successfully prosecute and convict individuals, such as in this case, who lie to law enforcement officers and who illegally harvest marine resources that could disrupt our fair-trade market.” “On behalf of all involved, we extend our deepest gratitude to NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and our dedicated officers for their unwavering commitment and collaboration in protecting our fisheries, said Colonel Chisholm Frampton of the SCDNR Law Enforcement Division. “Together, we have taken a stand against a blatant disregard for the law, ensuring our vital marine resources are preserved for future generations.” Rynn faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel presided over the trial and will sentence Rynn after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the United States Coast Guard, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the SCDNR Saltwater Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Amy Bower are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Scottsdale Man Convicted of Defrauding Victim in Sham Cannabis Investment Fund

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Christopher E. Galvin, 58, of Scottsdale, was convicted by a federal jury last week on one count of Wire Fraud. The guilty verdict came after a three-day jury trial before United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich. Galvin’s sentencing is set for May 30, 2025. In April 2019, Galvin founded Hypur Ventures II and became its Chief Executive Officer. Galvin made misrepresentations to a victim to convince the victim to invest in Hypur Ventures II. Among other things, Galvin told the victim that he would invest the victim’s money in a fund of businesses in the cannabis industry. As a result of Galvin’s misrepresentations, the victim wired $100,000 for an investment in Hypur Ventures II in Arizona. Galvin did not invest the money but instead used it to pay his legal bills, pay others, and enrich himself. Galvin never returned any of the victim’s money despite repeatedly promising the victim that he would do so. The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Phoenix Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Short and Bruce Van Baren, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01375-PHX-SMB RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-038_Galvin # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Maryland Man Indicted for Aggravated Identity Theft and Snap Fraud

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Brendyn Andrew, 33, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, charging him with aggravated identity theft, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits fraud, social security number misuse, and theft of government property. The defendant will have an initial appearance today at 4:30 p.m., in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) Northeast Region. In Maryland, SNAP benefit funds originate from the United States Department of Agriculture and are administered by way of the Maryland Department of Human Services – Family Investment Administration. According to the indictment, Andrew misused the social security numbers of two different individuals to apply for and use SNAP benefits in Maryland from February through June 2021. If convicted, Andrew faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft and up to ten years in prison for theft of government property. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the United States Department of Agriculture for their work in the investigation and she thanked the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department for its investigative assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Hialeah Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for $20 Million IRS Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Today, the owner of a South Florida tax preparation business who pled guilty in December 2024 to aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns was sentenced to almost five years in federal prison and one year of supervised release post-prison. She was also ordered to pay over $20 million in restitution to the IRS. Beatriz Toledo, 61, owned Immigration and Tax Service Group LLC. For tax years 2017 through 2021, Toledo, through her company, willfully prepared false and fraudulent tax returns for clients, which included false claims for the Residential Energy Credit (allowing taxpayers to claim a credit for qualified energy-saving expenses), false itemized deductions for state and local sales taxes, and false business expenses. Through these false claims, Toledo’s clients’ taxable income decreased, leading to bigger tax refunds. During the scheme, Toledo submitted about 7,800 tax returns with fraudulent claims for residential energy tax credits, resulting in her clients’ underpayment of about $20 million in federal taxes. Toledo’s company received approximately $7.1 million in tax preparation fees that it took directly out of clients’ refund checks. Toledo engaged in this criminal conduct in violation of a permanent injunction previously entered against her by a federal district judge in 2010. Case No. 09-cv-21987-COOKE. In that civil case, the United States sued to bar Toledo from preparing false tax returns. Toledo agreed to a permanent injunction, which the district court entered on July 26, 2020. The injunction prohibited her from engaging in the conduct described above. Despite the injunction’s prohibitions, Toledo continued to prepare false tax returns and was indicted in 2024. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. IRS-CI, Miami Field Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Will J. Rosenzweig is prosecuting it. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 24-cr-20147. ###


title: Oregon man indicted, arrested for transporting a minor for sexual purposes

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Oregon man was arrested by the FBI yesterday in Portland after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging him with transporting a minor with the intent to have the child engage in criminal sexual activity. According to court documents, in 2019, Steven Fox, 59, moved from Pendleton, Oregon, to Anchorage, Alaska. At some point that year, Fox allegedly presented himself as a long-lost “uncle” to a family with two minor daughters and began caring for the minors. Court documents further allege that in January 2020, Fox transported the minors from Alaska to Oregon. Fox started sexually abusing one of the minors, who was 9 years old, almost immediately after leaving Alaska. Fox is charged with one count of transportation of minors. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. PDT before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. If convicted, he faces between 10 years to life 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 Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Pendleton Police Department and FBI Portland Field Office. If anyone has information concerning Fox’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###